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Back to Storytellers
Featured Member Mlanjeni Magical Theater Top Performer

Mlanjeni Magical Theater

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4.82 
(67 reviews)
  • Philadelphia, PA
  • Storyteller
  • Travels up to 200 miles
  • $ 250 and up
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Mlanjeni Magical Theater

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Overview

Looking for a change of pace?
Expect unusual fun as Mlanjeni Magical Theater offers a form of east African theater which we call "Muungamano." It is one of Africa's interdisciplinary art-forms utilizing acting along with puppets, magical illusions, folk music and dance in traditional storytelling. The audiences are actively involved in the presentations through call-and-response singing, dancing and volunteer assistants. Presented by Africa's Ambassador of Fun, storyteller-magician Mlanjeni and son, the Amazing Mr. Q (together or as solo artists), the shows are a delight for pre-schools, elementary and middle schools, libraries, festivals and family-oriented events.


67 Reviews

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Verified Review
Debby R. • August 4, 2022

Mlanjeni was Magical

The children and staff of all ages really loved Mlanjeni!

Hired as:
Storyteller
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Verified Review
Tanisha H. • July 28, 2022

A++++ Performance and Very Entertaining

I highly recommend Mlanjeni. He's very entertaining (and talented too)! There was a good story, puppets, comedy, magic, song, dance...loads of fun!! The kids (ages 1-8) loved him and the adults were entertained as well.

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Children’s Party Entertainment, Children’s Theatre, Comedy Magician, Puppet Show, Ventriloquist, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Benjamin F. • July 3, 2022

Fun

Kids thoroughly entertained

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Children’s Party Entertainment, Children’s Theatre, Comedy Magician, Magician, Puppet Show, Street Performer, Ventriloquist, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Frances T. M. • July 2, 2022

The campers thoroughly enjoyed the humor and magic tricks.

We found it clever and age approptiate. We were surprised the show was comedy/magician and not a storyteller.

Hired as:
Comedy Magician
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Verified Review
Antoinette C. • June 21, 2022

Awesome time

The children at the party had an awesome time. The parents were all delighted with the entertainment. I will definitely recommend!

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Balloon Twister, Children’s Party Entertainment, Comedy Magician, Puppet Show, Ventriloquist, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Tyra V. • May 22, 2022

Great

He kept the kids engaged and entertained. He was flexible as many guests arrived late to the event. I would definitely recommend!!!

Hired as:
Children’s Party Entertainment
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Verified Review
Sue D. • May 15, 2022

Kids enjoyed the show!

Our kindergarten students laughed and enjoyed the show! It was entertaining and interactive. Thank you!

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Comedy Magician, Puppet Show, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Linda D. • April 19, 2022

Students were engaged

Mlanjeni is a very engaging storyteller. Our students were right there with him in the tale the whole time.

Hired as:
Storyteller
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Verified Review
Sabina A. • March 28, 2022

Great for events

Always a great experience. He was on time, very engaging, and entertaining for the kids.

Hired as:
Balloon Twister
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Verified Review
Sherri C. • March 27, 2022

Absolutely a great time!

Mr. Q was the highlight of the party. The kids loved him. So much fun!

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Comedy Magician
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Lorrie G. • March 18, 2022

The children had fun!

The children enjoyed the performance, however, I prefer Mlanjeni to perform because he provides more content and less silliness to carry the show.

Hired as:
Comedy Magician, Puppet Show
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Verified Review
Anita W. • February 22, 2022

the children couldn't stop smiling

From the moment he came he was full of energy. The children loved singing songs, dancing, watching his cool magic tricks and listening to the stories he told.

Hired as:
Comedy Magician, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Alesha H. • February 20, 2022

So much fun!

Our group had so much fun with this performance. (I personally loved the accordion.)
There was a slight problem with the microphone and sound was an issue at times, but overall this was great, age appropriate fun.

