Bobby Norfolk’s Programs for Grown-ups
Always a popular choice for storytelling festivals, museum performances, after-dinner entertainment, and one-man shows, Bobby can adapt his material to any age group, combining comedy and theatre to produce professional, lively performances. He entertains collegiate, family, and senior audiences with his use of mime, vocal effects, lively animation and high energy delivery, keeping his audiences enthralled at all times.
Shadowball: The Negro Baseball Leagues
Told through the eyes of James “Cool Papa” Bell, Bobby masterfully brings to life an important, but sometimes forgotten era in baseball history. Historical slides and period music enhance this emotional performance, illustrating the clash of race, sports and culture. Join Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson and Jackie Robinson as they focus on stories of exploits both on and off the field, and their eventual Hall of Fame triumph.
The Harlem Renaissance: Poetry & Prose
Bobby transforms into “A Storyteller in a Groove” as he brings to 3D life the works of James Weldon Johnson, Langston Hughes, Paul Laurence Dunbar, Zora Neale Hurston and Dudley Randall. His signature piece “ True Blues” will surely bring the audience to their feet! This exciting show combines poetry, prose and progressive rap in a seamless web of literary appreciation. This show is popular with both poetry and non-poetry fans.
Spine Tinglers: Ghost Stories!
Who said ghost stories were just for kids? Some of Bobby’s best stories deal with horror, fantasy, suspense and the famous “got-cha” moments where the whole audience jumps at the same time! Join Bobby for a ghostly time at your next party or special event. Includes stories such as “The Golden Arm”, “Wiley and the Hairyman”, and “Tailypo”.
Swingin’ With Duke Ellington!
Duke Ellington’s career is highlighted in this insightful look at the intimate life of a musical genius. Bobby introduces the audience to the young Ellington and traces his development into the legendary composer and band leader at the Cotton Club in Harlem. This program features live music, including many classics. Audience participation, including lively dance steps such as “The Charleston”, helps make this program a hit.
Scott Joplin - The Ragtime King
From an inauspicious beginning in Texarkana, Texas to the grand salons of the cultural capitals of the world, Bobby Norfolk's portrayal traces the life and music of Scott Joplin, one of the key figures of an age that has become known as the Ragtime Era.
Joplin's music influenced a whole generation as America was bursting forth with confidence and vigor as a leader of nations. This journey through the early part of the 20th century describes the creative genius of the premier ragtime composer, while showing how his compositions set the foundation of American music. The program highlights Joplin's life from birth through the 1904 World's Fair in St. Louis.
Mr. Ranger! Mr. Ranger! The National Park Service and Me
Bobby draws on over 10 years of experience as a National Park Service Ranger at the Gateway Arch to tell of funny, though sometimes embarrassing, encounters with visitors, supervisors and coworkers. Sit back and laugh at these humorous stories of being a Park Ranger and government employee! (Ready by 2012)
Enter the Theater of Your Mind!
Bobby is a master storyteller and adults love to sit back and listen to his witty and humorous telling of folktales and stories that bring out the kid in each one of us. This performance is definitely a gift for the imagination. Enjoy classic tales told with an adult sensibility and humor.
Can’t choose? Bobby can combine program themes as needed!
