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The Best Medicine
By Emily Sladek

After a day of chaos, it was a welcomed change for me to go to the Humorous Storytelling night at Rose Theater. I was anticipating a relaxing evening with a few laughs; I never doubted the entertainment that was in store, but I had underestimated its value.

First to take the stage was Kevin Kling. He talked a lot of growing up in Minnesota, and he started off with a story about a snow day. As he eagerly anticipated the name of his school called on the school closings list, the radio announcer said it was the snowstorm of the century, to which Kling replied, " I'm only eight years old, and this is already my third snow storm of the century." Right out of the gate his humor was apparent.

Kling went on to tell of traveling in the family's stationwagon and how their mother had a song for every state. He talked of visiting his cousins and other family in states away. Offering insight in several of his stories and sharing lessons he's learned along the way, he laced his humor with a sense of sincerity that had the audience laughing profusely and saying "awww" all through the performance.

Following Kling was a short piece by both entertainers highlighting some children's takes on things in the Bible. Such things as "Moses died before he made it to Canada," are insights that children had offered to the holy book, and both Lepp and Kling strayed away from the script to add a little of their own insights in hilarious but tactful fashion.

Bil Lepp took the stage after a short intermission, opening with how he met his wife.  As a camp counselor for juvenile delinquents, he had to do a training that required him to be in the wilderness for 21 days. His wife was also a counselor and was on the training as well.

A focal point of his story was the equestrian group he met while on the training. The group offered him and the rest the opportunity to take to the trail with them the next morning, which they accepted. His tale continues to the next day where his horse, Diablo, took him on a ride he wouldn't soon forget. From stand still to stop, the horse took Lepp through trees split down the middle, around obstacles with only inches to pass, and by way of all sorts of other crazy escapades before making it back to the camp where Diablo promptly halted just as fast as he had bolted away in the first place.

Lepp's story wrapped up the same it had began, restating, "And that's how I met my wife." He referred to Kling's stories several times, tying the two acts together in a most delightful way.

The event boasted 523 attendees who all got to marvel at the humor these two had to offer, including visitors from 9 states according to Chuck Martin of the Cape Convention and Visitors Bureau. "It was great to see old and young alike having such an enjoyable time together," said Martin. "Laughter is indeed contagious."

If ever the opportunity comes up again to see the two perform, I will be first in line to get tickets. I'm already preparing for the Storytelling Festival in April, sure to be filled with the same kind of genuine entertainment, funny and sincere alike.

Photos Courtesy of Tom Neumeyer
Cape Girardeau Humorous Story Telling
By Emily Sladek

The Cape Convention and Visitors' Bureau will host an afternoon and evening of humorous storytelling January 20 at Southeast Missouri State University's Rose Theater. Featuring internationally known funnymen Bil Lepp and Kevin Kling, the performance is a don't miss event. This is a one day only occasion with an afternoon matinee and an evening show, so be sure to get your tickets now before they're gone!


Spinning tales as tall as cow goddesses in the heavens, and truths stretched as far as a cinder block tied to the bumpers of two opposing cars, Bil Lepp has held many audiences in his captivating hilarity. His family friendly comedy keeps you in stitches as he tells of things that really happened and some things that didn't.  He has won awards for his works including various Parents' Choice Awards, as well as the National Storytelling Network Circle of Excellence Award.


Lepp's counterpart for the event, Kevin Kling, tells his stories of getting hit by lightening, hopping freight trains, growing up in Minnesota, and other hilariously true stories of his life. Many of his stories include his brother and the shenanigans they often go into. Kling has built a repertoire of his original works, including internationally performed plays and sketches, along with his comedic stories that entrance audiences everywhere.



For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.




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