Thum-thum, thum-de-da-bom-bom, thum-de-da-bom, bom...

The sound of drums becomes intoxicating as Cezar Boleyn and his brothers dance to the beat. Sweat drips down their bare chests as they whirl and whoop in unison.

“Oooh wee...,” the men shout, stomping and clapping their hands as the beat gets louder.

A group of young girls, and some not so young, stand watching, mesmerized, as the men gyrate their hips wrapped with colorful scarves and bells, casting flirtatious smiles their way.

“You think of dancing as being feminine,” says one of their admirers, Theresa Bullington of Kansas City. “But when men dance, it’s very warrior like. It’s exciting.”

On the sidelines stands Cosmina, a pretty, dark-eyed girl with long brown hair tied with a turquoise scarf. She wistfully watches Cezar as he smiles at the ladies. Cosmina is a gypsy, just like Cezar and his 14 brothers (who all have different mothers that died in childbirth or shortly thereafter). They met while performing in the Troupe Festivale a few years ago and were once romantically involved.

“He abandoned me for Canterbury’s crepe girl,” she says.

If this is beginning to sound like a twisted tale from 16th century England, that’s because we’re at the Renaissance Festival in Bonner Springs, Kan., where fantasy becomes reality. It’s the year 1533, when Queen Anne Boleyn was crowned and married to Henry VIII. And it’s a time when “filthy, stinky gypsies,” as Mary Tudor, Queen of France, calls them, are entertaining, but are looked down upon and not to be trusted. The gypsies could care less.

“We are proud of our Romipen,” Cezar says. “That’s the state of being a gypsy.”

The characters all seem believable, from their costumes to their speech, but that’s from weeks and sometimes years of practice, classes and rehearsals.

“They really expect you to commit to this,” says Jessica Watkins, who portrays Cosmina. “As Maestro says, he wants you to plan your life around Renfest, not the other way around.”

When not in character, she and Daniel Dominguez, who portrays Cezar, live in Troy, Kan. Jessica attends Highland Community College on a theater scholarship, and Daniel attends Troy High School. They auditioned to be performers two years ago after visiting the fair with their high school choir. To prepare for their roles this year, they attended practices in Independence, Mo., (a 1½-hour drive one way) twice a week, starting in June. As second-year apprentices, they have learned everything about their characters, how to dance and how to talk. That’s in addition to attending 12 hours of “Academy” over two weekends, where they took classes in subjects such as history, costume care, how to deal with reluctant patrons and the essential “flirting and wooing.”

“It’s kind of the trademark for gypsy sons,” Daniel laughs. “We have contests in the streets, here and there and everywhere.”

Then there’s a gypsy boot camp, designed to help them stay in character and develop a close bond. That’s where they learn a 14-page dictionary of Romani words, and how not to slip up with modern expressions, such as OK (If you do, it’s 25 push-ups.)

Performers also must provide their own costumes and period utensils. (You wouldn’t have plastic or four-pronged forks in 1533). It’s part of the fun, Jessica and Daniel say, but it gets expensive. Some of the more elaborate dresses can run higher than $600. Daniel has custom-made leather sandals and this year will be getting boots and gaucho-style pants. They are paid for the 16 performances of the Renaissance Festival, but they will be lucky to break even after expenses.

“It’s a huge hobby. Nobody is getting real money for this,” says Jim Stamberger, alias the Maestro Boleyn, father of the 15 gypsy sons. (In real life he has one daughter, Beth, who is the scenario stage manager and plays Esmerelda Boleyn). For the past 27 years, Mr. Stamberger also has been the entertainment director for the festival, and he selects and trains performers every year.

“I recruit 24/7,” he says. “In the end, there will be 800 of us, although some are only here for one day, one weekend or one shift.”

He looks for outgoing, charismatic people — people who are not afraid to walk up to somebody and say something outrageous. But he also has roles for those less extroverted.

“I was a shy little boy,” he says. “That’s why I went to theater. So I have a place in my heart for those people ... sometimes being a character is better than real life.”

Back at the pub, where Cezar and the Boleyn Kumpania are now dancing, a large crowd has gathered.

“The next dance, we call Belli-mas,” says one of the gypsy brothers, as he struts to the front of the group and gives his trademark smile. “And this one is for the ladies.”

Cheers break out and another group of girls who have gathered close to the stage begin giggling.

Thum-thum, thum-de-da-bom-bom, thum-de-da-bom, bom ... Oooh weee!”

Recruitment parties and auditions are held in the spring, however performers are still needed to fill in for themed weekends. In addition, auditions will be Sept. 10 for the Victorian-themed Phantom’s Feast, which is held on the festival grounds Oct. 17 through 31. They will be looking for a for a whole cast of male vampires, led by Vlad the Impaler. The Renaissance Festival will be held weekends, Labor Day and Columbus Day through Oct. 13. For more information, contact the festival office at (913) 721-2110 or visit their Web site www.kcrenfest.com.

Lifestyles reporter, Sylvia Anderson can be reached at sylviaanderson@npgco.com