|
August
Archives
Back to Blog Main Page
August 31,
2007
Mallory Lewis
and Lamb Chop
Dear Dan:
I know this is last minute, but I just wanted to let you know that I
host a radio show in the NY/NJ area it's an eclectic variety/talk
show. Joining me this Sunday, September 2nd at 8am is Mallory Lewis
and Lamb Chop! We'll talk all about Shari and the current work that
Mallory and Lamb Chop are doing. Also, Mallory and Lamb Chop are
scheduled to perform at this year's MDA TELETHON.
THE JAMES RANA SHOW
Sunday, Sept. 2nd 8am
89.1fm WFDU
or on line (heard all over the world)
www.wfdu.fm
Comments
0 Comments>
> >
August 30,
2007
Marshall Find
Dan @8:15pm
In the quest for adding to
my collection I am always excited when a new (to me) Marshall comes
along.
I was very fortunate to be contacted recently by the family
of the ventriloquist Jimmy Jedry. Jimmy was a ventriloquist who came
from the Massachusetts area and performed from the 1930's to the
1960's. He was very friendly with Senior Wences and even used a hand
figure in his act like Senior Wences.
He used a figure named Eddie
Kelly as his main figure ( A Marshall which was carved in the 1930's
) and then had a second Eddie Kelly which is the figure you will see
now pictured in my collection. Eddie Kelly II is a truly wonderful
example of Marshall's Nosey figure and to date is the closest one I
have seen or found to Paul Winchell's original Jerry Mahoney Nosey
figure. Eddie Kelly II was carved around 1948.
I have posted
pictures of Jimmy Jedry with his Eddie Kelly figure for you to see.
I hope you enjoy seeing this newest addition to the Dan Willinger
collection.
Click Here to see
Little Eddie II
Click Here for the Biography of
Jim Jedry
Comments.....
Dan
Comments
1 Comment>
> >
-
Dan, the only
problem with Eddie II is that he's not in my den! ha Beautiful
Nosey!
Comments by John Robinson -
August 30, 2007 @11:02pm
August 24,
2007
McElroy Magic
Dan @6:41am
Well McElroy Magic, Greg
Claassen's wonderful treatise is now available and is a must for
everyone. Although the work is geared for the McElroy figure lover,
it truly is a must for anyone who has an interest in HARD
ventriloquist figures and wants to know something of the mechanical
workings of these and all other figures. It is written to let the
lay person truly understand the concepts by the use of wonderful
color coded mechanical drawings and a fabulous array of pictures.
Greg calls this his book but I call it a Manuel and then some. This
is a must for your library so don't let it pass by. You will be
sorry you don't own it once you get to see a copy. Follow the link
below for more information. Thanks Greg for such a wonderful work!!
Click Here For McElroy Magic
Comments
Dan
Comments
0 Comments>
> >
August 21,
2007
Terry Fator
The Best American Talent
Dan @9:07pm
I just can't begin to say
how much Terry Fator means to ventriloquism today. I have followed
his performances from the very start of the AGT show and have
thought he was just terrific all along. His use of the figures to do
his multi voice impersonations is truly genius and I think that
America also realized that this man's talent is just supreme. I can
honestly say he has brought ventriloquism to the absolute forefront
of America's viewing audience. I know we will be seeing him many
more times in the coming years and we can start right away at
Bally's Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. May he continue to keep
ventriloquism alive and well in the hearts of all Americans.
WAY TO GO TERRY !!!
Click Here To Hear Terry's Message To His Fans
Comments
Dan
Comments
1 Comment> > >
- Wow, what can I say. I
know one day it would take something like this to bring back vent
to the forefront. Congrats to Terry and all I can say is look out
Vegas. Terry has given me the inspiration to move forward with the
act I have been working on. Cheers.
Comments by Larry Harris (ComicVent)
- August 22, 2007 @7:14
- I was so excited when I
saw he made it to the final 2. From then on I was at the edge of
my seat. All I was thinking was, "A ventriloquist is gonna win
Americas Got Talent!". Then as Jerry Springer announced the winner
I literally jumped out of my chair and threw my arms in the air.
Looks like hes going to bring the art back! Not just that but
without a doubt, Terry Fator has just earned the respect from all
ventriloquists!
Comments by Adam DeFilippi -
August 22, 2007 @7:11pm
- BIG CONGRAGULATIONS TO
Terry Fator. All I can say is GREAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!! Maybe the vents
of today will see a rebirth and a new generation of
children/adults can have some wholesome entertainment.
