Temecula residents are invited to treat themselves to an evening of fun, laughs and, yes, conversation, when local storyteller Tim Sweeney takes the stage Friday at The Merc.
Tim Sweeney (Courtesy photo)
Sweeney, bringing his unique brand of “motivational” comedy to the intimate venue, said that the show is more than just a quick, one-two punch line.
Rather, he weaves longer stories and tells tales with “a little bit of crazy inserted along the way,” he said.
“People see themselves in the stories. It’s all stuff they can relate to,” Sweeney said, noting that he uses a lot of his own personal experiences and passions, such as the importance of being an organ donor.
“I seem to be that person that gets lost or meets up with the strangest people who turn out to be beneficial to me,” he said.
For anyone expecting to sit anonymously shrouded by shadows in a dark theater, there will be no such thing.
That’s because Sweeney is more than a storyteller. Turns out, he is something of a bridge builder, too.
“I like to get people involved and talking. We’ve lost our ability to communicate, listen and talk,” Sweeney said, adding that the audience is encouraged to strike up a conversation with strangers at intermission.
“We forget about getting away from the TV and getting out to talk to people,” Sweeney said.
He often learns about the conversations sparked during intermission chats later from his fans.
Helping people make connections in their communities has been Sweeney’s life’s work.
For nearly 30 years, he has consulted with musical artists and filmmakers to help them shape, promote and market their talents while building a relationship with their audiences.
“I’ve always had a business-oriented mind, so I would teach other artists how to connect in their communities,” Sweeney said.
Sweeney’s own storytelling comedy shows came about when he spent time being treated at a hospital for an illness. He would “travel” down the hallways and visit with terminally ill patients, talking with them and, of course, sharing stories.
Friends encouraged him to share his take on life with a broader audience and Sweeney now finds himself in demand in Hollywood and with a regular gig at The Merc in Temecula.
The storyteller is set to perform on at 7 p.m. on March 1 at Old Town Temecula Community Theater, located at 42051 Main St. in Temecula.
A second show will follow on April 19 at the same venue.
Sweeney said: “Every show is different. (The audience) will not know for sure what they’re going to get.”
To learn more, visit www.timsweeney.com.
To purchase tickets, visit www.temeculatheater.org.
Kerri S. Mabee is managing editor of Southwest Riverside News Network. She can be reached at kerri.mabee@swrnn.com.
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