This weekend marks the final performances of “Assassins” and “Sonnets For An Old Century” at Mad Cow Theatre in downtown Orlando. Later this month, “Major Barbara” and “Elliot, A Soldier’s Fugue” take the stage to wrap up the 2007-2008 season. The 2008-2009 season begins in September, and season tickets are available for purchase.

My wife and I recently made a trip to Mad Cow to see “Assassins” and we were pleasantly surprised to find another great spot to attend theater in the area. The comparatively small theaters at Mad Cow make for an intimate setting as opposed to productions at the Orlando Reperatory and the Orlando Shakespeare Theater. For “Assassins”, this up-close and personal setting worked very well. I’d be interested to see how they handle shows that require a larger set or the feeling of open space.

If you’ve never been to Mad Cow, they are located near the corner of Magnolia and Pine - next door to The Clubhouse and less than a block from the Harp and Celt Restaurant and Irish Pub. Tickets are available through their website, by phone, or - if you are lucky - prior to the show. Drinks and snacks can be purchased in the theater lobby and may even be taken into the show (at least they were when we were there).

The easiest way to stay informed about Mad Cow is to sign up for their newsletter. You’ll get news about the theater, updates on show reviews and more. For far too long I’ve been getting great story ideas for Living Orlando from Mad Cow. Their annual Cabaret Festival came and went without mention even though I received regular updates on all of the interesting shows that took place during the two-week event in May. Next year, I won’t be such a slacker.

Anyway, get over to their website for complete information and pick a show to go see. Supporting downtown arts programs is an important part of living in Orlando. Mad Cow Theatre is an entertaining and easy way to do your part.

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