A storytelling series where seven storytellers and musicians weave tales of giants, princesses, ghosts, cowgirls, witches, a World War II pilot, and the dangers of making wishes. A different story is told every week.
Geared towards children ages 6-11 and their adult friends, the series takes place every Saturday at 12 noon in September and October at The Open Eye Theater, 960 Main Street, Margaretville.
Storyteller and musician teams are from the Catskills area and include: (in order of appearance): Michelle Macau with musician Marcel Smith; Marge Helenchild, Peg DiBenedetto with musician Kent Brown; Leland Krane with musician Matt Lake; Darlene DeMaille with musician John DeMaille; Parker Cross; Lisa Ruth Mays, Carol Schwartz, with musician John St. James; and Pamela Finkle-West with musician Theodore Finkle.
Sept. 7: Abiyoyo and Abiyoyo Returns. Based on a South African tale. Using music and song, a boy and his father save the town from the man-eating giant Abiyoyo. Then 30 years later, Abiyoyo saves the town, and the community learns to live with their giant. Michelle Macau and Marcel Smith.
Sept. 14: Ruth the WASP. Young Ruth worked at the family dairy store while dreaming of becoming a pilot. Following her heart she became a member of WASP - Women Airforce Service Pilots. The true story of Ruth Franckling Reynolds, World War II veteran and Congressional Gold Medal honoree. Marge Helenchild, Peg DiBenedetto and Kent Brown.
Sept. 21: Monkey’s Paw. The mummified monkey’s paw has been charmed to grant the owner three wishes. This tale of horror, written by W.W. Jacobs, warns one to be careful what one wishes...as the wish may come true. Leland Krane and Matt Lake.
Sept. 28: Famous Cowgirls, Outlaws and Gunslingers of the Old West. In the 1800s, the way of life in the American West demanded tough character from both men and women. In order to survive and thrive, they had to be cunning, quick-witted, merciless, and skilled at shooting firearms. Darlene DeMaille and John DeMaille.
Oct. 5: Seamus Jennings and the Sligo Selkie. If you ever wanted to talk to an Irish ghost, Seamus is not just friendly but downright vivacious. He tells many stories including an afterlife rambling from the Pakatakan Mountain to the Hudson River. Parker Cross and musician.
Oct. 12: A Tale of Appalachia. In the Appalachian Mountains, there are witches. They fly on eagles’ wings. Witch Boy wants to become human, for he loves a beautiful girl named Barbara. Lisa Ruth Mays, Carol Schwartz and John St. James.
Oct. 19: The Legend of Mt. Utsayantha. The tale of a Native American princess, the beautiful chief’s daughter whose tragic tale ended in a lake near Mount Utsayantha in modern day Stamford. Pamela West-Finkle and Theodore Finkle.
Each week presents a unique story for seven different experiences.
Tickets are pay-what-you-will ($10 suggested) and can be purchased at www.theopeneyetheater.org/events-tickets
