| "Fantastic, Funny, and Informative" I just got home from the assembly at Cherry Tree (School) and wanted to let you know that it was fantastic! Bob’s introduction was funny and informative and got the program off to a great start. The students loved watching the Wizard of Oz and seemed amazed with the puppets and how they worked. Thanks again for fitting us into the schedule! Lynne, PTO President, Fishers, IN |
| Funniest! The funniest version of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" performed with marionettes. Mom and Kids, Fishers, Indiana |
| Fantastic! What a great show! The puppets, the scenery and the puppeteer! Fantastic-We want you back! The Librarians, Edwardsville, Illinois |
| Amazing! The marionette show that we saw today at Amish Acres in Indiana was amazing! The gentleman doing the show (Bob Walls) was extremely talented with the marionettes and we were just captivated watching the show. It had a full audience! I had never seen a show like that before. I was completely intrigued by the little marionette that was the prince version of Aladdin. His little clothes and shoes were so adorable. We got to see all of the dolls after the show, and I just found them all amazing. I am aware that they are all very unique, had carved and very old. I've never seen anything like them, and I have seen marionettes before. The show was fantastic, tons of talent there. Thanks, Marie, Nappanee, IN |
| Show was Wonderful! My grandchildren and nephew enjoyed the puppet show at seaford library in seaford de, it was able to keep the attention of all the children who are ages 8mo, 23mo, and 12yrs, (Dan) was very entertaining. the show was wonderful, thanks for visiting our library. Grandmother, Seaford, DE |
| Loved the Show! We saw you at the Delaplane Strawberry Festival and my son and his friends loved the show! Darcy, Delaplane, VA |
| Amazing! I saw a puppet show (The Wizard of Oz) at the River Vale Library. It was amazing and the kids were completely entertained. Mom, New Jersey |
| WOW! Our family saw The Wizard of Oz on Saturday at our local library, and WOW -- what a treat it was! Our three kids (2.5, 5, and 7) were all entranced by the magic of the marionettes. I couldn't believe that Mackenzie single-handedly (well, double-handedly!) maneuvered all those puppets! She had a fabulous post-show rapport with the children afterwards, and the kids were all charmed by her, and we were all impressed with her explanations of the art of puppeteering. Please know that she was wonderful!! Mom, Annandale, Va |
| Mesmerized! What can I say about the show! We were almost speechless! Bob did an outstanding job! Great rapport with the children and they were mesmerized by his performance. What a wonderful way to begin our Summer Reading! We will certainly invite the Stevens Puppets back again. Librarian, Huron, OH |
| "Really Great Experience" I was very impressed with both the puppets and especially the puppeteer. Dan you really know how to work the crowd from the youngest to the Great Grandmothers. I have work at the library about 20 months and there is a family that come regularly and I have never seen the Grandmother, Mother or the girl and boy smile, I have even tried to do silly thing and they think I am childish. TODAY I saw all four laughing over and over again, after the show they came to the children's room and said that was GREAT, but went right back into the non smiling faces. Many parents and child care providers came into the children's room or called later to express Thanks for a really great experience for the children. Great Grandma, Chesapeake, VA |
| "Very Entertaining" I thought the show was great ! Dan is very entertaining. My 4 year old son & I had some really good laughs. Dan really knows how to put on a good show. Loved his sense of humor and talent. Looking forward to future shows. Keep up the great work, Dan! Mom, New Jersey |
| "Show was Great" I just wanted to say I thought the show was great! I hope we can met again soon! Karolina, Age 10, Maryland |
| "Zany Fun" Thanks so much for bringing your zany fun to the library. Julie, Newark, OH Librarian. |
| "Wholesome, Family show" I just wanted to let you know my boys, ages 7 and 4, really enjoyed your Legend of Sleepy Hollow show at the Library. I wasn't sure if my 4 year old would sit still for the whole thing, but he did! Thank you for an entertaining, wholesome, family show!! We hope you'll be back in town soon! Robin, Newark, OH |
| "Laughed" I haven't laughed that hard in quite awhile, thanks again for the fun. Carl, Anderson, IN |
| "Fabulous Job" I must tell you that Bob Walls did a fabulous job. Everybody enjoyed him immensely. He was really funny. I hope he comes back next year. Marie, Children's Librarian, IN |
| "Great Show" What a great show! Susan, Fishers, IN |
| "Thoroughly Enjoyed" Thank you for a wonderful performance. All the feedback I've received from kids and staff has been positive. I thoroughly enjoyed it myself! We will definitely keep you in mind for future programs. Thanks again. Melody, Elementary School PTO |