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Children’s Party Entertainment, Children’s Theatre, Comedy Magician
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Verified Review
Rebeca C. • January 23, 2022

Fun and educational show, pity about the really bad sound

It is hard for me to write a fair review of the content of this performance, because the sound was so bad that we had a very hard time understanding what was being said a lot of the time. When there were instruments playing we could hear those loud and clear, but then any dialogue that came right afterwards would take a couple of seconds to come on, and depending where the performers were standing the sound would go off completely for up to 3 seconds. This was particularly frustrating because the students were really engaged at first and found the humor, magic and call and response parts of the performance really fun, but it was very hard for them to follow the story. From what I was able to understand about the stories told, they were interesting and taught appropriate lessons. I really liked the cultural aspect of it too, and it made the students want to learn more about Nigerian traditions. I wish we could have seen this performance in person!

Hired as:
Comedy Magician, Storyteller
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Verified Review
• January 21, 2022

Miajeni is the Best

Entertained the kids which was quite fun. Provided intricate balloon design for each child. Thank you so much!

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Children’s Party Entertainment, Children’s Theatre, Puppet Show
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Verified Review
Dawanna V. • December 27, 2021

Excellent!

Mlanjeni is a wonderful and engaging storyteller who kept our group laughing, dancing and clapping with joy! The stories were thoughtful, beautifully delivered, and exactly what we needed. Mlanjeni is also a gifted ventriloquist and the puppets were fun for all ages. We are looking forward having him join us again!

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Puppet Show, Ventriloquist, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Alexa S. • November 1, 2021

The kids were obsessed!

Super engaging and the kids loved it!

Hired as:
Balloon Twister
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Verified Review
Renuka D. • September 13, 2021

Balloon twisting and puppet show

Very much happy with balloon twisting and puppet show event. Worth it

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Children’s Party Entertainment, Puppet Show
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Verified Review
Karen G. • September 12, 2021

Fun and fantastic duo

Mianjeni came to our family party with 14 kids aged 9 months to 10 years old (as well as more antiquated adults). We all loved them. We were all laughing and moving together. A great ice breaker for the first time some of the kids had met each other. Tjey added a biit of magic to our gathering!

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Balloon Twister, Children’s Theatre, Comedy Magician, Puppet Show, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Miranda A. • August 24, 2021

Back to School COVID-19 Vaccination Resource Fair

Thanks for always doing a great job and engaging the children with fun activities such as the balloon twisting.

Hired as:
Balloon Twister
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Verified Review
Miranda A. • July 22, 2021

Pickney Time StoryTime Children's Afterschool

Our virtual afterschool program with Neurodiversity Learning experiences with disABILITY Inclusion of the Visually and Hearing Impaired was more enriched with the MMT performance.
Thanks to Mlanjeni Magical Theatre for a wonderful show and his 30 years of performances with multiple puppets and the magic drum. Your thoughtful repetition on "The Five Senses" made us look into our 7, 9 or even 100 senses. We learned that a 'sense of being' and a 'sense of space' is also important.

We look forward to booking you for more events and also recommending you to others.
Andrew Sharpe, Chairman, Authentic Caribbean Founder and Miranda Alexander, President, Caribbean Community in Philadelphia

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Puppet Show

Photos from this event

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Verified Review
Brandy C. • July 1, 2021

Story Teller

Children were happy.

Hired as:
Storyteller
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Cheryl H. F. • March 2, 2021

The Children Loved It!

Great storytelling. The children were engaged and had a wonderful time. They loved the puppets, songs, and stories. I would love to have this opportunity again when we can all be together. This was a virtual event and at times the sound wasn't the best. If I could I would have rated the experience 4 1/2 stars.

Hired as:
Storyteller
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Verified Review
Paige N. • October 20, 2020

Impressive Performance!

We had Mlanjeni Magical Theater perform three different times for our nonprofit's virtual literacy week. He is a very gifted storyteller and performer. The performance had many different elements that kept all of the children engaged such as music, singing, magic, puppetry, an accordion, and fun costumes! After the performance the children at our center were still singing the songs. It was so nice seeing all of the kids singing, dancing, and laughing a long. I am so thankful to have found Mlanjeni Magical Theater so that we could do something fun and out of the box for our kids and families, especially during these times where smiling and having positive experiences together are of upmost importance! Thank you for your stories, we really enjoyed them!

