Subscribe to Metastellar, for interesting conversations on writing. "Long Lost Friends is hosted by E.E. King and Andrea Goyan. Click here for tips on "How to tell a Six-minute Story." By Mariana
www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-msdSpHVVU&t=32s
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THE FINALS--FOR SEASON 9
LONG BEACH SEARCHES FOR GREATEST storyteller
MONDAY, AUGUST 5, 2019 THE WINNER IS DAVID OLMOS.
HIS TRUE STORY ABOUT THE NOTE IN THE BOTTLE WON THE HEARTS OF THE SIX JUDGES AND THE AUDIENCE. L-R, WINNER, DAVID OLMOS, CHARLA HOWARD, CYNTHIA NEIMAN, RON CHICK, BEN RODRIGUEZ, LARRY PORRICELLI, AND DAVID CLARK. (MARIANA SLIDES IN) ALL THE TELLERS WERE CAPTIVATING.
(PHOTOS BY ADAM HUSTED. WWW.adamhusted.photoshelter.com/index)
WE ALSO THANK musician harold payne, and co host, zoot velasco.
L.B.SEARCHES FINALS, AUG. 28, 2017, ABOVE AND BELOW
LONG BEACH SEARCHES FOR GREATEST STORYTELLER ABOVE MONDAY, JULY 31, 17 L-R, Mariana, Alex, Carolyn, Lucia, Cynthia, Winner-Debra, Marya and Tamara--all delivered stirring 6-minute tales at Malarkey's DEBRA EBHRHARDT WINS THE AUDIENCE VOTE AND $100 with her hilarious tale of seeing--uh--a male body part for the first time. We all have a "coming of age story" but, her Jamaican experience and accent charmed the audience and judges. ABOVE: JUNE 26th TELLERS L-R, MARTHA BURKE, STEVE JACKSON, ANNIE MOOSE, STACEY PARKER BYONE, MARY JANE TURNER, MAX EVANS. RUNNER UP-Stacey Parker with a story about a nurse years ago, and Mary Jane Turner won the $100 with a story about going to New Orleans-against "mother's wishes."
We were lucky to get a celebrity judges, Surf legend Jericho Poppler Bartlow & Grammy-winning songwriter, Paul Williams, Mariana hosts. ************************************************************ BELOW: Memorial Day Show, MAY 29th Malarkey's banquet room (Floor to ceiling windows of ocean.) awesome-packed room audience, tellers L-R Chadra, Stacey, Penny, (winner-Max Evans), Robyn, and Jahan. Penny told of her house robbed. She set a trap and discovered her room mate was the thief. Mariana hosts, Winner Max Evans tells of community coming together on a bus. (Sorry pics are cut off at top.) MON., APRIL 24, 17 BELOW are tellers L-R
(Above) Martha Bass is the $100 winner for the night, Brenda Adeleman is Guest Teller. Below, L-R Kyle, Bobby, Martha, Art & Mindy all told bold stories and the audience leaned in. 
ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS NOW FOR OUR NEXT SHOW! Send about 5 lines to: marianaStoryteller@gmail.com Don't forget there is a $100 prize for top tale of the night. $100 to top tale of the night, audience votes. ******************************************************* TRUE TALE OF THE SOUTH BAY, TORRANCE CULTURAL ARTS SUN., APRIL 2, '17. Boldly stepping forward were tellers L-R Christian, Chad, Me, Bob Slay/Guest Teller, Chris, Terri and Justin. ************************************************************* Mariana is a Guest Teller this Saturday, Mar. 26th @ Long Beach Live, 7-10 p.m. The Mirage Cafe @ 539 E. Bixby Rd, L.B. Come and check out poetry, comedy, dance, short fiction and storytelling. FInd it on Facebook for more details.
(above) STORYTELLING WORKSHOP, Mar. 12, '17
Start with a strong opening sentence -find some conflict and build your tale by expressing everything that went wrong and could have gone wrong. End strong with a definitive closing sentence.
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L.B.SEARCHES, MON., MAR. 27,17
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Aug. 29,16 Big Night - Storyteller Finals L-R: Winner, Karen; Finalist, Jeff; Finalist Steven; Co-host, Mark Wilde; Announcer of Winner, Paul Williams; Producer/Emcee, Mariana
Thanks for inviting me to speak at So. Cal Writer's Association, Sat., Jan. 21, '17. The writer's group learned how to put the sizzle on the steak--for their own memoir tales. Lunch and then our own group show. We discovered one member who came to L.B.Searches a week later and won the $100. I'm not a judge at the storytelling contest--Sharmyn won fair and square.
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May tellers L-R Congrats to all of you for steppin' up to the mic and spillin' your guts. Sunny, started off the show with a brave tale of a mother/son bond that went beyond the grave. Tom's boyhood memory of Cuba was a sentimental journey. Gina memory of being a teenage mom took strength and she is now a happy, strong and educated mom of three.Tommy traveled to NY and even sang a bit in his tale.Karen, all your practice paid off (she said she rehearsed a lot), and your tale of the jocky's boots was a fun ride, paying you $100. Jim spoke candidly about internet dating and finding love eventually. Kyle shared her dating trials and, as runner-up, got a gift certificate for Malarkey's for her trouble.