| "Wonderful and Creative" Thank you so much for your performance at White Marsh Elementary School. My daughter has talked about your presence at the school and can’t say enough about how much she loved it. She has been begging me to get on your web site, so we finally did. What a wonderful & creative way you and your family have caught the attention of children. Again I want to thank you. Candie, Mother, Charlotte Hall, MD |
| "Absolutely Magical" I recently saw a production by your company at the Bronson Library in Bronson, Michigan. It was a wonderful experience. My daughter, who is 2, had a great time. I'm so glad that I had the chance to take her. I remember seeing presentations by your company when I was in elementary school. My memories of those performances are very vivid. It was absolutely magical to me to watch the puppets on stage. Thank you for once again coming to our small town so that I could share this experience with my daughter. Connie, Michigan |
| "Very Much Enjoyed" Just wanted to tell you how very much we all enjoyed the puppet show last night at our Blue & Gold Banquet. Rebecca, Frankton, IN |
| "Fabulously Entertaining" This fabulously entertaining event is sure to please the entire family! Dan Raynor and Stevens Puppets are back by popular demand with everyone's favorite story... The Wizard of Oz. Funnyman Dan Raynor's contagious humor will have you holding your sides, as you discover why he's our favorite puppeteer. An afternoon with Stevens Puppets' marionettes, humor, and talent will be one of your favorite memories. Norfolk Public Library, VA |
| "Remarkable" We really appreciated you sending your puppeteer to do the Beauty and the Beast show for our 2005 summer reading program. His presentation was remarkable for all of our area patrons. The puppet the children wanted to see after the show was the Beast. They liked the way the Beast moved his tail around. Thanks again for being a part of the learning process by sharing your puppet show with us. Sharon, Youth Librarian, Walton, IN |
| "Amazing Experience" We had the unique opportunity of seeing "Beauty and the Beast" today at our Head Start Center. It was absolutely an amazing experience for the children. I don't think they have ever been so quiet and attentive. They thoroughly enjoyed the production as did the adults. I must say, Adam did an awesome job of entertaining the children before, during and after the performance. We are looking forward to doing this again in the near future. Thanks so much, Vista Head Start Coldwater, MI |
| "5 Stars" My 6 year old daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed the "Wizard of Oz" performance! 5 stars! The props, script and marionettes were fantastic and world class! Thanks! Emma and her mom, Arlington VA |
| "Fabulous" We want to say "THANK YOU" to Ms Erin! She did a fabulous job! We watched the Wizard of Oz at the Anne Arundel Public Library in Severna Park, MD. My children (daughter 7, and son 2) absolutely love the movie. Your presentation was easy for them to follow the story line. They loved it soo much that they are begging me to see it again! Veronica and kids, Severna Park, MD. |
| "Truly Enchanted" My son and I saw your Wizard of Oz show at Forest Library today. We were truly enchanted. Erin and the puppets performed a show which we will remember for a long time to come. Thank you for your backstage visit, too. I think all the children were amazed. I will definitely ask our library to have you come again! Derrick and his mom, Forest, VA |
| "Truly Enjoyed" We loved and truly enjoyed your adaptation of the Wizard of Oz today at the Broadneck Library. We look forward to seeing another show in the future. Adam and his mom, Annapolis, MD |
| "Outstanding Time" Great Show!! We all had an out standing time. Thanks for the great show and for making us enjoy kids theater. Miss Angela's Daycare, Dumfries, VA |
| "Coolest" I saw your show today, it was the coolest!!! Marie, Maryland |
| "Wonderful Performance" Dan, Just wanted to let you know it was a wonderful performance of Beauty and the Beast today at Ryan Park School in Angola, In. The children loved it. Especially appreciated your "crowd control" with the children. The question/answer time was well done. So glad they got to see all the puppets and how they work. Thanks again and we anxiously await next spring's presentation. Deb. Smathers Ryan Park Elementary Angola, In. |
| "Very Impressed" I wanted to thank you and Adam for providing us with another wonderful show. This was the best attended program we have had here so far. The children really loved it and the adults did too and were very impressed. Keep up the great work and we hope to have you here again soon! Thank you, Lynnell, Michigan Librarian |
| Excellent Performer! Thank you for sending Adam to do our Beauty & the Beast. He is an excellent performer and added fun to the story. Our patrons & staff thoroughly enjoyed the show. Many said it was the best we have had. They want Adam to come back next year. The staff & I enjoyed getting to know Adam & Maria. Thanks again for a wonderful show. Marilyn; Ohio |
