Since the "Puck's Bower Stage" was right around the corner from the Main Gate, it was only natural that the "Ides of March" should find themselves there immediately after Queen Elizabeth's Grande Entrance. E. Jon Pirate (AKA "The Juggling Pirate" AKA "Erik Pratt," Photo, Left) led off the morning's entertainment with some juggling, fire-eating and more juggling. The highlight of his show that morning was tossing two beanbag chairs aloft -- and keeping both airborne for several minutes! As you might well imagine, the "Ides" simply couldn't resist the temptation to banter with him about his (ahem!) "big balls"...
nor refrain from singing the lyrics to the ACDC song by the same name!!!
Then Matthew the Magician followed him onstage. He entertained us with numerous feats of prestidigitation and sleight of hand, ending with a straightjacket escape routine as his Grane Finale (Photo, Below: talk about getting "tied up in your work," Matthew the Magician finds himself in dire straits as this audience volunteer helps strap him in). Truth be told, tho, it actually took him longer to get into the straightjacket than out of it. Truly amazing!

Then there was Red Moon Tribe, a local bellydancing troupe from Springfield, Missouri (shown in the Photo, above, at the beginning of their sword-dancing number). This year they brought along three male drummers/dancers, which not only doubled their stage presence but added some much-needed live music to their performances. Interestingly enough, none of the musicians had apparently ever played Middle Eastern drum before landing this gig at White Hart -- and they only had three weeks before Opening Weekend to learn. Yet, simply judging both from the quality of their sound and the teamwork they displayed while drumming together that day, they had managed to master their instruments quite handily. Obviously, there's nothing quite like a short deadline to really focus one's attention tightly, certes! The stage shows weren't the only entertainments at White Hart enjoyed by all the members of the "Ides of March," however. Lady Alexiel and Karusie the Faerie, for example, were both fascinated and amused by the magic tricks and sleight of hand offered up by Baltazar, the Magician of the Royal Court (Photo, Right). He could be found wandering the lanes of White Hart during the day, stopping off briefly to enthrall various groups of awestruck patrons with displays of his thaumaturgic talents. His favorite bit was first to blow some soap bubbles into the air and then, as they drifted lazily past his wondering audience, to snatch one swiftly with his bare hand. On opening his fist, he revealed that the soap bubble had magically transformed into a dazzling crystalline "Dragon Tear," which Baltazar then presented most courteously and gravely to one of his spectators. Another old friend and street performer much favored by Ryleh -- Geoffrey the Piper -- was also present on Opening Day at White Hart. Ryleh had last seen him at the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival at Muskogee in May, where Ryleh introduced Geoffrey to the assembled members of Ryleh's "family by choice." Following his gig at The Castle, Geoffrey then moved over to White Hart, camping out for something like three weeks at Pranksters Ranch before the faire opened. Since Ryleh was not aware that White Hart even offered camping, this came as quite a surprise to him. In fact, the full import of Geoffrey's words didn't make themselves plain to Ryleh until sometime later that same week! Meanwhile, the two old friends chatted a bit, catching up on personal news. Then Ryleh took a few portraits and made a couple of video captures of Geoffrey at work before they parted, once again. In the video, (Below), Geoffrey plays a light and spritely Irish aire on his tinwhistle. A popular entertainer on the Midwest faire circuit, Geoffrey's right lively tunes are always welcome wherever he goes!

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Standard Disclaimer: This webpage is strictly an *Unofficial* look at the White Hart Renaissance Festival held on Prankster's Ranch near Hartville, Missouri. The author of these pages is in no way, shape, manner or form connected with the White Hart Renaissance Festival (mailing address: 5651 Hwy. F, Hartville, MO 65667; Phone (417) 741-9518; home page http://www.historic-arts.com/white_hart_renaissance_faire/) and/or any of the sponsors associated with this event. All opinions expressed are strictly this author's own. All photographs are copyright ©2000-2008 by George Laking, Paula Duggan and Mike Duggan.

This page created 21 February 2008