I saw Jay Johnson's one man show on Broadway last night, and it was wonderful. If you live anywhere near New York and have even a modest interest in ventriloquism, you owe it to yourself to see this show.

Jay combines a history of ventriloquism with his own personal history in vent, introducing many characters along the way: a snake puppet his mother made for him, the vulture Nethernore [great inside joke], his first hard figure, Squeaky, Bob from "Soap," a tennis ball named Spaulding, a nutcracker, an Axtell drawing board,and finally the monkey Darwin.

Of course, Jay's technique is a wonder to behold. His character manipulation is great, and he infused great personality into his sidekicks. The jokes are very funny, ranging from dirty to subtle.

What characterizes the show most for me is Jay's great humanity. The story of his personal journey through vent is funny and touching, the latter particularly when he tells of his relationship to his mentor. Jay makes a strong case for ventriloquism as an art. (Not always fully convincing, but then we could argue whether magic is an art, blah, blah, blah.....)

The theater is a small Broadway house (650 seats), and the show has an intimate feel to it. Unfortunately, according to Jay's blog, they are not selling enough tickets to break even. I don't know how long the run will be. So go see this master of ventriloquism doing what he loves. You'll love it, too.

Bob

Thanks for the review Bob. I wish I could support the show myself but its a long way to travel!! Do you have an address for Jay's Blog?

I happened upon this clip of Jay relating a story about Shari Lewis and Lambchop. Sorry if it's already been posted on here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DejHmwQ1G9Y

Didn't know he was in town. Just bought tickets for this Saturday

Haas

Here it is:

http://www.hellandhayes.blogspot.com/

B

Thanks Bob.

For members in the U.K. - Letterman's 'Ventriloquist Week' is being broadcast on ITV 4 at the moment - Jay and Darwin will be featured on Monday 23rd October, 2006

Sorry - I got the date wrong. Jay and Darwin should be on letterman on ITV 4 on TUESDAY 25th October.

Does this run all week?

I've had a look at the listings for ITV4 and can't find anything on it.

Oh, and for those wanting to watch the Letterman show it airs at about 2am (ish). It changes from day to day.

Ros

Sorry folks - I based my announcement of Jay's imminent appearance on the fact that the Willie Tyler and Lester episode was shown last Friday. It now appears that ITV4 are showing them all out of sequence, so its anybody's guess at when it will be shown, if ever. Sorry guys!!