Crankies are old storytelling devices, featuring illustrated scrolls displayed by stretching the scroll across a frame and "cranking" the spool from one side to the other. Often combined with music, song, spoken word, lights, shadow puppetry, and creative practical effects, the result is an intimate and entirely charming way to tell stories. A number of northwest artists are embracing crankies, producing performances that will make you laugh, gasp, jump - and will always leave you wanting more.