A Boost from The Mayor - Mar. 10, 1998
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A letter by
Robert M. Morrow,
Mayor of the City of Hamilton (see Links)
to the
Monarchist League of Canada
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Canadian National Exhibition 2000 (CNE 2000 - Summer)
It is my pleasure to recommend Michael Carl O'Neil to any venue looking for a unique entertainer.
Michael Carl O'Neil performed at the 2000 Canadian National Exhibition, August 18 - September 4. Throughout the 18 day run of the Exhibition, he entertained the audiences with unique performances as Sir John A. Macdonald and Queen Victoria. Michael is dedicated and loves what he does.
Without any hesitation, I recommend Michael Carl O'Neil.
Sincerely,
Danielle Bourré, Event Programmer, Entertainment Department
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Christie Antique Show - Spring 2000
Mr. O'Neil performed his 'Living Statue" and Charlie Chaplin routines at our Christie Classic Outdoor Antique Show at Dundas, Ontario, May 27, 2000.
Mr. O'Neil's acts were a wonderful addition to the festive atmosphere we try to create at the show. At each of his performances during the day, large crowds gathered and showed their appreciation with applause, laughter and lots of smiles.
Even the show's antique dealers (whose main interest is selling their product) found themselves joining the audience at his performances. Indeed, several dealers mentioned to show management how much they enjoyed Mr. O'Neil's acts.
We look forward to having Mr. O'Neil perform for our dealers and public at future events.
Jeff Gadsden
Gadsden Promotions Ltd
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National Capital Commission - Canada Day 1999
Your professional and enthusiasm by the Canada Day production team as well as the tens of thousands of visitors that took part in the festivities in the Nation's Capital. (This year's estimated attendance reached over the 350,000 mark!).
-Coordinator, Artistic Programming
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National Capital Commission - Winterlude (North America's Biggest Winter Festival!)
"On behalf of the National Capital Commission, I would like to thank you for your participation in the 21st edition of Winterlude. Under a northern sun, the event was once again a success thanks to you.... your contribution played an important role as part of a group of professional artists who accepted to perform outdoors regardless of the cold weather. Your enthusiasm was greatly apprecaited by both the Winterlude production team and the thousands of visitors who took part in North America's biggest winter festival."
-Coordinator, Artistic Programming
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Corey Ross, Corey Ross Productions Inc.
Thank you for your fabulous work at First Night 1999. Your appearances as Charlie Chaplin on skates and the Living Statue of John A. Macdonald entertained thousands of attendees at our festival. You were able to manage the large audience and move about our large site with ease. You proved to be a professional, seasonal and talented entertainer.
I would not hesitate to book you again nor would I hesitate to recommend you to any other talent buyer.
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Waterloo Region Roman Catholic Separate School Board
I am writing as a reference for Michael Carl O'Neil who performed his "Charlie Chaplin's Canadian Tramp" during 3 workshops with our School Board early November. Michael was very professional with his approach to the workshop and very flexible in adapting to three different audiences. He has an innate sense of comfort level of the people who interacts with and adjusts accordingly. Our Principals and teachers were entertained and enthralled with his routine.
I will be booking Michael for future workshops in mime and several of our schools will be hiring him directly for various assemblies. It is without hesitation that I can highly recommend him to your organization.
- Arts Consultant, Waterloo Catholic District School Board
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National Capital Commission
On behalf of the National Capital Commission, I would like to thank you for your participation in the Canada Day Celebrations '98. Rain or shine, the festivities were a memorable success thanks to your generosity on and off stage.... your contribution played an important part of a group of professional artists who accepted to perform outdoors regardless of the weather. Your enthusiasm was greatly appreciated by the Canada Day production team as well as the thousands of visitors that took part in the festivities in the Nation's capital.
- Coordinator, Artistic Programming
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Hamilton Sesquicentennial Celebrations Inc. -- The Hamilton Grey Cup/Santa Claus Parade, Hamilton, Ontario (1996):
"Your artistry as "Sir John A. Macdonald -- A Living Statue" impressed all dignitaries affiliated with our association, intrigued all media representatives contacted in promotion of our sesquicentennial float entry, and humored all audiences viewing our parade float".
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Hamilton City Hall -- Robert M. Morrow, Mayor, City of Hamilton, Ontario (1993)
"Michael is an entertaining performer of high calibre who has participated in events in the city for many years now. He has provided a great deal of enjoyment to those fortunately enough to have seen his performance. His talents and abilities would be a benefit to those who would employ him."
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Copps Coliseum, Hamilton, Ontario (1986):
"Michael's unique talent and personality are an inspiration to everyone who has taken the time to watch him perform."
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The Dundas Cactus Festival Association, Dundas, Ontario (1995):
"On behalf of the Dundas Cactus Festival Parade Committee, this letter is to highly recommend Michael Carl O'Neil as an enthusiastic parade participant. He truly entertained the thousands of people that lined our downtown streets this year. Michael's act is professional, humorous and entertaining to all ages - truly an asset to our parade in 1995!"
