PRINCESS THEATRE - Raising the Curtain: 2023

Friday, April 28, 2023

The 7th Annual Tennessee Pirate Fest Coming Soon!

The seventh annual Tennessee Pirate Fest invites you to go back in time to the Age of Piracy.  This outdoor daytime family entertainment-oriented festival will be held the last two weekends in May including Memorial Day at the Tennessee Medieval Faire site in Harriman--just 30 miles west of Turkey Creek. 

“Get Yer Pirate On! with famous British privateer, Sir Captain Henry Morgan, in Port Royal, Jamaica, circa 1674.  As the new Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica, Captain Morgan is throwing a festival to celebrate his daughter’s 20th birthday.  All are invited—pirates, socialites, supernaturals, and even Spaniards.  Captain Morgan had sacked Panama--a Spanish colony--and sent the gold to Britain after the war with Spain was over.  Was Captain Morgan a privateer or pirate?  Are revenge and love involved?  Come and find out!”  said Lars Paulson, GM. 

Rotating on several stages will be professional touring and local talent.  New this year will be sword-fighting demonstrations and sparring games by the Society of Creative Anachronism (May 20-21), comedy sword-fighting shows by The Renaissance Men (May 27-28-29), and pirate music by Loch Morr.  Back by popular demand will be interactive danger shows by The Flaming Ginger; slapstick Punch and Judy puppet shows by Professor Brent DeWitt; and music by The CrossJacks, Kris Colt the Black Rose, PanEZZ Steel Drum, Bravura Music Academy (May 20-21), and Timothy Russell (May 27-28-29).  

The interactive costumed street character ensemble—the Royal Players--will seek to entertain in Kombat Kroquet, The Plot Thickens at Port Royal, Governor’s Follies, Throw Me A Line, Puppet Adventures, and Captain Chester—Defender of the Caribbean.  For those who like slightly spooky entertainment, Captain Davy Jones and Calypso will guide those willing on the Trail of Doom (PG)--a pirate version of A Christmas Carol.  

Patrons are encouraged to dress in pirate costume and enter the Costume Contest to win a prize.  All can learn to be a pirate in Pirate School or join a pirate crew by performing a talent on stage in the Gong Show.  Other free games and activities will include Pirate Olympics, the mid-day parade, folk dancing, speed courting, corn hole, giant chess, and steel drum.  There will also be pay-to-play activities, including axe-throwing, sparring (May 20-21), and taking photos with a mermaid or Captain Redbeard and his pyRAT.  This pirate entertainment can be found at https://tmfaire.com/pirate-fest-entertainment/ and is subject to change as needed.  Schedules will be available online and at the entrance.  

The merchants of Port Royal will be selling their custom wares such as period costumes, leather goods, chainmail, drinking horns, bath and body items, gaming accessories, wooden wares, face-painting, and unique jewelry.  A variety of food will be available, including Turkey legs, BBQ, brats, grilled chicken wraps and salads, sandwiches, shaved ice, and funnel cake.  Beverages will also be available, including water, soda, sweet tea, fresh lemonade, and beer.  Vendors are independent entities and accept cash and credit; and a list of vendors and their wares is available at https://tmfaire.com/current-vendors/

The Tennessee Pirate Fest will be open rain or shine on May 20-21, 27-28-29, from 11am-6pm ET.  The festival is located at 550 Fiske Road, Harriman, TN.  Free parking is provided in rough-cut fields, and handicap parking is available.  Entrance tickets can be purchased online now at https://darkhorsellc.ticketspice.com/tennessee-pirate-fest-2023.  Tickets will also be available for purchase on festival days at the ticket house for cash or credit.  Entrance ticket prices include all taxes and fees and are $20 for ages 13+, $10 for ages 5 to 12; and admission is free for ages 4 and under.  Festival beverage tickets (in $1 increments) are available online, will be available at the gate, or patrons can use exact change.  There will be no ATM onsite, so patrons are encouraged to bring cash for purchases, tips, and convenience.  

