A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS MUSICAL is based on William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Nights Dream. It features a cast of 17 and 11 musical numbers from Broadway classics to classic pop and rock tunes to tell a whirlwind version of Shakespeare's classic romantic fantasy. It will be performed twice a day at this seasons festival on the Checkmate Stage. A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS MUSICAL is written and directed by the festivals own Cardinal Claudio, Paul Stickney. Music Direction by Mark Gauvin of The Iron Hill Vagabonds.
LORD MAYOR PERCIVAL - Richard Weber
Richard Weber has been working in Renaissance festivals for more than 30 years, making his living as an actor, entertainment director, costume designer and art director. He has created a corporate entertainment company in Chicago, specializing in themed events and business theatre. He also owns a costume company based in Chicago creating high-end period specific specialty costumes. For ten years before the renaissance career he toured the country working as a performer and illusion specialist with David Seebach's Wonders of Magic. During this time he had the pleasure of working alongside David Copperfield, Doug Henning, and Lance Burton. Realizing that a life in the performing arts is at best a challenging and demanding career choice, he is supremely grateful for every opportunity to perform and interact with the guests and patrons of our lovely village.
CARDINAL CLAUDIO - Paul Stickney
Paul is celebrating his 22nd year as Cardinal Claudio this season, having worked as performer, writer and creative staff member for many renaissance festivals throughout the country. Other significant work includes NYC national tours of "Annie" and "Annie get your Gun", an international tour of "Aladdin", the starring role in a Troma film release " Tortured Hearts", a production of "The Wind in the Willows produced by famed American playwright Isreal Horovitz and street character work at Tokyo Disneyland. Currently, in addition to his creative and performance duties at FlarF, Paul is Entertainment Director of the Robin Hood Springtime Festival and the King Arthur Harvest Festival, both in Connecticut, and is co-producer, writer and director for the New England Pirate Faire in Massachusetts.
The Limeybirds are Faith, Charity & Bunnie - 3 strong sisters of song who genuinely love what they do - the high energy involvement of the audience keeps 'em coming back for more! A three- part A capella trio, this Music Show is full of old favourites and new Limey songs with hilarious banter in between that keeps it new and exciting every time. An unparalleled vocal group; The Limeybirds are always a crowd pleaser. Featuring music favourites like "Sweet Violets", "Roll Me Over (In the Clover)", and NEW Limeybirds orginals like "Rolling in the Hay", "LondonTowne" and "Bonny Rollin' Sailor". What sets these gals apart? ALL classically trained with Musical Theatre backgrounds, this 30-40 minute show is Top Notch Music Entertainment that envelopes the audience and carries them away.
KATHLEEN FINNEGAN-BLACKSHEAR
Celtic Harper - Kathleen Finnegan has studied classical harp, piano, and flute for most of her life. Her passion is to share the beauty of the Celtic harp everywhere she goes with anyone - including waiting passengers on th New York subway system! With Celtic roots and love of traditional music, Kathleen loves bringing new life to familiar and sometimes forgotten music of the British Isles.
DRAKE IRISH DANCERS
The Drake Irish Dancers, under the direction of An Coimisiun LeRince Gaelacha choreographer Karl Drake, present a program of both traditional and contemporary Irish Dance. The Drake Irish Dancers are winners of numerous Irish Dance Championships and are comprised of young dancers, age 5 through 18, trained at the Drake Dance Academy in Broward and Palm Beach counties.
PORT ROYAL BUCCANNERS
Port Royal Buccaneers performers that specialize in the Golden Age of Piracy period doing a complete black powder show, complete with several dozen guns (pistols, rifles, blunderbuss, flintlock and percussion) and cannons; as well as swordplay; songs and drama.
The King's Royal Archer - Bill Darr Master Wil invites you to come see the wonders of the bow in action. Daily, at the Field of Dreams, see demonstrations of the shooting and history of archery. See different weapons from the Renaissance such as the English longbow and European flat bow crossbow.
HISTORY OF CHIVLARY
Gallant Knights, Fair Maidens, Feasting & Fighting. Join the History of Chivalry and experience the excitement of yesteryear!
The 16th Century dancers, Revelers Round, are dancing in the streets...join them for a brawnle, farendalle, or just for the party! Music and merriment abound wherever Revelers Round is found.
You hear the crowd chanting even before you can see what’s happening. And when you move through the crowd you see it. But you don’t believe it. One man is doing something crazy. Maybe he is swallowing a glass full of needles, eating some thread and then pulling the threaded needles out of his mouth. Maybe he’s cutting open a lemon to find your signed $20 sealed securely inside of it. Maybe he’s struggling desperately to get out of a straitjacket to beat a challenge before time runs out and audience members douse him with water. But he’s surrounded by people chanting his name, laughing, and being dumbstruck by a show that can only be described as – magic!
