Variety entertainment is deeply rooted in Louisville history, and Louisvillians will have the chance to dance and laugh amongst the stars as award winning comedian Divinity Rose (that's my performing alias, foks) pairs up with renaissance faire sensation John Cowgell (also known as "Pocket the Fool") for "If the Stars Were Mine," the first installment of a series Rose calls "Vaude in the Ville". The two will take the stage and offer up a night of divine comedy and music that orbits the heavens and celestial bodies at the Bard's Town at 7 p.m. (A second showing may occur at 10 p.m. if tickets sell out, which often happens with Rose's shows).
"John has so much natural talent; it's ridiculous," said Rose about her show partner. "It's hard not to fall in love with his charming stage presense, his amazing vocals, and his wicked flirtations."
Rose and Cowgell both have performing experience, but it is his first staged performance as himself. His previous engagements have been at haunted houses and renaissance faires, while Rose's experience includes over 600 live events and shows like the long running variety show Rose produced in 12 venues in 2 states known as Subrosa: The Gypsie Courtyard. Her experience also includes films and honors like performing on Broadway in NYC during the Lisa Lampanelli show, being a finalist in Louisville's Funniest person, winning LEO's Reader's Choice for Best Comedian 2013 or taking home 2nd place in Lima's Funniest Lady, an event in Ohio honoring Phyllis Diller.
Few people know that the current understanding of the type of American entertainment known as "vaudeville" became common after the formation of "Sargent's Great Vaudeville Company" right here in Louisville, Kentucy in 1871. The French word "Vaux de ville" meant "worth of the city" or "worthy of the city's patronage." It was because of this that the name "Vaude in the Ville" arose within Divinity's desires to continue to present a variety of entertainment while showcasing some of Louisville's most talented individuals. Rose has always loved the variety show format and had an affinity for campy humor and audience interaction; highly interactive games and audience participation will be a big part of this show that blends live music and comedy with sketch comedy videos and projected light shows. Audience members can look forward to classics like "Paper Moon" and "Dream a Little Dream of Me" in addition to original material and parodies as they are invited to shoot Nerf guns at the "Shooting Gallery Songstress" or tweet their own quips and puns to the projected live twitter feed. The fun times and romantic nature make the show perfect for a date night.
"I'm so excited to be incorporating a lit and projected set for the first time," said Rose. "A moon above the stage will showcase videos as stars along the sides of the theater will increase dimensional layers and really add something special to the over all multi-media experience."
The original plan was to invite all to stick around for a party after the show to celebrate the birthdays of Rose and her boyfriend (both October babies); it was then discovered that one of the technical crew and Cowgell's wife also have October birthdays, so the crew plans to really throw down and enjoy the time to sing, laugh and enjoy the after-show excitement together as October is celebrated.
Tickets to the event are $12 for general seating in rows or $20 for limited VIP seats at tables along stage. The VIP tickets include tools (like nerf guns) for audience interaction. Tickets can be purchased at www.divinityrose.com or people can purchase them at Merfbenefit.org to have part of the proceeds support the local non-profit Musicians Emergency Relief Fund (who helps musicians in times of crisis.) Tickets can be purchased at the door the day of the show if available for $15 (general) or $25 (VIP.) It is highly recommended that they be purchased online ahead of time. The Bard's Town is located at 1801 Bardstown Road.
