Updates ‘n such

Well, as you might expect durring the unbearably hot month of July, faire activity here in the midwest (as far as MOPO is concerned) is rather… non existant.  However, just in case you think we’re all just sitting on our bums waiting for cooler weather, think again!

After taking a few weeks to enjoy a bit of a vacation, we’re about ready to start preparing for our fall shows.  Rehearsals are about to kick back in with full force, with about five weekends available before our next scheduled gig in Charles City Iowa on August 19th and 20th.  I still have a few details to sort out for that particular show, and will be sharing some of them as more information becomes available. 

Our real concentration, however, is on our September gigs at Amana and Nodaway.  It seems we’ll be needing to make a few substitutions and / or alterations to the composition of the troupe in order to make those shows happen, and I want to pre-empt any rumors that might start cropping up as people start to wonder what the heck is going on.

First, I am very happy to let everyone know that Steve and I have had a number of heart to heart discussions, and it is with great joy that I can tell you that Captain Steve will indeed be rejoining our merry little Ministry.  In this day and age, anytime people can sit down, intelligently discuss their problems, look for and find solutions and then act on them, it’s a victory.  I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, loosing Steve was a nasty situation, and I think I speak for everyone when I say that we’re excsta… eccsta… escsta… really really glad he’s back.

However, Mandy and Melissa won’t be able to make our September gigs.  They have cooked up a show along with Allen Huffman (of The Pirate Comedy Show and the Regional Renaissance Reporter) and will instead be performing all three weekends at the new Des Moines Renaissance festival.  Now, as much as I hate loosing Mandy and Melissa, I do wish them (And Allen, I suppose,   ) the very best with the show, and hope that they’re a big hit.  I have always, and always will, encourage members of MOPO to do what is best and right for themselves, both personally and professionally.  Mandy, living in Des Moines, wanted to be a part of a faire that could well impact the national scene, and quite honestly, I would have done the same in her shoes.  Please join me in giving them a pat on the back for following their hearts.

Now, join me in damning them for abandoning us in our time of need! (THATS A JOKE!) Seriously… we knew this would probably happen long ago, it was anticipated and accounted for, and if anyone tells you that we’ve broken up or fractured or split due to any circumstance other than our desire for each of our members having the ability to do what makes them happy… you’ve been lied to.  Nuff said.

Adding to the complications, all the same, is Kathy’s (Bonny Kate) work schedule, as the first two productions at Kansas State Unviersity come very early and practically on top of each other. (One opening a week after the other closes) and so at this point we’re not exactly sure if she’ll be able to join us for the fall season.  Taken simply on that, things started looking a little grim. 

However, blessings come in the stranges disguises, and all it takes is a little perspective to find it.  What appears to be a stumbling block is an opportunity for us to grow, both in confidence and in repretoire, and in our circle of friends for that matter.  In a way, its quite exciting actually… let me explain.

We were fortunate enough in the last couple of months to make the aquaintences of a couple very special people, namely Mark Tomasello (a.k.a. “Mad Jack Morgan) and Heather Westcott (a.k.a. “Bloody Mary McGee) who are charter members of Cutthroats N Corsets, a new reenactment troupe out of Omaha.  Mark and Heather have offered their help to substitute in for missing members where they can, and to help us develop what I’ll call “reduced” versions of our shows.  Long story made short (ish) it is entirely possible that if you come to see the shows in Amana or Nodaway that you’ll be witness to unpredictable permutations of our bits.  It could be Myself, Steve and Kathy.  It could be Myself, Mark and Heather.  It could be just Steve and myself.  Or… if every aspect of Murphy’s Law decides to crash all at once… it could be just me. (Which would make for easy math when it comes time to divy up the hat.)

Besides, we won’t be the first troupe to have numerous permutations of performers.  Heck, the Limey Birds have what… 12 or 15 various members over the year and from time to time?  And look how successful they are! (Not to mention sexy and talented.)

Anyway… rest assured that MOPO will continue to provide quality entertainment, no matter what assemblage of characters we have to work with, and that we’re around for years to come.