There are a lot of entertainment choices available to you
if you are vacationing in Orlando. For example, you can go
to the night clubs at Universal and Disney or take in one
of the many dinner shows on Orlando's International Drive.
However, if you appreciate top-flight theater, then you
should definitely plan to spend one evening at the Mad Cow
Theater.

The Mad Cow Theater started in 1997, housed in a former
blueprint studio in Maitland, Florida. Starting with a
simple two-show format, the theater began to attract the
attention of both critics and audiences alike.

After an initial period, where it was housed in other
Florida institutions, the theater put down roots in
downtown Orlando where it has become an important of the
city-center' s cultural scene. In this location, the theater
has maintained a high level of performance and was
acclaimed as the Best Theater in Orlando two years in a row
by Orlando Magazine.

The Mad Cow Theater has treated audiences in Orlando to
classic works as well as some of the best contemporary
plays. With a repertoire encompassing both American works
and world literature, plays by Chekhov, Williams, Pinter,
Shaw, Brecht, Ionesco and Pinter have been performed during
the last 12 years.

These plays have been produced by Central Florida's best
actors, designers and directors. Working in process that
combines in-depth rehearsal with fertile collaboration, the
theater company has been the recipient of many prestigious
awards such as Arts Innovator of the Year by United Arts of
Central Florida and Umbrella Awards at The Orlando
International Fringe Festival.

It is not only critics that have embraced the Mad Cow
Theater, the public has given the theater a consistent
"thumbs up" and ticket sales have increased steadily over
the past years.

In addition to presenting works in downtown Orlando, the
theater company also offers a touring program aimed a young
people, performing original works for students in Florida's
elementary schools. Mad Cow maintains an active education
department and offers theater classes for young people and
adults as well as a summer internship program for high
school students and puts on performances in high school
drama classes.

What's on the bill right now? You will have to check their
website or call them at 407.297.8788 to find out exactly
what will be showing when you are in Orlando. I took a peek
at the schedule for the summer of 2009 and saw that three
plays will be featured: The Matchmaker, I Am My Own Wife
and Forbidden Broadway. During the year there are also
some special events such as a Christmas program, a cabaret
festival and other special performances.

Ticket prices currently range from $15 to $28 and there are
discounts for senior citizens. The Theater is located at
105 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801

So there you have it, world-class theater awaits you in
Orlando, Florida. All you have to do is reserve some time
for it on one of your evenings. Do it and you won't be
disappointed