My First Fringe!

As most of you are probably aware, I perform illusions with my boyfriend, Jared Sherlock. Actually, magic   was our genesis-- but our story is saved for another blog some day :) I spent last spring touring Minnesota with The Magic of Jared Sherlock (MoJS), but regrettably had to stop performing after I tore my MCL in a skiing accident. (YES: it was the first day up on the mountain. I still have night terrors from the toboggan ride down). Now, Jared has rounded home on his spring tour, he has finally planted himself in Minnesota, and I am fully recovered. Fringe mode is in full swing, and I can't wait to get "back in the box!" MN Fringe is a very big opportunity for us, and it seems that we are already attracting some fantastic talent. Jared spent yesterday rehearsing with a brilliant performer/juggler who was referred to him by Del Arte talent in Blue Lake, CA. We also start training a phenomenal dancer, and one of my best friends, Mel today. And if these two lovely ladies weren't enough to get our motor going, Jared and I are thrilled to be learning another illusion coming as soon as Sunday. Everything seems to be falling in to place, which is much welcome relief. As if moving isn't difficult enough on it's own, the anxiety of recruiting new talent, finding rehearsal space, and executing a stellar show by August 5th is pretty taxing. However, if we found ourselves backed into a corner, there is always the comfort of "home base." Katherine, our beloved actor and juggler from "Night Games" and the MoJS Tour will be performing with us at MN Fringe. We will be sad to see her exit stage left to focus on her new full time job permanently. Mark, "The Pro," our hilarious and insightful "Night Games" actor has always jumped in when he needed him. I'm hoping he will make a couple Fringe appearances as well-- maybe at Indy Fringe! (Indianapolis, IN). And lastly, our stage manager from "Night Games" will be rejoining the crew to keep us in check at MN Fringe. All three of these people are Johnnie/Bennie alums, and we all feel a certain loyalty to each other through the community of theatre and friendship. 

MN Fringe Festival is a lottery in which over 500 artists enter. 200 are chosen at random, and Jared's name was first on the list. He has applied every year for the past four years, and this is our opportunity to really show Minneapolis what we've got. The way that talent, dedication, and resources have been presenting themselves is very encouraging, and I can't wait to keep everyone updated on the progress and development of our production!

Included in this post are some pictures of the people we love and appreciate as members of MoJS. Also, if you didn't catch the half-joke before-- You'll see a picture of me actually "back in the box." (It's the opening illusion at the spectacular Penn & Teller show in Las Vegas!)

 This is our wonderful cast from "Night Games." Katherine is the adorable laughing blondie on the left, and Mark is uncharacteristically NOT smiling on the far right. He was probably being a serious professional.

Penn & Teller's opening illusion! (No, I do not know how it's done).