Articles
Stage Acts, Street Performances and Events
While most everyone will enjoy the entertainment offered at Revel Grove, parents with wee lads and lasses may wish to visit our Customer Service Pavilion and pick up a Children's Program which will list the shows and activities geared to pre-school and school aged children.
Absolutely Nothing!
Liz Demery, Matthew Pauli
Daisy O'Danny and "That Guy in the Donkey Hat Whose Also Playing Puck on Various Festival Stages this Season - Boy, That Guy Needs Attention" want to make you a star! Come be a part of the show and brag to your friends that you were the funniest part of Absolutely Nothing! 10:30am on the Gatehouse Stage.
Alchemy 101
John Sadowsky
Alchemy 101:
Catalogue Description: Fundamentals of science, including the basic elements of nature, judicial astrology, natural magic, the twelve stages of the alchemical process, transmutation of base metals, physicks of health, the sythesis of the elixir of life, and history of science from Aristotle to my great uncle, Sir George Ripley, England's most famous alchemist. Laboratory includes basic observation, putrefaction and cementation, and trying not to blow myself up.
Prerequisites: Ability to count. Some basic literacy desirable but not required. Philosopher's stones will be provided but students are expected to have their own mortar and pestle.
Professor: Dr. Bertram Ripley
Classroom: Gatehouse Stage at 4:30pm
Archery Demonstration
James Frank, director
See a demonstration of the English longbow - the weapon that changed the history of Britain. This informative demonstration will also include the use of bows handmade in our village Militia tent. 1pm at the Jousting Field
Barely Balanced
Photograph by Joshua Steinke
James Freer, Cameron Tomele, Margret Ebert
Barely Balanced presents an amazing show filled with contortion, feats of strength, high energy acrobatics, comedy, and audience participation. They have performed all over the country at festivals, corporate and private events, and Renaissance Festivals such as Bristol, Florida, Colorado, and Georgia. www.BarelyBalanced.com
PERFORMING: September 8th to the 30th at the Royal Stage
Blades of Fortune
John Lasher, Jack Powers
The deputies of Revel Grove lead the audience in a lighthearted swashbuckling interactive extravaganza. Masters of different weapon styles, this dashing duo are so confident in their fighting prowess that they enlist the audience to guide their blades. 9/8 - 10/21 on the Gatehouse Stage at 1pm.
"Very impressive." - Jay Leno, host of the Jay Leno Show
Born with the gifts of flexibility, curiosity, and goofiness, Jonathan now uses these talents to entertain audiences all over the world.
Performing September 29th to October 14th at the Market Stage.
The Cheeky Monkey Sideshow
Swami YoMahmi presents: The Cheeky Monkey Sideshow
Get ready for freaks, fun, and fantastic feats of stupidity and danger!
Cheeky Monkey Sideshow is a breath-taking cavalcade of the bizarre, the astounding, the extreme, and the strange. Every show is different, every act unique.Cheeky Monkey Sideshow ~ You'll be Amazed. You'll be Amused. You'll be Just a Little Bit Grossed Out.
Rated PG-13. Performing one show daily at the Fortune Stage.
Conundrum
Todd Brown
Conundrum will confound you with amazing tricks and puzzles. Encounter his magic in the pathways.
Daisy O'Danny's Naughty Sing-Along
Liz Demery
Join Daisy O'Danny at the White Hart Tavern as she takes all your favorite traditional songs and does horrible things to them. This show is rated (PG) due to (R)ibaldry.
The Danger Committee
Caleb "Reynaldo" McEwan, Mick "Bald Guy" Lunzer, Jason "Other One" LeMay
The Danger Committee is an incredible combination of juggling, knife throwing, spine tingling thrills and hilarious comedy. Their unique blend of the hilarious and the dangerous while performing unbelievable feats of skill has made The Danger Committee one of the most talked about new acts in the country.
They have performed at theatres, festivals and corporate events across the country. They've taken on national notoriety on NBC's America's Got Talent, and have since had multiple appearances on television and stages from New York to Las Vegas.
Performing October 6th through the 21st at BLACKFRIARS THEATRE.
Molly Dangles
Moira Lee
Look up! Molly Dangles will capture your imagination with aerial arts, acrobatics, contortion, dancing and juggling in the treetops and the lanes.
