As we continue to navigate These Uncertain Times, Better Said Than Done stands steady and stalwart, bringing diverse voices from across the good ol’ U.S. of A. directly to your computer, tablet, phone, and/or smart TV. And we’re doing it again this Saturday, July 25th. Tickets are on sale now. Let’s take a look at the cast!
Howard Lieberman has done just about everything on stage except sing, which he would love to do if only he could carry a tune. Howard grew up on the North Side of Chicago with a professional tap dancer father and a math teacher mother, which may explain his wild mood swings. Howard left the wholesome Midwest to find fame and fortune in New York City. 20 years and one child later Howard moved to staunchly Republican Stillwater Minnesota in 1990 with a New York accent and a jaded sense of humor. Although he currently makes his living as a headhunter for attorneys, Howard’s unique blend of performance art and edgy personal narrative storytelling, has made him a fixture at various performance venues around the Twin Cities and across the US.
Virginia native Chetter Galloway grew up hearing his father tell stories on Sunday road trips. He became interested in the art of storytelling while working as historical interpreter at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and honed his craft at East Tennessee State University’s graduate program in Storytelling. Chetter’s animated and engaging style has taken him on journeys across the United States performing as both a living historian and storyteller at venues such as the National Black Arts Festival, The National Storytelling Summit, and the Smithsonian. He is a member of Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia, the National Association of Black Storytellers, the National Storytelling Network, Southern Order of Storytellers, and Toastmasters International.
After graduating from Butler University with a degree in digital media production, Erin O’Neil relocated to Shanghai, China where a heartbreaking post-graduate job turned her world upside down and ultimately redefined her purpose. Erin has since moved back to Columbus, OH where she has embraced her skills as a transformational storyteller to inspire others with stories of resilience, trust, and authentic human connection. She believes that the art of storytelling not only allows us to hear the voices of others, but also creates a foundation from which we can relate to and empathize with one another.
Bonnie Gardner is a former journalist who changed careers for the IT world, but never lost her love of telling a good story. Based in Northern Virginia, Bonnie performed on stage for the first time in January, as part of the Better Said Than Done monthly show. When she’s not at her day job, she’s helping run Big Big World Project, a small non-profit supporting kids in two orphanages in Vietnam.
Rona Leventhal has been sharing her passion of the power of story for nearly three decades, putting laughter in the belly and smiles in the hearts of listeners. Rona tells folktales, personal stories, and original work to audiences across the country and beyond. Rona is a Teller of Tales, Improv Theatre and Movement Specialist, Workshop Leader, Coach, Teaching Artist, Consultant. Her CD, “Into the Dark: Stories From the Shadows (Creepy Stories for Adults and Fearless Teens)” is the winner of the Storytelling World Award. Her family CD, “Raps, Rhythms and Rhymes: Stories to Tap, Rap, Shake and Sing” will be out this year.
Tim Ereneta has told stories from stages from Washington, DC to Chennai, India, performing in theaters, art museums, camps, churches, nightclubs, parks, and even the middle of the street. Tim confesses he has never made films, managed corporate brands, designed video games, or photographed weddings. What he does do is tell folktales, fairy tales, and the occasional shaggy dog story to audiences of all ages – but especially adults. Apparently there is not a word for this.
Vicki Lynn Bryan, featured storyteller of Sweet Water Stories & Tales, uses life events, folk tales, and humorous stories to inform, engage and entertain her audiences. Storytelling is life affirming… a tool for learning and reminiscence. According to her family and friends, Vicki has been telling stories since the day she was born. Sharing stories rooted in the African American experience with children, adults, and elders in the community gives her great joy. Vicki invites folks to nourish their spirits and souls with a sip of Sweet Water.
Your host this time out is BSTD’s resident linguist, Anna Marie Trester, PhD. Dr. Trester will be ably assisted by our fearless leader, Jessica Robinson, running the tech side of things. The fun starts at 8 P.M. EDT.
Our Come As You Are shows are pay-what-you-can, with a suggested contribution of $15 per person (our standard “at the door” ticket price), with a minimum contribution of $5. Proceeds are shared among the performers and Better Said Than Done.
Tickets are on sale from now until 7:00 P.M. EDT on the day of the show. Get yours now!
