Dysfunctional Shakespearean excerpts, corn dogs and a dedication to total immersion set the scene for the Kenai Performers’ next show, “Murder at the Renaissance Faire,” which opens next weekend.
The show, written by local playwright Michael Druce and directed by Terri Zopf-Schoessler, follows the eclectic cast of a stage production in a Renaissance Faire plagued with misfortune. Around the fair, equipment is malfunctioning, people are getting hurt, and perhaps most disturbingly, under-qualified understudies are being forced to step into big roles.
Zopf-Schoessler said “Murder at the Renaissance Faire” is one of the rare opportunities where the Kenai Performers put on a show by a playwright they know. She said the show is sharp, that it offers a lot for people who are familiar with Shakespeare and people who aren’t.
Ultimately, the show becomes something of a “whodunit,” lighting director Stephen Cline said.
“The way it ends up is quite surprising.”
Luke Burgess plays a young actor without any experience who suddenly finds himself playing characters like Romeo and Hamlet when the show’s star fails to show up to rehearsal.
The show has offered lots of opportunities for experimentation and collaboration, Burgess said, especially in the humor. It also has a tricky central mystery that will keep the audience guessing until the end.
Allen Auxier plays a retired sheriff who plays a sheriff at the fair. He becomes embroiled in the mystery when he begins pointing fingers and asking questions.
“It’s absurd,” he said.
Terri Burdick plays a secretary at the renaissance fair’s office, who is also a mime. That’s an unusual role, she said, because she doesn’t get to speak.
“It’s been a hoot,” she said.
Heather Prisk serves as stage manager and “sound mistress,” interacting with characters from the sidelines with an array of musical instruments and other noisy implements. She said it’s a new experience compared to being onstage and speaking with the other actors.
Prisk and Cline said that their presence behind the scenes usually starts just as early as the actors, at auditions. Cline said he’s immediately looking to get a sense of the characters and start coming up with ideas. Iteration continues all the way up to the show’s opening.
Zopf-Schoessler said that any community theater production requires a lot of people donating their time, money and energy.
Cline said “it’s family too.”
“Murder at the Renaissance Faire” is a show that’s funny and colorful, with jokes and references both obscure and accessible that will keep people laughing, Prisk said.
“It’s completely and utterly ridiculous,” she said. “We love it.”
“Murder at the Renaissance Faire” opens next week and will run two weekends — May 17-19 and 24-26 at the Kenai Performers’ Theater on Kalifornsky Beach Road. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m. Sunday matinees are at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at kenaiperformers.org.
In addition to the show, the Kenai Performers will also host the “Medieval Mayhem Family Fun Faire” on Saturday, May 18, running noon to 4 p.m. There will be a costume contest, vendors, food and other live entertainment, per an event flier.
For more information, find “Kenai Performers” on Facebook.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
Luke Burgess and Amy Burton rehearse “Murder at the Renaissance Faire” at the Kenai Performers’ Theater in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Luke Burgess and Terri Zopf-Schoessler rehearse “Murder at the Renaissance Faire” at the Kenai Performers’ Theater in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Joe Spady and Donna Shirnberg rehearse “Murder at the Renaissance Faire” at the Kenai Performers’ Theater in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Allen Auxier rehearses “Murder at the Renaissance Faire” at the Kenai Performers’ Theater in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Amy Burton and Luke Burgess rehearse “Murder at the Renaissance Faire” at the Kenai Performers’ Theater in Soldotna, Alaska, on Wednesday, May 8, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
