Farewell to “La Nouba.”
Three cheers to the cast and crew of “La Nouba,” which after 19 years of thrills bowed out with a spectacular performance on New Year’s Eve at Disney Springs. Theatergoers were treated to a balloon drop at the show’s finale: “La Nouba, 1998-2017” the balloons read, with “Goodbye” printed in multiple languages representing the performers’ international backgrounds.
Souvenir “Au revoir” pins, depicting the show’s distinctive white-tent theater, were also handed out to ticketholders.
But the real treat, as always, was the show itself. The performers were on fire Sunday night as they nailed trick after trick, stunt after stunt and feat after feat — despite what must have been an emotional day for them.
There was one heartpounding miss, by a trapeze artist, who plummeted to the safety net below. But that provided a needed reminder that we’re not watching child’s play here. The artistry is heightened by the danger. And when the high-flying troupe repeated the move — with solid success — the Disney Springs theater practically shook with the crowd’s roar of approval.
A new Cirque-Disney collaboration is in the works, but I won’t soon forget all that “La Nouba” brought to Orlando — partnerships with Orlando Ballet and Creative City Project were two of its most visible contributions.
Thankfully, Benoit Jutras’ soaring and pulsing music remains to remind us of this colorful, whimsical, exhilarating burst of creativity that added diversity to our entertainment landscape while reminding us to always dream big.
‘Fun Home’
Mad Cow Theatre has made official what Orlando’s theater community deduced months ago: The downtown Orlando theater will present the musical “Fun Home” this summer.
Because of contractual obligations, Mad Cow couldn’t reveal the title until the end of 2017. But the theater had provided some clues to whet theatergoers’ appetites.
“Fun Home,” which won the 2015 Tony award for best musical, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. Based on artist Alison Bechdel’s memoir, “Fun Home” is a coming-of-age story that examines her unusual childhood — especially her relationship with her father.
“‘Fun Home’ delicately weaves together a family’s story into a heart-wrenching, innovative and charmingly honest musical,” said Mitzi Maxwell, Mad Cow’s executive director. “It speaks universally about big things that matter: life, love, family and surviving.”
“Fun Home” has a special connection to Orlando. In July 2016, weeks after the Pulse nightclub massacre, Kron and the Broadway cast flew to Orlando for a one-night concert staging of the show to raise money for Equality Florida.
The show will play June 1-July 1 at Mad Cow Theatre, 54 W. Church St. Tickets are $33-$47. Call 407-297-8788 or go to madcowtheatre.com.