Rogue Festival 2023 Time!
Festival Reviews: S'Will: The Danish Emo Prince/ marvelous Magic Show/ Trio of Fresno Musicians
Kick off your spring with the Rogue Festival, happening from March 3rd to March 12th in Fresno's Tower District, CA! Get ready for a feast of unconventional shows as we delve into a series of fascinating reviews in the coming days. Before Rogue's grand opening, we've already published some performers' previews and introduced you to the very essence of Rogue itself. You can find all our coverage conveniently in our Rogue Festival category and some performer press releases on our Rogue Festival event page over at KRL News and Reviews. Secure your tickets through the Rogue event website!
S'Will: The Emo Prince of Denmark Review
Ever pondered what would happen if William Shakespeare scripted Hamlet during the 90s, with a dash of booze in the mix? Enter The Fools Collaborative Presents S'Will: The Emo Prince of Denmark! – the fifth installment of the Drunk Shakespeare Rogue shows, a blend of humor, topical references, and alcohol. Each performance sees one cast member imbibing before the show, all while an audience member rings a bell to make an actor swig a drink.
Set against the backdrop of the 90s, our protagonist Hamlet (Noah*) dons a grunge-inspired getup. Claudius, now the Southern/Country-Western king, is played by Haley White, who murdered Hamlet's brother and married his widow (Brooke Aiello). Love brews between Hamlet and Ophelia (Miguel Gastelum), but Laertes (Lex) harbors suspicion of the prince. Polonius, Hamlet's father, is symbolized as a hand puppet maneuvered by Lex. The ghostly figure of Hamlet's father appears, revealing the uncle's treachery, leading Hamlet to feign madness and plot his revenge. The plot thickens as 90s trivia (think Jennifer Love Hewitt, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and more) abounds, accompanied by witty banter and comical antics. The final performances will take place on March 10th, 5:30 pm, and March 11th, 8:00 pm at VISTA Theater, 1296 N. Wishon Ave. Tickets are $15.
Pardon any misspellings or lack of knowledge regarding cast members' names – I confidently obtained the information from a fellow actor who wasn't entirely certain about the identities and monikers of their fellow performers!
Damn Fine Magic Part Deux Review
The Baggy Pants duo of Tim Mannix and Christopher Bange make their triumphant return to the Rogue Festival, tantalizing audiences with their magical mayhem through Damn Fine Magic Part Deux. When minors are present, it's "Darn Fine."
Both magicians display exceptional talent in their respective domains. Mannix has graced libraries and events with his performances, while Bange combines a background in clowning with lightning-fast card and coin tricks. The pair's rapid-fire give-and-take creates an exhilarating experience that leaves you in a state of awe.
Their demonstrations of mentalism, math-magic, and mirth blend seamlessly with stories of their magical journey. Unmissable!
By the way, did you know that dots (hearts, diamonds, etc.) on playing cards are referred to as "pips"? Just a fun fact for you!
The final performances of Damn Fine Magic Part Deux will be held on March 10th, 5:30 pm, and March 11th, 5:00 pm, at Hart's Haven, 950 N. Van Ness Ave., Fresno. The ticket prices are $15 ($10 for kids, seniors, & students).
Three Fresno Songwriters
The musical trilogy of Blake Jones, George Rotalo, and a rotating mystery guest (either Nate Butler or Tom Magill) brings an inspiring combination of talents for this year's Rogue Festival.
Despite my personal ties, the performance truly left a lasting impression on my day filled with activities and travels. I wholeheartedly recommend it!
Their last show in this series will take place on March 11th, 2 pm, at Veni Vidi Vici, 1116 N. Fulton St., Fresno. Tickets are available for just $10 through the Rogue Festival website.
Terrance V. Mc Arthur has spent three decades working with the Fresno County Public Library, but retirement has yet to claim him as he continues his journey as a storyteller, puppeteer, writer, actor, magician, basketmaker, and all-around interesting person, striving to make life more unusual for everyone he meets.
Chelsea Jones
Multimedia artist, musician, and 2023 Rogue Festival attendee Chelsea Jones brings a unique blend of talents to the stage. Chelsea holds an MFA in Digital Arts and New Media from UC Santa Cruz and has been published in esteemed publications like Black Napkin Press, Abridged Magazine, and the Noctua Review. Learn more about her work at chelseaevangelinej.wixsite.com/chelsea and chelseajones.bandcamp.com.
If you're a theatre enthusiast, don't forget to tune in to Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast, featuring mysteries read by local actors. Enjoy it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and also on podbean.
Giddy up for more theatre reviews and other local entertainment in our Arts & Entertainment section, and be sure to check out the KRL Local Theatre event page for further entertainment information.
- The blend of unconventional shows and topical references in the Rogue Festival's lineup promises an entertaining lifestyle experience that goes beyond traditional theatre.
- Apart from the mainstage productions, pay a visit to Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast for a dose of mystery fiction, read by local actors, providing an additional layer of entertainment to your Rogue Festival journey.