Dinty, the Moor
Brian Wendell Morton
Dinty, “the most honest man in the village”, will amuse and amaze you with daring feats of dishonesty, culminating in a two-man fight to the Death! Or, something very close to it! http://www.liesofbrian.com/
See Dinty in the pathways,at the Lyric Stage and Boars Head Tavern.
The Dueling Fools
Dusten Welch, Steven J. Madden
Sir George Silver (Steven J. Madden) and Rocco Bonetti (Dusten Welch) are not fictitious characters but actual historical figures from the 16th century.
During the 1570's Benetti was an Italian swordmaster living in England along with the English swordmaster, Silver. Both were believed by separate parties to have the best skills with a blade. However, a duel never took place between them to determine who was better.
Until now! Dusten and Steven present an encounter between these two great swordsmen in a stage show full of humor, clever wordplay, and of course swordfighting!
The Dueling Fools will perform for the entire run at the GLOBE THEATRE.
The Enchanted Wagon
by DreamWeaver Productions
New this season. Special guest on Children's Weekend - August 25th & 26th!
The Enchanted Wagon is a charming giant turtle with a gypsy wagon on its back. This interactive strolling act has a puppet driver and is accompanied by a beautiful faerie. Patrons can play and explore the different interactive features. Doors and curtains open and various puppets will appear to entertain the crowd. www.ibelieveinfaeries.com
FIGHT SCHOOL
Jim Frank, Mike Martin, Casey M. Severn, Geoff Thompson.
Ever wonder where a broadsword got its name? Why Samurai bow to their swords? Or do you just like watching grown men trying to hurt each other? Then see Fight School where the Fight School masters take you on a journey through weapon history and dueling lore. Be careful or you might learn something in between the laughter. Sharp weapons, blunt humor - its better than running with scissors. For more information visit www.period-productions.com
Fight School will perform at 4:30pm at the Market Stage.
Johnny Fox, swordswallower extraordinaire
With sword swallowing, magic and a quick wit, the legendary Johnny Fox has thrilled audiences around the world. At the Royal Stage.
Johnny Fox's JADOO
If you've enjoyed Johnny Fox's amazing swordswallowing shows on the Royal Stage, you do not want to miss his brand new show entitled JADOO, which will be performed once daily on the Royal Stage.
A Fool Named “O” and "La-La"!
Mark Jaster - A Fool named "O", Sabrina Mandell as "LaLa"
Family-friendly physical antics and classic knock-about comedy. A Fool Named "O" has endeared himself to Festival audiences for over 20 years. "O" and his partner, "LaLa" mix classic routines and new material again this year as they have since 2005. www.happenstancetheater.com
At the Lyric Stage.
The Free Lancers, jousters
Roy Cox, director
In the Middle Ages a “lance” was a group of soldiers consisting of a knight, his squire, a valet and twelve men at arms. If a knight’s lord was to die or if the knight had not sworn fealty to a lord, then he and his followers were called a “free lance” and entitled to be hired as mercenaries by the highest bidder.
The Free Lancers return for a season of action packed excitement. Years of formal research, professional stage credits, combat and stunt training has provided the know-how to keep presentations exciting and safe for humans and their steeds. Only the most dedicated and physically adept of players qualify as jousters. The Free Lancers are distinguished in the attention and care for the safety and well-being of human and animal performers.
Jousts at 2pm, 4pm & 6pm
On 10/20 & 10/21there will be an additional joust at 11:30am as part of a special joust competition.
Gabriel Q
Gabriel Quirk
Gabriel Q is a puppeteer, costume and puppet builder and a variety performer. He has performed for 25 years at major Renaissance Festivals across the country. He has also performed at the Kim Tom Clown festival in Shaghai, China in 2008. For the past 10 years Gabriel has built and performed large puppets for the krewes of Orpheus and Muses for the Marti Gras parades in New Orleans.
Hack and Slash
John Davis and Spencer Humm are back! Classic live Hack and Slash shows feature hilarious two-man Shakespearean wit and comedy swordfighting while epitomizing the characters of the swashbuckling action hero and the hopeless but happy fool.
Don't miss them! Performing 2 weekends - August 25th & 26th; September 1st, 2nd, and 3rd at the ROYAL STAGE.