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February Winner, L.B. Searches, JEFF TUCKER
February tellers L-R WINNER, JEFF TUCKER; GUEST HOST, PAUL WILLIAMS; MARY ANN BAKER; GREG LEACH,BACK ROW R-L, STEVE BROWN,MIKE SHARP, RUNNER-UP, DOYLE SIMIENS,STEVE EDWARDS, (MELISSA HERERRA NOT SHOWN) CONGRATS TO ALL! IT WAS A PACKED ROOM AND THE ENERGY WAS FLOWING. SPECIAL THANKS TO PAUL WHO WAS A SKILLED WITTY - QUIPPY GUEST HOST SHOWS ARE LAST MONDAY OF THE MONTH 7-9 p.m., thru August. Tickets avail at door $6. or type in event at: Brown Paper Tickets,com. MALARKEY'S GRILL IS LOCATED ON ALAMITOS BAY, LONG BEACH,CA WATERFRONT DINING, DRINKING AND STORYTELLING. (WE CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON A SALTY SEA TALE TOO, I'VE NOTICED.) 168 N. Marina Drive, Alamitos Bay, Long Beach, CA check it out, click below. _http://www.malarkeysgrill.com/ 
Special thanks to APRIL Guest Storyteller,
DR. BOB SLAY CREATOR OF TRUE STORIES FROM THE ER, TV SHOW, AND LAST SEASON'S WINNER OF LONG BEACH SEARCHES, ########################################### HISTORY LESSON PEOPLE Season 5 & Season 6 has been at Malarkeys. The other four years were at Long Beach Playhouse, as seen in above picture. As much as we all enjoyed the theatre setting, our crowd has more fun sitting up close, while drinking margaritas and scarfing coconut shrimp, glancing to the right to see the mighty Pacific Ocean. ########################################## 
March tellers: L-R, Winner, Jhon Mansinghani; runner-up, Carol Grabowski;James Preston; GailBurgess;Laurie Kitredge;Jorge Suarez.
Special thanks to MARCH Guest Musician ALI HANDAL Special thanks to MAY Guest Musician MARK WOOD
Sean Moor, Guest Teller at June Show, had the audience spellbound with his true journey of tracking down a mysterious woman all over Japan. All the while we are wondering along with him, is this a fool's folly, or the real thing?
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OTHER SHOWS....TAKE A MOMENT TO SEE A VIDEO
Here's a 90 second video which explains ALL! http://tinyurl.com/oefmbu5 |
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Huntington Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller, Fall show, Oct. 1, 2015
L-R Jamey Doe, Gail Burgess, Laurie Kittridge, WINNER: Chad McCann, RUNNER-UP: Susan Cameron, Paul Kaloper, Mariana.
music by local singer/songwriter, JAMES GREY. Photos by Rett Yarnell
Huntington Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller, Fall show, Oct. 1, 2015
L-R Jamey Doe, Gail Burgess, Laurie Kittridge, WINNER: Chad McCann, RUNNER-UP: Susan Cameron, Paul Kaloper, Mariana.
music by local singer/songwriter, JAMES GREY. Photos by Rett Yarnell
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Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller, Mid-year finals, July 27th,
SOLD OUT AT MALARKEY'S.
Dr. Bob Slay came in first with his E.R. story, one vote behind was Sean Moor, (Gatsby Book Store owner) with his tale of boxing and love lost. We decided to give Sean $100 also, considering there were about 180 there--one vote less is a tie, I say. It was a strong night of storytelling. Thanks to the audience for being attentive-active-audience listeners.
This show featured first and second place winners from March, April, May and June. They are, in no particular order: John Kin-greased pig contest; Gregg Leach-met Charleton Heston on dream date; Gregg Oreo-Walt Disney inspiration; Bob Slay-ER room escapee; Cynthia Silverman-mom with alzheimers reveals new personality; Sean Moor-Tears and cerveza; Diane Estrada-Finding her inner Lola. (Michael Berger is unable to make it) $100 prize--audience vote counts for one, judges for five points. FOR TX go to Brown Paper Tickets.com and type in event Huntington Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller.
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Dec
Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller, Mid-year finals, July 27th,
SOLD OUT AT MALARKEY'S.
Dr. Bob Slay came in first with his E.R. story, one vote behind was Sean Moor, (Gatsby Book Store owner) with his tale of boxing and love lost. We decided to give Sean $100 also, considering there were about 180 there--one vote less is a tie, I say. It was a strong night of storytelling. Thanks to the audience for being attentive-active-audience listeners.
This show featured first and second place winners from March, April, May and June. They are, in no particular order: John Kin-greased pig contest; Gregg Leach-met Charleton Heston on dream date; Gregg Oreo-Walt Disney inspiration; Bob Slay-ER room escapee; Cynthia Silverman-mom with alzheimers reveals new personality; Sean Moor-Tears and cerveza; Diane Estrada-Finding her inner Lola. (Michael Berger is unable to make it) $100 prize--audience vote counts for one, judges for five points. FOR TX go to Brown Paper Tickets.com and type in event Huntington Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller.
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Dec
BARBARA JORDON WINS TITLE OF LONG BEACH'S GREATEST STORYTELLER 2014! WITH HER TALE OF HELPING A VERY SICK FRIEND. IT STARTED OFF GRIM--AND QUICKLY DISOLVED INTO HILARITY. EVERY FEW MOMENTS SHE WOULD ADD, "MY FRIEND IS FINE NOW..SHE'S OKAY, OR I WOULDN'T BE TELLING THIS."