| Very Professional! Adam presented 'Beauty and the Beast' to our after school program in Elkhart, Indiana, on February 16th. He was very professional, arriving early to set up so he was ready exactly as we had planned. The children enjoyed the staging, the puppets, and the story. It moved quickly and held their attention nicely. We enjoyed his talking with the children afterwards and especially allowing them to go 'behind the scenes' to see how he did his presentation. We believe that our inner city children should be exposed to the best experiences that we can offer. We thank you for providing such rich presentations of children's classics. We look forward to next year's show. Marilyn, Director of WOW |
| Thank you very much. Adam did a wonderful job with the program and he did a great job explaining the marionettes to the children after the program. We would like for you to come back next year. Brenda, Minster, OH |
| Everyone enjoyed! Everyone enjoyed the puppet show last Saturday! You entertained one of the largest crowds that we have ever had at Towson! Librarian, Towson, MD |
| "Laughed like a 6 year old" I was at Conner Prarie on October 29, 2004 and my sister and I watched The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. We enjoyed it very much. Even though I'm 15, I laughed like a 6 year old. I'd like to see another story performed by Dan Dan the Puppet Man sometime. Thank you!! |
| Superb Performance! Thank you for coming to St. Mary School, we loved the show! Once again, a superb performance. Principal, Saint Mary Catholic School, Paw Paw, Michigan |
| Magical Night! I just wanted to say what a great job Guy did at Fellowship Missionary Church in Fort Wayne, IN, for our Father/Daughter Banquet. Guy was VERY patient with the younger girls wanting to have their pictures taken with the different puppets. He was good at answering questions too. The story line was very interesting too. I am sure this was the 1st version of the story . . .(not like the Disney version) which goes right along with the art of puppets dating from way back. I personally enjoyed this so very much. I have heard many other people comment on how different and unique the performancewas. Many had never seen a puppet show before. (This was my second time) Once again, Thank you for the magical night you provided for us. I will keep you on file for future reference. Stuart, Fort Wayne, Indiana |
| Fantastic! Thank you so much for coming to the Russell County Library this morning. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow was fantastic! I enjoyed it as much as my two daughters (Lauren & Bailey). Once again, thank you for allowing them to watch you dismantle the stage & put away the puppets for travel. They haven't stopped talking about the show , the puppets & the stage. Lauren is now researching vaudeville based on your recommendation. Thank you for introducing her to another area of the performing arts. Please come back to our area again. Ronda (and daughters), Lebanon, VA |
| Real Artistic Entertainment! My children and I enjoyed so much the puppet performance in Chesterfield, Va this summer. It was a real treat and we will never forget our afternoon there. In this high tech age, real artistic entertainment for kids is hard to find. What you do is so special and you have a great way with kids and are very funny. Thank You. Mom, Chesterfield County, VA |
| Tremendous Hit! Kids and adults alike LOVED it! All of the early birds also had a grand time with your behind the scenes tour and introduction to your wonderful friends. Your talent and your wife's extraordinary talent will take you far. Thanks for the reat entertainment. Your show was a tremendous hit! Joyce, Blackwater Regional Library, Branch Manager, VA |
| Rave Reviews! Thank you so much for your excellent marionette performances. Rumplestiltskin came alive for over 800 children and adults. I've received RAVE REVIEWS from patrons and staff! We truly appreciate your talent and ability to relate to the audience. Thank you for such an entertaining week! Pamela, Children's Librarian, Wayne County, OH |
| Memorable! Thank you so much for a memorable morning at the Russell Memorial Library in Chesapeake, VA. My daughters, ages 6 and 3, and I truly enjoyed Dan's puppets and Beauty and the Beast. My younger daughter asked to 'see it again' as soon as we got into the car to go home. And my older daughter can't stop talking about the show! Now, the girls have set up a puppet theater in their playroom! It has given them something to do together on these long, hot summer days. To be able to entertain and bring out creativity in children is a talent and a gift. Stevens Puppets is a wonderfully special group. I wish you continued success. I hope you will come to our area again in the future. Thank you again to Dan and Stevens Puppets. Mom and kids, Chesapeake, VA |
| Thank You! "We want to
thank you for bringing the Aladdin puppet show to our library children
and patrons. Our group enjoyed learning about the strings on the puppets.