Happenstance Theater's
Mark Jaster, Sabrina Mandell
A wordless romp through the highlights of Hamlet with O & LaLa. A very foolish take on the classic tragedy at 1:30pm the Globe Theatre
Hilby,
the Skinny German Juggle Boy
Michael Hilby
Best described as a show without boundaries, Hilby is the living proof that being German doesn’t mean you can’t be funny. Hilby is an expert in juggling all sorts of objects and subjects. He also is amazing in countless circus and variety skills such as unicycling, balance stunts and more. He really gets his audience involved and creates magical and hilarious moments through their participation. All that and more!www.hilby.net
Performing September 29th to October 14th at the Market Stage.
“Hypnosis”
(rated PG)
See the Hypnosis show. See the Hypnosis show. See the Hypnosis show. See the Hypnosis show. See the Hypnosis show. See the Hypnosis show. See the Hypnosis show. THIS YEAR 12:30pm AT THE BLACKFRIARS THEATRE!
Knight School
The Free Lance Jousters
Written and directed by Mary Ann Jung and Tom Plott
Did you ever wonder what the various parts of armor are called? Did you want to know more about knights, horses, and jousting? Here is your opportunity! At 12pm at the Jousting Arena, join us for "Knight School", an upclose and personal show that will give you a fun and informative background on knights and jousting. Then you can really appreciate the jousting by the Free Lancers at 2pm, 4pm & 6pm!
(Please note: Knight School will be presented from August 25th to October 14th.)
Larksalot the Bald
Guy Collins
Fun and funambulism! Awesome juggling stunts with a wicked, wacky sense of humor. www.funnyvarietyguy.com Performing daily at the Lyric Stage
The London Broil Show
Duncan Pace, Matt Connolly, Louis Skaradek
A charming and innovative mix of free-flow comedy and fantastic team juggling. Duncan, Louie and Matt have performed thousands of shows together nationwide since 1999.
They started off as teenagers in Revel Grove and now return as men with three different shows: “Blades of Fury”, “Juggling well Done” and “Lets Loose” where nothing is planned and anything goes! Visit them atwww.thelondonbroilshow.com
THIS YEAR AT THE BLACKFRIARS THEATRE from August 25th to September 30th.
Living History Demonstrations by the Company of St. George.
at Hengrave Hall
Law & Order: Tudor Consequences
Charlton Howard
Crime and punishment, Tudor style. (rated PG)
The household of Hengrave Hall invites you to visit them to see ongoing demonstrations of daily life in a 16th century household. (Located next to the Globe Theatre)
Musical Merrymaking & Maypole Dance
led by Maggie Sansone, Bill and Cathy Palmer
Come and dance the maypole and peasant dances. If you can walk you can dance and all ages are welcome! Merry melodies accompany the dances so come and join in, or simply watch the fun!
Musical Merrymaking is from 10am - 11am near customer service. (Just look for the maypole!)
Nymblewyke’s International Flea Circus
Jim Frank
That’s right, you read it correctly - a FLEA circus. You’ve heard the legend, you thought it was a dream. It couldn’t be true! Come see the smallest circus on earth in the largest arena anywhere. (No dogs, please.) Location: in the pathways of Revel Grove. For more information visit www.period-productions.com
Out of the Box
Cybele Pomeroy, Garrett Pomeroy, Alaina Pomeroy, Erin Tarpley
What’s going on? Silent shenanigans in the street! Whether on stilts, blowing fabulous bubbles or fooling around on the ground, Out of the Box is a visual treat. They are sure to delight your eyes and warm your heart in the pathways of Revel Grove.
Performing September 8th to October 21st.
The Pee Wee Pirate Show
Mary Ann Jung
A rollicking adventure on the high seas for young sailors with Capt Jean the Pirate Queen. 3pm at the Gatehouse Stage.
The Professor Manky Doctor Dreadful Medicine Show
Dave Joria, James Gilbert
New this season!
Who better to leave you in stitches than two medical men- namely, Doctor Dreadful and Professor Manky, the inept hosts of the Manky Dreadful Medicine Show. These two quacks will risk anything to promote their tonic, including impalement, cobras, or the most lethal threat of all - children's entertainment. Like it says on the bottle, "Cures what ails you, ails what cures you!" Performing all weekends except Septmber 15th & 16th.
The Pub Sing
Photo courtesy of Neil Rothschild
The house band, the famous Pyrates Royale, welcomes you to end your day with an old-fashioned sing-along. Enjoy music by the Pyrates and other fabulous musical guests. And you never know which villager or royalty will drop by. Don't miss the fun!