JORGE SUAREZ SPOKE OF THE PRIVILEGE OF US CITIZENSHIP, LYN PUTNAM WAS TERRORIZED BY SPIDERS, NICK YARRIS WAS FREED BY THE INNOCENCE PROJECT AFTER 20 YEAR OF INCARCERATION. NOT SEEN, JUSTIN EZZI WHO HAD A COMING-OF-AGE TALE.
Michael Burger wins $100 cash at first show of the year, Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller, April 27, 15. Told about how he got out of a ticket-very creative and had the audience roaring.
Diane Estrada, Runner-up spoke of finding her "inner Lola."
************************************************************* HUNTINGTON BEACH SEARCHES FOR GREATEST STORYTELLER. THIS SEASONAL SHOW IS HELD AT THE HB ART CENTER. THE SPRING SHOW WAS MAY 7,15. L-R Winner: DIANE ESTRADA runner-up TIFFANY FORTIER SUMMER SHOW IS THURS., JULY 30 
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May 18th, CONGRATULATIONS to all the storytellers who brought-it to Malarkey's Grill on Alamitos Bay, for LONG BEACH SEARCHES FOR GREATEST STORYTELLER. SEAN MOOR, owner of Gatsby's Books wins the $100 and the admiration of all with his tale of boxing and lost love. A big high-five to GREG LEACH, runner-up. Both will appear at the finals in July.
L-R SEAN MOOR, STEVE EDWARDS, MAIA BRADFORD, HOWARD GABE, GREG LEACH, BRYN WOLF, MARIANA, HYDER ZAHED--EVERYONE'S STORY IS DIFFERENT, YET SOMEHOW A WELL TOLD TALE ..CAN LANDS THE LISTENER INSIDE THEIR HEAD IN MINUTES.NO SCRIPTS, MAKE-UP PERSON, OR UNION DUES.
WINNER, SEAN MOOR
RUNNER-UP, GREG LEACH
MAIA BRADFORD
BRYN WOLF (ABOVE LEFT, STEVE EDWARDS & GREGG OREO, RIGHT, HYDER ZAHED.
APRIL 27th Show at Malarkey's Grill
WE REMEMBER 2014 TELLERS BELOW
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2014 STORYTELLERS AT OUR OLD VENUE
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THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO REACHED OUT TO TELL A PERSONAL TALE...OUR FALL SHOW TELLERS, SEPT. 28th.
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(Details of Summer show, Sun., Aug. 3, 14)
Jorge Suarez, runner-up, started his tale with, "I was young, we snuck out of the house to go to...Vegas. I hadn't gotten far when..." Lisa Dickey, winner of L.B.Searches for Gretest Storyteller, began with, "I was 18, and I decided to go hike alone...in Pakistan." Both tales took a lot of turns and curves on those personal journeys and the audience and judges were with them throughout the wild rides. Lisa is holding her $100 prize! Thanks to the near full-house, with lots of audience support laughter and active listening, it was another fanTAStic night. Also thanks to Guest Storyteller, Karen Golden. |
(Details of Spring Show)
SUN., APRIL 27, 2014 LONG BEACH SEARCHES FOR GREATEST STORYTELLER WINNER, NICK YARRIS AND FIRST RUNNER-UP, BARBARA JORDON WILL ADVANCE TO THE FINALS, IN DECEMBER. Long Beach Storytellers Rocked the Full House! I am standing with winner, Nick Yaris and Barbara Jordon, first runner-up. "I've been to a lot of these shows," announced audience member, Moe Nasser, who stood up from her seat in the audience, "and this is the best show yet!" Fortunately, her remarks were made during the tally process, while staff counted up the audience and judges votes to decide who would win the $100. "This night could have been the finals, echoed Kat Marusak, from Lakewood. "The shows keep getting better and better." The stories were all true tales of personal incidents in "ordinary" lives. The subjects were varied and drew a range of emotions from the near-packed house at the Long Beach Playhouse. **************************************************** |
MORE DETAILS OF SPRING '14 SHOWBarbara Jordan, Nick Yarris, Larry Porricelli, Don Burdge, TL Brink, Phil Guiral, Brian Clendenin, and Amy Glin. Briefly, the stories were about: accidental golfing with Misha, the world's premier male ballet dancer; an Acapulco ghost with a frightening history; a near death experience that echoed the movie, "Heaven is for Real"; a coming-of-age story of building a hang glider, two very different experiences with fortune tellers and medical marijuana madness. The winning story was by Long Beach resident, Nick Yarris, who overcame the anger of being falsely imprisoned for over twenty years. Surprisingly, Nick's story, although chilling, was told with an amazing amount of grace and forgiveness. Barbara lightened the evening with a humorous tale about helping a friend in a very unorthodox fashion. Barbara and Nick will advance to the finals, Sunday, Dec.28th.
http://tiny.cc/nknhdx
How does it work? WATCH A 90 SECOND VIDEO ABOVE
PLEASE CHECK OUT FACEBOOK PAGE: Mariana Loves Stories
Speaking of storytelling, Mariana's latest book is all about it...
