Theater with a Mission’s Virtual Loco for Love Festival Promises Interactive Experiences, Entertainment, and Excitement
By Mia Jackson
The Loco for Love Virtual Preview opened with the melodious sounds of laughter and Spanish guitar. Clips of lively groups of people in costume danced across the screen as viewers witnessed, and in some cases remembered, Loco for Love Festivals of the past. Filled with music, plays, crafts, dances, fencing matches and more, Loco for Love has always been known as a yearly gathering of explorers and artisans to celebrate Florida history. But in the era of COVID-19, how would those exciting moments and lasting memories translate to a virtual setting?
On February 20th, myself and all the other attendees at the Virtual Preview received a resounding and reassuring answer to that question. Over an hour of delightful sneak peeks that included a live performance on the historic fife, a Spanish cooking tutorial in 1820s costume, and spirited toasts from iconic hosts Shakespeare and Cervantes, the Loco for Love Virtual Preview made sure that the audience left with one distinct feeling—a desire for more. Even in a virtual atmosphere, Theater with a Mission promises the same history-inspired family fun, with more new experiences to anticipate!
At the Preview, attendees were invited into the kitchen of Cindy and Andrew Batten, History Channel experts who demonstrated how to make authentic 1820s Spanish drinks. The Battens left viewers craving the taste of Mexican hot chocolate as they stirred together spices, warmed cream, cinnamon, and nutmeg. On March 27th, attendees will take to their own stoves, follow the direction of the Battens, and whip up something delicious from hundreds of years ago based on Florida fusion recipes. As Cervantes (played by Ben Gunter) said in his toast to the Battens, “Loco for Love means history you can taste.”
But don’t worry if cooking isn’t quite your forte—there are still dozens of ways to be immersed in Florida culture at Loco for Love. During the Preview, Muskogee storyteller Misty Penton gave viewers the chance to learn about Muskogee words, concepts, and traditional dress. Her presentation for the Festival will offer an eye-opening look at Native Florida both past and present, and invite viewers to engage with one of the state’s most enduring cultures.
Puppet masters Jason and Knight Yancey from Dragoncillo Puppet Troupe made sure that kids and adults alike will want to attend on March 27thwith a proposition for competition! Kids can learn to make their own historic shadow puppets under the tutelage of this father-and-son team by visiting Dragoncillo’s videos on www.theaterwithamission.com. Make a few puppets, create your own puppet show inspired by Florida history, and submit a recording—your show could become a special feature at the Virtual Loco for Love Festival. Dragoncillo eagerly awaits your creations!
Attendees will also be inspired to get out of their seats by Idy Codington’s demonstration of the Yankee Doodle Country Dance! Grab a partner and move to the beat of the 19th century in this Loco for Love activity that will have you whistling a tune long after you’ve logged off.
Prefer to stay in the audience? The Preview gave a glimpse of two Theater with a Mission productions that will immerse viewers in a multicultural, multilingual, and multidimensional Florida of the past. El Retablo de las Maravillas, Where Only the Pure See Miracles promises drama and scandal amongst a diverse cast of characters, while Florida for Sale will make its film debut at the Virtual Festival and close an unforgettable day with an evening of charm and romance.
After attending the Preview, I signed up for my free admission to the Loco for Love-Virtual Festival at www.theaterwithamission.com. But the festivities start long before March 27th, so be sure to log on now and find out how you can be a part of this year’s Loco for Love-Virtual Festival—there are prizes to be won, toasts to be made, and stories to be told!