Are you an out-of-town group, or tourist coming to RI?...Then spice up your vacation, convention, meeting, or party with RI FOR DUMMIES - a musical, satirical look at what makes the Ocean State tick. RI FOR DUMMIES is an off-shoot of Charlie Hall's local comedy cabaret OCEAN STATE FOLLIES which has been poking good-natured fun at RI for over 13 years now. RI FOR DUMMIES, however, is geared right for out-of-towners who might want to learn about the state while laughing at at our customs and foibles. Charlie Hall and a talented cast of 5 perform skits and song parodies on RI's past, present and future. They'll introduce your guests to well-known RI tourist attractions and celebrities like Roger Williams, Claus Von Bulow, and Richard Hatch - even Cher or Britney might drop by on their way to Foxwoods Casino. You'll learn about our local customs, favorite foods, state symbols, size issues, and topical political tidbits. You might meet OUR version of the Governor, or Mayor of Providence, or Kennedy family member. There will be a few jabs at national politicians and issues. Plus we'll have our own Mr. Rogers teach the Rhode Island accent. ("Jeet?", " No, Joo?") And you can give us some pertinent information and we'll come up with custom material and songs just for your organization. The Providence Journal says it's "... sharp, tuneful and wickedly funny ... a must-see!" We could even 'mix in' with you and your guests during cocktails - in RI Red, Mr. Potatohead or quahog (clam) costumes - causing some hysterical havoc amongst your guests. Your wish is our comedy command! Price ranges from approx. $1000 to $1750 depending on what day of the week, how long, and how much custom material needs to be written. Wanna REAL special evening of entertainment? Then why not add nationally-renowned comic impressionist John Roarke to our mix ... .see below.
Click here to see a 7 minute tape of highlights. (You might have to wait a bit for it to download)

CORPORATE COMEDY with ...
COMEDIAN/IMPRESSIONIST JOHN ROARKE!
US Magazine has saluted John Roarke as "the new man of 1000 faces" for his ability to hilariously transform into a myriad of public figures. He will delight your audience as he has those of Coca-Cola, Fleet Bank, G-Tech, Reebok, and Yamaha, as well as at many other Fortune 500 corporate event entertainment venues nationwide. He's appeared on the Tonight Show with Leno, Columbo, and the movie "Naked Gun 2 & 1/2." And now he's here in the area!
    Making great impressions is how John Roarke and his cast of characters have attained national attention – on television, in film, and at all kinds of corporate entertainment venues nationwide. John has been nominated for an Emmy for his amazing ability to transform his voice, face, and body, hysterically capturing the very essence of today's stars. Take a look at the group the group picture here. They're all John. By no means a typical standup comedian, he's a unique, experienced corporate event entertainment professional that will delight your audience while keeping a clear eye toward helping you to achieve your meeting's goals and objectives.
     Want to lighten up the audience at your next corporate entertainment event and leave them with a great impression? John Roarke is the man! (And he's a Rhode Islander!) Combine him with the Follies for and incredibly unique evening of merry-making. Check out his site at www.johnroarke.com. Call Charlie at (401) 353-3330 for prices, bookings, and availabilities for this quality entertainer.

"TWO POLITICAL!" Charlie Hall and John Roarke Togedda!
Featuring comics Charlie Hall and John Roarke taking humorous shots at local and national political issues, entertainment news, and the headline of that week. Charlie Hall is the creator of OCEAN STATE FOLLIES and an award-winning stand-up comic. John Roarke is an Emmy nominated comedy impressionist who has been featured in 'Naked Gun 2 1/2', 'Columbo', and the SNL-type show 'FRIDAYS' and numerous Leno appearances. His W and Al Gore are priceless! From Buddy to Bush, Carcieri to Kramer -- nobody is left unscathed in this hilarious combo of comedic talents. And by the way, it's NOT all politics - don't let the word 'politics' scare you off. Both Hall and Roarke have been doing stand-up comedy for over 50 years between them. Prices vary depending on when, where, and length of show. Negotiable but usually between $600 and $1000.


Charlie Hall's COMEDY CARAVAN
Featuring New England's TOP funnymen, hosted by Charlie Hall. Many have been seen on Letterman, Leno, Conan, Carson, HBO, Star Search and more! The area's top standout stand-ups will leave you laughing at any function or fundraiser- and we can be totally clean if you want! ROASTS, BIRTHDAYS, BACHELOR PARTIES, EMCEEING, even MAGICIANS. Usually 3 comics for a 90 minute show. Average price $800. depending on when, how long and who. We can also customize material just for you and your event- For booking information, contact Charlie (401) 353-3330/charliehall@cox.net