This year hosts include: 8/25,26 & 9/15,16: Daisy O'Danny; 9/1,2 & 9/22,23: Dinty the Moor; Labor Day Monday: Daisy & Dinty! 9/8,9: Captain Fletcher Moone; 9/29,30: The Hooligans and the month of October: John Rigby.
6pm at the White Hart Tavern.
Puke & Snot
Mark Sieve, John Gamoke
One of the longest running and most successful acts in the history of renaissance festivals. Intense wit, flashy swordfights, and organic vegetables: the laughs come in waves, often at racetrack speed. Their comedy owes as much to Abbott and Costello as it does to Avon’s Bard. A gallant romp of hysterical fun.
Performing at the Royal Stage from October 6th to October 21st.
The Pyrates Royale
Brad Howard, Darcy Nair, Craig Williams, Damon Hersh, Ellie Cattle
Since 1987, The Pyrates Royale has set the standard for comic singing pirate acts at festivals and events around the country. They play a mix of traditional and modern acoustic maritime music that rocks without being electric, sings without a string section and humors without a laugh track.
The Renaissance Man
Christopher Davis
Join England’s foremost tragedian, Ned Alleyn, for a stab at comedie! Lucky audience volunteers play leading roles in hysterically historical, interactive scenes. A plethora of school & corporate shows also available via www.renaissance-man.com Performing at the Lyric Stage
Robin Hood and St. George & the Dragon
Patrick and JoNell Franz
Special guest appearance for Children's Weekend - August 25th & 26th!
Join Robin Hood and Maid Marian for magical storytelling! Six members of the audience star in these high-energy, interactive retellings of "St. George & the Dragon" and "The Tales of Robin Hood"! Heroes, villains, cheering, screaming, and hilarity ensues! www.patfranz.com
Mike Rose, magic
Mike Rose, a.k.a. “The Magic Kinda Guy” has performed his comedy-magic show in 25 states and Canada, and is a longtime festival favorite. His performances are interactive and are remembered for the quick wit and adroit by-play with the audience. www.MikeRoseMagic.com Performing September 15th & 16th.
Shakespeare’s Skum
Liz Demery, Stephon Walker, Steve Wannall.
“Absolute genius parodies of the Bard’s work” - City Paper.
“A side-slapping success” -Potomac News.
Are they comedians who also do Shakespeare, or are they actors who can actually do comedy? Yes.
This year we feature: Macbeth in 20 Minutes or Less; Henry the "V", and a new version of Shakespeare in Jeopardy III. This year - all at the Globe Theatre.
The Squire of the Wire:
Michael Rosman
Amazing Feats of Comedy is the description of this hilarious show for adults (and kids) which features outrageous stunts, juggling of dangerous knives, and the world’s only kilted high-wire walker performing directly over the audience. It is dangerously funny!
www.michaelrosman.com
Performing at the Fortune Stage .
The Stupina Show
Photo courtesy of Lisa Margolis.
Michele Schultz
Stupina's back and telling it like it is! Find her each morning at 10:30am near Customer Service where she will answer your questions, share unusual stories and generally make a small nuisance of herself. Stay for a moment or stay for more, Stupina will keep you amused with her unusual outlook on life.
Tug of War!
Using an internationally approved official tug of war rope, with the basic rules of real competition, we will hold at least 3 "pulls" in the Jousting arena. Two for men, and one all-women. Healthy, physically fit adults over 18 years of age can take part.
Please note: Limit to 8 participants per team. Participants assume all risk in participation. Participants must be wearing proper footwear and clothing to participate. They must be free of injury. Because of the nature of the event, it must be assumed by participants that a fall in the sand is possible.
All participants must abide by the rules governing the competition and obey all signals and calls of the judge. Failure to do so could cause injury to themselves and team members, and may result in the participant being removed from the field and festival.
at the Jousting field (weather permitting)
The Village Idiots
Kevin Starnes, Jerry Bradshaw, Brian Thibault
The Village Idiots have been entertaining audiences around the word for years separately, and now have joined their comedic and music powers to fight against the evil forces of boredom! With their unique blend of music, harmony and great comedy, the Village Idiots will have you laughing so hard you'll do something involuntary and messy! They are hystericalicious!
They are here for a limited engagement so don't miss their show.
