Category: Performance & Pleasures

This is the most simple and most comprehensive of pleasures: beginning there and ending up here. Come, dress in your (finest? strangest? farthest away from normal? …everyday clothes? Whatever you want) and come meet the artisans, creators, tricksters, collectors, entertainers, gamesters, warriors, pickle-salespersons, small furry creatures from Alpha Centuri, witches, builders, con artists, peasants, fools, knaves, and others who make up our show!

Explore! Explore! While Humans and adjacent species are able to create extraordinary buildings and sculpted landscapes, sometimes the most enthralling thing about any area is the fascinating uniqueness and proud peculiarity of its excited and participatory denizens!

Some of the enjoyment is in participating, if you choose; you get more out of your experience the more you put into it. I, myself, am writing this in a cafe, listeing to Aliyah and wearing a t-shirt. It’s not a bad life. But I wouldn’t mind if I were hanging out at the Wonderhenge right about now, discussing graphic design with a couple of snarky Elves.

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“Magic is the art of creating false (but funny or beautiful) cause-and-effect relationships.”
~Teller

Welcome to the spellbinding world of Mister Mysterrio and Miss Direction, where magic meets mayhem, and every moment is a marvel waiting to unfold! Picture this: the lights dim, the crowd leans in, and suddenly, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Mark Mysterrio, the maestro of mirth, has been dazzling audiences for over three decades with his unique blend of magic and comedy. Known as “The Funniest Magician on the Planet,” Mark brings a touch of Chris Farley’s wild energy and Nathan Lane’s sharp wit to every performance, making each show not just a spectacle but a riotous journey into the absurd.

His partner in trickery, Miss Direction – Taylor Lanick – adds an enchanting twist with her mastery of close-up magic and mentalism. With a flick of her wrist, she transforms everyday objects into portals of wonder, leaving audiences both baffled and delighted. Taylor’s Northern charm and quick humor make her the perfect foil to Mark’s antics, creating a dynamic duo that’s as unpredictable as magic itself.

Together, they are not just entertainers; they are creators of moments that linger long after the final bow. Their performances are a whirlwind of interactive magic where you might find yourself part of the act, holding a card that vanishes or guessing thoughts that only you should know. Whether it’s a birthday bash, a corporate gala, or a community festival, Mark and Taylor tailor each event to make it uniquely unforgettable. They’ve graced occasions from St. Joseph Community Festival to Halloween in Stroudsburg, embedding laughter and magic into the heart of these celebrations.

But their magic extends beyond the stage. Mark and Taylor are award-winners at the Brad Ross It Factor Live, showcasing not only their performance skills but their savvy in magic marketing, ensuring that their magic resonates far and wide. Their commitment to community and joy has seen them at the forefront of local events, turning everyday gatherings into extraordinary experiences.

And when they’re not pulling rabbits out of hats or making your watch disappear, they’re exploring new horizons. Mark, with his ownership of Amazing Cruise Vacations, invites you to embark on magical journeys beyond the stage. This duo doesn’t just perform magic; they live it, breathe it, and share it with a passion that’s infectious.

So, if you’re ready for an adventure where the line between reality and illusion blurs, where laughter is the magic word, and every moment is an opportunity for wonder, then step into the world of Mister Mysterrio and Miss Direction. Here, magic isn’t just seen; it’s felt, in every gasp, every giggle, and every magical moment that’s waiting just for you. Welcome to a place where the impossible is possible, and the mundane becomes magical. Welcome to our world.

Megan is from Massachusetts. Most people assume that this is the place in New England, and not the place in Atlantis. That’s probably true.

As Megan says of herself:

“I am a bisexual artist and photographer, originating from and currently residing in central New York (NY), US. In 2016, I received my BFA in Photography at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt).

I use digital and film photography to make one of a kind, handmade photomontages. I am inspired by cubism, surrealism, and fiction/fantasy literature. Using imagery ranging from floral to figurative, I build new worlds by cutting and reconstructing photographs, which I see as a palette of sorts.”

