Medieval Wizard? Nope, It's Miami's Pro Storyteller
Nicholas The Storyteller stands out in the Magic City
Anywhere else in Miami, and an old guy with a long white beard, dressed in a medieval robe and walking with a cane would turn some heads. But at Churchill's Pub, it's just another Monday night with Nicholas the Storyteller.
Anywhere else in Miami, an old guy with a long white beard, dressed in a medieval robe and walking with a cane would turn some heads.
But at Churchill's Pub, it's just another Monday night with Nicholas the Storyteller.
"With swords and shields and battle axes!" Nicholas shouts as he bangs on a drum while sitting on a stage known hosting for eccentric characters. And still, the bearded man with a dream catcher around his neck might be the most unusual of all.
Nicholas Cole is a retired teacher from Miami. Twenty years ago, he decided to become a professional storyteller.
He started at Renaissance fairs. Then, Nicholas added schools, libraries, bars, cafes, and he even does private parties.
"The young people seem to be the ones who like it the best," says Nicholas after telling stories for a group of about 20 people in their 20's and 30's.
"We loved all his facial expressions and sound effects," said Maybel Gonzalez. "I felt like he can be three different people within two seconds of one another."
Nicholas has gotten so big, he has his own van with his name and picture on it. And he always travels to appearances in full costume. So sometimes, people get the wrong impression.
"I guess I kind of look disheveled compared to a lot of people," said the storyteller. "And one time this nice lady came over and gave me some money. She probably thought I was homeless or something."
And that's not the only thing he gets mistaken for. Others ask Nicholas if he's a wizard, or a member of a religious cult.
You can see Nicholas the Storyteller tell stories during open mic night at Churchill's every Monday at 10 p.m.
Posted Wednesday, Nov 24, 2010 - 7:57 AM EST
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