Patrick Franz has been on stage at over 50 faires (both Renaissance and other) since he began performing in California over 14 years ago. He is the director of the Sons of Anacreon, a Victorian comedy/singing group and has taken his act on the road. Over the years he has acted, sung, and fought on stages all over the country, often creating and recreating Shakespeare's work, as well as playing the bard himself on occasion. He has worked with many wild animals: Panthers, Falcons, and Children. He is both a director and fight choreographer and loves to make things to go boom. He has also founded "Presenters of Living History" teaching California students American History, Shakespeare, Commedia, and historical craft skills.
Formerly Brighton Brass, Ivanhoe Brass are “Purveyors of Fine Trumpetry” and have been performing at FLARF since 1999. Performing the hits of the 1600's, including such composers as King Henry VIII, Thomas Morley, Thomas Weelkes, Heinrich Issac, Orlando di Lasso and more. Ivanhoe Brass can be found heralding at the front gate, the joust, the parade, the scenario and provides a grand entrance for our royalty. Director Paul Southwood-Smith, “Southwood,” has been performing with FLARF on Bass Trombone since 2000. Other members include Mark Lieberman, Paula Hyman, Colin Nixon and Matt DiLeonardo.
CELTIC MAYHEM
Combining the talents of members of three of the renaissance faire circuit's most popular musical acts, Celtic Mayhem has been entertaining audiences with their unique, raucus brand of Celtic folk music since their debut in the Spring of 2007. Featuring Ty Billings (Minstrels of Mayhem) on vocals, guitar, and flute, Martyn Wylde (Wyldefyre) on vocals, bass, guitar, and bouzouki and Jack Stamates (Generica, Avalon and more) on vocals, fiddle, recorder, and percussion, Celtic Mayhem have developed into a remarkable "Celtic power trio". When performing at faires and festivals, the band plays Celtic traditional music and folk songs, along with original and contemporary music with a traditional feel. They also play select pubs, clubs, private/corporate events and house concerts, including a varied assortment of classic pop and rock songs in their sets - adding a crowd-pleasing Mayhem twist to every performance.
Swing by the wash pit and visit the Washing Well Wenches, where the women rule and the men drool. They’re known for more than their stunning good looks. These girls are also “I peed my pants!” funny.* Thankfully, they will wash them for you after the show.
Christophe the Insultor has been touring renaissance festivals and taverns for over a decade saying some of the worst and funniest things ever said. Don't worry! It's not random. He's like a hit-man...if he hasn't been hired to get you, he's positively charming. But watch what happens when people pay him to get their friends! The Pub stage show is pretty dirty, but the feast hall tent show is no-holds-barred. Rated 'P' for pee-laugh funny.
Have you ever wanted to run away with the Gypsies? You'll be enchanted by the beautiful Masala Gypsy Dancers...experience the mysterious East (we're not talking New York!)...and the fiery West...all under the leadership of Joaquin, (self-appointed) King of the Gypsies. Find yourself transported by mesmerizing drum rhythms, veils, swords and the grace of Erin, the fantastic flamenco foot work of LaGreca, the encuentro stylings of Bryanna, the fire of Dominique and the bevy of beautiful Masala dancers, plus guest appearances by other characters! You never know what to expect at the Masala Gypsy camp, come join us for our 15th year of music, dance and fun!
ANGER OF THE MISTRESS - TREBOUCHET
Come witness an amazing demonstration of a medieval trebouchet. A catapult used to smash castle walls or throw projectiles over them. There are demonstrations throughout the day. Encampment members are on hand to answer your questions about this unique weaponry.
Joe Zurawski - Coordinator
HEARTSTRING
Our modern day violins' oldest ancestors had one string and were held on or between the knees. Sometime during the Renaissance, players adopted an alternative position of tucking the base of the instrument under the chin. James O'Clair presents a unique interpretation of the ancient one-stringed instrument he calls the "Heart String". Listen to the haunting melodies as he plays his beautiful HAND MADE instrument.
Lady Ettie is a beloved character of taste and fashion endearing our village-advising guests on matters of etiquette and deportment. Always ready to assist visitors to Playhaven on the changing trends of international fashions. Her sense of style is described as unique.
She reminds all that beauty is in the eye of the beholder
Started in 1990, by Master Falconer, Ray Pena, Flight of the Raptor has been seen and enjoyed by thousands over the years. Driven by his own desire to understand these amazing creatures, Ray has dedicated his life to the ancient art and sport of falconry. His interest was sparked at the age of 15 when tending to his homing pigeons on his Bronx home rooftop. With the guidance of friend and mentor, Dr. Heinz Meng, and with the help of Ray's daughter, Jennifer (also a licensed falconer), Flight of the Raptor strives to share knowledge, experience, and love of birds of prey with all who are interested.
Cobblestone Characters presents the most unique troupe of street characters...from privy cleaners to courtly poets, fashion advisors to the village patrol. Encounter the characters on the paths and byways and let them brighten your festival day.