Hired as:
Storyteller
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Verified Review
Marie A. • September 26, 2020

Harvest Festival

The performer was on time and professional. He engaged the children and presented the Nigerian culture in a fun way:). I definitely recommend Mlanjeni Magical Theater without any reservations.

Hired as:
African Entertainment
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Maria S. • September 13, 2020

Fantastic!

Amazing performance! Kids at the summer camp had a fantastic time! Will definitely book again!

Hired as:
African Entertainment
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Verified Review
Rhonda K. • August 28, 2020

Outstanding presentation for 2-5 year olds, on Zoom!

Mr. Langeni was an amazing storyteller, puppeteer, and performer. He presented multiple puppets, delivered stories, call and response songs, and kept the audience laughing and cheering. mr Langeni engaged children from 2-5 via Zoom in a way that felt like we were watching an in person show! He gave us a full performance that was a incredible way to make a Zoom birthday party engaging and exciting. Would definitely hire him again for more parties.

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Puppet Show, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Caryssa L. • August 17, 2020

AMAZING MR Q is the best!

The Amazing Mr Q is the best! The kids loved him and he is so patient and the price was the very best!!!i

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Children’s Party Entertainment, Comedy Magician, Magician, Puppet Show, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Marvin A. T. I. • August 17, 2020

Performance For 4M Swim

Just wanted to say thanks.. I truly enjoyed your presentation last evening, timely, funny and fast paced.. I thought “Happy Swim Day” was very clever!.. The swimmers and families enjoyed our virtual event.. I am going to refer/recommend you!..

May GOD Continue to Bless and Keep you..
M. A. Thorpe, II
The 4M Swim Club

Hired as:
Comedy Magician, Ventriloquist, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Thomas W. • August 4, 2020

Amazing Mr. Q preforms at David Cohen Ogontz

On Friday, July 31st the Amazing Mr. Q preformed a spectacular program at the David Cohen Ogontz Library. The event was recorded so hopefully more kids can enjoy his performance.

Hired as:
Children’s Theatre, Comedy Magician, Puppet Show
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Verified Review
Maria S. • June 24, 2020

Children were laughing and dancing the whole time!

Thank you so much! Both of our summer camps loved your performance! We will definitely work again in the future!

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Comedy Magician, Ventriloquist
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Verified Review
Melinda B. • February 19, 2020

Captivated audience

Thank you very much for coming to our site. Our students were engaged and attentive the entire time. Laughter could be heard through out our entire building for each age group!! We would have loved to learn more about the Griots and what they are however, the students were so interested in that bag of fun and the smiles on their faces were so big, we were satisfied.

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Comedy Magician, Magician, Puppet Show, Ventriloquist

Photos from this event

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Verified Review
Holland S. • February 8, 2020

Captivating for toddlers

Mlanjeni magical theater was fantastic! I couldn’t believe that he was able to keep 3 year olds focused for longer then 10 minutes. They loved the puppets and even staff were amazed by his magic tricks. A nurse at our facility even recognized him from her childhood and shared how memorable he was to her! I would highly recommend him!

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Children’s Party Entertainment, Children’s Theatre, Comedy Magician, Magician, Puppet Show, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Barbara C. • October 18, 2019

Very engaging, lots of fun, and informative.

The activity was what I had hoped for and much more. We are looking forward to their coming to the school on a continual basis.

Hired as:
Storyteller
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Verified Review
Kali E. • September 26, 2019

Engaging and fun!!!

Thank you for coming out to Foundation Academy and bringing joy and laughter to our scholars and their families!!!

Hired as:
Comedy Magician
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Verified Review
Stephanie T. A. • September 16, 2019

He did a great job!

Mr. Q provided several hours of balloon twisting. He was great with the kids!

Hired as:
Balloon Twister
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Verified Review
Angela H. • September 12, 2019

Excellent service.

