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The Canadian Champion, Frday August 8, 1997 - 5 Comic duo says local audiences quick, receptive ByEEBLeANC Special to rhe Champion ou may not tind their equivalent anywhere in 16th century England, but Ronn Baumann and Riki Robinson have kept King Henry VIII and his royal guests in stitches for almost a decade. Natives of the 'Sunshine State', they have been honing their comedic craft at renais- sance festivals throughout the United States since 1990. Now with a polished act, they are bringing their flair for storytelling to visitors at the Ontario Renaissance Festival in rural Milton. "We're here to take your morey and your women," joked Mr. Baumann, after one of his recent weekend performances. He and Mr. Robinson, AKA the Tortuga Twins, are one of the feature attractions at the local theme park. And for good reason. Their wacky retelling of classic folk tales offers an ample supply of hilarity and audi- ence participation. The latter of these two ingredients is what really appeals to festival- goers, according to Mr. Robinson. "The audience participation is the key. They're the stars of the show," he said. During eight half-hour performances each weekend, the Tortuga Twins narrate their own version of Robin Hood's story. Rather than simply adding humor to this old tale, they draw on three members of each audience to play the starring roles of the classic hero, Maid Marion and the evil Sheriff of Nottingham. Herein lies another talent of the entertainers - being able to select three individuals who'll gel a kick out of the experience and make their fellow audience members laugh. "That's one of our trade secrets. You gel vibes from people and can sort of tell if they'll be into it (performing). It's almost like being an expert poker player," said Mr. Robinson. "It's obviously not foolproof, however. You learn through trial and error. "Another big factor in a show's success lies with Ronn and I being able to read each other's minds and knowing where the other is going. If one of us goes off on a bizarre tangent, the other has to be able to follow." And bizarre they usually gel, with humor that's a little risqué and not exactly PG-13. "It's in your face, physical comedy," said Mr. Robinson. Mr. Baumann explained their intention is to push the borders of comedy without offending people. Their unique show has been performed in almost every venue imaginable including a wedding. Canadian audiences, he added, have been tremendously receptive to their act and shown no anxiety about becoming part of the show. "People here are very sharp as well, they get all of our jokes," Mr. Baumann said. "We were part of the festival last year as well, and at first people had no idea what was going on with our show. Now we're getting some of the best audiences anywhere. "I'm tickled to death about being part of the Renaissance Festival and bringing this kind of entertainment to a new country." The Tortuga Twins' show is one of more than a dozen that can be seen at the Ontario Renaissance Festival each Saturday and Sunday (and holiday Monday) until August 17. The festival is open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, and is located at Eighth Line and Britannia Road. Art show coming to park Milton's art community will present its bandshell and a fund raising t-shirt sale. first fine art festival and sale on the week- T-shirts with a design by artist Maureen end of August 30-31 at Victoria Park. Casteller will be sold Thursday and Friday, Inspired by the success of an art show at August 14-15, at Milton MaIl and at tie Town Hall last December that was part of Pannera' Market on Saturday, August 16. the Mayor's New Year's Levee, local There is a plan to continue tie shows at artists formed the Fine Arts Society of least as an annual event, according to Milton. The society is sponsoring the exhi- Miriam Hynek, chair of the Fine Arts bition. Society of Milton. Thse show will feature paintinga In addi- "Il s nice to see so many people corne lion there will he music coordinated for the forward to help with the show," she said. - ADVERTISEMENT - 'Once Upon a Child' opened a new, upscale location at Trafalgar Ridge Shopping Centre, 2423 Trafalgar Rd., Oakville (between Hwy 5 and QEW) on Tuesday, Aug. 5th. Shown is Oakville store owner Joan Strachan. The store sells new and used high-quality, brand-name children's clothing (newborn to size 14), furniture, equipment, accessories, toys, books, and games. The store also buys product from parents. Call 257-5775. Photo by GRAHAM PAINE Riki Robinson (left), one half of the Tortuga Twins, provides a playful blast into the ear of fellow twin Ronn Baumann. The pair are performing at the Ontario Renaissance Festival through Sunday, August 17. 4xerience 400 Years offun in a single day. 16th century Tudor village overflowing with non-stop family entertainment including magicians, minstrels, and full armour combat jousting. Over twice the crafts and artisan displays. Softdrinks, ales, wine & mead to cool and smooth thy brow. Feasting fit for a King! -ONTARUO Open Saturdays, Sundays E S and Civic Holiday Monday ' ik _ 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. July 12 - August 17, 1997 Price: Adult (16-61) ............................ $14.95 Senior (62+) ............$13.50 Ott C hild (7-15) ................................. $7.95 6 & U nder ....................................... Free Call for Tickets, Information and Group Sales Zzic 1-800-734-3779 P.O. Box 486 Milton, Ontario L9T 4ZI www.rennfest.com