Silly Goose & Val

About

Home based in Maryland, singer, composer, and ventriloquist Valerie Leonhart Smalkin was one of the writers, performers, and co-producers of the Emmy award winning television program "It's Kindertime" on ABC affiliate WMAR-TV 2, in Baltimore. She composed and performed the musical version of Priscilla Cummings' International Literacy Award winning book, "Chadwick the Chesapeake Crab"; published "The Early Childhood Curriculum" with Karen Rupprecht; and composed "Babel: The Oratorio," "Signs: An Epiphany Musical," and "Darrell: The Draggin' Dragon."

As the keeper of the Musical Zoo, the Barnyard Farm, and other assorted puppet-filled imaginary locales Val provides energy-filled, comedic, and uplifting programs for children. Every program includes 100% audience participation with sing-along, dance-along, and play-along songs. Her gentle approach is somewhat reminiscent of Shari Lewis. Here is what people are saying:

"I have had the pleasure to work with Silly Goose & Val on a number of occasions over the past several years, and I would absolutely recommend her show to any organization! She is energetic, great with kids, friendly, easy to work with, and knows how to draw a crowd! My only regret is not having a reason to book her even more often. She’s great! - Stephanie Drummond, Events & Community Relations Manager, Maryland Zoo in Baltimore

"We scheduled Val for 16 shows at BCPL branches this spring. She is a delight to work with and presents a very entertaining program. Her original songs get the audience up and moving. Silly Goose, and her other furry and feathered friends, add additional charm to Val’s program. This program is a winner!" - Kathy Casserly, Youth Program Director, Baltimore County Libraries

Personnel

Valerie Leonhart Smalkin: Ventriolquist, Singer

Influences

Shari Lewis (of course!), Martha Raye, Ella Fitzgerald, Carol Burnett, Oscar Peterson, Mr. Rogers, Sesame Street, Della Reese, Jay Leonhart, and Patti Page!

What to Expect

Typical Gig Duration: 30 - 50 minutes

Audience members will laugh, sing, and dance along with Silly Goose & Val and their assorted friends: Rufus, the Reluctant dragon; the Pink Flamingo Can-Can line; Cyleena, the Sloth; Tingalayo, the Donkey. Val's fresh material, high level of energy, and musicality will delight young and old alike. As one first grade student in Cape May, NJ said, "This was the funnest day!"

Stage/Setup Requirements:
A stage with steps is preferable, but not required.
Water, please!

Additional Notes:
Val brings her Bose sound equipment with her which can handle a room of 20 or an amphi-theatre of 600. She asks only that her equipment be shaded because electronics and the hot sun to not get along very well. Thank you.

Set/Song/Sequence List:
Shakin’ Hands at the Musical Zoo –
    Theodore E. Bear & Val learn and teach how to shake hands.
Beautiful Zoo –
     Children become the animals in this guessing game song.
Hop Silly Goose -
     Val’s signature puppet, Silly Goose, leads an action song hopping, jumping,
     nodding, and pecking on Val’s head, ending only when Silly Goose finally
     goes to sleep.
Polliwog –
     Children become polliwogs, starting like atadpole and then growing legs
     and arms to become a frog.
The Slip –
     Children and parents dance along - ”Keep your feet on the ground and turn
     around and around/ Make a funny face, but don’t you make a sound.”
The Seed Song –
     Silly Goose wakes up to sing her version of the Seed Song, mischievously,
     as usual.
Birdie –
     Children make birds with their hands as they “Shake the Birdie, Wake up
     the Birdie.”
Can Can –
     Four parent volunteers man the Pink Flamingo Marionettes for the Can-Can
     based upon Jacques Offenbach’s Orpheus in the Underworld.
Rufus, The Reluctant Dragon –
     Rufus, awakened by the noise of the Cancan, stirs, but tries to hide from the      children who frighten him, but don’t worry… he gets over it.
Dino Dance –
     Parents form the back up singers, and children make a dance line to do
     the Dino Dance.
Jack Horner –
     Silly Goose butchers this simple song but finally gets the right words.
Cyleena, the Three –Toed Sloth –
     Cyleena, who channels Billie Holiday in her bluesie song, laments that she
     is the only three-toed sloth, or at least the only one she can see.
Touch the Ground –
     Silly Goose & Val say goodbye with this last action song.

Experience

2010: 70 gigs
2011: 40 gigs
2012: 70 gigs
2013: 113 gigs (so far)

View Complete Calendar

http://sillygooseandval.com/Silly_Goose_and_Val_Smalkin/Calendar.html

Available for Your

Birthday Party, Christmas Party, Concert Venue, Convention, Corporate Event, Grand Opening, Halloween Party, Holiday Party, Hotel, Seminar, Workshop