HOT SKETCH- An evening with Charlie Hall
Join Follies creator, courtroom artist, and stand-up comic Charlie Hall as he discusses his inspirations for the songs and skits he has written in this intimate look at the creative process. Charlie, along with a pianist, will sing his favorite numbers, while regaling you with anecdotes of his experiences as Rhode Island's court jester for over 20 years. You'll hear stories about the birth of the Follies, Joan Rivers, Ed McMahon, and his role in the Plunderdome scandal. He'll even demonstrate his prowess as an artist. It's Charlie in the flesh- up close and personal. Contact him for details and price. $500 Sun- Thurs; $750 on Fridays and Saturdays

BOOZICAL, The Muzical The Unorganized Biography of Doreen Collins

A 90-mile an hour show of musical pop star parodies and stand-up comedy rolled into one little woman. NY actress-now-RI-resident Doreen Collins will have you wondering, "Who's driving Miss Crazy"?! You won't be sure what's going on, but you won't care! She spoofs Liza Minelli, Ricky Martin, and her well-lubricated life. Her Cher impression is not to be missed. Lots of audience interaction, jokes and wacky costumes. Adult themes and language, though. Click here for more info.



A NIGHT OF MINDBENDING & COMEDY
With Rory Raven & Frank O'Donnell
Or, what do you get when you combine a mentalist with a comedian? Rory Raven will bend your mind while reading it – you'll be positively amazed at what he can do. His shows have been spooky, creepy, elegant and sardonically humorous. And you don't have to believe in things paranormal to be entertained. He'll bend spoons in front of your eyes and will ascertain the contents of sealed envelopes. With a few simple props (paper and pencil, a pack of playing cards, some paperback books, and the thoughts of some volunteers) Rory involves the audience in a highly unusual - and unusually entertaining - experience. Thoughts are revealed, predictions come true, and sometimes the spirits are summoned. You won't believe it, but you have to. As funny as Rory is astonishing, Frank O'Donnell will simply leave your sides aching – with sidesplitting slice-of-life comedy, and commentary on the state of our world. His act has been called "spontaneous, genuine and downright funny!" He's written for Bob Hope and Jay Leno, and has appeared on the Comedy Channel numerous times. A veteran of the New England comedy scene since 1980. RORY RAVEN & FRANK O'DONNELL – the perfect blend for a perfect fundraiser! Generally $300 to $450 for a full show.

MISGIVINGS
Radio personality Dave Kane plays a quick-witted, Irish Catholic priest in this one man-show that has received great reviews from the Providence Journal. The good father regales the audience with anecdotes, jokes and one-liners on growing up Catholic. They even get to play an actual game of bingo! More laughs than "Late Nite Catechism." Usually $10 to $12 per head. Flat rate also available.

ANT'NY CLAUS
RI comic Frank O'Donnell portrays a cigar-chompin', joke-spewing Santa Claus who will roast your chestnuts with tidbits you've provided to tear through the "special" people you've invited to your holiday party. Everyone will take some lumps - and we're not talking coal here! This carvoney Chris Kringle doesn't really care who's been naughty and who's been nice Rated PG to R depending on what you want. Hysterical. $350.


AN EVENING OF MAGIC with Bruce Kalver
Bruce Kalver, Magician and Illusionist has been working professionally for many years. Billed in the early years as "Rhode Island's Youngest Professional Magician" his magic education started at the age of four when his grandfather, Samuel Woolf, who was himself a magician and an assistant to Houdini, began to teach him the art. At age six he was ready to start his career. His work in magic has taken him all over the world. He has toured with his wife, Arlene, on cruise ships sailing the Atlantic and the Caribbean, in dinner theatres all over the country and at trade shows where they added their magic touch to many products and services. Bruce has been showcased and interviewed on television, in newspaper articles both locally and nationally and has actually performed magic on the radio. He's acted as magic consultant for the Tony Award-winning Trinity Square Repertory Company as well as for numerous other professional, college and amateur theatre groups for whom he performed or taught magic in their productions and created special magic effects. From the manipulating of small silver spheres to sleight of hand with a deck of cards, Bruce Kalver's skill of prestidigitation is remarkable. Whether performed on a stage or at an intimate party, Bruce will thoroughly entertain you. "Bruce Kalver's magic act has more laughs per minute than any other magician I've ever seen!" - Charlie Hall, Ocean State Follies. (I said it and I mean it!) Can be combined with any of the other acts on this page for a unique fundraiser. Call 353-3330 for info and costs.


MISCELLANEOUS COMEDY SERVICES
Besides booking shows, Charlie can help with your own unique ideas. Our comics and cast members can do voice-over work, come up with funny ideas for commercials and marketing, do copywriting, play a character for a business meeting, create clever menus, top ten lists, roasts, songs and jingles (our specialty), humorous artwork, giant greeting cards, singing telegrams, anything comedy-related really. Call us for a free quote.

TO BOOK ANY OF THESE ACTS:
Contact Charlie Hall at (401) 353-3330; or email him at charliehall@cox.net.