Ventriloquist Central - A Tribute To Ventriloquism

If you haven’t heard the latest, according to Norm Clark of the LV Review-Journal (Click here to see the story), Ventriloquist Terry Fator, the “America’s Got Talent” winner who’s been taking Las Vegas by storm, has been announced as the replacement for Danny Gans at the Mirage. It keeps getting better for Terry and the art of ventriloquism.

Although I’ve never been one of those that thought ventriloquism was dying, it is great that it is in the media a lot more than it has in the past. But the art of ventriloquism has not been dying, nor do I think it ever will.

I agree with ventriloquist Jay Johnson’s comment in the video trailer from the ventriloquism documentary, “I’m No Dummy” directed by Bryan Simon (Click here to see the trailer). To paraphrase Jay’s statement, he said that ventriloquism is an art and art never dies. I couldn’t agree more.

I’ve heard some ventriloquists talk about ventriloquism as being a dying art, but that is just not true. Just because it hasn’t been in the “spotlight” (until now…with the success of Jeff Dunham and Terry Fator ) does not mean it has been dying.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always heard about some ventriloquist performing on television (sometimes on local channels), at churches, at corporate functions and many other places.

In fact, in the 90’s I recall seeing many ventriloquists on A&E’s Evening at the Improv…. Jeff Dunham, Taylor Mason, David Strassman, to name a few. I also remember seeing Ronn Lucas, Dan Horn, Jim Barber and others on different television shows.

So, I for one never thought ventriloquism was dying and like you, I’m glad it’s in the BIG spotlight at this time. As long as there are ventriloquist’s like every one of you out there performing and supporting the art of ventriloquism, it will always be around.

And congrats to Terry Fator on his huge success.

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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All writings here are copyrighted by Dan Willinger and Ventriloquist Central. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

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This day only happens once a year but every woman deserves the honor every day for all you ladies do for us children. We can only become what we are because of what you do for us as Mothers. Helping every day with anything that we need and letting us know that you are always there anytime or any place.

Thanks Moms everywhere on your special day.

Dan & Steve

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All writings here are copyrighted by Dan Willinger and Ventriloquist Central. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

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I rarely post two blogs in one day, but I just received this email and thought I should share it with everyone on Ventriloquist Central:

Hi Dan,

I wanted to alert you to a fantastic new autobiography, all about one of the most famous little people in the entertainment industry….Jerry Maren. Of course, Jerry is most known as the Lollipop Munchkin in the legendary classic film, “The Wizard of Oz”, but this new book explores his entire career with a great portion about his time with Edgar Bergen and “portraying” Charlie McCarthy in films. The book is titled “Short and Sweet: The Life and Times of the Lollipop Munchkin” (Cumberland House) and it has just arrived. There is amazing, rare photography of Jerry with Edgar and Charlie on the set and in behind the scenes photos never before published.

This is a book which will enlighten, inspire, and just plain amaze anyone who loves pop culture and motion pictures. What an extraordinary career and life Jerry Maren, a legendary little person, has lived.

As autobiographies go, this one is exemplar, with amazing color photography throughout. A link for the book on amazon.com is below. They currently offer a great discount.

Thank you

Steve Cox

Click here to see the book on Amazon

And thank you, Steve, for sending us this information.

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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All writings here are copyrighted by Dan Willinger and Ventriloquist Central. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

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I have been asked why I like Marshall ventriloquist figures so much so I thought I would try to address that question. As a dealer of antiques for most of my life this is not hard to explain. When you buy and sell you always strive to purchase better and better items because the value increases. You can purchase items that cost $10.00 add a 20% profit and sell it for $12.00. Then you purchase and item for $100.00 add the same 20% and sell it for $112.00 and so forth and so on up the price ladder. Of course as you find more expensive and better items the price and profit increases.

Now I decided I wanted to get a ventriloquist figure like the one I first traded for as a youngster (see my biography) and that was the start. I did the same thing I have always done with buying and selling and quickly moved up the ladder as far as price is concerned.

When I finally purchased my first Marshall ventriloquist figure I was thrilled with the quality that he put into his figure so I decided I would keep him and went searching for another to be able to sell. Much to my surprise when I purchased the second Marshall again I loved him and was unable to part with him. This continually happened with each succeeding Marshall purchase. I finally realized that as far as Frank Marshall figures are concerned I am a true collector and not a dealer. I just can’t part with any of the Marshall figures I have purchased.

I have discovered that every one of Marshall’s ventriloquist figures has a mystique about them. They each have a unique personality and they all are lovingly created by a man who was able to give birth to an inanimate object that just breathed life. I love Marshall’s work and I don’t think I will ever be able to part with any of the ones that have become part of the Willinger ventriloquist figure collection.

Remember I am always looking for more because you never can have enough!!!

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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All writings here are copyrighted by Dan Willinger and Ventriloquist Central. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

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I received this email from Bryan and wanted to share it with everyone here at Ventriloquist Central:

Hey Everyone,

We just wanted to let you know that the TRAILER for our new film, a feature length documentary about ventriloquism, is now screening on the Internet.

I’M NO DUMMY, a whimsical and insightful documentary, examines and dissects the world of ventriloquism through clips, photos and interviews with many of the greatest vents from today and yesterday, illustrating that this perceived novelty act is truly an extraordinary art form.

Go to the following sight to view the trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SlbOdxl-2nA

PLEASE PASS ALONG THE TRAILER SITE TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. We are trying to build momentum for the project; the more hits, the more public exposure.

Also, we’d love to hear what you and your friends think of the trailer, so don’t hesitate to share your thoughts with us.

Thank you so much for your support over the years for all of our projects.

Bryan and Marge
montivagus@sbcglobal.net
www.montivagus.com

Dan
www.ventriloquistcentral.com

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All writings here are copyrighted by Dan Willinger and Ventriloquist Central. You may not use them without written permission but you may link to the posts or give out a link to the posts.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!