If there is an empty space on the bookstore or virtual shelf, perhaps it is wince-worthy literature that has been so underserved: the step-child of irony, the cousin of black humor, the illegitimate step-cousin of creative non-fiction. It is to fill that need this book has been written. Wince. Do we always have to fall back on a smile and frown; the salt and pepper of emotions? A blanch of surprise? A trace of disgust, bob your head slightly, narrow your eyes, shudder with sympathy, retreat with discomfort, stiffen with envy, and by all means…wince. I offer Love, Regret and Accidental Nudity.
For print or e-book please click below....
_
http://tiny.cc/gx50cx
_right here, yeah!
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To read about our event in the Press Telegram, CLICK HERE
If there is an empty space on the bookstore or virtual shelf, perhaps it is wince-worthy literature that has been so underserved: the step-child of irony, the cousin of black humor, the illegitimate step-cousin of creative non-fiction. It is to fill that need this book has been written. Wince. Do we always have to fall back on a smile and frown; the salt and pepper of emotions? A blanch of surprise? A trace of disgust, bob your head slightly, narrow your eyes, shudder with sympathy, retreat with discomfort, stiffen with envy, and by all means…wince. I offer Love, Regret and Accidental Nudity.
For print or e-book please click below....
_
http://tiny.cc/gx50cx
_right here, yeah!
******************************************************************************************************************************************
To read about our event in the Press Telegram, CLICK HERE
Congratulations, Will! It was some stiff competition but you won over the audience and judges with your well-told story of a quirky neighbor who needed a second look. Below is an article about the entire evening.
Dates for the 2014 Storytelling season at Long Beach Playhouse are:
Spring: Sun., April 27, Summer: Sun., Aug. 3rd, Fall: Sept.28 and Winter Finals: Sun., Dec. 28th
Dates for the 2014 Storytelling season at Long Beach Playhouse are:
Spring: Sun., April 27, Summer: Sun., Aug. 3rd, Fall: Sept.28 and Winter Finals: Sun., Dec. 28th
SUNDAY, DEC. 29, '13 LONG BEACH SEARCHES FOR THE GREATEST STORYTELLER RESULTS!
Long Beach Playhouse presented the final competition of storytelling seeking “Long Beach’s Greatest Storyteller,” Sunday, Dec. 29th. Six locals told a six-minute true story. The idea is to share a pivotal moment in one’s life, let the audience and judges vote, and present the winner with $100 and the title. This challenge brought together the top two winners of the three shows held in spring, summer and fall.
The winner, Will Mc Crabb, a writer from Long Beach, won over the crowd with his story about his relationship with a neighbor who was perceived as odd. Will tried not to judge and focused on the eccentricities of this young man. Later in the story it was revealed the neighbor was the savant/autistic person that Dustin Hoffman studied in researching his role for the movie, The Rain Man.
Other competitors included Susan Tierney whose story centered around life as a ballerina in New York. Deatrice Banks had everyone laughing with her tale about a wardrobe mishap that embarrassed her entire family. Pam Pomeroy was a squeamish mom who fainted at the hospital, requiring her own bed, while trying to help her son. Adam Hastings spoke of the quirky mother he grew up with and how he looks at it now. Jeannie Frias told a touching recount of nursing her mother in the last year of her life and her final request. The surprise? “A gin and tonic would be nice.”
Producer Mariana Williams, a storyteller and novelist, remarked, “The only disappointment of the night was turning away so many people that came to the sold-out show. This was our third year of storytelling in Long Beach and it’s so heartening to see the interest growing.”
Not competing, but rounding out the night with hilarity were stories by Grammy-winning songwriter Paul Williams as well as comedians Wayne Federman and Jordan Brady.
Long Beach Searches for the greatest storyteller all year. The Long Beach Playhouse has been the site for competition for three years, inviting storytellers for the spring, summer, fall and winter shows. They will share a true story from their life on any subject—in five-minutes. The winner is rewarded with $100 each night, and the audience hears from seven to nine tales. “The audience votes,” explains Producer Mariana Williams, “and we have judges as well whose votes count for five points. This ensures that it’s more than a popularity contest.”
The range of emotions is what makes the evening special, funny, sad, poignant—all the flavors of human experience are played out five-minutes at a time. Soon we'll have dates for next year.
LONG BEACH POET, JASON BOWE WINS 2012 L.B.'S GREATEST STORYTELLER WITH HITOSHI HOSODA, 2011'S WINNER
FALL SHOW of Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller, Sun., Sept. 29th. Me on the left, then Carrie Snow-guest storyteller during break, Lynda Montgomery told about trick or treating-emphasis on trick, Michelle Hensley had a tequilla experience, Tom Kayne spoke of special moments,WINNER ADAM HASTINGS in the center told a boating tale, Jeannie Frias was runner-up, with a tale about a love affair with a VW bug, Joyce Wheeler eloquently spoke of a dangerous urban situation that she handeled with spunk and wisdom. Don Marr wove a tale about the meaning of birds in flight.
Special thanks to Carolyn Yarnell who shot the pics for Spring, Summer and Fall shows.
Check her out on Facebook.
Check out Summer Storytellers-June 30th show rocked!
Robbin and I read the name of the winners! First place, Will McCrabb ($100--oh, yeah!) Pam Pomeroy Second place! Both return with new tales for the finals in Dec.
