In 2017, the Newton Nomadic Theater held what we believe to be the first ever political candidate story slam ever held anywhere, in any jurisdiction, ever.
This past Wednesday night we were back for this year’s election. We invited the 25 candidates running for contested City Council seats in Newton to fill one of 16 spots to come and tell us a five minute, true personal story – no campaigning, no electioneering, just a story.
We accepted the first 16 who responded (our apologies to those who were too late to be included). Mayor Ruthanne Fuller presided as the host and outgoing councilor John Rice accepted our invitation to be our special guest storyteller.
It was a wonderful night that peeled back the layers of all the campaigning to reveal the people behind the candidates.
Here’s links to the individual stories:
Mayor Ruthanne Fuller – introduction
Brenda Noel – Ward 6, ward seat
Carolina Ventura – Ward 3, ward seat
Vickie Danberg – Ward 6, at large
Tarik Lucas – Ward 2, at large
Bryan Barash – Ward2 , ward seat
Alicia Bowman – Ward 6, at large
Jennifer Bentley – Ward 2, at large
Pam Wright – Ward 3, at large
Lisa Gordon – Ward 6, ward seat
intermission
Councilor John Rice – Special Guest
Greg Schwartz – Ward 6, at large
Jim Cote – Ward 3, at large
Kathy Winters – Ward 5, ward seat
Andreae Downs – Ward 5, at large
Susan Albright – Ward 2, at large
Bill Humphrey – Ward 5, ward seat
Jake Auchincloss – Ward 2, at large
Extra special thanks to NewTV and our wonderful video crew (Maureen Reilly Meagher, Barry Mirrer, Aidan Vahey, Justin Cochran) for making this all happen and turning it around quickly in time for the elections.
Thanks to our Newton Nomadic volunteers (Louise Sacco, Daphne Romanoff, Chris Thayer, Robin Dexter)
Thanks to Irene Choi for the pre-show live piano music. Go take a piano lesson with her at the Highlands Conservatory. She taught my daughter and is a fabulous teacher
We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to our host Scott Gregorian and Gregorian Rugs. From the Newton Nomadic Theater’s first show five years ago Gregorians has supported us every step of the way. They have hosted every single one of our plays and nearly every one of the 20+ Nomad Story Slams that we’ve produced.
The beautiful and historic Gregorian Rugs is probably our audience’s favorite Newton Nomadic venue. We are all lucky to have such an engaged, locally owned and operated business that takes such an active and generous role in our community. Now go down there and buy one of those beautiful rugs!
Jerry thank you for putting this altogether!! I greatly appreciate that you provide the candidates with a forum to be personable and in a relaxed manner. Your event allows for traits to come out that could be important to residents, but not only that, one viewing the videos can see that we are all regular neighborhood people just seeking the opportunity to perform community service.
Please keep up this great labor of love for our community!!!
Thanks Jim and thanks for your great story.
Glad to hear Mariella got home safe and sound. Next time we cross paths remind me to tell you our story about being stupid tourists there in Venezuela.
James,
Not only do we see “regular neighborhood people” but we see some real talented stand-up comedians. I have my fave, at least in the female category.
V14, a suggestion would be for viewers to vote on their favorite stand-up performance — totally separate and independent from their electoral choice for city office.
And I agree, we do see traits which might inform voters for city office.
@James Epstein – Thanks for the suggestion but I think we’ve got enough voting going on this week ;-)
Jerry, thanks for putting the event together. I haven’t had much opportunity during the campaign for my usual story-telling and this was a lot of fun.
@Bill Humphrey – Just so you know … it’s only 1573 miles to Wall Drugs
Be sure not to miss His Lame Duckness, outgoing councilor, and special guest John Rice’s wonderful, wild and touching story about his parents
Thanks to Jerry for organizing and Gregorian Rugs / Scott Gregorian for hosting. This was my third or fourth story slam but my first time speaking. It is such a special and unique event.
Thank you Jerry, the film crew, Marie and others on concessions and of course Scott Gregorian for hosting the night. It was a fabulous night. I honestly found everyone’s story interesting and several stories blew me away.