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Message |
    
melissa
Citizen
Username: Mfred208
Post Number: 5
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 8:41 am: | 
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Being realatively new to SO my husband and I took our two small children to this festival on Sunday and we were both shocked and disturbed at this event. The cost was $15.00 per adult and I'm okay with the idea that we are paying for actors in perform. But first I'm expecting actors and expecting to see some sort of performance. Not only were there no "actors" , but a traveling troop of gypsies scam artists ,but they were not even performing anything. It was mainly a forum for all people to take out their Medevil costumes and walk around in the park. Shopping for all sorts of S&M attire and swords. The only sort of exhibition they had were roped off areas where children can hit the "actors" with soft swords. Any sort of games they had you had to pay extra for. If there is anyone out there who was thinking of going to this scam don't. They even wanted to charge for a program! Terrible. The worst thing I've ever been to. |
red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 5760
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 2:21 pm: |
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We were thinking of going to this weekend. Thanks. We went to the Medevil Times last year and it was the same, overpriced and nothing to do. |
John W. Kennedy
Citizen
Username: John_w_kennedy
Post Number: 29
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 8:02 pm: |
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Madam, you have a right not to like our show.
But you do not have the right to lie about it in a public forum, and your posting is one massive lie. As one of the actors, myself, I personally am in no less than nine out of the more than thirty shows given during the day.
We are also not "gypsies" (which is a racist slur to begin with, but leave that for another day). We are perfectly ordinary suburbanites from New Jersey, of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and daytime employments, and if any one profession predominates among us, it is schoolteaching. We give over months every year to writing, rehearsing, and performing, and most of us spend a good deal of our own money to do so, on costumes, props, and musical instruments -- and we've been doing this since 1989 (at South Mountain Reservation since 2002).
I am contacting the moderators of the board to have this thread deleted. If you continue to spread this untrue story, I will recommend legal action. |
stefano
Citizen
Username: Stefano
Post Number: 508
Registered: 2-2002
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 9:20 pm: |
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You use the word gypsy on your web site, so how is it a racial slur?
http://www.njkingdom.com/pirates/schedule.html#tale
dr stefano
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John W. Kennedy
Citizen
Username: John_w_kennedy
Post Number: 30
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Monday, June 12, 2006 - 9:34 pm: |
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Because she is using it as one, piling it on as just one more bad thing to call us. |
johnny
Citizen
Username: Johnny
Post Number: 1640
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 12:18 am: |
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There is a really good joke just waiting to be typed about "The Enchanted Forest"..... |
melissa
Citizen
Username: Mfred208
Post Number: 6
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 7:44 am: |
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I am very sorry if I have offened you Mr. Kennedy. The problem is when you charge more than the Zoo for admittance, provide much less entertainment, and have tents set up above the festival I have to call you gypsies. Furthmore, l I have the right to give my opinion about your festival just as much as somone who has gone, spent the money, and enjoyed your lousy festival. |
John W. Kennedy
Citizen
Username: John_w_kennedy
Post Number: 31
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 9:20 am: |
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Madam, your posting was not an "opinion", it was a lie. |
Duder
Citizen
Username: El_duderino
Post Number: 1009
Registered: 2-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 9:28 am: |
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What was the lie? |
Spanish Inquisitor
Citizen
Username: Sinq
Post Number: 74
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 9:30 am: |
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Challenge her to a duel!
Signed,
A happy attendee of a prior year's festivities. Huzzah! |
John W. Kennedy
Citizen
Username: John_w_kennedy
Post Number: 32
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 10:07 am: |
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She said we have no actors. That is a lie; we have dozens.
She said we have no performances. That is a lie; we have over thirty in the course of the day, ranging in length from about ten minutes to about forty, and in matter from puppet shows ("Punch and Judy") and fairy tales ("The Trial of Peter Pan") to romantic comedies ("Hearts and Pirates") and a Shakespearean spoof of horror movies ("A Midsummer's Nightmare"), not to mention our main storyline that runs in five episodes over the course of the day.
