So Far this Year...

[Guest]

So, seriously, so far this year, I am deeply disappointed. My issues are nothing as pedestrian as a lack of adult beverages, anger at my favorite missing act, or complaints about the petty issues arising from former cast and management.

My kids and i come every year, multiple times. My work doesn't allow me to come often enough to merit a season pass, but we do spend a great deal of money. We love the atmosphere, we love the cast and entertainment and the overall atmosphere. It is with a heavy heart that i lodge forth my concerns, not just here but as an email to the management as well.

The theme this year is atrocious. I am entirely displeased. I come to a medieval faire, to see a medieval theme. If i wanted musketeers, i'd go to a renascance faire. i felt the same last year and i hoped to see it change back to a medieval theme. I loved the originality of when you were medieval- you just don't see that as much anymore. As for the theme, What is with the little king? Who is he? And why is he so... silly? i don't know, he seems very weak to me. His queen is amazing, and she seems to have to pick up his slack most of the time. I feel like you need a powerful king, if not powerful, at least strong enough and with enough presence to be recognized as a king. i thought he was the queens son.

What they called the theme show was really bad. we had a really hard time sitting through it. it had a lot of what seemed to be inside jokes, or at least very complex ones. It wasn't just us either. I counted 10 people leaving, and many more talking or just staring blankly.

The chess was horrendous, with the exception of a couple fights. I have seen many of these kids through the years perform so much better, safer, and way more entertaining fights than i saw this season. they were slow, contrite and unconvincing. While i understand safety, it has never sacrificed performance as much as it had when i saw it. i was utterly disappointed. i know that they can do better, and it's frustrating to see so much of your talent stepping backwards. The fights that i did enjoy were between 2 cast members that were new. I can't remember the names, but the little curly haired kid and the tall blonde guy performed very well, and i enjoyed the quarter staff fight. the rest were kind of pathetic. Very pathetic.

The streets were empty. It seems to me that alot, if not all of the cast was pre-occupied going back and forth for various shows instead of bringing the village to life as it used to. Nothing seemed to be as draining as the dance show. it seems that every cast member is there, and i feel like it should take the back seat in comparison to the rest of the faire.

The costumes were lack luster. I have seen much worse, but this goes back to the theme. Medieval theme= medieval costumes=MUCH simpler to execute.

And where is the joust? While the weapons demo was impressive and entertaining, it just doesn't feel right without the horses and cat calling.

These are my issues.

[Sir Trevor]

I won't argue any of that with you.
I agree on several point, and have a differing opinion on a few others.
But I cannot say you are wrong on any of it.
And I like the way you presented your opinion, without bashing anyone, or hurting feelings.

I can offer a bit of an explanation about the king.
He is supposed to be young. King Louis was like 13 or 14 in the stories.
That coupled with being French, leads to a childlike and someone prissy king.
I actually, like it, as the actor plays it amazingly, and it sets up the rest of the story.

But, it is not what we are used to. We are used to having strong kings that can be easily identified.
Except for 2004 when they tried King Foraday
A weak king with a very strong queen. It wasn't popular and also didn't work well.

Anyone who knows me, will know I completely agree about the dance.
I have never been a big fan of the set dances.
But I will conceed that there are paytrons that enjoy the dance. Either watching or joining.
And some of the cast love it as well.
So, I can see doing it when you have a large enough cast that you can spare them and not take too much street away.

I don't miss the joust at all.
Haven't watched it in years.
I was spoiled by full contact jousting we had from New Riders. So, since they have been gone, I really haven't cared about it.

[Guest]

Thank you for your clarification, i hope to hear from management soon.

But, i feel as though the kind could be stronger on the street. he does well inm the shows but seems to let other people do all the work when he's in the street.

as for dance, i reallly could care less. my kids like it, so there's that.

as for the joust, a joust is a joust to me. it had admittedly been pretty bad the last few years, but i had no knowledge of the difference between what we saw and "Full contct".

