One man’s version of ‘A Christmas Carol’

Posted 12/11/19

The Wallkill Reformed Church is pleased to present... A Christmas Carol – a live storytelling experience featuring Jonathan Kruk, master storyteller on Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m.

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One man’s version of ‘A Christmas Carol’

Posted

The Wallkill Reformed Church is pleased to present... A Christmas Carol – a live storytelling experience featuring Jonathan Kruk, master storyteller on Friday, December 13 at 7 p.m.

Born an army brat in El Paso, Texas, raised in Westchester County, New York, Jonathan Kruk grew up on tall tales and day dreams. He drove a 1968 Volkswagen cross country, was a teen travel camp counselor, worked as a union laborer and watered Henry Kissinger’s office plants. Telling tales to his kid brother, however, lead to an epiphany; children love live stories. Thus began Jonathan’s career as a full time story- teller.

Studying English, art, and educational theater, Kruk earned a B.A. from Holy Cross College, and an M.A. from New York University. He performed Ritual Urban Theater with Gabrielle Roth, and entertained at over 1000 children’s birthday parties. When Freeport Schools, on Long Island made him storyteller in residence, he left Dr. Kissinger to perform full time. Now, he enchants children every year at hundreds of schools, libraries, historic sites and festivals with finger fables, story theater and historic lore.

Jonathan is best known for solo performances of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, and A Christmas Carol. These sixty shows sell out every autumn for Historic Hudson Valley. His eight recordings for children and adults garnered awards from Parents Choice, and the National Association of Parents Publications. Hudson Valley Magazine selected Jonathan Kruk, as “Best Storyteller in the Hudson Valley.” A BOCES approved artist /educator, he was a teaching artist for Early Stages, Inc. His favorite fable is “Barkface & Rootnose.” His book “Legends and Lore of Sleepy Hollow and the Hudson Valley” published in 2011 by The History Press. He’s keynoted for New York State reading teachers, environmental educators, national native plants conference, and created shows to celebrate the Hudson River Quadricentennial, the American Revolution’s 225th anniversary and his own Putnam County’s 200th.

Currently, Jonathan’s working another History Press book, “Lore of the Hudson Highlands” a bedtime tale app, and a multi-media project; “Supernatural on the Hudson.” He performed “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” in the NYC United Solo Theatre Festival. Jonathan and his wife Andrea are completing a live performance film of his “Sleepy Hollow” show. He’s storyteller for the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, NYC.

His version of A Christmas Carol runs one animated hour. Using treasure trove of voices to create over thirty characters, Jonathan’s “A Christmas Carol” is immediate, intimate, and imaginative. Some compare Jonathan to “an elegant Robin Williams.” Performing in period garb, the story emerges as a lively dialogue, with characters created by concise gestures and expressions.

Transforming into Ebenezer, Bob, and Marley, Kruk employs his legendary eloquence. This is not a set scripted piece told from memory. This is an audience inspired blend of theater and storytelling. It is filled with quotes from Dickens’ original but alive with spontaneity in each show.

Complimentary refreshments starting at 6pm.

Ticket price are $25, with group rates available.

Call the church office (845) 895-2181 to reserve your seats.

The Wallkill Reformed Church is located at 45 Bridge Street.