Thanks again for helping us educate our children about puppets." Sharon, Children's Librarian, Indiana |
| Energy and Enthusiasm! Thank you so much for your wonderful puppet show! My entire family enjoyed the entire program of Rumplestilskin. The program was more than appropriate for all the members of my family! What a wonderful way to end a long work week and begin the weekend! Thanks for your energy and enthusiasm! The Woolard Family, Virginia |
| "Extremely Wonderful"
Dear Mr. Thompson: I would like to take this opportunity
to thank you for your wonderful generosity towards the children at Riley
Hospital for Children. Taking time out of your busy schedule and visiting
with the children meant the world to them. You were extremely wonderful
to the children. The puppets were amazing!! You are greatly appreciated.
You definitely brought many smiles to the children's faces and made their
hospital stay a little brighter. Here in the Child Life Department, we try to "normalize" the children's lives as much as possible. This can be accomplished through play, creative expression and special events. With the thoughtfulness and generosity of your organization, our job has been made easier. There is no way our staff could ever express the difference you make in the lives of the children. Thank you for caring and sharing! Sincerely yours, Angela, Riley Hospital, Indianapolis, IN |
| "Wonderful Entertainer" My husband and I took 5 of our grandchildren to the performance of "Rumplestiltskin" at the Ettrick-Matoaca Library last evening. We all thoroughly enjoyed it! I am a retired elementary teacher and was very impressed with Dan Raynor and the way he relates to children and adults. I would highly recommend the show to anyone! There were lots of good laughs and the puppets were fascinating. Keep up the good work! You are a wonderful entertainer. We enjoyed the pre and post show entertainment as much as the the show! Jan, Chesterfield, VA |
| "The Very Best" You are simply THE VERY BEST program we've ever had! Janet, Chesterfield County Librarian, Chesterfield, VA |
| "Sooooo Amazing" You guys are sooooo amazing!!!!!!!!!!! :) People are STILL a-buzz!! :) Thanks again for a terrific program!!! What a way to kick-off the summer! Marty, Children's Librarian, Poquoson,VA |
|
"Works of Art" A
letter from a Maryland librarian dated 26 April 2003; |
| Hilarious! Dan Raynor is so hilarious! He is truly the Jim Carrey of Puppetry! Dan, Michigan, school administrator. |
| "Crowd Pleaser!" A real crowd pleaser who interacts well with children and adults! Jane, Anne Arundel County Librarian, MD |
| Interactive! Your interactive puppet show was the best! Linda, Librarian, Montgomery County, MD |
| Over the Top! I just wanted you to know that I keep on hearing how much people enjoyed your show!! One mom this week said that one thing that really impressed her was how captivated the entire group was -- from the youngest child to the oldest. You had such great rapport and the whole production was so beautiful and fun! The puppets, sets and stories are wonderful and your gift at working with people just sends it over the top! You really do such a wonderful job! Thank you! Michelle, Librarian, Montgomery County Public Library System, MD. |
| Enchanting! We saw your "Beauty and The Beast" show at the Shenandoah County Library this past Friday and thoroughly enjoyed it! Our 2 and 5 year old children were fascinated! Your show was beautiful and enchanting...and the kids were howling with laughter as well as the parents. Alberta, Edinburg, VA |
| The Best! My 3 yr. Old son and
5 yr. Old daughter saw your performance at the John Marshall Library today
and thoroughly enjoyed your show. The "before" the show audience interaction
was quite entertaining. Dan and Zan you are truly full of talent. I think
you have reached your goal to be the best! Linda, Springfield, VA |
| Outstanding! Your program was outstanding! Everyone enjoyed it so much! Thank you for a delightful afternoon. Jo Ann, Rockville Library, Rockville, MD. |
| Stellar! What a stellar performance!
