A Chronicle of the Success and Significance of Cary's Art

As a 17 year old high school student in Simi Valley, California, Cary created a style of comical pantomime that met with such success that he sold-out two nights at his high school as a one man show and subsequently was invited to perform at his rival high school, the four Simi Valley middle schools, and seemingly everybody's banquets - all before graduating.

The next year Cary performed as guest at the American Theatre Association's National Convention in Los Angeles and at the prestigious Theatre Vanguard in Hollywood, where he was hailed as a "remarkably prodigious talent" and "perfect cartoons" by LA theatre critics.

Wayne Lee, Editor of Cary's hometown newspaper, Simi Valley Enterprise, wrote:

"This kid is dynamite. Boffo... He's classy. He's also extremely funny... His audiences are wowed. They're soaking up a great performance, live... The young man is funny, precise, startling. Moreover, he has presence. Real presence... It is a compliment to this city that such a talent blossomed here."

His very first day on national school assembly tours at 19 yeas of age resulted in this response from the high school principal at Belgrade High School in Montana:

"... it was by far the most outstanding national assembly we have had the pleasure of hosting... This young man has talent galore and handled himself like a seasoned veteran. My vocabulary is far too limited to honestly describe this young man's ability."

Other high school responses immediately followed...

"The best assembly we have had in 8 years! The students loved it - it ran into lunch by choice of the students."

"Magnificent! Totally captivated a difficult audience."

"Standing ovation after encore."

Over the years, Cary's file of letters from schools grew as heavy as a large dictionary and as consistent as when they started coming.  In fact, they grew with more profound expression...

"Cary must be seen to be believed... He has the singular ability to accurately read his audience and tailor his presentation to their unique needs. I have seen him, without the assistance of props, make-up, costumes, or music, totally enrapture an audience for 45 minutes. He has such good control and rapport with his viewers that he can, at a moments notice, elicit the emotions of joy and laughter and in the next moment have them quiet and attentive as he changes the entire mood of his audience..."
Peter D. Peabody, Director of Activities, Moreau High, Hayward, CA

Then, in the mid-90's, Cary began creating and performing pantomimes of sentiment in addition to his comedy. The responses from high schools started to take a new course — this time from students:

"It totally opened my eyes and made me realize how precious my life as a teen is... you have saved my life, and my adolescence. You are a true saint and no one will ever be able to replace what you have done for me today," writes one student.

[Your Gift of Life piece] made me realize just how important life is. I tried committing suicide about a month ago. Believe me, I have my regrets, but I had not gave my life much thought. Now, thanks to you, I have been humbled. You are absolutely amazing. Thank you..." writes another.

And this, recently emailed to Cary:

"I was going to skip the assembly so I could get high, but I was caught and a teacher took me to the auditorium to watch you...  I was very deep into drugs, so deep that I didn't think I'd ever make it out of my hole. I didn't even expect to make it out of high school.  But, after I watched your show, I realized that I was wasting my life and my potential... I want you to know that you changed my life and that you made a difference in one girl's life."

What Cary does may be successful from his perspective, but what he does is significant from the perspective of others.

Borrowed from Cary's website targeted for secular youth speaking, manonstage.com, by Robert Manning, theatre director, Cary's artistic director and close friend since high school.