Willie and Me is a new Broadway play,
for a new generation,
and for those who remember...
the circus,
Emmett Kelly Sr., &
who want to be a kid again!
If you have a personal story about Emmett Kelly please let us know about this and we will post that here!
Email your story to
willieandmeplay@gmail.com
Click on the postcard above for a loving tribute to Emmett Kelly!
Thank you
Ethan and Nicole Steimel
for visiting & sending your picture at
The Emmett Kelly Park
Houston, Missouri.
“Emmett was humanity himself. He was a man who made a lot of people realize, with that sad face of his, that while sorrow has no elegance, elegance has no sorrow.”
Red Skelton
“Emmett had a magnificent life and career. I feel fortunate to have known him. He is still loved throughout the world for the laughter and happiness he brought to so many. No one will ever take the place of Emmett Kelly, Sr. or “Weary Willie.” The world was lucky to have known them both.”
Former President Ronald Reagan upon hearing of Emmett’s death.
Jonathan!
I cannot tell you enough how proud I am of you for being a part of this important project. I loved Emmett Kelly as a kid for several reasons. One being that when my parents arrived from Italy in 1951 and TV was just taking off, Kelly's physical comedy was easy for them to follow. They did not speak English at that time so Emmett along with Lucy's antics were very clear and easy for them to understand - and more importantly he made them laugh during a rather challenging transition period as they assimilated into the American culture. I so long for the days when just one clown, a spotlight and a stage was ENOUGH...no laser lights, no explosions, no superheros injuring themselves on wires, just one talented soul.
Love and Peace,
Michael DiGioia
used by permission - www.m-digioia.com
From our Guests;
“Wonderful! And what a great team of professionals you had for the reading,
Thoroughly absorbing and enjoyable.”
“A wonderful experience I shall always hold dear to never forget.”
“A heartfelt congratulation on your stellar presentation last night. It was a grand adventure.”