Have any of you ever heard of Burt Mustin? Anyone? Probably not. Burt Mustin was an actor and he started his career at the age of 67! He appeared in numerous movies, television shows and commercials ALL after he turned 67! You might remember him in the episode of "The Twilight Zone." He played a resident of a nursing home. In that episode members of the home all wanted to be young again and played "Kick the Can." Or how about the episode of "The Brady Bunch" when Bobby's hero was Jessie James. Burt played an author who wrote a book about how Jessie James killed his Father. He came over the Brady house to tell Bobby that Jessie James was a "mean, dirty killer." His career started at 67 years old and he died at the age of 93. His last appearance before his death was on the show "Phyllis"
As you can see by the picture above, yes that is me in a costume. It's actually my latest crazy but amazing idea the good Lord gave me back in May. Many of you know my story about how I have been doing ministry to children since 1984 as a student at Northeastern Bible College as a puppeteer. Since then I would travel to churches and do kids programs using puppets, magic, music an the works. I have lost count how many places I have been through the years. There is one thing I have only done twice...BIRTHDAY PARTIES! The first Birthday party was a complete disaster. I had the kids play musical chairs and the "Birthday Boy" was out first and he cried hysterically. I did a puppet show behind my stage but discovered all the parents left me alone with all the kids OUTSIDE so you can imagine how I panicked when some of the kids went missing and wandered off in the backyard! This was before I did ventriloquism! I vowed I would NEVER do Birthday parties and I meant it! The only exception was, of course for my daughter Kaylee when she turned 4. I wrote a puppet skit and we used a Castle set and did a show for her along with her friends. That was the last one I ever did in 1998. I was asked repeatedly by parents through the years but always declined. "Birthday parties are a 'different animal'" I would tell them. I also never had the time to invest in it. So let me share with you what happened in May this past year!
It actually happened in April! I got a phone call but didn't answer the call because I didn't recognize the number. It was a lady Cindy who I knew from my previous church. She asked me the "Million Dollar question" Do you do Birthday Parties or do you know someone who does" and I told her "I don't but I'll ask around." Cindy then told me she wanted someone to not perform but share the gospel for her granddaughter. It was not only a Birthday Party but a Communion Party. It was at a restaurant in Bellport, NY on Saturday, May 20th. After much thought, much prayer and more prayer (as well as God working on my heart) I called Cindy back and told her I would be happy to do the party.
I brought to the party my various characters and gospel illusions. I had about 7 kids and the space I had was the size of a hallway in a house. It was on the second floor I don't mean the length I mean :THE WIDTH of a hallway! The restaurant was a very old building and I have to say the program went very well. I did get a great workout walking up and down the stairs. As I was packing up and leaving, I heard God's voice speaking to my heart. "I want you to start doing Birthday Parties!" What? Me God? Instantly God gave me an idea for a character. I love watching reruns of the old TV show "Columbo" and God started giving me ideas all as I was packing up my tiny Honda Civic and to be honest I was getting excited. On my way home I called my Mom and shared with her what transpired that day, how God spoke to me and what I had to look forward to. After doing A LOT of research, A LOT of praying and A LOT of soul searching I decided to give this a shot! After much thought, I decided to call my character "Inspector Chili Beanie." The Birthday Parties will be for kids ages 4 and up and they will be fun, entertaining and will involve the kids who attend. It will be "The Case of the Missing Birthday Cake". The kids will help me look for clues in hopes of discovering where the Birthday Cake is hiding. It will feature Grandpa Lou, Shelton the Shark, Dennis Ball and Drew Sketchley. I also bought some new magic tricks and...I will be playing my guitar because....I WROTE A SONG! YES!!!!
So for me, my life is now beginning as a 59 year old man who is a Pastor, ventriloquist, writer, blogger, manager at a Chick Fil-A and now...Inspector Chili Beanie! Just like Burt Mustin began his acting career at 67, I am beginning my Birthday Party career at 59! Please pray for me as I begin this amazing new adventure!!
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