Hans Christian Andersen recreated at Blanchard Library
By Susan Branham
Santa Paula News
Published: October 24, 2007
By Susan Branham
Santa Paula Times
True classics stand the test of time. Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tales hold a place in everyone’s childhood memories. Community families had a special evening in September when Santa Paula’s own “home of the classics,” Blanchard Community Library, presented Randel McGee as Hans Christian Andersen.
Randel brought the classic art of storytelling to the library - where the imagination is engaged and the mind paints the pictures - the original interactive program. Children responded to the favorite, “Silly Hans,” and enjoyed “The Swineherd” and “The Princess and the Pea.” Randel is also a paper-cutting artist. As he told the story, he cut an ornate silhouette of the princess from a sheet of paper, unfolding it for the families to see. “Perhaps the next time we meet you can tell me a story from your imagination,” Randel told the audience.
Children’s and Young Adult Librarian Ilene Gavenman welcomed everyone to the program. “We’re delighted that you are here this evening for a very special performance,” said Ilene. “We are so pleased to welcome Randel McGee. He has performed for children throughout the United States for 28 years and has been appearing as beloved children’s author Hans Christian Andersen for 13 years.”
Randel McGee has performed in Asia, Hawaii and the United States, including the Storytelling Festival at Colonial Williamsburg. He performs for schools and libraries, as well. In addition to storytelling, the award-winning performer is an accomplished puppet ventriloquist and appears with the delightful dragon puppet Groark. “This weekend Randel will be portraying Hans Christian Andersen in Solvang for the Danish Days celebration,” Ilene Gavenman said. “So we are especially honored to have him here in Santa Paula tonight.”
“I want to invite you to attend next month’s Family Evening,” Ilene Gavenman said. “On Tuesday, October 30th at 6:30 Blanchard Community Library will present, “A Halloween Happening to Remember,” featuring farm songs and fun with Donna Nelson and the Isbell Chorus. You can wear your costumes if you like, since it is the night before Halloween. We promise to have lots of songs, surprises and fun.” The Library is located at 119 No. 8th Street in Santa Paula.
