What’s new at Mad Cow, Theater West End
Mad Cow Theatre and Theater West End have announced their new 2019-2020 seasons — bringing shows never before produced in Central Florida.
In downtown Orlando, Mad Cow has scheduled at least a half dozen shows not previously staged locally, while Theater West End in Sanford has “American Idiot” on its schedule; that’s the punk-rock musical showcasing the songs of Green Day. Theater West End is going into its second season, while Mad Cow will open its 23rd this fall.
Theater West End will devote its season to musicals, and Mad Cow has two on its docket: “Memphis” (June 3-28), a Tony-winning tale of forbidden love in the segregated South, and “The Spitfire Grill” (Dec. 4-29), a heartwarming and inspiring story of starting anew.
Plays at Mad Cow Theatre include Lucy Kirkwood’s “The Children” (June 29-July 19, 2020), Jaclyn Backhaus’ “Men on Boats” (Jan. 15-Feb. 9), Kate Hamill’s “Pride and Prejudice” (Sept. 18-Oct. 13) and Pulitzer Prize winner Lynn Nottage’s “Intimate Apparel” (Aug. 5-30, 2020). More than half of Mad Cow’s 2019-2020 shows are written by women.
“The Children” is a tense post-apocalyptic drama; “Men on Boats” looks at colonial-era adventuring and the idea of manifest destiny with a genderswapping twist. Hamill gives Jane Austen’s classic “Pride and Prejudice” a boisterously modern adaptation, and “Intimate Apparel” explores the human spirit through the eyes of a turn-of-the-20th-century African-American seamstress.
Jen Silverman’s absurdist romantic comedy “Collective Rage: A Play in Five Betties” (Aug. 19-Sept. 13, 2020) is about women, anger and sex. Rollins College graduate Arlene Hutton’s “Last Train to Nibroc” (Feb. 12-March 8) follows two young people learning about sacrifice during a time of war.
Finally, two classics are on the bill. Athol Fugard’s “Boesman and Lena” (Oct. 23-Nov. 17) finds kindness and hope among the violent era of apartheid in South Africa. Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons” (March. 25-April 19) is a family story of greed, love and loss.
Mad Cow Theatre, at 54 W. Church St. in Orlando, offers 10-ticket and sixticket packages. Call 407-297-8788 or go to madcowtheatre.com.
Meanwhile, for its second season, Theater West End has a variety of new benefits. Subscribers will receive 20 percent discounts on food and beverage, as well as 20 percent off guest tickets. A free bring-a-friend ticket is also included with a season subscription.
Here’s a chronological look at what the theater, at 115 W. 1st St. in Sanford, has in store.
‘Once on This Island’:
Oct. 11-27. The vibrant musical tells a Caribbean fable of love and hope.
‘A Christmas Story’:
Dec. 6-22. Ralphie still wants his BB gun in this musical adaptation of the holiday film.
‘The Great American Trailer Park Musical’:
Jan. 24-Feb. 9. The colorful characters of a mobilehome community get up to shenanigans.
‘American Idiot’:
April 10-26. Based on rock band Green Day’s concept album, the musical follows three disaffected young men trying to make their way through tumultuous modern times.
‘A Chorus Line’:
May 29-June 14. The classic musical, known for “One” and “What I Did For Love,” is a love letter to dancers.
‘Always … Patsy Cline’:
July 10-26, 2020. The country-music legend’s story comes to life through her music.
‘Ragtime’:
Aug. 14-30, 2020. This powerful musical, set at the turn of the 20th century, looks at America’s struggles with racism, class difference and sexism through tragedy and hope for the future.
For more information, go to theaterwestend.com/ subscribe or call 407-548-6285.
Season Preview
The Orlando Sentinel will publish its annual Season Preview in two installments this August. In the Aug. 23 Calendar section, get the scoop on theater, dance, classical and pop concerts, comedy shows, art exhibits and other cultural events planned for the 2019-2020 season. In the Aug. 30 Calendar, read about the season’s biggest movies and most anticipated television programs.
TO SUBMIT: Arts groups, please submit your schedules to arts@orlandosentinel.com by July 26. Put “Season Preview” in the subject line. It’s important to note that to be included in Calendar listings after Season Preview publishes, groups must still upload their events at OrlandoSentinel.com/addanevent.