Professor Algernon - The World of Oddities and Wonders

The World of Oddities and Wonders

Think Indiana Jones, Dr. Who, Harry Houdini, Jules Vern and Benjamin Franklin. Throw in a little humor, costumes, Steampunk and you might come close to Professor Horatio Octavius Algernon.

"Imagine a world where Jules Verne and H.G. Wells were right. A world where steam has replaced fossil fuels as the main source of energy throughout the land. Where the Victorian age continued to prosper in fashion, technology, and other aspects of daily life. This is the world of Steampunk. This is the world of Professor Algernon.

Mariposa Resident, Scot Violette, has been practicing magic for 20 years. He became involved in Steampunk ten years ago and combined it with his love of magic. Violette has degrees in Theology, History, Theater and Anthropology. One of his favorite sayings is, "If less is more, then nothing is everything." An accomplished, inventor Violette makes all his own props including a Time Machine and a life size replica of Dr. Who's Tardis, which he christened the "The R.E.T.A.R.D.I.S"

Professor Algernon's show at Happy Burger Diner on Wednesday nights at 6:00 P.M. is appropriate for all ages. The children were completely engrossed in the performance the night I was there and the adults in the audience could be heard chuckling at his jokes. The Professor is a master in getting his audience involved in the show. One might call the show at Happy Burger, "Dinner Theater" in Mariposa, as many families enjoyed their dinner while watching the show. It was fun to watch the expression on the kids faces when the Professor pulled a bowling ball out of his brief case and then proceeded to somehow change it to a balloon and throw it into the audience.

Professor Algernon will be performing at the All Hallows Fantasy Fair October 22/23, 2011 in Sonora, CA.

He has also started a Steampunk group in Mariposa, "Airship Mariposa" that meets once a month.

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