Megan’s grandiloquently enthralling photomantages are probably not portals to other Universes. (Okay, we’ll be honest: they are, but none of us quite knows the magic words. Do not buy them on this basis. They’re probably destined to be inherited by your grandchild who saves the Universe, or used in the case of cosmic emergency.)

Until such time, Megan’s work ought generally be purchased, not for its mystical properties, but for their visual sorceries.

So, again, we’ll reiterate: This is totally part of a game. Do not attempt to walk into one of the photographs. You will bump your nose and damage the art.

Lore of Megan

Imagine a world where every photo tells a story and each image is imbued with a touch of magic—that’s where Megan Joubert comes in. As a celebrated phototapestry architect, she weaves the art of photography with enchantment, creating breathtaking visual tapestries. Joubert’s unique technique involves capturing the essence of the moment and infusing it with elements of fantasy and wonder. Her work often features mystical landscapes, ethereal beings, and hidden symbols that invite viewers to look beyond the surface and uncover deeper meanings. Joubert’s phototapestries are not just images; they’re visions of the essence of a thing.

Darkling / Fable

“Everybody has a secret world inside of them. I mean everybody. All of the people in the whole world, I mean everybody — no matter how dull and boring they are on the outside. Inside them they’ve all got unimaginable, magnificent, wonderful, stupid, amazing worlds… Not just one world. Hundreds of them. Thousands, maybe.”
― Neil Gaiman, The Sandman, Vol. 5: A Game of You

Megan’s magic captures and opens worlds.

Visit her for strange, odd, magical, eventide knowledge.

Also, buy all of her things.

“And sometime lurk I in a gossip’s bowl
In very likeness of a roasted crab,
And, when she drinks, against her lips I bob,
And on her withered dewlap pour the ale.
The wisest aunt, telling the saddest tale,
Sometime for three-foot stool mistaketh me;
Then slip I from her bum, down topples she,
And “tailor” cries, and falls into a cough,
And then the whole choir hold their hips and laugh,
And waxen in their mirth and neeze and swear
A merrier hour was never wasted there.”

– William Shakespeare*

Some people will tell you that this is silly: Puck, after all, is a well-known historical Immortal who is busy gallivanting about the known Galaxy with a bunch of starry-eyed nogoodniks. He’s not real, and he’s certainly not going to show up here, of all places.

Actually, Puck always enjoys our Markets and has decided to fly in for the weekend. His wings would be very tired, if he had them.

But given the overall theme of our event, we are OF COURSE pretending to inform you that some sort of fictional character is going to be impersoned by some talented ordinary** human. It’s not ACTUALLY that Robin Goodfellow who has that persistent habit of throwing a girdle ’round the world’

Puck’s Tribal Affiliations

You will presumably be shocked to hear that Puck is generally affiliated with Fable. Not that we tell Puck where he can’t go. Not that we tell ANY of our guests where they can’t go, in general, at least not socially. (We’re not likely to say, “Don’t spend time in Albion.” We might say , “Don’t have kippers with Jack the Ripper.” You can hang out where and with whom you desire, so long as it’s not too likely to get you inhumed.)

You may have heard that Puck rules Fable. This is ridiculous. No-one runs Fable. Besides, it’s all well and good for Puck, who is fictional, to run something real, but what about our real panelists? Are we to require them to run something fictional, just to keep up?

IF Puck were secretly the ruler of a segment of our society, he would probably spend much of his time in Fable. He would probably host a little get-together on Friday night for both his existing coterie of fey and tricksters, and for whatever visitors from The Benightedly Normal World feel like hanging out. (Don’t be shy. We’re not going to suggest that everyone from Wonderplace is nice; but it’s a Marketplace. The people who don’t want to throw parties and meet people are busy at home plotting Revolution and Rebellion, although, since we’re not sure who’s in charge back home, we’re not sure against whom they’re rebelling.)

