She: You are the second funniest person I have ever met.
Me: Wow, thank you. Who's the funniest?
She: I haven't met him yet! "Carolyn tells with a divine comic joy; Mixing the ridiculous with the sublime, she is an authentic comic clown!" Bob Reiser, Storyteller
Wizard to Tinman: "Back where I come from, there are men who do nothing all day but good deeds. They are called phil ... philan ... phili ... good deed doers. And their hearts are no bigger than yours. BUT, they have one thing you haven’t got. A TESTIMONIAL.
So, here come some testimonials. (Kids, first; adults next. Wow, huh?)
Selected Testimonials, Kids:
ANNA McCABE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SMITHFIELD, RI
"Wonderful variety of good stories, very age-appropriate, great audience participation. From grades K to 6, it was beautiful to watch them get drawn into the telling. ... Pleasantly surprised to see how receptive the fifth and sixth graders were. ... Best part was your enthusiasm. You love what you do and transferred that energy to the audience. Two thumbs up!" ...(Teacher Composite)
PROVIDENCE STREET SCHOOL, WEST WARWICK, RI
"Best storyteller we have ever had, and we have had many. Students were not only entertained, they were educated at the same time. . . . Wonderful use of vocabulary, elements of prediction, repetition, and anticipation. ... Your body movements really helped kids who need concrete learning to visualize the story." (Principal and Teacher Composite)
WITT INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL, STAFFORD, CT
"The kids voted. You were the best storyteller they ever heard!"
EAST BRIDGEWATER (MA) PUBLIC LIBRARY
"A thorough professional: easy to work with, punctual, enthusiastic and ready for anything. I can't thank you enough for making last night stress-free and fun."
CRANSTON, RI, PUBLIC LIBRARY
"Carolyn's performances are resonant, funny, educational and entertaining, and she reaches both the adults and the children."
Selected Testimonials, Adults:
PROVIDENCE ATHENAEUM, RI (Head Librarian)
"Your performance at family night was spectacular! The only time I've seen anyone that matches you for lightning-fast and complete change into character was years ago when I saw Lily Tomlin perform in a little club in NYC. Thanks for bringing back that THRILL."
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CLUB, RI
"It's been a long time since we had the whole room laughing out loud, as you did."
NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI, PUBLIC LIBRARY (Director)
"You brought a whole new audience for our adult programs with your wonderful variety of stories full of humor and insight! You are a terrific entertainer."
BILLERICA, MA, LIBRARY (Director, Adult Programs)
"Rave reviews. We worried that an hour and a half would be too long, but it almost wasn't long enough!"
STORYTELLER SUSAN KLEIN
"It has always been a secret wish of mine to share the stage with a natural -- and you provided that sublime experience with your innate understanding of audience, story, and the absurd twists and turns of this challenging life. Brava!"
TELLABRATION FOUNDER, JG PINKERTON
"Man! How you wowed them. The moment you took the stage, you had them in your hands! You are a very compelling storyteller, and you make an honest connection with your listeners." (Tellabration! is the annual worldwide international storytelling event for adults.)
ANNA McCABE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, SMITHFIELD, RI
"Wonderful variety of good stories, very age-appropriate, great audience participation. From grades K to 6, it was beautiful to watch them get drawn into the telling. ... Pleasantly surprised to see how receptive the fifth and sixth graders were. ... Best part was your enthusiasm. You love what you do and transferred that energy to the audience. Two thumbs up!" ...(Teacher Composite)
PROVIDENCE STREET SCHOOL, WEST WARWICK, RI
"Best storyteller we have ever had, and we have had many. Students were not only entertained, they were educated at the same time. . . . Wonderful use of vocabulary, elements of prediction, repetition, and anticipation. ... Your body movements really helped kids who need concrete learning to visualize the story." (Principal and Teacher Composite)
WITT INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL, STAFFORD, CT
"The kids voted. You were the best storyteller they ever heard!"
EAST BRIDGEWATER (MA) PUBLIC LIBRARY
"A thorough professional: easy to work with, punctual, enthusiastic and ready for anything. I can't thank you enough for making last night stress-free and fun."
CRANSTON, RI, PUBLIC LIBRARY
"Carolyn's performances are resonant, funny, educational and entertaining, and she reaches both the adults and the children."
Selected Testimonials, Adults:
PROVIDENCE ATHENAEUM, RI (Head Librarian)
"Your performance at family night was spectacular! The only time I've seen anyone that matches you for lightning-fast and complete change into character was years ago when I saw Lily Tomlin perform in a little club in NYC. Thanks for bringing back that THRILL."
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S CLUB, RI
"It's been a long time since we had the whole room laughing out loud, as you did."
NORTH KINGSTOWN, RI, PUBLIC LIBRARY (Director)
"You brought a whole new audience for our adult programs with your wonderful variety of stories full of humor and insight! You are a terrific entertainer."
BILLERICA, MA, LIBRARY (Director, Adult Programs)
"Rave reviews. We worried that an hour and a half would be too long, but it almost wasn't long enough!"
STORYTELLER SUSAN KLEIN
"It has always been a secret wish of mine to share the stage with a natural -- and you provided that sublime experience with your innate understanding of audience, story, and the absurd twists and turns of this challenging life. Brava!"
TELLABRATION FOUNDER, JG PINKERTON
"Man! How you wowed them. The moment you took the stage, you had them in your hands! You are a very compelling storyteller, and you make an honest connection with your listeners." (Tellabration! is the annual worldwide international storytelling event for adults.)