Storytelling in Performance: Programs

Opening the Locks*

Hannah Rand owns a tavern along the Old Erie. She's happy to leave her hot kitchen to welcome the canal travelers who have disembarked for a night's lodging in her fine establishment. Join her as she "stretches the blanket" and "spills the nosebag" about life along the Erie Canal.

Annie and Al on the Erie Canal*

Annie Buchanan, as she'll gladly tell you, is the best cook on the Erie Canal, and Al, as he'll show you with his music, is the Canal-wandering minstrel, as they combine their talents to bring you tall tales (how tall?), songs, and history from the early days of Clinton's Ditch: the Erie Canal. Fran Carlisi-Paxson as Annie, and Allen Hopkins as Al.

Don't Tell Anyone I Told You

Sophie Forester, a maid in the 1890s, shares gossip with you about what she overhears in the houses of her employers. She'll tell you about Isaac Merrit Singer and his 24 children by five different wives, not all in order. She'll tell you... but no more - you'll have to promise not to tell anyone she told you!

Do You Remember....?

Sophie returns with stories of Fourth of July parades, ice skating on the canal, trips to Charlotte Beach. She's certain she's seen some of you there.

Sharing Stories of the Hilly Country (Iroquois term for the lake country)

Join your neighbors on the front porch as we share tales of Right-Turn Willie, The Ghost of Eliza O'Brien, and...for the very brave, Jack the Ripper.

Stories from Here and There*

There are over two thousand versions of the Cinderella story, and they're found in languages and cultures around the world. Fran chooses universal story themes and tells us tales to show us we're in one huge family from everywhere!

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*Additional programs may be arranged according to the needs of the organization.