Gather, Ye Wenches and Knaves, for the 2017 Medieval Feast
Make haste to that land known commonly as "The Peak," whereat all shall make merry for the 2017 Medieval Feast.
Friday, Nov. 24
Hear ye, hear ye: It hath come to the attention of the Erie Reader that all citizens of sound mind, body and spirit must hie and make haste to that land known commonly as "The Peak," whereat all shall make merry for the 2017 Medieval Feast.
In the immediate aftermath of the tragic burning of the Riverside Inn in Cambridge Springs, the long-time venue for the Medieval Feast and its acting troupe, the Riverside Players, the group decided then and there the show would — nay, must — go on.
"Waking up to the news of the inn burning down was like finding out a family member had died. I was devastated. We were devastated," Kelly Pryke Rodland, a "wench" with the Riverside Players these 14 years, said.
Peek n' Peak was the natural successor, she continued, because not only is there a beautiful setting and dining options, but it also offers "the ability to spend the night and really make a full weekend of fun out of it."
And so the group threw themselves into preparations for the 2017 Feast, which continues in much the same fashion as before, bar the change in venue. Guests will be treated to a lively performance entitled "The Phantom of the Feast," a no-utensils-allowed dinner (the ticket price includes a whole chicken, barbecue pork, soup, salad, bread, dessert and soft drinks, with beer, wine and mixed drinks for sale) and the opportunity to mix with the cast as they serve the meal and perform their lines — no small feat.
"This is unlike any other theatre experience you've had," Rodland said. "The audience is as much a part of the show as we are. It's especially fun when you bring a large group of friends."
Friends like the Riverside Players who are, with any luck, the type who stick together when the times are tough and make you laugh so hard your sides ache. — Cara Suppa
Nov. 24, 25, 26; Dec. 1 and 2 (doors open at 7:00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 2:00 p.m. on Sunday) // 1405 Old Rd, Clymer, NY // https://www.pknpk.com/activities/medieval // $50/ticket
