REVIEWS, COMMENTS, AND ARTICLES

For Kenny Carnes – “Last Words” and “Pieces of War”

Letters

[SEP 2008] University of Alabama - Birmingham

Mr. Carnes,

I am the 'Air Force' guy from UA. I never properly introduced myself so I will take a sec to do so. My name is Travis Gwinnup. I'm a 20 year old wanna be pilot from Rockwall Texas. I'm pretty much the stereotypical Texan so that can give you some insight about me. I also wanted to take a sec to applaud you on your performance tonight. I'm usually not one to attend theatrical events but the title caught my attention so I went and watched you. It was absolutely outstanding...and coming from a military guy that's pretty damn good. Your words struck me and left me jaw-dropped watching in amazement as you went through your different parts. You have a great talent and I believe you are doing an awesome service for Soldiers, Airman, Marines, and Seaman past and present. It was a pleasure meeting you before and then again after the show. I enjoyed talking with you and sharing ideas and experiences. Hopefully somewhere down the road I will get the opportunity to see the full show. Again, I want to say thank you for coming to the University of Alabama and thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our troops young and old.

Cheers,
Travis Gwinnup

[JUN 2008] Lucky Eagle

[MAY 2008] Napa Valley Opera House

[MAR 2008] The Adrienne Arsht Center

[DEC 2007] Brown University

[NOV 2007] WPRO AM

[MAR 2006] Western Washington University

[FEB 2006] Providence College

[DEC 2005] Bellarmine College

From: Magee, Elizabeth Ann
Sent: Thursday, December 01, 2005 3:03 PM
To: gina@kirklandproductions.com
Subject: about Ken Carnes

Hello Gina!

This has taken much longer than I had hoped, but I finally wanted to let you know how we felt about Ken Carnes. I'm not sure what you heard, but apparently he had a rough day before his show here in Louisville, KY since he was unaware that tornadoes went through Evansville, IN around the time of his performance at the university there. He said he even had trouble finding a hotel. From our perspective as the activities planning committee at Bellarmine it is pretty easy for us to book hotels for performers because we do get the tax break and we have a close connection with hotels in the area as a university here. Just something to think about if your performers ever need hotels. It's really no problem for the schools to do it. Also, thanks so much for your help that night when he hadn't arrived. He was actually on time according to the contract! I know you were in a conference and I was sorry to disturb you, but you were a great help. I found out later that his cell phone had died. We did encounter a snaffoo when our projection stuff didn't work for the performance, but the show was really well received. We enjoyed it and even had a good write-up about it in our school newspaper. Kenny was a great person and it was a good show. We really enjoyed having it. Thanks again so much! Have a great holiday!

Liz

[NOV 2005] University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

November 1, 2005

“This was an amazing and eye opening performance! Something I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Danielle Anderegg - student, University of Wisconsin - Green Bay

[NOV 2004] Spokane Falls Community College

[NOV 2004] Associated Students of Washington State University Spokane

Ms. Kirkland,

The feedback we received from the students, staff and faculty was extremely positive concerning the performance of "Last Words" by Ken Carnes. Ken's effort and knowledge of the subject was highly appreciated by the attendees. Q&A discussion lasted for nearly an hour after the performance was over! Your productions have a solid foundation with performers such as him. We hope to look into others in the future. Please forward this email and our thanks to him for his excellent performance. I apologize I do not have his email address saved in our contacts so I cannot forward it to him.

Thanks so much,
ASWSUS Presidency and Student Services

ah

[OCT 2004] Minnesota State University Moorhead

From: heyeram
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 2004 2:35 PM
To: Ken Carnes
Subject: Thank you!

Ken,

Just wanted to email you quick to say thanks again for your awesome performance monday night. I have gotten nothing but great feedback on our event so yay for CAB and yay for you! I am hoping that once you get your upcoming solo play about war going, you or kirkland productions will contact our school because i know that would be of interest. Keep truckin'! Thanks again!

Amber Heyer-Rasmussen
Minnesota State University Moorhead
Campus Activities Board
Speakers Coordinator

[OCT 2004] University of Minnesota

From: Przemieniecki, Chris
To: Ken Carnes
Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2004 2:48 PM
Subject: RE: "last words" slides

Ken,

Thank you so much. We had a great discussion about your performance in class today. The students really enjoyed it. It definitely stimulated great conversation. Once again, thanks and you did a fantastic job on your performance. Good luck with your other performances.

Chris Przemieniecki

[OCT 2004] University of North Dakota

From: Kate Anderson
To: Ken Carnes
Sent: Tuesday, October 26, 2004 5:22 PM
Subject: Re: "Last Words" Program & Ballots

Hello! I just wanted to send an email thanking you for your amazing performance at the Unviersity of North Dakota. It was a pleasure having you on our campus. You even made the front page of our student newspaper. Thanks again for everything!

Kate Anderson
Lectures & Performing Arts Coordinator
University Program Council
University of North Dakota

[SEP 2004] Clarion University

Christine,

My friend, Karen Luderer, has corresponded with death row inmates for about 18 years, and she has seen 8 executions. I have been less involved but read/listened a great deal about this issue. Karen and I both agreed that Ken “got it” as he portrayed the composite death row “resident.” Thank you and Ken for doing this work. We, Karen and I, cannot fathom anyone supporting the death penalty as a performer or audience member---despite at least the public disclaimer. Clarion University is a better place for having “Last Words.” His new work also sounds interesting.

Thanks,

rg

[MAR 2004] Anna Maria College