Congrats to Spring winners Susan & Deatrice
April 28th was a terrific evening with nine tellers. Runner-up Deatrice Banks is beside me, next is 1st place winner, Susan Tierney who took home the $100. Tamara Madison hosted the show. Both girls will have new tales and compete with the top two winners of the summer and fall shows.
Last Sunday in December YOU decide L.B.'s Greatest storyteller!
Last Sunday in December YOU decide L.B.'s Greatest storyteller!
It takes a village
BIg hug to Robbin Fortier (pictured on the left) who interviews guests and tellers
Big shoulder squeeze and gaze of appreciation to Mailing Mavin: Annie A
Big squeeze to story assistants who talley votes: Diane Gilkenson & Cindy Hudson & Gregg Oreo
Big high-five to light & sound pro: Andrew Vonderschmidt
Crisp salute of respect to story judges: Harry Saltzgaver,Frederick Ponzlov, Charla Howard, Darlene Quinn, Jonathan Schnack, Jericho Popler, Art Levine and others.
BIg hug to Robbin Fortier (pictured on the left) who interviews guests and tellers
Big shoulder squeeze and gaze of appreciation to Mailing Mavin: Annie A
Big squeeze to story assistants who talley votes: Diane Gilkenson & Cindy Hudson & Gregg Oreo
Big high-five to light & sound pro: Andrew Vonderschmidt
Crisp salute of respect to story judges: Harry Saltzgaver,Frederick Ponzlov, Charla Howard, Darlene Quinn, Jonathan Schnack, Jericho Popler, Art Levine and others.
THANKS TO PHOTOGRAPHERS CAROLYN YARNELL AND
CATHY MERENDA
CATHY MERENDA
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(Other past events this year)
Sat., May 25th 12-4 p.m., Storytelling Workshop, Long Beach, CA, L.B. Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St. (2 blks W. of PCH) Workshop includes story edit, storytelling exercises & light dinner. Performance by attendees (friends invited). Okay to use notes. $25. To sign up email: marianastoryteller@gmail.com.
Sun., May 26th 12:45-2. p.m., Open Storytelling Irvine, CA University Synagogue, 3400 Michaelson, Irvine, CA (near 405 & Jamboree) This was popular last year so Mariana’s bringing it back. Listen or share a five-minute true tale. No charge.
Sun., June 9th 4 p.m., Pinata Storytelling Show, Santa Monica, CA VIdiots Annex, 300 Pico Blvd., Santa Monica, CA. (310) 392-8508. Mariana is a guest storyteller among a strong line-up of storytellers. No charge.
Sat., June 22nd, 8:30-4:00 p.m. CSL Writers Workshop, "How To Tell The Story" was the first in the three sessions of how to turn your idea into an E-book. Mariana is speaking on the first of these. For more info: www.cslwritersworkshop.com
National University 3390 Harbor Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 (714) 429-5100
Sun., June 30 2-4 p.m. Book signing @ Apostrophe Book Store, 4712 E. 2nd Street, Long (Downtown Belmont Shores) Meet author Mariana as she unveils her third novel, The Valentine State. Readers who have read the fictional memoir by Veronica Bennett, Happy New Year, Darling! will be in for a treat. The Valentine State picks up Veronica’s new single life as a club singer in Seal Beach, California. She’s trying to write a book but it’s difficult with the distractions of two housemates. Liz is staying just till she becomes America’s Next Top Model, and Billy is laying low, trying to get drug dealers off his back. What could possibly go wrong? Meanwhile, there is a love triangle and the blackmailing of a high-ranking government official. Look for humor and romance in this perfect “beach book.” Chronologically, this novel precedes Stars or Stripes 4th of July—winner of Indie Excellence Award, 2011 for Chick Lit. All three novels are hilarious and standalone. The Valentine State becomes available on Amazon and Apostrophe Books on June 23rd.
MORE NEW PICS AT: @MarianaLovesStories Facebook fan page too
April 28, 13 was our Spring Show. A big thanks to: Norm Bour, Mushroom, John Ferguson, Charla Howard, Leslie Howland, and our two tales on the fly from the audience, by Greg Orreo and Greg Escalante. Let's hear it for TOP TALES OF THE NIGHT voted by audience and judges: DEATRICE BANKS, AND WINNER, SUSAN TIERNEY!
SPRING 2013 STORYTELLERS
Photos by Cathy Merenda
Photo by Cathy Merenda
PRODUCER, MARIANA WILLIAMS, JASON BOWS, WINNER 2012, LAST YEAR'S WINNER, HIROSHI HOSODA
L-R PAUL WILLIAMS, JASON BOWS, KORI DENIS, JUSTIN EZZI, CATHERINE CLOSE, COMIC-WAYNE FEDERMAN. FRONT ROW, BEN PETERS, ROBBIN FORTIER, MARIANA WILLIAMS
JASON BOWS TAKES THE STAGE AND BROUGHT THE AUDIENCE ON A WILD RIDE. WINNING THE VOTES OF JUDGES AND AUDIENCE WITH HIS SEA ADVENTURE!
