From
Bill Moyers, PBS“I was deeply moved by Kaiulani Lee’s incarnation of Rachel Carson in A SENSE OF WONDER. This sublimely written and subtly choreographed performance brings to life the remarkable spirit of a woman who changed the way we see our world. You cannot watch Kaiulani Lee without reflecting on universal themes – life, death, the power of place, courage in growing old and in speaking the truth. You cannot walk away unmoved.”
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From Peter Dykstra, CNN
“Rachel Carson shook the world of journalism and changed the shape of environmental politics. There are few if any comparable figures in either field. Kaiulani Lee’s performance gave me the opportunity to feel I had met this remarkable woman and experienced the quiet courage of Rachel Carson.”
From Paul Brooks, Former Editor-in-Chief Houghton Mifflin, Rachel Carson's editor and biographer
“This is the Rachel I knew, brought to life with almost uncanny skill and understanding...a perfect introduction to one of the most influential women of our time.”
From John R. Lemon, Director of the National Conservation Training Center Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Department of Interior
“Conservation professionals from across the country sat transfixed by Miss Lee's performance. It was as if they were in the room with Rachel Carson. A Sense of Wonder has spurred our professionals to redouble their own efforts to conserve our precious natural resources. The play is an overwhelming and inspirational experience.”
From Seymour Chapman, Professor of Rhetoric and Film, University of Berkeley
“I want to testify to the artistry and power of Kaiulani Lee's performance as Rachel Carson. Carson's foresight and courage in defending the environment is ripe for celebration and the stage play which Ms. Lee has written and so beautifully performed is a brilliant reminder of this truly great America.”
From Dr. Diane Ashley, Yorktown High School, Virginia
“How magnificently she captures Rachel Carson's being, both her wonder and her outrage. Miss Lee's Rachel Carson made my students want to begin a crusade to save the natural world.”
From the Garden Club of America - Zone 2
“We were mesmerized by Kaiulani Lee in her portrayal of Rachel Carson. This will long be remembered.”
From Christopher Rawson, Drama Critic, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
“...what Lee achieves in barely an hour is something rare and almost spiritual. She merges herself with Carson’s spirit. Chin jutting forward, she leans toward us, reminiscing, lecturing, pleading. Fire comes into her eyes...I felt flashes of transcendence, the stage disappearing into a living authentic presence.”
From Jack Coogan, Professor of Communication Arts, Claremont School of Theology
“Kaiulani Lee’s performance was superb; one of the most moving evenings of theater I have experienced. Detail by detail, an unforgettable portrait of Rachel Carson and her struggle emerged and gave immediacy and humanity to issues which otherwise remain abstract and unengaging. It was a transforming experience.”
From Dr. Diana Post, Executive Director of the Rachel Carson Council
“Many in the audience at the Museum of Natural History were moved to tears by Kaiulani Lee’s sensitive, compelling portrayal of Rachel Carson. At the conclusion, all rose to give Miss Lee a well deserved standing ovation.”
From John A. Hoyt, Former Chief Executive, The Humane Society of the U.S.
“Sensationally wonderful. To see and hear Kaiulani Lee is to have been touched by Rachel Carson herself.”
From Dr. Oakleigh Thorne II, The Naropa Institute“Those of us who attended A Sense of Wonder, performed by the extraordinary Kaiulani Lee, were treated to a most inspiring evening of theater. I felt I was seeing Miss Carson herself on stage. I actually knew this lovely person and Miss Lee captured her beautifully in performance. It was a magic evening.”
From the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies
“Our reunion attendees sat entranced in the spell woven by Kaiulani Lee.”
From Judy Harrison Maine Times
“Lee, as Carson, alternately charms, provokes and inspires. The audience was transfixed and transformed by the actress’ portrayal...Her thoughtful and emotional performance brought them to their feet.”
From Thomas Berry, Author: The Great Work: Our Way to the Future
“Kaiulani Lee's play communicates in its fullness Rachel Carson's sense of wonder. We need this wonder to guide us into the twenty first century if we are to save the earth and our souls.”
From Dr. David Suzuki, The Suzuki Foundation
“Rachel Carson is my great hero. She essentially directed my life. Ms. Lee has gone through all Carson's writings and put together a two act drama. The play was just enchanting and very emotional.”
From Sharon Goebel, The Ward Museum, Easton, Maryland
“Kaiulani Lee will captivate you. Using Rachel Carson's haunting poetic prose, Miss Lee draws the audience in with gentle humor and then physically transforms to the ailing Miss Carson. Lee is compelling and heartbreaking, and Carson's story powerful and poignant.”