[Guest]

Just to clarify a small detail in question according to history books Louis XIII was 9 when he became king. So he acts like a kid because he was one. Later he marries Anne, but his mother acts as regent until he banishes her because of her actions while she is regent. As for other comments I am not here to argue nor will I to each his own. I am one of those Patrons who enjoys the dance. I have made many a friend dancing with cast members. Now after season passes for three years many approach me and speak and hug me. I had one just the other day post on his Facebook page how he enjoys dancing with me each year. I am also friends with one of the musketeers who has been very gracious in letting me take pics with him. I kind of miss the joust but not enough to not get season passes next year. But that is just my opinion pleas do not take offense to it. I am glad you were able to voice your concerns. They have been really good when I had one or two earlier in the year in getting back to me promptly. I hope you hear from them soon.

[Seriously]

I just want to give my humble opinion.

Let's make sure we put the blame where the blame belongs.

1.The actors are doing and playing the roles they have been given. I think the king played his "role" well. He was always in character whenever I have seen him. Likewise the Queen as well.

2. I have been to many Medieval/Ren faires across this country. There is always going to be a fantasy tilt to them. If it brings in customers, I say, who cares! It keeps my faire open. NEWS BULLETIN: More people play WOW than study medieval history. Take their money and keep the fair open.

3. There are reasons that vendors don't return and the place seems barren. They either do not sell enough product or the fees are too expensive to make any money. That can fall at the feet of either... Poor product, cheap customers, or poor faire management.

4. I believe this faire is primarily supported by us veterans. With ticket prices constantly going up (along with unemployment rates) people just are not willing to pay that premium dollar to see amateur actors and stage acts that ask for money on top of the high ticket prices. IMPORTANT NOTE: I always tip the shows I watch. I truly can't stand the people that watch an entire show and cant even spare a buck for someone that just worked hard for you.

5. Some of the faire directors have obviously listened to feedback so far because you can see it in the altered acts, the pub sing and our makeshift joust. Huzzah to the managers that listen.

Personally, I don't know the owner (never met the man), but I have been coming to faire since it's been open and I have heard and read about the troubles over the last 20 years. The faire has had its good years and its bad years (I don't think this is the worst year by far). I truly sympathies for the troubles the trustees have caused but the bottom line is this...

After 20 years, the state of the faire falls at the owners feet. I find it hard to believe that some compromise couldn't have been found with local politicians. I think there are 2 stubborn people in that situation and neither want to budge. Prices have constantly risen, Fees for vendors have constantly risen, the money spent on stage acts has definitely not increased along with the prices at the gate.

So to sum it all up (hopefully you're still awake): Don't blame the hard working people of the faire perfecting their acting skills or products. Look to the top and hopefully the owner will see the feedback and realize that he is the one that needs to change.

"When faced with a situation that doesn't change, you might need to look in a mirror to find the problem"

Have a great day!

[Sir Trevor]

One point of clarification.
Management had nothing to do with the joust we have right now.
That was completely the brain child of the Highland Crew.
It is basically the pre-show for thier audience participation highland games.
After they saw there was no joust on opening weekend.
Their beautifully twisted minds cooked up what we have now.

[Seriously]

Thank You Sir Trevor and Huzzah to the Highland crew!

[blueguy]

Alright, my response to all this:

I'm pretty sure if you are attending more than twice, you may as well buy the pass. The numbers make third visit about the break even point. (and I , at least, seem to worry less about rushing to get there earlier or staying later than I really enjoy compared to buying a daily ticket)

The king thing has been pretty well covered and the actor in question was on cast for 2 or 3 seasons prior to this (but was not last year) Normally in smaller supporting roles owing to his age at the time and experience relative to the roles in question. But there has been nobody on the cast the past 4 years that would have been a better fit for this role. He has the foppy look, the mannerisms and youthful attitude. (wish he had told me ahead of time, we would have worked up some arrogance for him)

