Festival Reviews: Enchantment by Eric, Circumscribed Performance, Married by Magic Show, Unbusinesslike Engagement
It's time for the Rogue Festival, Fresno's beloved annual arts extravaganza! This year, the fun runs from February 28 to March 8 in the vibrant Tower District. Get ready for a whirlwind of performances as we bring you 2025's show reviews!
Before the festival kicked off, we published articles about it and presented previews of the Rogue Festival performers. You can find all our coverage in the Rogue Festival category on KRL News and Reviews, or visit our festival event page for more info and performer press releases. Don't forget to grab your tickets on the Rogue website!
Let's dive into this year's shows!
Magic of EricReview by Terrance McArthur
As the curtain lifts on this year's magic-filled Rogue Festival, Magic of Eric grabs the spotlight. Eric Hiett, a skilled performer, transforms simple ropes into rings that twist and transform under his precise commands. From a murder mystery that never reveals the killer, to an intriguing bag of keys and lock challenge, the tricks leave you scratching your head and marveling at the fun of being tricked!
This gentle, affable man is aided by his silent wife, who swiftly whips away props when they are no longer needed. Hiett presents no flashy spectacles; it's the magic that sneaks up on you amidst a 45-minute delight that leaves you smiling.
Catch Magic of Eric at the Spectrum Art Gallery, 608 E. Olive Ave. The final performance is Saturday, March 8 at 12:30 pm, tickets are just $7.
Circumscribed: A True Tale of One FatherReview by Terrance McArthur
For 2025's Rogue Festival, you never know what wonders await on the next stage. One such delight is Circumscribed: A True Tale of One Father, Two Sons, and Thousands of Foreskins, an autobiographical storytelling show from Noam Osband. As a child of a mohel (a man in Judaism who circumcises newborn boys), Osband shares his memories of his father, a pediatric hematology oncologist who learned circumcision skills during medical training and shared an unconventional sense of humor.
Brother Love, Osband's previous Rogue Festival character, was known as a rude, profane, and offensive misfit. In his debut performance away from that character, the show is filled with love, shocking moments, and an inherent fascination. Although not intended for children, it's a tale crafted with warmth and humor, perfect for anyone curious about the bizarre and intimate.
The last performances of Circumscribed: A True Tale of One Father, Two Sons, and Thousands of Foreskins take place Friday, March 7 at 10:00 pm and Saturday, March 8 at 2:00 pm, both at The Lotus Room, 626 E. Olive Ave in Fresno. Tickets are $15 for this captivating show.
Married by MagicReview by Terrance McArthur
Love keeps many marriages going strong, and it's the central theme of Yan and Rin Ozzi's Fresno Rogue show Married by Magic. Yan's elegance in black and white contrasts with Rin's fiery red, sequin-encrusted attire, as they share stories of their 25-year journey together, filled with roses, rings, and weddings. From the astounding to the amusing, the duo's charming chemistry, combined with inventive magical moments, keep the show fast-paced and captivating.
Married by Magic concludes their run Friday, March 7 at 7:00 pm and Saturday, March 8 at 3:30 pm at the VISTA Theater, 1296 N. Wishon Ave. Tickets for this delightful show are $15.
None of Your Business* with Reshma MeisterReview by Mallory Moad
Reshma Meister's role in None of Your Business grabbed me from the very start. As she cautiously entered the stage, her face and body hidden beneath layers of clothing, packing tape, and plastic wrap, whether she intended to befriend or frighten us was unclear. The comedic clown revealed herself through a series of exquisitely weird, yet appealing, moments that left me enthralled and eager to see more.
Audience interaction was minimal, but integral to the story, as our presence became part of the unfolding narrative. Meister's clownish antics are subtle and understated, demonstrating her clear understanding of the power and allure of the simple gesture. If you're attending the Rogue Festival, don't miss the opportunity to experience the odd yet breathtaking None of Your Business.
The final performances of None of Your Business take place Thursday, March 6 at 5:30 pm and Saturday, March 8 at 5 pm at the VISTA Theater, 1296 N. Wishon Ave in Fresno. In this delightful mix of the bizarre and the entertaining, I strongly recommend picking up tickets for a spectacle unlike any other.
Stay tuned for more Rogue Festival reviews in the coming days! And if you're interested in theatre, make sure to check out Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast, featuring mysteries performed by local actors. Find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and Podbean.
Keep exploring the world of arts and entertainment with our extensive coverage. Check out more theatre reviews and local events in the Arts & Entertainment section on KRL News and Reviews.
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The Rogue Festival is a celebrated annual event held in Fresno, California, with a focus on emerging and independent artists. Spanning various performance genres such as theatre, music, dance, comedy, poetry, and live art installations, the festival creates a platform for experimental works and underrepresented voices. Held in the vibrant Tower District, it provides affordable, accessible events aimed at fostering connections and creativity within the community.
Tickets for the magical performance by Eric Hiett in the show 'Magic of Eric' can be purchased on the Rogue Festival's website. The captivating autobiographical storytelling show, 'Circumscribed: A True Tale of One Father', offers warm and humorous insights into the bizarre and intimate, and tickets for this show are also available on the Rogue Festival's event page.