- Dundas Cactus Festival Parade
Invited again to perform August 15th, 1996 again for their parade!!
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City of Kitchener -- Dominic V.P. Cardillo, Mayor, Kitchener, Ontario (1993):
"I hope you had as much fun performing, as the rest of us did watching you."
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Kitchener - Waterloo Oktoberfest, Kitchener, Ontario (1994):
"Seine Interpretation von Charlie Chaplin' s "Kleiner Vagabund" ist sehr unterhaltsam and auch sehr professionel. Er nahm auch bei der alljaehrigen K-W Oktoberfest Parade teil, welche vom nationalen Fernsehen von Kueste zu Kueste, uebertragen wird. Ich fand Herrn Michael O'Neil talentiert, ehrlich, verantwortungsvoll, zurverlaessig und kann ihn auf das Beste empfehlen."
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Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario (1989):
"He has done a wonderful job entertaining young and old alike with his impersonation of Charlie Chaplin. His costume, makeup and antics would make you think that Charlie himself has been reincarnated...He was extremely dependable, had a great rapport with his audience and was very easy to work with."
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Ontario Place, Toronto, Ontario (1989):
"Michael ... an excellent quality site performer. Prompt and professional, and proved to be most friendly and cooperative with our staff and patrons."
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Canada Day Celebrations --- National Capital Commission, Ottawa, Ontario
Sir John A. Macdonald -- "Your dedication as well as all your efforts during this 129th edition of Canada Day certainly confirmed our confidence in your abilities -- Congratulations on a job well done and on putting together a fantastic program......."
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Lulu's Roadhouse, Kitchener, Ontario (1987):
"Michael is an unbelievably talented actor and impressionist. He is extremely professional, polite and able to adapt to just about any situation. Truly a gifted professional."
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He has appeared with:
Most of these artists if contacted would give Michael an excellent recommendation; although in doing so, please refer to him as Charlie Chaplin as most don't know his real name!".
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Canada's Wonderland, Maple, Ontario (1985):
"His talents are endless, and his ability to entertain large groups of people is very impressive. Michael showed an incredible ability to improvise, and sound judgement when dealing with strange situations. A very talented performer, but he was also a very reliable employee that was always striving for the best possible working conditions."
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CANADIAN BUSKER FESTIVAL REFERENCES:
First Orangeville Busker Founder's Fair
"On behalf of the Orangeville BIA, we would like to congratulate you for such a successful weekend at the Orangeville Busker Founder's Fair on July 9th and 10th, 1999.
Your creativity with the audience was a constant uplight and your presence was unique and awe-inspiring. We heard many great remarks about your "statue" and people are still talking about its remarkable similarity to existing statues in Toronto and other major centre. We still smile when we think of your routine as Charlie Chaplin. You really must commend yourself for reaching so many at our festival...."
BIA Coordinator and Events Manager
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So popular, even the police keep an eye on him.
Kingston Buskers Rendezvous, Kingston, Ontario (1996):
"He has always done an outstanding job for us -- working both difficult "street corner" locations, as well as doing "big circle shows" -- This year he added a new dimension to his act and our Festival by doing "Sir John A. Macdonald" -- the first Prime Minister of Canada -- Our historic city is well suited to this difficult oxidized bronze statue approach to Sir John A. -- it worked fantastically well. We the organizers and the general public were duly impressed."
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Gary H. Bennett, Mayor, The Corporation of the City of Kingston, Kingston, Ontario (1996):
"Your Charlie Chaplin performance was once again remarkable, and a true crowd pleaser; however, imagine my surprise at your newest accomplishment. You have taken your remarkable talents to new heights of professionalism with the introduction of Sir John A. Macdonald -- A Living Statue -- The spirit of Sir John A. Macdonald is more alive than ever as a result of your comedic genius."
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Edmonton Street Performer's Festival (1993):
"Michael's depiction of "Charlie Chaplin" is the best I've ever seen. He silently is able to enchant a wide variety of audiences... small, large, young, or old. He can effectively rove or do focused shows. He never fails to draw smiles from his audience."
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Town of Tillsonburg, August 31, 1993
Just a short note to let you know how much the Experience Tillsonburg Committee enjoyed having you perform at the recent Homecoming '93 celebrations.
A number of merchants and customers told me how much they enjoyed your antics as you endeavoured to stop traffic in the various
intersections.
Certainly the committee would recommend you to any other group who was looking for a good mime.
Thank you again and you were terrific to watch and to work with.
Halifax International Busker Festival (1995):
"His Little Tramp character is suitably sorrowful, and hysterical. No matter what situation we placed him in -- on a sidewalk, at a charity function or at a sponsor dinner -- he delighted young and old alike. Just watching him trying to get across a busy street turned into a whole afternoon of fun."
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INTERNATIONAL REFERENCES:
Acorn Productions, New Zealand.
Exhaust Tips
As the event co-ordinator of a big local event here in Whangarei, New Zealand, I had the pleasure of liasing, booking and working with Michael Carl O'Neil in February 2000.
