by Heather Karsevar

The Rogue Festival hits Fresno again from February 28 – March 9, and you can expect a lot of coverage before & during Rogue from KRL this year–maybe even some videos this time! Here is another article about one of this year’s festival performers. You can learn more on the Festival website! You can find all our other Rogue articles in our A & E section.

Jump Right In Productions has produced five shows here in Fresno since it began in 2011. Two of their productions will be involved in festivals this year: The Rogue in Fresno, CA and The Fringe in San Francisco, CA.

Dinner With Dan, written/directed by R.S. Scott, is on stage now and will be closing its three week run during the first weekend of The Rogue Festival. This hilarious story of love, fantasies, and the truth that emerges when you wake up in the morning, will have you giggling and wondering, “did they just say that?” Dan, a computer game designer, finds out what he really wants in a relationship… and it’s not just Princess Leah and paintballs. This piece premiered in 2011 as an original musical.

Over the last couple of years, it has been reworked as a non-musical with a few new plot twists. Though some changes are noticeable, the beloved characters remain strong including “Fabulous” (Gabriela Lawson) the over the top movie star, “Dan” (Raul Reyes) the video game designer who struggles to keep lunch down when speaking with a beautiful girl, and “Kara” (Jessica Knotts) Fabulous’s assistant and closet trekkie. One noticable change from its first appearance is Dinner With Dan is the book title of Dan’s secrets and nuances written by his best friend, Mike. Dan probably should have read the book before it was published! The local talent chosen for this cast has brought a level of professionalism and work ethic needed to pull off a full length production. We look forward to taking this script to San Francisco in September.

If I Could Tell Me, a piece written/directed by Heather Karsevar premiered in November 2012 and returns to the stage for The Rogue in four performances on March 1, 2, 6, & 8 at 6:30 p.m. This dramatic one act showcases the talents of Katie Lewis, Jessica Knotts, and Taylor Mosher. Each woman in her own way brings truth and tenderness to the frightening challenges these characters are faced with. The piece deals with issues such as trust, naivite, hate, and forgiveness, set against the backdrop of a high school gym during a bomb threat. If you knew then what you know now, what would you do differently? Some, like “Kay”, portrayed by Taylor Mosher with her youthful flare, are quick to answer, “don’t tell me!” She wants to experience life for herself. Others may want to know so they can avoid pain and heartache. This thought-provoking play runs an hour in length and will leave you wondering what you would do or say if you were faced with the same situation. Jessica Knotts is featured in both plays and does a tremendous job of tapping in to each character individually.

Both productions are running at The Broken Leg Stage in the Tower District. Details and online ticket sales can be found at www.jumprightin.co. If you have further questions feel free to email: JumpRightInFresno@gmail[dot]com.

Check out these teaser videos and watch for a review of If I Could Tell Me early next week:

Dinner With Dan

If I Could Tell Me