Last year finals....2012
Thank you to everyone who came out making this evening a huge success. Except for, because it was sold out...I had to turn away my sister and brother-in-law, Judge Anna Luna (esteemed Los Angeles Judge) and YANK my minister, Dr. Jim Turrell and his wife OUT of their seats,to make room for a storyteller's relatives. Justin Ezzi's cousin was pacing in the lobby. He said he came from Philadelphia ( I never asked to see his ticket, hmm?). So, I yanked my minister and his demure wife out of their seats. "Get your coat. C'mon. You're a man of God. Grab your purse. Patty." Next, I spot my friend and author Lisa Neime Swayze. Paul and I are friends of Lisa and her late husband, Patrick Swayze. She and her friend Albert had come from across the valley to surprise us. She was stuck in the lobby with a, "what now?" look on her face. The sound booth was playing my start-the-show song, the lights dimmed. I grabbed Lisa's hand, she grabbed Albert's hand, and I pulled her inside. Fire Mashall be damned. She squeezed between a couple people and Albert, like the gentleman he is, stood in the back. At intermission--we were four deep at the bar. Just sayin'.
(Past Shows live on...
FEATURING THE TOP TWO TALES FROM SPRING, SUMMER AND WINTER EVENTS. THEY ARE COMING BACK AND COMIN' ON STRONG TO WIN THE TITLE FOR 2012! BEN PETERS, ROBBIN FORTIER, KORI DENIS, JUSTIN EZZI, CATHERINE CLOSE AND JASON BOWES.
@ Long Beach Playhouse, 7-9 p.m. $10, 5021 E. Anaheim St. (2 blocks W of PCH) Our final show of the year along with the $100 cash prize will also feature stories by Oscar-winning songwriter, Paul Williams, and comedian Wayne Federman. Let's come out and support our top two storytellers of the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Long Beach Search for Top Tale Ends Dec. 30th
Season Two of “Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller” ends Sunday, Dec. 30th, at the Long Beach Playhouse, when the winner is determined by the audience and judges. The spring, summer, and fall shows each produced two finalists who had the winning true, five-minute story of the night. The Winter Final Show will pit Ben Peters, Robbin Fortier, Kori Denis, Justin Ezzi, Catherine Close and Jason Boes on the main stage to determine, “The Greatest Storyteller.”
Andrew Vonderschmidt, Artistic Managing Director of the playhouse, remarked, “Last year the finals sold out; it was a great night! Our playhouse is for the community, and this event is a chance for anyone, not just actors using scripts to perform.”
During the year, story topics ranged from Robbin Fortier’s poignant and moving cancer survivor story, to a different kind of medical experience. Justin Ezzi spun a hilarious tale about his visit to the doctor for an examination of the “bathing suit area.” For finals, each storyteller must come up with a new tale. The 2011 winner of LB Searches was a Toastmaster from Signal Hill, Hitoshi Hosoda.
Oscar-winning, Hall of Fame local songwriter Paul Williams will be on hand to open the show with his own true story. “Actually, Paul will tell a new story too,” chuckles show producer Mariana Williams, Paul’s wife. “We also have another guest to open the second half, comedian Wayne Federman, who has appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as other sitcoms.”
Six judges, along with the audience, vote and the winner is awarded $100 cash. ($100 was awarded each show this year.)The judges are all luminaries in Long Beach representing many facets of the art: respectively, Novelist Darlene Quinn, LBCC English Professor; Charla Howard, Drama Coach; Frederick Ponzlov, Educator & host of Straight Talk; Art Levine, Editor of Grunion Gazette; Harry Saltzgaver; and from L.A., Moth Competitive Storyteller Bill Ratner. Each judge’s vote counts for five points and each audience member’s vote is one.
Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller, Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., L.B. 2 blks west of PCH. 562-494-1014. Sun., Dec. 30, 7-9 p.m: $10
@ Long Beach Playhouse, 7-9 p.m. $10, 5021 E. Anaheim St. (2 blocks W of PCH) Our final show of the year along with the $100 cash prize will also feature stories by Oscar-winning songwriter, Paul Williams, and comedian Wayne Federman. Let's come out and support our top two storytellers of the Spring, Summer, and Fall.
Long Beach Search for Top Tale Ends Dec. 30th
Season Two of “Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller” ends Sunday, Dec. 30th, at the Long Beach Playhouse, when the winner is determined by the audience and judges. The spring, summer, and fall shows each produced two finalists who had the winning true, five-minute story of the night. The Winter Final Show will pit Ben Peters, Robbin Fortier, Kori Denis, Justin Ezzi, Catherine Close and Jason Boes on the main stage to determine, “The Greatest Storyteller.”
Andrew Vonderschmidt, Artistic Managing Director of the playhouse, remarked, “Last year the finals sold out; it was a great night! Our playhouse is for the community, and this event is a chance for anyone, not just actors using scripts to perform.”
During the year, story topics ranged from Robbin Fortier’s poignant and moving cancer survivor story, to a different kind of medical experience. Justin Ezzi spun a hilarious tale about his visit to the doctor for an examination of the “bathing suit area.” For finals, each storyteller must come up with a new tale. The 2011 winner of LB Searches was a Toastmaster from Signal Hill, Hitoshi Hosoda.
Oscar-winning, Hall of Fame local songwriter Paul Williams will be on hand to open the show with his own true story. “Actually, Paul will tell a new story too,” chuckles show producer Mariana Williams, Paul’s wife. “We also have another guest to open the second half, comedian Wayne Federman, who has appeared on Curb Your Enthusiasm, as well as other sitcoms.”