Eric and Susan Scites of Faire Wynds Entertainments are pleased to introduce their newest family-friendly comedy show "Ye Ode Magic and Flea Circus"! A hilarious look at the entertainments of the past, along with a look at the 14th century vermin shows with the greatest little show on earth, "Virginia's Vermin"! 5 highly trained fleas for your pleasure and amusement! Yep, we're here to show you how to raise and train your fleas! We believe that if you give a flea a skill, he won't have time to go wandering the countryside spreading plague and disease! And remember our motto: if we're not the people on stage, you're probably not watching our show!
Eric and Susan Scites have been presenting their family-friendly and historically based entertainments for over 15 years. They are pleased to bring once again to Florida Renaissance Festival the glass harps-or ghost fiddle-for your listening pleasure. As one of only 2 duets on this instrument, it is sure to please the ears of even the most ferociously tired Renaissance Patron after a long day of merriment! So sit back and enjoy the sounds that one anonymous French monk was quoted to have said "...if this is truly the sounds of the angels, I am glad I have my place in Heaven reserved!"
HOOLIGAN
With a combined 60+ years of performance, Bernard, Miller and Rafferty bring a wealth of experience and musical flair to the table. They are known for rowdy reels and jigs to get the feet tapping, a jovial ballad or two, as well as sweet slow airs to bring a tear to the unwary eye. The end result is a captivating blend of Celtic and original music, a delicious concoction they fondly refer to as 'Music Soup': Just plain good for the soul!
H.M. ROYAL ARTILLERY
Master Cannoneer Sir Robert Russell lives by the motto “Artillery brings dignity to what would otherwise be a Vulgar brawl”. Since 2001, “The Cannon Guy” has been opening and closing the Faire each day with a REAL bang. Along with his beautiful wife and assistant gunner, Lady Triskelia Russell, they never fail to get a lively reaction from the crowd. Both Sir Robert and Lady Tris have been trained and certified by the National Park Service to shoot full- sized black powder artillery. They are experts in all types of black powder weapons.
Watch ye out for Sir Real and his beautiful, bizarre and hilarious big puppets and stilt characters. Find him floating in the lanes with Giant Butterfly and Caterpillar, Baby, The Queen of Hearts on her high white horse and many more!
"Celtic Harps, Flutes, Recorders, Penny Whistle, Bowed Psaltery, Guitar and beautiful vocal harmonies will transport you to another place and time!"
Jay and Abby Michaels - The Harper and The Minstrel incorporate elements of Celtic, Folk and Early Music into something that is uniquely their own. Abby's angelic alto and Jay's cindery baritone are accompanied by a variety of instruments including Celtic Harp, Silver & Divergent Flute, Recorder, Penny Whistle, Bowed Psaltery and Guitar.
The duo specializes in beautiful airs and ballads, the occasional jig or reel, many of their own original compositions and their unique arrangements of Traditional Celtic tunes,Baroque and Renaissance Music.
Faire Stories represents the blending of the magic and enchantment of traditional fairy tales, the joy and exhuberance of the Broadway musical and the unique interactive experience offered by environmental Theater. Created by Christopher Schultz and Jasmine Ready, and set to music from internationally acclaimed children’s composer David Payton, Faire Stories has taken the unlikely combination of period performance and musical theatre and created a genuinely entertaining and engaging self-contained theatrical production.
Noble Cause Productions is a company specializing in jousting, stage combat instruction, fight choreography, and horse stunts. We are dedicated to providing the highest quality shows for our audiences and clients. Noble Cause is continually striving to reach new heights with breathtaking new show concepts.
Based out of San Antonio, Texas, Noble Cause has easy access to performance venues across the country. Our training facility and ranch provide us with the excellent opportunity to train year round. Noble Cause holds seminars with guest speakers and instructors in stage combat, equestrian stunts, and acting skills.
Sidesplitting comedy and amazing magic are what you can expect at a Blackenshear show. This seasoned performer and consummate entertainer will win you over with his award winning magic show. All ages are welcome and are sure to be delighted with Blackenshear's street-honed style. Delivered in three hilarious pieces, including his world famous rope escape and new "World's Most Dangerous Card Trick", this show is bound to be a favorite!
Jason Klein's main focus is on Historical Glass as well as fine decorative craft. It is through the funtional objects in history that we can tell much about the people from those times. How they lived and what they valued can often be seen in the glass that they used and how that glass was a part of their lives.
This is as much true today as it ever was. Often, the glass in your hands and in your lives is a direct reflection of you, our patron, and us, the craftsman.
Naughty, bawdy comedy by singings sisters. Iris and Rose are definiely for adults only. Come prepared for comedy, singing, jokes, limericks, toasts and even a bit of juggling. You'll laugh so hard you'll wet yourself. We are Iris and Rose and we are "Wild and Thorny"! We are a sister duo that performs bawdy songs and suggestive verses at several different Renaissance Festivals around the country. To date we have five c.d.'s full of our bawdy and just outright sometimes distaseful songs.
Word of warning: Our material is not for children unless you let them watch Fox T.V. then its alright! So sit down, look around, enjoy our music and have fun!
Toll Free: 1-800-3-REN-FES 
