A
Boost from The Mayor - Mar. 10, 1998
|
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)
Charlie's hitching a ride with the Mayor,
much to Officer Bosco's chagrin.
"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.
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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