Mr. Q was punctual in arriving, allowing time for setting up. He was accommodating, courteous, engaging and more importantly very patient with the little ones.

Hired as:
Children’s Party Entertainment
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Verified Review
Jennifer C. • September 2, 2019

Very funny and interactive with toddlers!

Very funny and interactive with toddlers. He made awesome balloon animals and swords and things for them to wear on their heads.

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Children’s Party Entertainment, Children’s Theatre, Comedy Magician, Puppet Show
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Verified Review
Leah H. • August 24, 2019

Thank You

Mr. Q was prompt, dressed for the occasion & super talented.! I think the adults may have had more fun than the kids. I loved that his performance was interactive for all. It really upped the ante of the overall experience. Thank you to Mr. Q & Mlanjeni Magical Theatre for making the day memorable. The best part was seeing my 1 year old engage I knew I made the right choice. I would definitely book again!

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Magician, Puppet Show, Ventriloquist, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Jamie W. • August 16, 2019

Camp event

The children were engaged, laughing, and enjoyed the puppet show.

Hired as:
Magician, Puppet Show
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Verified Review
Baily K. • July 17, 2019

Children Loved It!

Professional, and children were completely mesmerized!

Hired as:
Comedy Magician
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Verified Review
Hanna S. • July 8, 2019

Great fun for kids!

Amazing Mr Q was a great fun for kids, he knew just the right jokes to make to make the kids laugh non stop

Hired as:
Balloon Twister
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Verified Review
Dorothy P. • May 20, 2019

Amazing Q -

Fun interactive Balloon twister/entertainer was at our corporate event in Toms River, NJ.
Will be using him again.

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Children’s Party Entertainment
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Verified Review
Pepper G. • May 3, 2019

Excellent job!

The kids had an amazing time with our storyteller and I would hire, and will, for every kid function going forward!!!

Hired as:
Storyteller
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Verified Review
Lee E. • April 13, 2019

Easter Egg Hunt

We had Mlanjeni Magical Theater at our Easter Egg Hunt and we received an excellent performance. They were prompt and engaging. There were over 70+ children at our venue, and each one had a smile on their face as a result of interactions with the presentation. The services rendered unto us was balloon twisting and a puppet show. We can't wait to rebook them!

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Puppet Show
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Verified Review
Betsy B. • March 28, 2019

Show for Preschoolers

This was an amazing show for our kids. We loved the songs, stories, puppets, and magic. He really was good with all the children and we will definitely invite him back!

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Magician, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Nicole A. • March 2, 2019

School Assembly for 3-5 graders

We had booked for a school assembly for Read Across America. Our students absolutely loved it. Initially we were concerned if it would be age appropriate for our oldest students, but our worries were eased and rightfully so! There were many call and responses, and lots of opportunity for the students to get up and interact with the story. It was an experience that they raved about and will remember for many years to come!

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Comedy Magician, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Jessica V. • February 17, 2019

Amazing performance

The crowd went wild! We got rave reviews. Would reccomend to any one. Thank you!

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Balloon Twister, Children’s Party Entertainment, Children’s Theatre, Magician, Puppet Show, Storyteller

Photos from this event

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Verified Review
Patricia G. • February 4, 2019

Just OK

He was just ok. Wanted something a little more uplifting.

Hired as:
Storyteller
Mlanjeni Magical Theater

Response from Mlanjeni Magical Theater:

