Every story is a seed
Some will germinate and grow
A spire that respires and inspires
... what we sow
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Michael R. Kasony-O'Malley, Professional Storyteller, tells a wide variety of Irish Tales, Slovak & Slavic Stories, Christmas Legends, and Earth Mother Stories in his storytelling programs. Within each of these four areas of focus, Michael offers storytelling performances tailored for children, for teens & young adults, for families, and for adult audiences. His story sources include folk literature, family lore, myths, original stories, literary tales, and his own experiences. Michael's best advertisement is that folks keep inviting him back for more stories. Over 75 times he has been invited back for additional storytelling performances and programs. Below are descriptions of Michael's four areas of focus in his storytelling work and story listeners' reflections on their experiences of these different storytelling programs. |
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Earth Mother Stories
Tales of Earth Stewardship
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Stories of Human Fellowship
Michael entertains and inspires audiences with his Earth Mother Stories: Tales of Earth Stewardship and Stories of Human Fellowship. Michael has a dual focus with the Earth Mother Stories - sharing stories with environmental and ecological themes (Earth Stewardship) and telling tales that embody the ancient principles of community, compassion, and character development (Human Fellowship). Drawing on ancient myths, contemporary tales, original musings, wisdom lore from around the world, and our own imaginations, Michael takes us on an incredible journey of story with tales of caring for our Earth and stories of caring for each other. Michael's Earth Mother Stories touch our spirits, honor our ancestors, delight our humors, and inspire our souls. Raise a smile and raise your hopes. Be entertained, but not just entertained. Be inspired. |
| "Michael chose a Mother Earth story at the session I attended. Michael's facial animation, vocal enthusiasm, and audience participation brings a story to life. School children, teachers, and myself became participants in the story. We experienced fear running through the streets and laughter as we took part in the sound effects. We planted the seeds to grow trees. We felt the love and strength of people gathered together for a common cause. I found it amazing." The Journal, Struthers, OH |
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Here's what folks are saying about
Michael's Earth Mother Stories: |
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"Outstanding! The students learned many things about storytelling, the environment, and the value of respecting & appreciating differences." Jayne Geers, Reading Specialist, Tussing Elementary School, Pickerington, OH
"Wonderful storytelling! The stories were engaging and the messages were powerful. Michael left a profound impression." Kathy Barger, parent, Grandview Heights, OH
"He became the animal in the story. It gave me goosebumps." Jo Miller, teacher's aide |
 "Michael created such an atmosphere the moment he began to speak that the children held onto his every word. They were all leaning forward, paying attention, enjoying the story, and really learning, too. He is, by far, the best storyteller I have seen." Lisa Chappel, Elementary Reading Specialist, Columbus, OH |
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Slovak & Slavic Stories
Michael fascinates and delights audiences with his Slovak & Slavic Stories: Tales of Magic, Mystery, Romance, & Adventure. Drawing on the Slovak half of his heritage, Michael is one of the only storytellers in North America to give voice to the rich Slovak folk literature. Along with Slovak folk legends and Slavic lore, Michael's original family stories and tales of his travels in Slovakia provide a colorful Slovak tapestry of tales. Like the Irish, the Eastern Slovaks are known as storytellers with fantastic imaginations and Michael once more honors the ancestors. So enter the Slovak cabin and warm yourselves as Michael warms you with these enchanting tales of Slovakia and Eastern Europe. Ready yourselves for magic and mystery and romance and adventure. Ready yourselves for delight. Ready yourselves for enchantment.
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Here's what folks are saying about Michael's Slovak & Slavic Stories:
"If your ancestors are Slovak, then hearing Michael's Slovak stories would be something that you would cherish. But - whether the story is Slovak, Irish, no matter what kind of tale it is, Michael's stories are all just fabulous - they really are." Betty DeArcangelis, Youngstown, OH |
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"Both of my parents came from Czechoslovakia, so Michael's Slovak stories are really special to me. For the younger generations of Slovak-Americans, if they lose their Slovak heritage, then they lose something precious. Even if you're not Slovak, you'll gain a lot because all of Michael's stories are terrific. Those Slovak stories would be lost forever if we hadn't heard them from Michael. That means a lot." Dorothy Bednarik, Poland, OH
"Michael has an ability to draw in listeners of all ages. He delighted library audiences at all of our branches with his unique renditions of Slovak and Slavic Tales." Amy King, Children's Librarian, Athens County Libraries, Athens, OH |
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Christmas Legends
Michael enchants audiences with his Christmas Legends drawn from both folk lore and literary sources. Be spirited back to the parlor of early America and warm yourself by the hearth fire as Michael kindles the Yuletide spirit with these Christmas Tales of the early 1900s. These holiday stories are rich in warmth, magic, merriment, and mischief. Michael's Yuletide stories truly embody the spirit of the Christmas season. Be warmed by the magic. Listen and enjoy.
Here's what folks are saying about
Michael's Christmas Legends: |
"The Christmas spirit was alive as professional storyteller Michael
Kasony-O'Malley breathed life back into some Christmas tales of old. From varying character voices to physical movement, Kasony-O'Malley takes stories to a new level." The Parkersburgh News, Parkersburgh, WV |
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"The magic and joy of the holiday season came to life with Michael's sharing of the Christmas tales. Our historic town hall was full. The children, parents, and elders all thoroughly enjoyed the stories. It was a wonderful evening and it was the perfect Christmas gift for our community." - Suzi Lyle, Director, Selover Public Library, Chesterville, OH |
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Irish Tales
Michael charms audiences with his Tales of Ireland. Irish folk legends, Celtic myths, original family stories, and tales of Michael's travels in Ireland provide audiences with a rich mixture of magical, mystical, merry, and moving tales. The Irish are known as storytellers with vivid imaginations and Michael honors this heritage. So set a spark to the Irish peat fire and Michael will spark your imagination as he revives the ancient Irish art of the tale well told. Open your ears and open your heart to the charm of Michael's Irish Tales. Be enchanted.
Michael's Newest Book and CD:
Here's what folks are saying about
Michael's Irish Tales:
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| "Wonderful audience participation! During Michael's 'Tales of Ireland,' the children were very tuned in and they were having fun. I especially appreciated how books and reading were incorporated into the performance." Trina Shrimplin, Youth Services Librarian, Mt. Vernon Library, Mt. Vernon, OH |
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 "I like living where I do and when I do, but whenever I read stories about the ancient Celts, the one thing I always envy them is there access to the bards. I know we don't have bards anymore, but Michael gets as close as I have seen or heard." Jim Griffin, Columbus, OH |
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