She called us a "traveling troop of gypsies [sic] scam artists." That is a lie; we are teachers, computer programmers, lawyers, mechanics, scientists, college students, forklift operators, and others, who live in New Jersey, and do this annual show as an unpaid hobby. (For many of us, in fact, this is an activity for the entire family to take part in.) |
red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 5767
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 1:00 pm: |
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John--maybe you can post a schedule of events? Last year I went, we felt the same. We walked around with the children, there seemed to be nothing there. We went to go get food, the lines were far too long. We went around from place to place, there was nothing for us to participate in.... |
John W. Kennedy
Citizen
Username: John_w_kennedy
Post Number: 33
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 1:22 pm: |
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It might be more convenient for you to get a program (besides, it's really pretty, and has the cast list, and so on), but the schedule is posted at http://www.njkingdom.com/pirates/scheduleindex.html. |
melissa
Citizen
Username: Mfred208
Post Number: 7
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 9:13 pm: |
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John, you charge an extra fee for ur 'pretty' program, that points you in the direction of nowhere....if ur really serious about this being a family experience, i would really recommened losing the 'Lusty Leather' booth and actually providing some activities for children to particpate in that are not violent and/or cost exttra money, considering we had already paid $30 to walk in. I realize this is close to your heart and a labor of love, but threatening legal action to somebody posting an opinion is a bit absurd, like ur 'festival'....
question, if you and your fellow actors are not being paid, then where does the money go?
sorry if i offended you, but its just one family's opinion |
Gregor Samsa
Citizen
Username: Oldsctls67
Post Number: 530
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 10:01 pm: |
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I have to back up Melissa here...My wife and I took our 3 1/2 year old last year to the Medieval one. Besides the steep admission price, objectionable content in some of the booths, I personally felt very uncomfortable there. Perhaps I was over-reacting, but it seemed to me that all the older people in costume (not necessarily working there, but attending) were male, and all the younger ones were female. The place was full of teen-agers dressed up in costume trying to pick-up on one another. IMHO definitely NOT a place for kids, even though it's billed as such. |
Gregor Samsa
Citizen
Username: Oldsctls67
Post Number: 531
Registered: 11-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 10:04 pm: |
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also, having just viewed the website, the whole Pirate thing looks like a lame re-hashing of the Medieval theme from last year. Melissa raises a good point...if the actors are not paid, whre then does the money go? Somebody's making out here. |
John W. Kennedy
Citizen
Username: John_w_kennedy
Post Number: 34
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 10:30 pm: |
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You still do not seem to understand that you did not post "an opinion"; you posted lies.
As for "where does the money go?", do you actually suppose that costumes (and dry cleaning), buildings (and trucks to haul them in disassembled form to and from the site), paint (and paintbrushes and rollers), swords and daggers, antique-style firearms, and rehearsal facilities come for free? Not to mention a website? Or color printing? Or insurance? |
bets
Supporter
Username: Bets
Post Number: 23321
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, June 13, 2006 - 10:54 pm: |
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Ouch.
Quote:You still do not seem to understand that you did not post "an opinion"; you posted lies.
As for "where does the money go?", do you actually suppose that costumes (and dry cleaning), buildings (and trucks to haul them in disassembled form to and from the site), paint (and paintbrushes and rollers), swords and daggers, antique-style firearms, and rehearsal facilities come for free? Not to mention a website? Or color printing? Or insurance?
I, for one, would back down at this point. I (aye, if I'm the poster I'm posing) would avast and resail and stop! Seriously.
Wow. |
red
Citizen
Username: Redy67
Post Number: 5787
Registered: 2-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 11:27 am: |
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John, I think you are outnumbered here. Maybe instead of being offended take action and make next years better. Looking at the schedule I don't see much for one to do with a family... |
davel
Citizen
Username: Davel
Post Number: 158
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 1:02 pm: |
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I went with my 82 year old father who was visting with his significant other, also 82, as well as my 10 year old son. Given that they all enjoyed it, I thought compelled to post this given that the description Mellissa mentioned has many differences from what we experienced. If you are curious about going, first look and if needed print out the schedule posted on the web. It is listed on the MOL calendar of events, or at:
http://www.njkingdom.com/
There certainly is a lot of violence at the festival, but the festival IS about pirates and it is presented in a sanitized PG (not even 13) sort of way.