Yes, I agree with this sponsor, the performance was "Just Okay"....however, the event was quite different from what was requested. I try to emphasize to clients that we are griots, and our performances are created to match the group and event. The initial request was for a storyteller for a senior center's "Worship Event" for 25 seniors. In speaking to the client, she explained that she actually wanted a program on "Health: Mind, Body and Soul." The seniors are "religious" but that was not the desired focus. ...okay, we've done senior centers and health fairs in the past, we know how to put it together plus January is Dr. King's month, so we'll have a story there as well. We asked about the senior's mobility as our performances are storytelling in Africa's theatrical tradition, our audiences have movement and dances to perform. We were told focus on movement as some seniors may be in wheelchairs. We prepared for the event.
What we encountered was quite different from what was requested. First the event was in fact a promotional event for the Health Center. It was also a public event. Prior to our performance was an "informercial" about the Health Center and then a presentation by a pharmacist. Lunch was served...and we were introduced...
Here's where the problems occurred. First a small room overflowing with 30 people sitting and eating at tables....where we asked for chairs only.....there was absolutely no room for movement, dance and performance. None.
Two, a public event for "uplifting, religious storytelling." No. No. No. " It became clear that the sponsor did not know the seniors in attendance. Dilemma #2 -our company has guidelines about religion. We will not impose specific religious stories on public audiences... what the sponsor actually needed was "survival stories," i.e. stories on surviving "cancer," or surviving other health problems common to seniors. We are not seniors, hence we don't have these stories.. so "just ok"

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Verified Review
Lauren S. • February 3, 2019

Mr. Q was great with the kids and a lot of fun

We had a great 7th birthday party because of Mr. Q’s magic, balloon animals, and entertainment. Thank you so much!

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Children’s Party Entertainment, Magician, Puppet Show
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Verified Review
Angelique H. • November 26, 2018

Five Starts!

Mr. Key was awesome!

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Puppet Show, Storyteller

Photos from this event

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Verified Review
Natalie V. • November 11, 2018

Great Entertainment!

I hired Mr. Q to entertain the children at my son’s 1st birthday party. He was absolutely amazing and very funny. Even the adults enjoyed his show. I would highly recommend.

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Children’s Party Entertainment, Comedy Magician, Puppet Show, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Brandyn M. • October 22, 2018

Fall Puppet Show

My Preschool/Kindergarten scholars and staff truly enjoyed the shows. It was very interactive and engaging and I loved that he WAS the stage, the curtain, the puppets, everything. Looking forward to booking again.

Hired as:
Children’s Theatre, Puppet Show
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Verified Review
Tara M. • October 15, 2018

Awesome Balloon Twister!!

We hired them for 3 hours of balloon twisting. Kids absolutely loved it! Very prompt and professional. We will definitely use again! And next time maybe try some other fun activities they offer!!

Hired as:
Balloon Twister
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Verified Review
Deborah M. • October 13, 2018

Wonderful show!

What a wonderful show! Thank you.

Hired as:
African Entertainment
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Verified Review
Jefferson C. C. • July 25, 2018

Mlanjeni was a hit at my center

The children really enjoyed the show. Mlanjeni had a fun way of keep the children engaged and the teachers laughing the whole time. I would definitely invite him back to our program.

Hired as:
Children’s Theatre, Puppet Show, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Jessica A. • July 22, 2018

Twins first birthday

We are so thankful for Mlanjeni magical for our twins first birthday party. He kept everyone entertained and love how he interacted with everyone! Everyone said how much fun they had. Will recommend

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Children’s Party Entertainment, Comedy Magician, Magician, Puppet Show, Ventriloquist, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Baily K. • July 20, 2018

Children were very entertained!

He was professional, prompt, and funny!
Kids really enjoyed!
Will use again!

Hired as:
Children’s Theatre, Comedy Magician, Magician, Puppet Show
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Verified Review
Katrina B. • July 12, 2018

Wonderful show! Very interactive!

All the children had a great time and were engaged the entire show. We even had parents join in on the fun! Thank you Mlanjeni Theater

Hired as:
African Entertainment
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Verified Review
Evelyn W. • June 4, 2018

Great - people

the day was canceled because of the weather but a wonderful group of people with whom to deal

Hired as:
Children’s Theatre
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Verified Review
Sarah M. • June 3, 2018

Absolutely wonderful

I have seen plenty of shows for children ages 1-6 at my kids friends’ houses in the last couple of years, but none of them was like Mlanjeni Magical Theater. A group of almost 50 children in my yard were entertained and stunned by the performance while sitting on the gras, giggling, singing along and laughing that their bellies hurt LOL
The most geniune and fun puppeteer I have ever seen, who didn’t need any wierd nor TV related character figures from today’s too fast pacing world to make my twins birthday party super special. Thank you and we will surely hire you again :-)

