Upcoming Performance Previews: Local Actors Marc Gonzalez and Blake Jones Featured in Upcoming Show
Rogue Fest 2023 Time Again!
It's the Rogue Festival season once more! This year's extravaganza takes place from March 1st-10th at the Tower District in Fresno, California. Until then, keep your eyes peeled for our Rogue Festival Performer Preview articles and reviews of different shows, all published on our Rogue Festival category and our Rogue Festival event page on KRL News and Reviews. You'll be able to obtain tickets via the Rogue website
A Sneak Peek at The TrimmingsBy Marc Gonzalez
After last year's Marty's Turn, I desired to perform my own writing once more. Learning valuable lessons since Merely a Player in 2020, I recognized my need for a team and the limitations of my solo capabilities. Enter J. Daniel Herring, Walter M. Mayes, and Diego J. Sosa, three talented artists I've had the pleasure to collaborate with. Their guidance and support during this process have been nothing short of invaluable!
When searching for new material, I didn't have to stray far. Years ago, Walter advised me, "Never delete your writing; simply put the edits on another document for the rainy days." I heeded his advice and named the document "Trimmings." As it turns out, these edits provided the perfect foundation for my new show.
Walter, with his stellar storytelling prowess, played a crucial role in refining my writing and piecing together the story. His passion for helping me develop my artistic voice has been unwavering. When asked why he took on this project, Walter replied, "I've been aiding Marc in finding and developing his voice as a theatre artist for over a decade. I'm always eager to contribute to anything that fosters his ability to engage an audience in an entertaining and thought-provoking manner."
This unique show combines humor, drama, and audience interaction. Because each show will have a different storyline due to the audience picking four stories each night, the pressure is significantly reduced. J. Daniel Herring, with his extensive experience in storytelling and our script's unconventional nature, was the ideal candidate to direct. J. Daniel stated the following about the project: "Working on a one-man show is always a special opportunity; developing a bond of trust with the actor is essential. I worked with Marc previously on Pride and Prejudice, and I felt we had established that kind of trust. I was delighted when he asked me to direct The Trimmings."
Diego J. Sosa, a former student whom I've worked with for years and count among my closest collaborators, rounded out our team. With his boundless energy and passion for theatre, it was easy to convince him to join us. Diego expressed his enthusiasm for the show by saying, "I've always cherished working with Marc, and our last Rogue collaboration was a treat. I couldn't help but participate in this project upon hearing its unique premise. I think the show will be a fantastic experience for Rogue audiences because of its innovative structure. Audiences may return multiple times to experience different stories and insights."
At the heart of this process, I find immense joy in sharing these personal stories. The humor and contemplative moments in The Trimmings aim to encourage, inspire, and engage the audience. My favorite monologue, "My Mommy Tied My Shoes," which I've struggled to put into words since my mother's passing in 2021, is one I eagerly anticipate performing whenever it gets chosen. The Trimmings showcases a unique blend of humor, introspection, and family stories that I hope resonates with everyone who attends!
The TrimmingsWhen: March 1st, Thurs 5:00 PM – 5:45 PM Thurs 6 7:00 PM – 7:45 PMMarch 3rd, Sat 3:30 PM – 4:15 PMMar 4th, Sun 5:00 PM – 5:45 PMMarch 8th, Wed 7:00 PM – 7:45 PMWhere: Veni Vidi Vici, 1116 N Fulton St, Fresno, CATickets: $10
A Three-Way Songwriter RendezvousBy Blake Jones
George Rotalo has been sharing his enchanting melodies with audiences for decades. Our friendship dates back to the early 2000s, during the Rogue Festival era. George's captivating tunes, filled with charm and wit, have become a staple at his performances.
Though we've occasionally shared the stage, I'd never embarked on a project with him before. Two years ago, as the pandemic abated, George challenged me to co-create some songs. We've since collaborated, writing tunes that showcase our different writing styles and complement each other beautifully.
With the Rogue Festival in mind, I proposed the idea of a trio songwriter gathering. I wanted to create an intimate atmosphere where three songwriters could share their creations and stories behind their compositions.
Join us for four performances on the back patio of Veni Vidi Vici in the Tower District. Special mystery guests will join George and myself on Friday, March 3rd at 5:30 PM, and Sunday, March 5th at 3:30 PM. Tom Magill performs with us on Saturday, March 4th at 8 PM, and Saturday, March 10th at 2 PM. Admission is $10.
Craving more theater-related content? Discover Mysteryrat's Maze Podcast, featuring local actors reading mysteries. Find the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, and on podbean.
Dive into more theatre reviews and local entertainment articles in our Arts & Entertainment section. Check out more theatre events on KRL’s Local Theatre event page.
Sources:[1] Lutsong Music Festival 2025: https://www.lutsongfestival.com/[2] Rogue Waves June 2025: https://roguewavesfresno.com/[3] Rogue Music Festival 2025: https://www.roguefestival.com/music-festival
The upcoming Rogue Fest 2023 offers an opportunity to immerse oneself in a mixed bag of lifestyle and entertainment, including the performance of 'The Trimmings', a show featuring personal stories, humor, drama, and audience interaction, and 'A Three-Way Songwriter Rendezvous', an intimate concert series showcasing the enchanting melodies of local artists George Rotalo, Blake Jones, and special guests.
