Time to say goodbye

Today’s a day I never thought I’d see – the day I’m stowing away my critic’s shingle and hanging up my critic’s hat.

As of today, I’m giving up this blog and leaving theater criticism to others.

Stay tuned — the songs of Alexander Sage Oyen

I was making my way into my almost-last Fringe show this past spring (Captain Discovery: The Edible Musical) when I was accosted, among the throng of eight or nine people crowding into a closet otherwise known as the Jamie Mykins Theater, by a young man wearing what looked something like a centurion’s helmet.

“I’ve got something for you,” he said, and he reached into his backpack and handed me a CD.

Theater review: ‘The Understudy’ at Mad Cow

By Elizabeth Maupin
Elizabeth Maupin on Theater

Michele Feren, Brian Brightman and Josh Geoghagan in 'The Understudy' (photo courtesy of Mad Cow Theatre)

There’s something more than a little Kafkaesque about The Understudy. And it’s not just that, in the play-within-a-play at the center of Theresa Rebeck’s 2008 comedy, the scenery has a way of rolling in and out for no apparent reason and the sound and lighting have a way of switching on and off of their own free will.

IceHouse reconfigures its season

The IceHouse Theatre’s renovations — largely an expanded lobby and other public space — won’t be done by the end of the summer as the theater had planned. So the theater’s 64th season will start in November. Here’s news on the changes:

Teachers needed for kids’ classes

Here’s a job notice from Breakthrough Theatre:

‘La Nouba’ offers summer/fall discount to Florida folks

Cover of La Nouba

In the dead of summer, what better to perk you up than a discount to La Nouba? Once again, Cirque du Soleil is offering the popular discount to Florida residents, beginning today and running through Oct. 29.

Theater review: ‘Legacy of Light’ at Mad Cow

Steven Lane (Voltaire) and Heather Charles (Émilie du Châtelet) in Mad Cow Theatre's 'Legacy of Light.' (Photo courtesy of Mad Cow Theatre.)

By Elizabeth Maupin
Elizabeth Maupin on Theater

There’s a spark in the eye of Karen Zacarias’s women. You can see it in Émilie du Châtelet, the 18th-century mathematician and physicist at the heart of Legacy of Light, the smart, tender little comedy at Mad Cow Theatre. You can see it in Olivia, the modern-day astrophysicist who’s trying to live her life to the fullest while she has the chance. And you can see it in Millie, a young woman who goes to unusual lengths to build herself a different kind of life.

Theater auditions: ‘Looking for Normal’ at Breakthrough

An audition notice from Breakthrough Theatre of Winter Park:

Theater auditions: ‘Art of Murder’ in Melbourne

Here’s an audition notice from Melbourne Civic Theatre:

Theater auditions: ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ in Cocoa Beach

Here’s an audition notice from the Surfside Players in Cocoa Beach. Note: This is for a movie presentation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, not for the musical-theater version:

Mad Cow announces Sondheim opener for new theater

'A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte,' by Georges Seurat

Mad Cow Theatre is just hinting at what will make up its 15th season, which will start out in the two current theater spaces on Magnolia Avenue and move, in January 2012, to 54 W. Church St.

But they’ve opened up about one thing, and it’s a biggie: The musical opening the new theater spaces, from Jan. 27 to Feb. 19, 2012, is Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Sunday in the Park With George.

Theater auditions: Two plays at Orlando Shakes

Here’s an audition announcement for three really wonderful roles at Orlando Shakespeare Theater:

Auditions: MicheLee Puppets for anti-bullying show

Here’s an audition announcement from MicheLee Puppets:

DeLand theater needs two ‘Peter Pan’ costumes

Can anyone help director Craig Uppercue with this request?

The Sands Youth Theater Company is looking for two costume needs for our production of Peter Pan.  We are looking for: Nana (the nurse dog costume) and the crocodile.  Anyone who has it for borrow or rent can contact Craig@AthensTheatre.org.

Actor needed for ‘A Wonderful Life’

An audition notice from Southern Winds Theatre:

Sak needs a house manager

Here’s a job notice from Sak Comedy Lab:

Sak Comedy Lab is looking to hire a Full-Time House Manager. Experience in Box Office or Theater Management is a huge plus. To submit interest please email jobs@sak.com – pass it on.

Breakthrough announces season winners

Here’s a rundown on award winners from Breakthrough Theatre’s second season:

Theater auditions: ‘Incorruptible’ in Eustis

Here’s an audition notice for Incorruptible, by Michael Hollinger, author of Opus:

Fringe posts requirements for new producer

The Orlando Fringe, in case you haven’t heard, is looking for a new producer. Here’s the job description for anyone who’s interested in applying:

Position: Festival Producer
Status: Contract, 9‐months seasonal
Reports to: Board of Directors
Compensation: $30,000 ‐ $35,000

More cabaret shows planned for Winter Park Playhouse

A bunch of familiar Central Florida musical-theater people have signed on for cabaret shows this summer and fall at Winter Park Playhouse:

• Heather Alexander and Laura Hodos, Aug. 10 and 11 (corrected dates).
• Kevin Kelly and Kate O’Neal, Sept. 22 and 23.
• Natalie Cordone, Oct. 26 and 27.
• Brian and Melissa Minyard, Nov. 10 and 11.