I am already looking forward to Rumplestiltskin! Diane, Arlington Central Librarian, Arlington, VA |
| Fascinated! My 2 children and
I absolutely adored your performance of "Beauty and the Beast" at the
Riviera Beach Library in Pasadena, MD last night. I have never been so
entertained, and both my children (4 and 2) were laughing, clapping, creeping up to the front of the audience little by little to get the best view, and just plain fascinated. The pre-show entertainment was also fantastic. Mr. Raynor knows how to get a laugh out of a child and an adult audience. Kristin, Pasadena, MD |
| Laughed so hard! Your show at the Provinces Library was fantastic! My kids and I laughed so hard and had such a good time. My son didn’t want to come originally, because he thought it would be a “girl” puppet show and be boring. He was very surprised and had such a great time. I saw him laughing more than my daughter. The children’s humor was a very smart move to keep them interested in the story. It kept the adults laughing too. Keep up the great work and know that making children and their parents laugh is such a precious talent that you are sharing with all of us. Thank you for that! Sincerely, Cheryl, Annapolis, Maryland |
| Hilarious and Charming! I just came home from your wonderful puppet show at the Edgewater Library this afternoon. What an absolute treat! You were hilarious for the adults and charming for the kids. I asked my daughter if she'd like to have such a thing at her next birthday and she shrilled with delight! Just when I thought I'd seen or heard of every possible child entertainment venue in this area, I was pleasantly surprised to watch this show. Andrea, Edgewater Library, Maryland |
|
Exceptional! A visit from Dan Raynor and the Stevens Puppets was a perfect kickoff to our 2002 Summer Reading Program. Our young readers were completely enthralled from the moment the curtain opened until the last bow. After his performance, Mr. Raynor spent a great deal of time showing the children how the puppets worked and answering questions about his craft. The puppets were beautiful, the stage a marvel of engineering and artistic talent (I still can't believe it all came out of two boxes!), and Mr. Raynor's skill at handling his audience is exceptional. Altogether the performance of Beauty and the Beast was a tremendous gift to all who viewed it. Librarian, White Pigeon Township Library, Michigan |
| We loved it! My family saw the Beauty and the Beast puppet show at the Annapolis library today. We loved it! I thought it was the perfect length for that age group. The puppets were beautiful and we enjoyed seeing them after the show. Many thanks. Mr. and Mrs. P. and family, Annapolis, Maryland |
| Spectacular! We just returned home from seeing "Beauty and the Beast" at our local library. We loved it so much! The show was spectacular, the beautiful woodcarved puppets were exceptional in their detail and we loved being able to see how they work and to tour the "stage". I am so glad that my child had this experience (and me, too). This experience was such a rich one for us both. We look forward to seeing more. Thanks! Joelle, Annapolis, Maryland |
| Laugh-Out-Loud! "Fun entertainment
with Laugh-Out-Loud-antics!" Allen County Library System, Fort Wayne, IN |
|
Fantastic! All
smiles - your show at The Clover Hill Public Library was fantastic!
My 5 year old enjoyed every moment . . . the story . . . jokes, length
of show were all in perfect timing to captivate both young and not so
"young". (I enjoyed it as much as she did- smile) You did such a fantastic
job, that I just kept waiting for several helpers to come out from behind
the curtains- My little one even related the moral behind the story
to me about kindness and why the man got "zapped" into a beast. (kinda
deep coming from a 5 y/o) Thanks again for the fun afternoon . . .