Six judges, along with the audience, vote and the winner is awarded $100 cash. ($100 was awarded each show this year.)The judges are all luminaries in Long Beach representing many facets of the art: respectively, Novelist Darlene Quinn, LBCC English Professor; Charla Howard, Drama Coach; Frederick Ponzlov, Educator & host of Straight Talk; Art Levine, Editor of Grunion Gazette; Harry Saltzgaver; and from L.A., Moth Competitive Storyteller Bill Ratner. Each judge’s vote counts for five points and each audience member’s vote is one.
Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller, Long Beach Playhouse, 5021 E. Anaheim St., L.B. 2 blks west of PCH. 562-494-1014. Sun., Dec. 30, 7-9 p.m: $10
Fall Show, October 28, '12
Congratulations to all our terrific storytellers, who are keepin' it real, five minutes at a time. Bobby Lux, Bill Carson, Catherine Close, Jim Sills, Dorothy Spirus, Jared Wilson, Tina Perez, Michael Hanna and Jason Bowes. (It was so awesome, I told a story too--we had intermission, time for a glass of wine or candy bar..back inside, voting, and we finished by 9 p.m. Thanks so much for my assistants, Diane and Cindy.)
Summer Show, July 29, '12
Congrats to all the compelling stories you told. Justin Ezzi, Evie King, Steve Ross, Domenic Bosonetta, Amy Glin, Jack Thomas, Kori Denis.
Spring show, April 29, '12
Starting off our season 2012, congrats to all the outstanding stories you told. Andy Kneis, Robbin Fortier, Rob Levy, John Espininoso Nelson, Christopher Turner, Ted Hill, Tom Kayne, Ben Davis
Long Beach's Greatest Storyteller of '11 Hitoshi Hosoda
The winner of LB Searches for the Greatest Storyteller 2011 was Hitoshi Hosoda, who was born in Japan, and now resides in Signal Hill. The IT Security Engineer describes himself as a father, USC graduate, Toastmaster, and surfer. His tale was a hilarious adventure of surfing a huge wave in Japan and coming onto shore as a surf-hero. Unbeknownst to the onlookers, he was rescued by the coast guard just out of sight.
Upon receiving the prize Hitoshi said, “ You gave me the great opportunity to speak and it will stay deep in my heart for the rest of my life that I did the contest with such a large audience."
Upon receiving the prize Hitoshi said, “ You gave me the great opportunity to speak and it will stay deep in my heart for the rest of my life that I did the contest with such a large audience."
Past stuff...
SAT., JULY 21st, So. Cal. Writers Assoc. Mariana Speaks on the Art of Memoir, Storytelling and the difference.. Thanks to all the SCWA members who shared stories! It was a great experience for me as well as learning about our members "uh, special moments!" Thanks to Evie King who came down from Hollywood to tell about her time with writing icon Ray Bradbury. It was especially relevant to our group since Mr. Bradbury has spoken to the SCWA in the past. Check it out.... Every meeting, screenwriters, journalists, agents, and marketing experts provide information on the art, craft, and business of writing. Learn more about SCWA by going to website: www.ocwriters.com.
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Special thanks to our gifted photographer, Cathy Merenda, who brings our shared experiences alive with her artful eye and ever-ready smile. To learn more about her photography go to: www.smittyimagingltd.com.
Pics from Summer Show:
L.B. Searches, July 29th, '12
Kori Denise wins $100 bucks for her winning story about Grampa's Birthday!
L.B. Searches, July 29th, '12
Kori Denise wins $100 bucks for her winning story about Grampa's Birthday!
What a fanTAStic group of stories we heard from this bunch at our Summer show, Long Bch, Searches, July 29th. Evie King, Steve Ross, Justin Ezzi (came in 2nd, next to winner) Kori Denise, Dominic Bosonetta, Amy Glin & Jack Thomas.
Pics from Spring show: L.B. Searches, April 29th '12
Mariana & A SIS tant, Diane explain the story board
A big hand for all the story tellers
Ben Peter - Winner with the hilarious story of revenge
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Christopher Turner- Ghost Buster
The audience reviews the stories and gets one vote each
Ben with his prize money and runner up Robbin Fortier
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HERE ARE HIGHLIGHTS OF LONG BEACH SEARCHES FOR THE GREATEST STORYTELLER FINALS --DEC. 29, 2011 at Long Beach Playhouse
It was such a rush walking into the packed playhouse. The air snapped with excitement, or perhaps it was the crackers in my pocket. Anyway, Eyygad. I grabbed one of my friends, poet Tamara Madison, to warm up the already warm crowd, then Paul Williams opened the show with stories about Pat Mc Cormic. Next, he told of a time on stage in Tahoe, when his pant zipper popped during a song. What would you do? He took them off, rolled them up and held them under his arm and finished the song. The funny part came next....
HITOSHI HORODA IS LONG BEACHES GREATEST STORYTELLER! VERY FITTING THAT HE DESCRIBES HIMSELF MOST IMPORTANTLY AS A SURFER!
Long Beach Greatest Storyteller FINALS! Winner Hitoshi Hosoda, with surf adventure tale! Thurs., Dec. 29,2011 @ LB Playhouse
Thursday, Dec. 29th ended the year in stories by locals at a competition held at Long Beach Playhouse. Three events preceded the finals, and the top two storytellers from Spring, Summer and Fall shows were invited back to compete on stage in front of several hundred theater-goers. The rules of the game were simple. A six-minute, true story that happened to you, either read or said. Locals submitted their stories on-line, describing their tale in a few sentences. Mariana Williams, Producer of the event, chose the stories showing the most variety in subject matter. Belmont Music Studios donated $100 for the winner of each of the four events.