Do eat and drink before the Friday night gathering; Puck does tend to want to throw a fest, but he also tends to eat and drink everything before you get there. Oops. We’d like to say that this is a very secret gathering, but as we did just put it on our website, it’s less “this is a very secret gathering” and more “now we’ve got to tell Puck about it.” We’d like to tell you that this gathering will reveal the deepest secrets of Wonderplace Alpha, and it MIGHT, but we hope not, because we don’t know what they are, and most of us are just way too busy on Friday evening trying to keep the Hobbits out of the mushrooms.

Do come prepared to meet other people. Although we suppose that’s likely at most parties. Depending, at any rate, on your definition of ‘people’.

But Puck will be around everywhere, of course. (Not all at once; we hear that’s a movie, and we can’t afford the rights.)

We’re not actually sure what programming Puck will do, but as he is a largely fictional character, and we therefore find it relatively less terrifying to dictate his programming***.

The Great Guest of Honor Gathering

Yes! The famous event wherein we mix together as many of our Guests of Honor as we can manage to lasso convince to attend out of the obvious pleasures involved in meeting fans old and new and discussing various important matters of art, science, and pickle-formulating.

We always find it helpful to have this moot managed by someone fictional, like Puck, Anansi, or that drunken Monkey who keeps stealing our Peaches of Immortality; ordinary mortals are sometimes overawed by the sheer talent on display. Puck doesn’t really have that problem.

With anyone.

Ever.

Glamourbombing for Fun and Profit: Unleash Your Inner Magic

Welcome to our enchanting class, “Glamourbombing for Fun and Profit,” where we invite you to step into a world of wonder, creativity, and a touch of mischief. This unique course is designed for those who wish to explore the art of glamourbombing—a delightful practice that blends the whimsical with the extraordinary, leaving a trail of magic in everyday life.

What is Glamourbombing?

Glamourbombing is the act of creating and leaving behind small (relatively small; Wonderplace Alpha maaaaay be a very pointy, seven-acre glamourbomb)…leaving unexpeced, interesting magical surprises in public spaces to evoke a sense of wonder and enchantment in those who encounter them. Imagine stumbling upon a beautifully decorated note in a library book, a tiny fairy door on a tree, or a mysterious message that sparks curiosity and joy and, if you need kindling, sparks. These are the hallmarks of glamourbombing, where the mundane is transformed into the magical.

Course Overview

In this course, you will learn the fundamentals of glamourbombing, from its origins and philosophy to practical techniques and creative ideas. Our experienced instructors will guide you through each step, ensuring you have the skills and inspiration needed to create your own magical moments.

Course Highlights:

• Introduction to Glamourbombing: Understand the history and purpose of glamourbombing, and how it can bring joy and wonder to everyday life.
• Creative Techniques: Learn various methods for creating glamourbombs, including crafting, writing, and using natural elements.
• Materials and Tools: Discover the best materials and tools for your projects, many of which can be found around your home or in nature.
• Inspiration and Ideas: Get inspired with a plethora of ideas for your glamourbombs, from simple notes to elaborate installations.
• Ethical Considerations: Discuss the ethical aspects of glamourbombing, ensuring your creations are respectful and considerate of others.
• Sharing and Community: Connect with fellow glamourbombers, share your experiences, and become part of a supportive and creative community.

Why Join This Class?

Glamourbombing is more than just a hobby; it’s a way to spread joy, spark imagination, and remind people of the magic that exists all around us. By joining this class, you’ll not only learn a new and exciting skill but also become part of a movement that celebrates creativity and kindness.

Whether you’re an artist, writer, or simply someone who loves to make others smile, this course offers something for everyone. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to explore the extraordinary.

Enroll Today!