Older kids could fence with pirates in real fencing gear and the pirates were masters at hamming it up. Younger kids used padded swords. I'm not sure if there was even a charge for that. Other games that cost 50 cents for children included bean-bag throwing games and the like. They also had an archery range.
A walk through the enchanted forest with the actors cost someting like $2.50 (we declined).
In the two hours we were there we watched three performances (all free): Hearts and Pirates, Tavern Brawl and The Living Chess Game. These were all lively, over-acted, fun performances. The Hearts and Pirates was an absurdist love-story and the Living Chess Game was more like all-star wrestling. I'm not an all-star wresting fan, but I was impressed how some of these actors could "play" fight with real swords, some of them flipped and rolled over others (I did notice one was getting some minor medical attention after the performance).
Some of the costumes of the performers were so-so, but some were quite impressive, authentic looking and must have been quite expensive to make.
There were over 25 small stalls where people sold craf type items. Many had medievil or pirate themes. For instance, there were alot of swords for sale, some with very impressive craftsmanship. One vendor sold chain-mail that he made himself - he said it was relaxing to make - almost like sewing.
Yes, I did se a few items that could be viewed as S&M (I can't even recall what it was - nothing over the top). Yes, some of the participants walking about looked like they could be bikers dressed as pirates, but they were all quite friendly.
Overall it was a fun experience, kids 10 and under got in free. If the day is nice, its a fun way to spend some time. Nothing fantastic, but fun if you think you might like what I described.
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daylaborer
Citizen
Username: Upondaroof
Post Number: 769
Registered: 4-2003
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 2:29 pm: |
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"Yes, some of the participants walking about looked like they could be bikers dressed as pirates, but they were all quite friendly."
So what's wrong with bikers? Some of my best friends are bikers.
But seriously, like they say, theres two sides to every story. (Well actually three), but two will do here! |
Josh Holtz
Citizen
Username: Jholtz
Post Number: 486
Registered: 4-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 2:45 pm: |
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My two cents:
To make the experience enjoyable for all I would suggest converting the performances mentioned above into live action pornos. Come up with some catchy re-names such as: Tarts and Pirates, The Tavern Call Girl and The Living A*ss Game.
That way not only will the performances be entertaining (fun for the whole family) but also truly educational.
Hey ... I'd buy tickets. |
melissa
Citizen
Username: Mfred208
Post Number: 8
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 14, 2006 - 9:23 pm: |
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Josh - LOL
Davel - I'm glad your family had an enjoyable time at the festival. And I hope people read your post and mine before they spend the money and the time attending.
Red - I agree with you. |
Just The Aunt
Supporter
Username: Auntof13
Post Number: 5384
Registered: 1-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 12:47 pm: |
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Hmmm This is what the website says about the money raised. Not what he posted on MOL.
Welcome to the Home Page of Dunn-Ley Productions, LLC, sponsors of educational and cultural events that have entertained over 150,000 spectators and donated over $62,000 to worthy charities over the past fourteen years. Over 300 volunteers contribute their time year-round to creating such events as the New Jersey Renaissance Kingdom and the Annual Haunted Village. These events have become renowned throughout the national circuit for their depth of storytelling, superior acting, fast and realistic fight choreography, authentic structures, elaborate costuming, and precise attention to detail and special effects. Please enjoy yourself on our fully interactive web site. We are dedicated to maintaining, updating, and revising the site year-round! |
melissa
Citizen
Username: Mfred208
Post Number: 9
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 1:23 pm: |
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Ha! Charities - Whatever. |
davel
Citizen
Username: Davel
Post Number: 159
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 4:29 pm: |
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Melissa - I can understand your not liking the festival and wanting to warn others about it, but I am disappointed that you spread so much false and nasty information about the festival and the people in it. People reading your posts get incorrect information. To be fair John did not help the tone when he replied to you.
