An Evening of Stories told by Elizabeth Ellis

Tonight The Grapevine Storytelling Series featured Texas storyteller Elizabeth Ellis. Her reputation as one of the outstanding storytellers in the country preceded her and the room was packed.

Elizabeth Ellis does not disappoint. Her rich stories touched hearts and revealed the complexities in human relationships. Her story program included a wonderful history story, a folktale,  and two brilliantly crafted personal stories.

I have admired Elizabeth's work for years and have heard many of the stories in her repertoire but every time I encounter a repeat I hear something new, something different. She is a skilled word-smith who fits words together into metaphors that give deep meaning, add to the power of the story, and paint pictures you remember.

Elizabeth Ellis beguiles the audience with her soft southern accent, her sharp sense of humor, her compassionate delivery and world-view. Her gestures and facial expressions enliven her performance and pull you closer into the story. The audience is with her from the first word. Even with waiters bumping between tables and taking orders the audience is caught in the web she weaves with her storytelling.

When she closes the show she thanks the audience for coming -
if they feel as I did - -
they are glad they came,
grateful for her stories,
and look forward to hearing her again - soon.

Thank you, Elizabeth Ellis.

The Grapevine Storytelling Series is produced on the 2nd Tuesday of the month by storytellers Noa Baum and Tim Livengood at Busboys and Poets in Takoma Park, MD.