Cindy, Midlothian, VA |
| National Treasure! "Puppeteer and legend Martin Stevens will never die while his beautifully carved masterpieces are in the hands of Dan Raynor. His stories connect with children of all ages, from any time. This show is truly a National Treasure! STEVENS PUPPETS -- created by a 20th century master and performed, lovingly, by a 21st century master". Chapman Puppet Art, IN |
| Beautiful! "I must tell you, this was the best show we had ever seen!" "The puppets were so beautiful, I just can't tell you enough great things about this show" "They truly have a gift for creating beautiful carved puppets" Library Director, Michigan |
| Exquisite! [The] "Beauty and the Beast marionettes are exquisitely detailed and Dan Raynor's skill at manipulating them is amazing". Chesterfield County Library, VA |
| Magical! "The wooden figures came to life [in] A magical experience for audience members . . . [as] they stare at the stage in wide eyed wonder with their hands to their open mouths" Beacon News, Illinois |
| Enthralled! "Could easily be a stand up comedian, kept the children entralled not only during the performance, but also after the show as he interacted with them while answering questions about puppets and puppeteering" The Geauga Times Courier |
| Awe! "My 4 year old Bobby
enjoyed the show, and my 6 year old Melanie was in awe" [my] "1
1/2 year old sat on [my] lap throughout the show, but her eyes never left
the stage" Bob, Ohio |
| Pleasant! Dan just left our library on this miserably rainy day, and I must say that he filled our room with sunshine!! (And laughs too!) We had a fantastic time and I am so glad that we were introduced to Stevens Puppets. A most pleasant time was had by all. Thank you so much for coming to the Kirn Memorial Library - we hope to see you again!!! Children's Librarian, Norfolk, VA |
| Timeless! "Every Popular" and "Timeless!" Library, Michigan |
| Delight! Stevens Puppets "Charms Library Audience" with an "hour of laughter and squeals of delight!" Perrysburg Messenger Journal, OH |
| Intriguing! "The puppets were intriguing, the show was very well done, and the parents enjoyed it as much as the kids." Librarian, Grand Rapids, MI |
| Thrilled! "As usual, [our] audience was thrilled with the artistry of the marionettes and [the] puppeteer[s] lovable "off-stage" antics" Librarian, IN |
| Entertain! "Marionette magic helps entertain students" "Puppet master . . . has a rapt audience on a string" "When the house lights dimmed and the footlights shine, the marionettes become the focus of attention" South Bend Tribune, IN |
| Great Fun! "Stevens Puppets
shows are great fun for children of all ages" Librarian, Hammond, IN |
| Superb! Another superb performance!
You are always a huge hit with our students (and staff) who look forward
to Stevens Puppets visit every year". Jefferson Elem. School, Principal, IN |
| Wonder! "The children
laughed, clapped, and cheered as the drama of Sleeping Beauty unfolded
on the illuminated stage" . . . "brought the marionettes to
life" . . . "The children stared in wonder" . . . Penasee Globe, MI |
| Enjoy! "The faces of this audience reveal how much both children and parents enjoyed the performance." The Sun and News, IN |
| Pleasure! "It was a real
pleasure to have Stevens Puppets again at South Side." "The
kids and adults just love your show" "I thought that this years
production was your best yet!" Principal, South Side Christian School, MI |
| Awesome! "It was awesome!" The News Sun and Evening Star, IN |
| Enjoyable! "We
have enjoyed these presentations every year!" Carlin Park Elementary, Principal, IN |
| Masters! "Puppet Masters' string along crowd!" Grand Travese Herald, MI |
| Mesmerised! "Creating magic and sharing it with thousands of appreciative audiences . . .The lights dim and the stage lights brighten . . .the children become mesmerized" The Chesterton Tribune, IN |
| Love! "Kendall school loves Stevens Puppets" Principal, Kendall Elementary School, IN |
| Dazzled! [Stevens Puppets] "Dazzled
the group with Pinocchio" [at the library] The Ada Herald. OH |
| Hilarious! "Hilarious . . . classic tales" The Middlebury Independent, IN |
| Excitement! "The kids excitement was evident" The County Press, MI |
| Curtain! Stevens Puppets "Bring[s] down the curtain" The Chronicle, OH |
| Legends! "Living Legends" Chronicle Tribune, IN |