The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire (PRF) is a land of magic: faeries, furries, witches, and yes-- even time travel. The Wizarding Weekend certainly brings more of the Shire's mysteries to a boiling point in the alcohol-filled cauldron of entertainment. As we enter the fifth hour of our wonderous journey, our time doubles as the cauldron bubbles. Read on to learn more of the marvels of the soothsayer Cosmo's fortunes and fables, pub trivia at the Pyrate Ship, and a bonus review of the Cirque la Vie aerial act.
3 p.m.
Cosmo is a delight, and his act on O'Malley's stage is sure to please travelers of all ages. This intimate and accessible setting encourages audience interaction, which Cosmo weaves masterfully into his improvised stories and tales to hilarious and/or heroic effect. Perhaps he will sing thee a charming ballad on his ukulele, or regale curious fortune-seekers with mystic insight into what the stars have written. (It has been said that Cosmo himself is born under the heavenly scales of Libra!) For 30 minutes, seekers will be treated to an amusing and gentle performance that provides an uplifting respite for weary travelers. O'Malley's stage is conveniently located across from the soup-in-a-bread-bowl place known as the Bread & Broth, but should thou seek a stronger potion from the PRF cauldron, O'Malley's Tavern is located nearby at the back side of the stage, though thou must navigate a short patch of slightly treacherous and uphill terrain before earning thy cup of liquid courage.
3:30 p.m.
Should thou wish to test thy wits, and perhaps thy patience, pub trivia is a regular diversion at the PRF that includes a half hour of trivia that largely relates to the theme of the week at the Shire, be that famous witches, pirates, or Viking lore, for example. Often the format and even the hosts may change from week to week.
Pub trivia at the Pyrate ship was at one time legendary. Entire mornings were planned around being able to secure a seat in the consistently overcrowded ship. Team names were drunkenly created and announced. Though still a must-do event, it is quite different these days. Game masters of past, the Amazing Steve and then Frau, each brought their unique character to the game. Steve was the nerdy but friendly leader of lore who humorously reminded everyone of the honor system and that the stakes of winning were no more than a keychain. Frau was the German headmistress who scared you, but for some reason, you still wanted to impress. For reasons unbeknownst, the Shire has forsaken what made trivia so popular. There are inconsistent game masters, often filled by random souls who rush in at the last minute to fill in. They are not familiar with the questions, and the timing is off. Several times this season, trivia concluded in less than 20 minutes! Team names are not shared and there is a feeling of being rushed. Another time, we arrived 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start as writ, only to find that trivia had already started and was halfway finished. For this particular day, the eagerly awaiting pyrate ship patrons were puzzled with the appearance of Abe Frohman the Sausage King and his wife as our game masters. They seemed more surprised than we! (Verily, Ax is not a fan of the Sausage King. He finds him often unprepared and lazy with his jokes, relying soley on crassness.) Though the Sausage King started off rockily, he soon found his groove upon realizing that it was not him that was the focus of the show, but rather the questions he held in his hand. No matter who is chosen to take the reigns of pub trivia, we hope that they bring back the magic.
Located in the belly of the Pyrate Ship, at the very least, afternoon trivia provides a welcome shelter from the elements and an opportunity to enjoy a pint while challenging the mysterious and oft underutilized organ in ye olde noggin.
3 p.m. Limited Feature
What's this? The hour of three is upon us, yet again? Yes! Magic, baby!
For only the second year in a row, Cirque la Vie has graced the PRF with its lively and athletic display of agility, feats of balance and strength, and aerial acrobatics. You can find this show at the Flying Dutchman stage, which has been newly remodeled since the days of yore when the mermaid tank once occupied this space to showcase the aquatic beauties with the magnificent... lungs. The Flying Dutchman stage is a theatre in the round, with the former mermaid tank's expanded awning providing some shelter along the largest seating area, and additional benches surrounding the other sides. Passers-by are oft caught unawares by the daring and excitement taking place mere feet from the busy thoroughfare, so additional spectators often gather to stand or sit along the walkway nearby.
The Cirque la Vie touring group has refined their performance much from their opening at the Shire last year, leaning into Master Reggie's showmanship and comedic timing as ringmaster while the Viking and Super K dazzle audiences with their physicality and fearlessness. Super K steals the show with the most artistic part of the act, dancing her way not just across the stage but through the air as she playfully taunts the audience with her expressiveness, boldness, and pantomime.
Hailing from Texas, this band of performers is unfortunately a limited feature at the PRF before they move on to their next locale somewhere across the New World. However, this act is definitely one not to miss, should they hopefully return to the Shire next year.
The Flying Dutchman stage is paradoxically both out of the way and also incredibly convenient, tucked away in the southwest corner of the map next to one of the Shire's three privies, as well as the Anchor and Mermaid structure, which houses the A&M Wharf, ATMs, and a charging center. Another new addition in this part of the Shire includes a second pickle stand located in what used to be the candy shop. Indeed, 'twould seem that Blackbeard's Brine is making a move on the original gentleman's Wicked Pickle stand.
Visit the Flying Dutchman stage at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., or 5 p.m. for recurring performances of various high-flying and gasp-inducing troupes that rotate through the festival weekends throughout the season.
Bonus: Getting in to Character
Certainly, there are plenty of sources of wizardly inspiration for this week's festival theme, but Ax and Lotti like to venture off the beaten path. This summer, Lotti spent the entire summer reading The Witching Hour by Anne Rice. All 1,038 pages of it. Published in 1991, this first book of the Mayfair Witches trilogy chronicles thirteen generations of a family line of witches spanning more than 300 years. Though primarily set in the modern day 1980/90s, much of this novel is dedicated to the origins of this maternal line starting in Europe in the 1600s. As investigated by the mysterious order of the Talamasca, historical journals and archival notes add versimilitude to this paranormal saga. Character inspiration taken from any one of the Mayfair matriarchs may help one to channel one's own inner power before venturing into the magical Wizarding Weekend festival at Mount Hopeshire.
Comments
Post a Comment