Hall of Fame, Grammy-winning songwriter, Paul Williams, was a guest storyteller who opened the show with a couple funny stories of his own. He and his author wife, Mariana, Producer of the show, live in Naples. Celebrity judge, Alan Kalter, “Big Red”, the announcer from the Late Show with David Letterman, also took the stage after the intermission. Kalter regaled the standing-room-only audience with a story about an audition he went on, where he exited the meeting by entering a closet.
The winner of LB Searches for the Greatest Storyteller is Hitoshi Hosoda, who was born in Japan, and now resides in Signal Hill. The IT Security Engineer describes himself as a father, USC graduate, Toastmaster, and surfer. His tale was a hilarious adventure of surfing a huge wave in Japan and coming onto shore as a surf-hero. Unbeknownst to the onlookers, he was rescued by the coast guard just out of sight. Upon receiving the prize he said, “ You gave me the great opportunity to speak and it will stay deep in my heart for the rest of my life that I did the contest with such a large audience."
The show featured stories on any subject from the top storytellers: Bobby Lux, Jeanie Frias, Jared Wilson and Hitoshi Hosoda. (Pam Hummel qualified, but was unable to get away when her daughter's team won a sports event. Yay girls in sports! We are happy for them both! Also, poet Autum Brown qualified; however, she moved to the East Coast. She sent her regards to us via email.)
Hall of Fame, Grammy-winning songwriter, Paul Williams, was a guest storyteller who opened the show with a couple funny stories of his own. He and his author wife, Mariana, Producer of the show, live in Naples. Celebrity judge, Alan Kalter, “Big Red”, the announcer from the Late Show with David Letterman, also took the stage after the intermission. Kalter regaled the standing-room-only audience with a story about an audition he went on, where he exited the meeting by entering a closet.
The winner of LB Searches for the Greatest Storyteller is Hitoshi Hosoda, who was born in Japan, and now resides in Signal Hill. The IT Security Engineer describes himself as a father, USC graduate, Toastmaster, and surfer. His tale was a hilarious adventure of surfing a huge wave in Japan and coming onto shore as a surf-hero. Unbeknownst to the onlookers, he was rescued by the coast guard just out of sight. Upon receiving the prize he said, “ You gave me the great opportunity to speak and it will stay deep in my heart for the rest of my life that I did the contest with such a large audience."
The show featured stories on any subject from the top storytellers: Bobby Lux, Jeanie Frias, Jared Wilson and Hitoshi Hosoda. (Pam Hummel qualified, but was unable to get away when her daughter's team won a sports event. Yay girls in sports! We are happy for them both! Also, poet Autum Brown qualified; however, she moved to the East Coast. She sent her regards to us via email.)
Paul is such a great supporter. He'll be at the finals this year too. (This is a casual snapshot of how we look just hanging out at home.)
Paul is such a great supporter! He'll be Guest Storyteller Dec. 29th at "Long Beach Searches for Greatest Storyteller in the 562" Here's a hint. His story is about working with Raquel Welch.
More about the finals 2011......
L-R Jared Wilson wowed us with a rap-prose-hip-hop flow that built with intensity ending in a thunderous applause. Hitosh Horoda, THE SURFER, bent in half recreating the swell of the wave--all the while drawing us in. Bobby Lux has a charisma that reaches the back row. He kept it real in his coming-of-age story at the crossroads of sports and theater. Jeanie Frias left the mic in the stand and boldly used the entire stage recalling a day of accidents, busses, bicycles and strangers. Jeanie won second place and a gift certificate for four lessons at Belmont Music Studios.
My turn. "You can tell a lot about a person by the songs they request. I worked as a piano player---I know this first hand. "My Way" was usually requested. Not the slick Frank Sinatra types...but down in their luck, dudes....yeah, I played in dives too...I'm just saying', guys mooching beers at the bar, pretending to be talking on cell phones, when it's only their hand cupped against their ear...well, "My Way" was their song too. Anyway, this one time I'm playing at my best gig: The Bonaventure Hotel in downtown L.A. So, this cute guy comes in and requests "Rose in Spanish Harlem..."
Alan Kalter, celebrity judge announcer from The Late Show with David Letterman, was on hand to tell stories too! All the way from New York-he came to Long Beach to escape the cold and golf with Paul. They BOTH took a few minutes off the greens to tell us stories that night. (Believe me, if it weren't a night time show-I dunno.) On the end is Liz Lydic, managing director for Long Beach Playhouse. I love the support the theater has given me. At intermission people drift to the bar in the gallery and tell their own stories. Sip and spill? (Their guts, I mean.)
Alan has a big voice, a big personality and since I know him, I'll tell you....a big heart! Anyway, here he is letting us in on a moment...telling a story to his new family of Long Beach friends. Big Red delivers a tale like nobody!
For more pics of shows, go to the top and click "more"
The storyteller signs in their name and title of their story, so we can remember when it's time to vote. I need the help, since I get lost in every person's tale. The two hours go by in a flash and the story board knows... who said what.