I love the theme. It has never been done here before and it's a tale that is easily recognized by the audience thanks to the many, many films it has spawned (unlike the dead, unknowing looks the much more period accurate Ivanhoe brought from the crowd) I liked the Ivanhoe theme but the audience, for the most part, didn't have a clue who most of the characters were or why they were important. I get where you are coming from with the "Medieval Faire" thing, however. My counter argument is that nothing is historically accurate in the grounds anyhow. It's a theme park of older times. total accuracy would result in very unsafe food vendors lacking power or modern cooking equipment, warm beverages, and Trevor's right to steal your stuff when you walk past him. It's something you have to accept (as I often tell my costume maven friend when she points out ladies wearing 16th century corsets with 15th century dresses)

I will agree, the cast is undermanned and overworked. I would go into details but I'm still not sure who is who in the cast thanks to no list. But they work hard for no pay and deserve some credit. Bonus Credit to Tim, the Cardinal who is rocking. Double Bonus to young D'artagnan who didn't even show up looking to be in the cast and got recruited who is rocking and then some.

Chess is an evolving creature and always has been. If you see it first weekend, you just pray nobody dies. By third weekend, it's usually working well and by the end, the cast has figured out how to do neat little extras to make it really cool. then they stop and everybody gets new partners and fights next year and we go back to square one (with a new fight director) The problem I am seeing in the fights goes back to your medieval issue... our actors are used to broadswords not fencing weapons. It's a different style of fighting and stances. I am seeing progress with some however. I should also point out there are at least 2 if not 3 first year cast members fighting. In the last few years, those cast members would have been trained in the comedy checkers match year one and then promoted after learning a bit more. (which may account for some of that inexperience you are seeing)

The streets are empty because the streets are empty. nevermind the cast presence, we are just lacking bodies in general there. crowds make the site seem more alive and active. Some of the playtrons are doing extra to make up for the cast and their schedule but we have our limits. If you are back out, feel free to join in and we will start something in the street and see who joins us.

[FaireGuest]

I don't think Guest was knocking on cast, I think he was knocking on how management is running the cast. When I read his comment, I got that he was disappointed by how they have been poorly directed in his opinion. Which I agree too. The cast is fantastic. They are so talented and are some of the most wonderful people, but the way faire is run this year is what he was having problems with, it seems.

And I don' think he was completely taking a hit on the actor as king, but rather saying having a boy king at this faire is weird and that having a strong, older king is better. Because really, it does look like the Queen is trying to pull the weight of the whole court. I mean, I know the body guards are supposed to just stand there, but they look very standoffish when I approached the court. I was afraid to interact with them. The Queen is so wonderful. Her smile just lights up everything around her.

I agree with the dance show. It takes everyone off the streets. Can't they like, split the cast? Half do one show, half do the other? That way it would also give the cast a break running from show to show like they have been doing all year. They have got to be exhausted.

I could tell the cast was not comfortable with the flimsy fencing swords. I know that's the weapon from the story, but maybe they could have used thinner, sturdier swords like the ones they've used previously. I think it would make the fights have a bigger impact. They look like they're hitting each other with swimming noodles sometimes the way these swords bend.


I'd like to see King Arthur or Robin Hood again. I think the patrons and cast have so much fun with those stories!! I remember the very cute Sir Guy from 07 and Will Scarlett. If I'm not mistaken, Sir Guy was Romeo last year and Will Scarlett is now part of Dueling Fools?

[Nyneve of the Oakes]

Jul 26, 2012 16:52:53 GMT -5 Sir Trevor said:

One point of clarification.
Management had nothing to do with the joust we have right now.
That was completely the brain child of the Highland Crew.
It is basically the pre-show for thier audience participation highland games.
After they saw there was no joust on opening weekend.
Their beautifully twisted minds cooked up what we have now.

Sorry Trevor...but if you don't think Management didn't have anything to do with planning of lack of joust, you are sorely naive and mistaken.

There were already rumblings weeks PRIOR to opening weekend that there would be no joust, and that there would be a "medieval arms" show in its place. Who really believes that a Trebuchet was pulled from somebody's arse immediately when they thought there would be no joust opening day/weekend? Not I...however, I still love this Faire and have supported it since its inception. Although I unfortunately find that we only were able to make it to opening weekend this year...I hope that it will begin to build up again over the next years!!! Huzzah to GLMF!!