Festival rules include the following:  costumes and behavior should be family-friendly, footwear is required, no loaded or sharp weapons, bladed weapons must be sheathed, all weapons must be peace/zip-tied, service animals only, no outside food or drink, enter at your own risk.  Festival grounds are primarily grass with small hills.  Portable benches will be available at the stages and patrons can bring their own seating.  To purchase beer, one must be 21+ years of age with valid photo ID.  There will be no onsite public camping; however, a list of local accommodations has been provided by Roane Tourism: https://www.roanetourism.com/stay/list/.  For more information, please visit www.TNPirateFest.com, “like” and “follow” the Tennessee Medieval Faire | Tennessee Pirate Fest on Facebook, or call 865-466-1902. 


Friday, February 24, 2023

The Sound Man - Pat Brandon

I would like to high highlight Pat Brandon, a lead technician at Roane State and for the Princess Theatre. He works behind the scenes at the Princess doing an awesome job on the sound we hear. However, if you notice the next time you enter the auditorium, he is one of the first things you will see. Pat sits inconspicuously behind the partition that surrounds the sound and lighting control booth.


Pat studied fine art at the Academy of Art University, and scenic painting at New York Cobalt Studios. He has designed lights and sets for a vast number of productions, including but not limited to the premier of Prince of Egypt on stage, the stage premiere of Enchanted April, Music Man, High School Musical, Wizard of Oz, Into The Woods, Annie, and many more. Prior to joining the staff at Roane State, Pat most recently worked with the Theatre Department at Castro Valley High School as a master teacher in technical theatre, where he had been since 2008. Beginning in 1995 and continuing until his recent relocation, he was the Technical Director for Neighborhood Church in Castro Valley, CA. He has also designed the lights and set for Trinity Lyric Opera, served as the Technical Director of the Neighborhood Youth Theater from 1997-2019, and provided after-school arts education and an assembly program to the local public, private, and home school organizations.

Next time you attend a live music concert, or hear a great stage play, remember to thank Pat Brandon as you leave the theater auditorium, for his “sound” efforts on your behalf!  

Sunday, February 12, 2023

Prince Tribute Band "Purple Madness" Rocks The Princess

Dearly beloved 
We are gathered here today 
To get through this thing called life 
Electric word life 
It means forever and that's a mighty long time 
But I'm here to tell you 
There's something else 
The afterworld 
A world of never-ending happiness 
You can always see the sun, day or night
 
"Let's Go Crazy" (from the "Purple Rain" soundtrack)
Well, we did go a little crazy last evening as Bobby Miller lead us in a wonderful tribute to the sounds of PRINCE!

The “Purple Madness” is the ultimate celebration of the most widely beloved entertainer and profoundly influential artist of all-time. Bobby Miller presents an electrifying performance that can be best described as, high energy and a “must see” performance.  
The Prince Purple Madness Tribute Show have all but perfected every last nuance in recreating the sights and sounds of the artist Prince.  It is with great honor and utmost reverence that The Prince Tribute Band was formed.  

For anyone who wasn't fortunate enough to have witnessed the live show last night, you missed one of the best performances we've had at the Princess Theatre!  Collectively, the band has over 100 years of music experience.  The group lovingly describes their show as a performance that is second to none.  
Bobby Miller, front man since early childhood, has studied and emulated Prince and Michael Jackson's persona, voice and dance movements.  His hard work has transcended him into one of America's Top Prince Tribute Artist.  

Bobby embodies and exudes the spirit of Prince on and off stage.  According to Bobby, "when it's time to perform,” Bobby feels as though he is the “real” deal.  Bobby promises to always keep the Prince Legacy alive!

Before we get into last night's photos, let me first honor Doc and Wilma Mullins for their years of volunteer devotion to the Princess Theatre.  Their leadership has fostered and mentored a well-disciplined crew of men and women who work for you, for absolutely free! The only pay they receive is your approval and thanks!
Please thank each one next you visit the Princess!

Sit back now and scroll through some of last night's most exciting moments.  You might even see yourself!











































See you soon at the Princess!  KISS and Fleetwood Mac tribute bands are coming again soon!  Also, a Chicago tribute is coming!  
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