I found him to be a true professional. We sprung a workshop on mime on him at short notice and those that attended were enriched by the experience. His main involvement with us was to attend an outdoor "art in the park" event - Art Beat 2000 - and perform through the park and on 'stage' during the day. Despite a very hot day and Michael's very hot costuming he wowed the crowds regardless and certainly added something very special to our day. In addtion to this he performed in the city centre the day before and on the morning of the event which further attracted people to the park. He was a team player to the max and I would have no hesitation in recommending him to anyone requiring his very special services.
Heather Thorburn
Acorn Promotions, New Zealand
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Singapore River Buskers Festival 97
On behalf of our Singapore Tourism Board and the organizing Committee of the first Singapore River Buskers Festival 97, we would like to thank you for the wonderful performance. Despite the being in a new country, the humid weather and uncharted territories, the Singapore River Buskers Festival 97 turned out to be a tremendous success receiving only overwhelming commendation from the Singaporeans and visitors.
Your efforts contributed to the festival reflected the dedication and conscientiousness of your chosen profession - certainly an attribution that deserves nothing less than an extolation.
Once again, we would like to express our sincere appreciation for the good work and look forward to another opportunity to work with you.
Best regards,
Jimmy Wong, Director
The A Team Promotions Pte. Ltd.
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Wellington Fringe Festival, New Zealand (1996):
The "Little Tramp" stops traffic in New Zealand
"Enjoyed watching you work..... it's been a pleasure for me to take many visitors, sponsors and friends to see your performances -- as you continue to travel and work around the world, please feel free to have any future employers or festival directors contact me, and I will be more than happy to recommend you as an outstanding performer with a thorough and professional attitude."
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Kirkcaldie & Stains Ltd.(A popular department store!) -- Wellington, New Zealand (1996):
"The Canadian Tramp" was well received by our customers and by our staff, carrying out his role in a very professional manner. Customers enjoyed the humour of the role portrayed by Mr. O'Neil who was at the same time sensitive to their needs and feelings as they shopped. We would not hesitate in recommending him as an exceptional entertainer."
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FIVE-STAR HOTELS:
The Dusit Thani (Bangkok, Thailand) (1996):
"During his stay with us, we found him very professional, able to accommodate his performance to our different ethnic outlets. Our hotel has 14 Food & Beverage outlets and Michael was able to blend his role with our different ethnic outlets. He has already been invited twice at the Dusit Thani and can recommend him to any organization wanting to add a classy fun act in their programme."
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The Imperial Samui Hotel (Ko Samui, Thailand) (1995):
In his position as the Canadian Charlie Chaplin, he has proven himself as a pleasant and amusing personality and a professional mime artist. In all three of our properties on Ko Samui (The Imperial Tongsai Bay Hotel, The Imperial Samui Hotel, and The Imperial Boathouse Hotel), he has brought a lot of fun and laughter to the hotel guests and to our staff.
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The Dusit Island Resort Hotel (Chiang Rai, Thailand) (1994)
This is the second year we employed his services as an entertainer. We find that his impersonations, mime and humour are very effective to entertain our guests.... would without hesitation recommend his act to be entertaining for ALL nationalities (both Asian and Caucasian alike) as well as all age groups.
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The Dusit Island Resort Hotel (Chiang Rai, Thailand) (1993)
Thank you for performing with the mirth and laughter "Charlie Chaplin" has brought to our guests (and staff!)... you were truly a great success and somehow I think things won't quite be the same once you've gone... Your performances in town have been a great benefit to us and brought us good exposure. It will surely keep the town talking for a few months to come!
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Chiengrai Vidhayakhome School (Chiang Rai, Thailand) (1993)
Michael has performed his show on February 15, 1993 at kindergarten campus (717 students) and elementary campus (1959 students). The students enjoyed his performance very much.
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Canadian Embassy -- Ambassade du Canada (Written to Five-star Hotels in Thailand) (1994)
"His contribution -- towards making your guests even more welcome in your hotel and making their stay even more memorable.... They would describe his antics to their friends upon their return and thus hopefully even more clients would make reservations at your impressive hotel." "His impersonation of Charlie Chaplin was outstanding and as he circulated in the hotel, the guests were initially surprised but subsequently throughly amused by his highly skilled antics. He undoubtedly created a fun filled atmosphere in the hotel and I am convinced he will continue to do so everywhere he performs.
I recommend Mr. O'Neil without reservation.
Signed by Arthur C. Perron, Ambassador
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JAPAN'S EXPO '90:
Expo '90 -- Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Recreation (Ontario Incredible) (1990)
His Charlie Chaplin was a great success with the Japanese audience. They followed him, played with him and had their picture taken with him -- in fact they couldn't get enough of him.
.... And more to come!!
These are a few samples of references for your information... updates are yet to come!
For further information, please contact me at: Michael Carl O'Neil's contact info.
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Next Stop? Michael Carl O'Neil's Klassic Characters!
. . . or perhaps
Benefits?
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