Ren Faire: A Kingdom of Wonder and Intrigue

The world of Renaissance fairs is one of wonder and intrigue, where the boundaries of reality are pushed to the limits of imagination. In the midst of this fantastical realm, a power struggle is brewing, and Lance Oppenheim’s three-part HBO docuseries “Ren Faire” takes us on a journey into the heart of this kingdom.

A Renaissance fair in all its glory

At the center of this struggle is King George Coulam, the octogenarian multi-millionaire founder of the Texas Renaissance Festival, the largest of its kind in the world. Coulam is a man of immense wealth and power, with a profile that boasts over $100 million in assets. However, his kingdom is not without its challenges, and Coulam’s erratic behavior and toxic management style have created a workplace that is both fascinating and terrifying.

King George Coulam, the ruler of the Texas Renaissance Festival

As we delve deeper into the world of “Ren Faire,” we are introduced to three potential heirs to Coulam’s throne: Jeff Baldwin, Louie Migliaccio, and Darla Smith. Each of them has their own unique strengths and weaknesses, but it is clear that the competition for the throne will be fierce.

Jeff Baldwin, the general manager of the festival

Baldwin is the most sympathetic of the bunch, an actor who loves Shrek: The Musical and seems to come to life on the stage. However, his desire to hire his wife has sparked controversy, and King George’s doubts about his instincts have created tension in the kingdom.

Louie Migliaccio, the kettle corn pioneer

Migliaccio, on the other hand, is a kettle corn pioneer who has created and managed numerous businesses on the Ren Faire property. With the backing of wealthy donors, he has the resources to buy out King George’s legacy and take the throne for himself.

Darla Smith, the vendor coordinator

As the battle for the throne intensifies, Darla Smith watches from the sidelines, waiting for her moment to strike. With her experience as a vendor coordinator, she has a unique perspective on the kingdom and its workings.

The Texas Renaissance Festival, a kingdom of wonder and intrigue

Throughout the series, Oppenheim’s camera captures the intricate dynamics of the kingdom, from the opulence of King George’s “rococo” house to the sheer scope of the festival itself. It is a world that is both familiar and strange, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are constantly blurred.

King George’s “rococo” house, a symbol of his wealth and power

As we navigate the twists and turns of “Ren Faire,” we are reminded that even in the most unexpected places, human drama and intrigue can thrive. It is a testament to the power of documentary filmmaking, and a reminder that the most fascinating stories are often the ones that are hidden in plain sight.

The kingdom of Ren Faire, a world of wonder and intrigue