Merry Christmas. A story of our year.....

Merry Christmas all.

Again it seems that it has taken forever for me to update this blog. Perhaps if I paid more attention, more of you would be reading.

So now we exchange gifts. My gift to you is a quick, true story of the experiences of Don Juan, Miguel and Esmeralda for 2010. Your gift to me will be to read these words.

2010 started out great!

Esmeralda had an appearance on the Ellen Degeneris show! Whip cracking good fun!

The Arizona show was rolling along with great weather, nice crowds and audiences filled with laughter. (okay, we did get some rain, but all-in-all it was a good year) Then the final Sunday dawned with a fire occurring at one of the festival kitchens. Smoke billowed out back and menacing in the early morning sky. Fire trucks arrived on the scene. Luckily no one was hurt. The faire postponed opening and we missed our first show of the day. Come the second show - at the Palace - and during the final fight of the show; "The Dual Rapier Duel of Doom" Don Juan (Jose) tore his achilles tendon. He was taken to the emergency room, released and was able to perform the "Weird Show" at the end of the day. Such a trooper! He ended up having surgery to repair the damage and underwent physical therapy. It made for an interesting year.

We did all of Scarborough Faire with Don Juan performing the show sitting on a bar stool! It made for some wacky comedy as we adapted the show around obvious physical constraints. Esmeralda came in the first weekend to perform and help in getting the show up! In all actuality what might have been perceived by many as a terrible obstacle became a means to evolve. We cut down from four completely different shows daily to three, repeating the "Renaissance Man Show" (with variations) twice daily. Shows themselves changed a bit as well - whip stunts were added - fights moved around - finales changed up - I know it was stressful at times for us, but we made it through quite well I think.

Also during Scarborough we released our latest movie "I Sense Danger"! Five years in the making and worth every day. Duncan Pace, Louie Skaradek and Jim Hancock worked tirelessly to help create our best work yet! Thank you guys! As of this writing "I Sense Danger" has been accepted by two film festivals; "KIDS FIRST! The Coalition for Quality Children's Media" ouot of Santa Fe, New Mexico and "The 11th Annual Moondance International Film Festival" in Boulder Colorado. This is a prestigious festival noted for films of a positive nature. Our friends "Iris and Rose" were able to attend the screening for us. "Danger" (and Duncan) were awarded the "Starfish Award" for best Family Film. Congratulations! We've received a few reviews of the film. Fans seem to love it - but here are some other quotes:

KID'S FIRST says:

Anyone who likes Renaissance Fairs would thoroughly enjoy the humor in this film. Sets and costumes are great. Wonderful Renaissance sets and costumes. Nuns watching over Esmeralda are hilarious. Bernard's levitating powers also prove funny. Don Juan, Miguel and Esmeralda once again save the wacky Renaissance world from Bernard, the Bad Guy with the help from some crazy nuns that watch over the whip cracking Esmeralda. When Queen Elizabeth is tossed out of her castle by the hunchback Bernard and his minions, Don Juan and Miguel must find a way to turn bad into good. Whip cracking good! Renaissance Magazine says: (full review available in the January 2011 issue) If you like the anachronistic comedy routines at renfaires, you should like this renaissance romp. Without even pretending to present historical accuracy, it packs in dozens of well-known festival faces. The movie is split into three acts, each with its own fight scene and song; by far the most entertaining song is “The Pirates of High Barbary,” with its high energy level and great camera work. Sprinkled throughout are the anachronistic under-the-breath throwaway jokes and asides endemic to festival comedy, and they translate quite well to the small screen... But the real star is Don Juan, of course, and he definitely brings a great presence to his role. The musical score is excellent, featuring period instruments and standout Spanish guitar playing that is worthwhile listening to all by itself.... The cameos make this movie. Its drinking game is “Spot the faire act” (three drinks for Ded Bob sightings). It feels more like a love sonnet to festival culture than a truly historical adventure movie, and that is just fine.... We have submitted "Danger" to other film festivals. We will keep you updated about here and on Facebook. If you have watched "Danger" find us on IMBD http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1647366/ and either vote, or leave a review! Sterling: New York went fairly well this past year. The weather was lovely. Esmeralda returned to perform with us for the remainder of our season. Jose continued to heal. He was able to leave his stool behind and actually wear matching shoes! We shared the stage for the first time with Gabriel Q. So much fun! Formal Bocci, Christmas in July.....a truly magical time. Pennsylvania: Well, that show was wacky good fun, is all I can say. We thoroughly enjoyed playing with the cast during the Finale in Song, and the shows were just fun! Its always great to work with such creative people. We'll be back! Carolina: What can I say? I love this faire. I love the area, the season, the colors, the audience. Just a lot of fun - with many good friends who work the show. A smooth running delightful machine. And, I must admit, I love that it is the final show of the season. It is always good to come home! TRF: Yes! We did a few "cameos"! The three of us stepped into "The Nature of Mercy" Show -and did a whip routine at the top of the show. Just a few minutes long, but a lot of fun. Later we three did some bits in Adam Crack's (Adam Winrich) whip show. Really fun watching all that whipping going on! Oh, as a note the three of us went to Las Vegas and watched as Adam won the SASS title! Congratulations Adam! Well, that's that. My "gift" is almost done. And, if you've gotten this far, your gift is almost done as well. For the upcoming year we are happy to be back in Arizona (with brand new kitchens). Scarborough Faire has built a new Crown Stage - we are proud to be performing on it this coming spring! We'll also be back at Sterling (which starts a week later this coming year), Pennsylvania and Carolina. The actual schedule will be posted elsewhere on our website. So, now good people, my words come to an end. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and the Happiest New Year yet!