Hired as:
Balloon Twister, Children’s Party Entertainment, Children’s Theatre, Magician, Puppet Show, Ventriloquist, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Meghan O. • May 25, 2018

Magic Show and Story at Enrico Fermi School

Mlanjeni Magical Theater provided a wonderful show to our PK-3rd graders at Enrico Fermi School in Yonkers, NY. The children had a great time. They especially enjoyed the way the actors had them move around and become engaged in the show. The show was both funny and entertaining.

Hired as:
Magician, Puppet Show, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Kasia A. • May 2, 2018

Great entertainment for kids party

Kids we aged 3-11 and all were laughing and had a great time.

Hired as:
Children’s Party Entertainment
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Verified Review
Marina B. • March 4, 2018

Always a hit!

Mr. Q is awesome! The children were laughing and engaged for the entire performance. Received many compliments from parents and adult attendees.

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Balloon Twister, Comedy Magician, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Jennifer W. • March 2, 2018

Wow! Our K-2 Kiddos Loved the Show!

Mlanjeni Magical Theater came to do performances for our Literacy Night Event. They were very courteous and arrived right on time. Our students and their parents were raving about the show. Students were so engaged that they didn't even realize how much they were learning! I would highly recommend them for your event!

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Comedy Magician, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Kianna S. • January 15, 2018

Fantastic Job!

Mlanjeni did an amazing job at our event. We had a party with children raging from 2.5 to 7 Years old and all the children plus adults loved the show. The whole room full of children were engaged the whole time and the giggles in the room never stopped from all the enjoyment!

We loved every second!

Thanks,

Kianna

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Balloon Twister, Children’s Party Entertainment, Children’s Theatre, Puppet Show, Storyteller
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Verified Review
Janet G. • December 27, 2017

Mlanjenia

It was great as usual for the members

Hired as:
African Entertainment, Storyteller

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Booking Info

  • Profile
  • Set List
  • Influences
  • Setup Requirements
  • Social

Price Range: $ 250 and up

Gig Length: 30 - 60 minutes

Languages: English, Kiswahili

Insurance: $1,000,000 - general liability

Website: Visit website

Phone Number: Call

What to Expect

Our performance is created to match the age and attention-span of the audience. As in traditional African theater, the staging can change as the performance develops.

THE FATHER/SON TEAM TOGETHER: MLANJENI & MR. Q
If performing at a school or family event:
We begin with a bag and a chair or two..... and space for activity.......the introduction begins...the audience smiles and someone points out that they don't speak the language used in the introduction. We begin again in English. We announce that we are actors and traditional storytellers visiting with a story to tell. We sit... and they laugh for nothing happens yet. We announce that we can't begin until we are greeted and welcomed into the space......with a dance from them!
For young audiences... expect that this space will shrink as the performance brings the group into the actions of dancing, singing, and fun performing as magical assistants and interacting with the puppets.
For older children and family audiences.... expect what we call "the murmur" followed by a collective "OOHH!" for as soon as we begin they realize that they are experiencing something different...Africa's theater!...and then the real fun begins as they begin with a traditional dance and then interact in the presentations with song, dance and activities.

When performing at a festival:
Talking is at a minimum with action being primary as Mlanjeni and son and/or grandson present a series of colorful magical illusions based in eastern traditions including folk music and puppets (hand masks).

MLANJENI OR THE AMAZING MR. Q AS A SOLO EVENT

When performing solo at a school or library:
The introduction will vary depending on the event....but the format is similar... a "call-and-response" song and dance begin the show. The theme of the show is introduced and the storytelling begins.

When performing at an early childhood center:
The introduction to storytelling is presented...only to be interrupted by the puppets with their event or problem of the day...the program continues in a way that's similar to a "live" television sit-com with the children drawn into the actions of the characters. Interaction is encouraged in this style of theater.