PERFORMING: August 25th to September 16th.
The Royal Court Agenda
Let the cannon sound, the gates open and the fun begin. Huzzah!
Children's Knighting Ceremony
To better serve all of the children of the realm, we will now offer a large general knighting ceremony at the Fortune Stage. After the short ceremony the group of goodly children, newly created Knights and Dames, will have an opportunity to personally meet the King, Queen, and courtiers and receive their certficate of knighthood. Huzzah!
The Human Chess Game
Army vs. Navy
Written by Carolyn Spedden
Directed by Tom Plott and Mary Ann Jung
Fight Choreography by Jim Frank and Geoff Thompson
Rated PG – for stage combat violence. Performed at the Globe Theatre
The White Rose and the Red
Written by Carolyn Spedden.
Directed by Tom Plott
Stage Manager: Dave Olsher
It is the eve before King Henry VIII's sister, Mary, leaves England to marry King Louis and become Queen of France. While pondering the plight of royal princesses, we delve into the War of the Roses, and discover how the conjoining of two families, the York and the Lancasters, brought forth the House of Tudor.
5pm at the Globe Theatre
Shows Presented
by the Acting Company
Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream
Stage Manager: Liz Armour
Fight Choreography: Geoff Thompson
Music performed by: Abigail, Bill, Christa and Cathy Palmer
Music design by Cathy Palmer
Fairy Movement Director: Michele Schultz
Dance Choreographer: Melissa McGinley
PERFORMED IN THREE ACTS:
Act I: 12pm at the FORTUNE STAGE
Act II: 1:30pm at the GATEHOUSE STAGE
ACT III: 3:30pm at the GLOBE THEATRE
Running time: 30 - 45 minutes each act.
THE CAST:
Theseus, Duke of Athens - Fred Nelson
Egeus, father to Hermia - Randy Dalmas
Lysander, in love with Hermia - Graham Pilato
Demetrius, formerly in love with Helena, now pursuing Hermia- Scott Courlander
Quince, a carpenter - Scott Campbell
Snug, a joiner - Steven Kirkpatrick
Bottom, a weaver - Luke Tudball
Flute, a bellows-mender- Charles Boyington
Snout, a tinker- John Stange
Starveling, a tailor- Brian H. Reynolds
Hippolyta, queen of the Amazons, betrothed to Theseus - Stephanie Phelan Offutt
Hermia, in love with Lysander - Kelsey Meiklejohn
Helena, in love with Demetrius - Bess Kaye
Oberon, king of the fairies - Yoni Gray
Titania, queen of the fairies - Elana Williams
Puck, or Robin Goodfellow - Matthew Pauli
Peaseblossom, a fairy - Heather Bagnall Scheeler
Cobweb, a fairy - Jacqueline Chenault
Moth, a fairy - Moira Lee
Mustardseed, a fairy - Michele Schultz
Laundry Basket Theatre
Photo by: David Sadowsky
Starring Heather Bagnall Scheeler, Melissa McGinley, and Nicole Mullins
The Washerwomen present clean tales tailored for the young and young at heart. Kids of all ages will enjoy The Golden Goose, A Kid's Sing-along and pathway fun!. Each show is approximately 10 -12 minutes long, so perfect for the child who needs a show on a short wash cycle!
Camelot Children's Theatre
Camelot Children's Theatres present light-hearted theatrical tales for the young and young at heart. This year we present the very popular "Little Red Riding Hood" at 3:30pm at the Gatehouse Stage. Quirky, funny fun!
The Rude Mechanicals present Highlights from Romeo and Juliet
Photo by David Sadowsky
starring: Luke Tudball, Scott Campbell, Steven Kirkpatrick, John Stange, Brian Reynolds, Charles Boyington, and Graham Pilato.
The Rude Mechanicals will present the best bits of Peter Quince's great tragedy, "Romeo and Juliet," a story of teen romance, including parents who don't understand, a sassy nurse, sword-fighting, and a cool love scene. 5:30pm at the Gatehouse Stage.
Militia Tent
Have you ever wondered what skills it takes to outfit the King's army? How you make bows and arrows? Interested in seeing demonstrations of metal, leather and wood working? Visit the village Militia tent, near the Jousting arena, and see these skills demonstrated. Weapons makers and fight combatants will be available to answer your questions and tell you more about weapons and life in the Tudor times.