A few corrections:
1) There are many performances through out the day.
2) They are not a "traveling troop of gypsies scam artists." Did you talk to any? The "Govenour" walked past our family and introduced himself very graciously and clued us into some of the performances we might want to catch.
3) You imply the 'Lusty Leather' booth is some S&M haven when it couldn't be further from that. Judge for yourself at http://www.lustyleather.com/shop.html
Don't get me wrong, this festival isn't the best thing since sliced bread.
Your going to have to spend a lot more if you expect to walk into the set of the Pirates of the Carribean. And yes, it probably is recycling the rennaisance theme from past years a bit. These shows are expensive to put on and nothing Auntie posted is inconsistent with the fact they have expenses to cover. A Rennaisance festival I've been to in PA costs twice as much (more when you factor in the kids) and it is commesurately better. At this festival I think you get what you pay for. If anyone is still thinking of attending after all this, just check out the online program so you know what your walking into.
Oh, one last think, what Gregor said about the people attending creeped me out. The was not our experience at all. Who knows, maybe its all in the time of the day you go. |
melissa
Citizen
Username: Mfred208
Post Number: 10
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 5:29 pm: |
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Davel - Ya know what, maybe it was the time of day - I wasn't expecting to see a Disneyland spectaclar - Maybe 1:00 pm is a strange time to go - I was expecting to not pay so much - see more put together shows, not more shows, What I witnessed was a fellow on the boat chatting with a woman and he actually said something to the effect of Look at all these people standing around like we are doing something - so we walked away from that stage. And as we walked into the festival there was a girl with a stuffed animal in a basket and she asked my daughter if she wanted to pet it and my daughter looked at her as if to say - pet what? - So Please I am not spreading lies this was my experience -and regardless of what the program says there was nothing to see and we paid what I consider lot of money to see nothing.
Bottom line - I felt it was a rip off - and was disgusted with the undertones of the festival itself.
And like I said before it's not the price so much as what is actually going on there. I would gladly pay double to see something well done.
But to each his own right - makes the world go round.
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Jay
Citizen
Username: Jaymon
Post Number: 1179
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 5:38 pm: |
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I hear Mem is one of the Lusty Wenches - I would pay good money to see THAT! |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 1679
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 10:32 pm: |
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Who wouldn't, Jay?
I have been there in the past and enjoyed it. |
Mayor McCheese
Supporter
Username: Mayor_mccheese
Post Number: 1681
Registered: 7-2004
| | Posted on Thursday, June 15, 2006 - 11:51 pm: |
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I am rereading my last post and deciding that it is a poor choice of words. It should have read something like:
Who wouldn't, Jay?
I have been to these medieval performances in past years and have enjoyed myself.
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Jay
Citizen
Username: Jaymon
Post Number: 1185
Registered: 10-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 9:16 am: |
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Mem......lusty.....leather.....quaffing MEAD.......SAUCY! |
Duncan
Supporter
Username: Duncanrogers
Post Number: 6527
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 9:33 am: |
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John...relax. If you are an "actor" good or bad, you have to know that if you believe the good reviews you have to believe the bad.
When the Times or Star Ledger bashes my work in a play I don't then threaten to sue them because they are lying. I do what most actors do and accept it as one persons opinion.
I would suggest you do the same. |
Slideman
Citizen
Username: Slideman
Post Number: 12
Registered: 5-2004
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 11:56 am: |
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Jeez, reading this thread, feels like I'm there watching an ol' time joust. Thanks, everybody! |
melissa
Citizen
Username: Mfred208
Post Number: 11
Registered: 2-2006
| | Posted on Friday, June 16, 2006 - 6:28 pm: |
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Slideman - that will be $15.00 please. |
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