About

Mlanjeni Magical Theater is a theater company specializing in entertainment for youth audiences. The company began in Harrisburg PA in 1975 with the help of Philadelphia's Freedom Theater director, John Allen.
The style of the theater developed is called "Muungamano." Muungamano is an interdisciplinary style of east African performance art featuring storytelling, dance, music, masks and/or puppets and magical illusions. Moving to the Delaware Valley in 1986, Mlanjeni continued to build the theater into a small touring company.
Touring the "Muungamano-style" theater in schools, libraries, day care centers and museums. Joined by his son, Marquez in the 1990's, father and son perform together and as solo acts throughout the area.

MLANJENI - STORYTELLER. PUPPETEER. VENTRILOQUIST
He has been called "the cultural ambassador of fun!" A traditional storyteller (griot), Mlanjeni Nduma provides insights into Africa with his stories on it's ancient empires and chiefs, the colonial era, and hero struggles in modern times. His stories are presented in Africa's traditional manner which includes folk music, call and response song and dance by audience, puppets (masks), magic and interactive fun.
A puppeteer and ventriloquist, Mlanjeni is known for his hand puppetry and the novel staging of stories. His ventriloquist puppets are all animals and the interaction between them makes for a hilarious time for children and family audiences.

THE AMAZING MR. Q - SERIOUSLY FUNNY STORYTELLER. COMIC MAGICIAN. PARTY ENTERTAINER
Son Marquez, a/k/a the Amazing Mr. Q is recognized for his unique magic, his visual comedy in performance, and his comic storytelling of Africa's folktales. A master magician in action... his illusions vary from those normally seen in the acts of children's entertainers, and create squeals of delight and amazement from young audiences in schools, libraries and birthday parties. His programs are very interactive! Children delight in the antics of Bow-wow the dog, Zik the rabbit, and Lucky the Zebra, the Amazing Mr. Q's puppet assistants, as they bumble and stumble their way through the magic.

SOLO AND TEAM PERFORMANCES AVAILABLE
Performance credits include the Philadelphia School District, the Coatesville School District, the Philadelphia Free Library, the Montgomery County Library, the Please Touch Museum, the Atlantic County Library, the African-American Museum of Philadelphia, the Cape May County Library System, Children's Hospital Early Head Start, Riverfest, Reading Buddies, many of the Delaware Valley's private day care centers and private schools and various schools in Maryland.

Additional Booking Notes

We have performed in rooms as small as a hospital room with two patients (Children's Hospital of Phila.) going room to room with a mini-performance on up to a 400 seat school auditorium (a high school performance).
We have performed outside and "in-the-round."
For large groups of over one hundred, a sound system is required. We can provide our own, but we prefer a tested sound system that may already have the speakers mounted in place for best acoustics. We bring a keyboard or accordion if there is no piano.

Services Offered

Storyteller African Entertainment Balloon Twister Children’s Party Entertainment Children’s Theatre Comedy Magician Magician Puppet Show Street Performer Ventriloquist

Set List

The current set list is the MLANJENI MAGICAL THEATER's 2022 - 2023 SEASON

******FESTIVALS, FAMILY FUN DAYS AND PARTIES:
The themes vary with the requests of the sponsor
*******PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE "LIVE" OR "VIRTUALLY"
FOR SCHOOLS:
****EARLY CHILDHOOD - GRADE 3

****GRADES 4 -8: Year round fun
A GRIOT SPEAKS
" FINDING THE STORY WITHIN" - a workshop on storytelling
I REMEMBER DR. KING
THE JOURNEY: VOYAGES IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN HISTORY

****GRADES 9 - 12 : year round fun
A GRIOT SPEAKS OF TIME
FINDING THE INNER VOICE

A 4 SESSION WRITERS WORKSHOP IS AVAILABLE YEAR ROUND FOR GRADES 4 -8.

Influences & Inspiration

The Disney Corporation and their philosophy of positive age-appropriate entertainment for young audiences.

Setup Requirements

For a small space: 2 chairs. For a large stage: 2 chairs and 3 microphones

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