I was blown away. I have been at the GE Theater before, but never seen it set up so "sparsely". Just microphones were present on the stage, to give me a clue that's where people would be speaking from. I wondered how the space would be filled, how the audience would react and how I would react.

I knew right from the first story that there was a reason for the sparse set-up. The teller filled the space, the stage, with his/her presence and that was enough. Anything else would have detracted from the beauty of listening to tellers telling for one main reason: the joy of telling and making art with the spoken world.

I had images dancing in my head immediately with Joe Peck's bovine stories. I closed my eyes a few times and listened with more than my ears. I laughed, I sighed, I felt the power of emotion when Kate got choked up. I loved the Niagara Falls story from the 87-year old (wow!) retired teacher. I was in awe most of the time, as these people shared stories that made us laugh, made the audience appreciate what so many young people probably have no clue goes on.

There were many people there (there should have been more -such a shame to see empty seats) who enjoyed a unique, fun afternoon of a little-known art form. Communicating with words that come from our heads and hearts, and that are spoken orally that we listen to.

I am so happy that I went and got a chance to see something so special like this, going on right in our community. It was exciting and a true sensory pleasure,and I thank you all so much.

Everyone should be exposed to this at least once!"