The Callaway County Library was filled with jokes, juggling, magic and laughs Wednesday afternoon.
Joshua Routh, better known by his stage name Oh My Gosh Josh, entertained a gaggle of children during his show "Build a Better Story."
From the moment his audience began to enter the room, Routh worked his craft.
"What's your name," Routh said, prompting a young girl in the front row to reply.
"Rebecca," she said.
"Nice to meet you Rubber Bacon," he said, drawing laughter from the whole room.
After poking fun at most of the childrens' names, Routh introduced himself and explained his show.
"My name is Oh My Gosh Josh, because my mother said it all the time when I was a kid," he said. "This is the 'Build a Better Story' show. We have this magic necklace, and we are going to create a story around that."
The children were asked to provide the names of the characters, the setting and the conflict of the show. The kids had some creative ideas, including a setting of a library, a movie theater and a beach.
"How about the characters' names," Routh said. "Has anyone ever read the book about that wizard, Perry Hotter?"
"His name is Harry Potter," one child said.
"No, that can't be right," Routh said. "It's not a story about a very furry man who makes pots."
After setting up the plot of the story, Routh began the show. Not a minute went by without a child laughing out loud. Even the adults in the room were taken by Routh's charm and comedy.
After the show, Routh said he has been performing full time since 1993.
"I travel all over the U.S.A.," he said. "Every year, I have a new wacky story. This year, since the library's theme is 'Building a Better World,' I thought I would let kids 'Build a Better Story.'"
While his shows do follow a structure, Routh said about half of it is made up on the spot.
"About 50 percent of the show is improv," he said. "I have a set list of fun stuff in between, but the kids make up most of it. I always use the necklace, because it gives some meaning to the story, an anchor."
For more information about Josh, email [email protected], or by call 314-803-5180.