Ready to embark on a magical journey? Enroll in “Glamourbombing for Fun and Profit” today and start creating moments of wonder in your community. Let’s make the world a more enchanting place, one glamourbomb at a time.

* Poor Bill. All those penguins.

** Relatively normal.

*** This programming will almost certainly happen, even if Puck isn’t there.

“God does not play dice with the universe; He plays an ineffable game of His own devising, which might be compared, from the perspective of any of the other players [i.e. everybody], to being involved in an obscure and complex variant of poker in a pitch-dark room, with blank cards, for infinite stakes, with a Dealer who won’t tell you the rules, and who smiles all the time.”
-Terry Pratchett & Neil Gaiman, “Good Omens”

Strolling The Fair: The Great Promenade

This is the most simple and most comprehensive of pleasures: beginning there and ending up here. Come, dress in your (finest? strangest? farthest away from normal? …everyday clothes? Whatever you want) and come meet the artisans, creators, tricksters, collectors, entertainers, gamesters, warriors, pickle-salespersons, small furry creatures from Alpha Centuri, witches, builders, con artists, peasants, fools, knaves, and others who make up our show!

Explore! Explore! While Humans and adjacent species are able to create extraordinary buildings and sculpted landscapes, sometimes the most enthralling thing about any area is the fascinating uniqueness and proud peculiarity of its excited and participatory denizens!

Some of the enjoyment is in participating, if you choose; you get more out of your experience the more you put into it. I, myself, am writing this in a cafe, listeing to Aliyah and wearing a t-shirt. It’s not a bad life. But I wouldn’t mind if I were hanging out at the Wonderhenge right about now, discussing graphic design with a couple of snarky Elves.

The Cast

“Lovers and madmen have such seething brains,
Such shaping fantasies, that apprehend
More than cool reason ever comprehends.
The lunatic, the lover and the poet
Are of imagination all compact…”
-Francis Bacon

Our thirteen(ish) stalwart cast members will amuse, amaze, and delight you! Actually, they’ll probably just walk around eating turkey legs and speaking in cool accents, but isn’t that enough?

Cast member auditions will begin in mid to late November.

The Oddities Exhibition

“Almost all institutions own a lot more art than they can ever show, much of it revealing for its timeliness, genius, or sheer weirdness.”
– Jerry Saltz

Marvelously peculiar! Our famed free Halloween Festival attracts too many creators and curators of oddities for us not to invite them to come spend a lovely Faire-weekend with us! See and enjoy fascinating things! Bring your own as we recapitulate our famed Oddities Show & Tell!

Music & Performance

We’ve got live music every night and performers and shows throughout the weekend. You don’t want to miss our magicians! (Not the ones who do magic tricks, nor the Archmage who will turn you into three toads in a trench coat if you miss her performance.) And where there’s smoke performance, it’s rumored there’s fire…

Discussions, Panels, Meetups

What extraordinary Wonderplacers we have, what amazing makers and builders and artists!

Now, we don’t have quite so many panels as a convention, nor so few panels as the airless black hole slowly swallowing the 11th planet of our solar system. What we have, you should investigate! We’re excited for you to have the chance to meet and hang out with our authors, performers, creators, and other guests!

The Marketplace

“The diary containing Deak’s record of his trip to the Troll Market was discovered in 1893 by workers demolishing the building where it had been stored with a handful of other artifacts of unknown origin. Both diary and artifacts remained in the possession of a private collector until 1946, when they were purchased by the British government. They currently reside in the vaults of the British Museum.”
-Hellboy.wikia.com

We know. The Marketplace has its own section on this website. But we can’t help it. This IS a Market Faire-Day. Vendors from all of the Seven Hundred Nineteen Realms and Eleven Tiny Kingdoms will be present to amuse and delight you with their wares.

Dancing

DJ Ozno, The Original Time-Travelling DJ, will be making heads nod every night. Join him!

The Lore

There is no such thing as Vampires, Mondays, or Lore.