[Sir Trevor]

Jul 28, 2012 23:26:14 GMT -5 Nyneve of the Oakes said:

Jul 26, 2012 16:52:53 GMT -5 Sir Trevor said:

One point of clarification.
Management had nothing to do with the joust we have right now.
That was completely the brain child of the Highland Crew.
It is basically the pre-show for thier audience participation highland games.
After they saw there was no joust on opening weekend.
Their beautifully twisted minds cooked up what we have now.

Sorry Trevor...but if you don't think Management didn't have anything to do with planning of lack of joust, you are sorely naive and mistaken.

No, no.
You misunderstand.
Since you have not been since opening weekend, you have not seen the joust that the Highland Crew perform.
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL51971CD87CCCEE7E&feature=view_all
They did not start doing it, until 2nd weekend.
That is what I said management had nothing to do with.

[blueguy]

If anybody was around this weekend and saw the visiting former cast dropping in, we could stop all this commentary on current cast size and options. They all went and turned into parents since last season!. Seriously, there are enough babies to plan the troupe for 2030. And they are cute. (ok, not all of them but a ton of them). And there was at least 5 street events I tripped into today in various spots so I think the team is getting out when they can.

[countessofmidnight]

I just want to say that I love the GLMF regardless of whether it's theme of the year is Medieval or more Renaissance...

It still has the ol' Tyme Magic...

Sure, there are some negative things that I noticed that were new right away :

---The cast was small. And, if anyone thinks that's terrible, please realize that probably 99% of the cast are NOT paid for what they do. All they get for their hard work is a meal ticket. On the contrary, it costs to be in the cast. I know that they start rehearsing in the Spring, which means traveling to the Faire site... Perhaps, they have to come up with costumes too.

---If there were empty lanes, that is, little interaction between cast and patrons... Well, ---Patrons, get in there and interact ( play ) with what cast there is ! You too can be the entertainment !

---Also, as to not as many vendors... Fees to sell, quite frankly, are high. Realistically, a vendor needs to re-coup that in sales to be successful ( not lose money ). And, perhaps buyers don't have as much money to spend as they did before...

---Lack of encampments?... Gypsy encampment, Viking encampment, Pirate encampment--- might also be a thing tied to economics ( )

I hate to hear negative comments. Yes,---yes,---yes... I know there are some disappointments... However... Enjoy! Isn't getting together, seeing old friends, dressing up, fantasizing, escaping to a simpler time what IT'S ALL ABOUT ? Even if we have to make do with less of this or that...

[blueguy]

I'm gonna toss some final thoughts in here too. Apologies for lack of spacing, I am on my phone. 1- when you have a volunteer cast, you are stuck with those that apply. The director cannot force people to try out or take roles and in any crop, there are some you just do not want regardless of desperation (i know a guy that would love the job but cannot speak without profanity and that would not go over well). If it's a small cast, they make due and cut corners on plans. 2- when the budget is tight, cast shows fill the gaps. Add that to issue 1 and you get nobody free to play in the streets. 3- the highland joust was a parody and a joke. Despite that, it the first time I have seen the grizzled veteran playtrons bother to watch a joust. 4- the worries over spending for a particular act or tossing blame for somebody not coming back need to stop right now. I talked to too many vendors, performers and other assorted tradefolk this year to think any single person was to blame. The truth is that some wanted back but could not do it at the offered pay, others had better offers from bigger shows or conflicts (vendors and performers both) it's the nature of this business for acts to wander on occassion. (and every act that leaves opens a door for new friends to enter). 5- I am done caring if any given year is the final season. I am done wasting time at the faire debating that issue. I am done speculating on the return of the pubs. Frankly, all that does is ruin the mood for the first few weeks. From now on it is not about weathering the storms but about dancing in the rain. You are all welcome to join me in that and enjoy each other's company or continue to sit in the corner and sulk. 6- the grounds crew (not the volunteers, the actual staff) needs to do a total examination of every structure the public has access to before fall with plans to repair and rebuild by spring. Far too many loose and broken boards about right now. If this is not done, somebody will have a lawsuit pending next season.