Happy Venting
Comments by John Conte -
August 22, 2007 @8:04am
August 17,
2007
A Brand New
Novel Concerning Ventriloquism
Dan @ 6:17am
I was pleased to be
contacted by Miriam Parker from Little Brown & Co. and asked to read
a brand new publication of a novel concerning ventriloquism..."by
George - A Novel" authored by Wesley Stace.
The description from the book publisher:
In the illustrious history of the theatrical Fishers, there are
two Georges. One is a peculiar but endearing 11-year-old, raised in
the seedy world of `70s boarding houses and backstages, now packed
off to school for the first time; the other, a garrulous
ventriloquist's dummy who belonged to George's grandfather, a
favorite traveling act of the British troops in World War II. The
two Georges know nothing of each other--until events conspire to
unite them in a search to uncover the family's deepest secrets.
Weaving the boy's tale and the puppet's "memoirs," BY GEORGE unveils
the fascinating Fisher family--its weak men, its dominant women, its
disgruntled boys, and its shocking and dramatic secrets. At once
bitingly funny and exquisitely tender, Stace's novel is the
unforgettable journey of two young boys separated by years but
driven by the same desires: to find a voice, and to be loved.
I have finished reading the book and I actually loved Mr. Stace's
intertwining of the past and present through out the book ending
with a most unexpected meeting of grandfather and grandson. His use
of existing and non existing books, factual and made up events
blended together giving great character to all the participants in
the story. I would recommend this novel to anyone with a love of
history and the arts and of course ventriloquism. With not much
trouble you gain a vivid insight into the world of the performer and
you can actually see "George" the ventriloquist figure as if you
were right there in the room with him. I don't know if it will make
the best seller list but I thoroughly enjoyed the novel.
Click Here For More Information or Purchase This Book
Comments
Dan
Comments
0 Comments>
> >
August 16,
2007
Vent Haven ConVENTion
Interview...Mark James
Dan @6:35am
I think Mark James is one
of the funniest ventriloquists out there and is as yet kind of
undiscovered. His comedy is over the top and his character Charlie
is just too funny. I did this interview with him and Charlie at the
Vent Haven Convention and I couldn't get a word in edgewise. You
will see. Watch and enjoy!!
Click Here For Mark James
Interview
Comments
Dan
Comments
1 Comment > > >
-
Dan, Like I have been saying
for months, Mark James is one of the best kept secrets in the Vent
World. "Good Time Charlie" is fabulous. Mark sent me his demo DVD
and I would love to see him come out with a full comedy DVD. Just a
hint Mark.
Comments by Larry Harris (ComicVent)
- August 18, 2007 @6:01pm
August 14,
2007
SEE...Terry
Fator
Click here for Terry's 1st performance
Click here for Terry's 2nd performance
Be sure to vote for Terry
Fator....you can vote up to Ten Times!
Click here to Vote For Terry
Comments
2 Comments > > >
-
I for one am very happy and
pleased that the ART is being put out there for our younger
generation, I keep my youngest children ages 9 & 11 involved as well
as my two Grand children ages 1 & 4, so any time there is any TV.
GOODS MOVIES, Etc; I keep involved, till Later Happy Venting
Comments by John Conte - August 20,
2007 @7:31am
-
In the past I have seen other
ventriloquists perform which was reasonable entertainment. After
witnessing Terry Fator perform I saw a course of perfection in
delivery, conversing, with the dummy, and singing with the ease of a
opera star. He belongs in Las Vegas leading his own show like Danny
Gantz.. Thank you for this opportunity to express my opinion.
Comments by Ron Sartor - August
15, 2007 @12:19am
August 12,
2007
An Article
About Shari Lewis
Dan @8:43am
A good friend (and
regular contributor to Ventriloquist Central) Joe Lopez, sent in
this nice article he saw about Shari Lewis.
Click Here For Shari Lewis
Article
I hope you enjoy it.
Comments.....
Dan
Comments
1 Comment > > >
- Dan, Thanks for the
article on Sheri Lewis. I used to watch her show as a kid and even
when I happened to catch the more recent shows, you could see how
great Sheri Lewis really was as a Ventriloquist. Her Daughter,
Mallory Lewis, is also very good as well. I corresponded some with
Mallory. She is a very nice person and does a great routine with
Lambchop.
Comments by Larry Harris (ComicVent)
- August 13, 2007 @8:27am
August 10,
2007
Vent Haven ConVENTion
Interview...Dr. "Cookie" Jensen
Dan @4:45pm
We were so fortunate to be
able to do these videos for our audience. So that being said I am
proud to put up this great interview with Dr. Cookie Jenson. She is
one terrific lady and great ventriloquist. I hope you enjoy watching
her!!
Click Here For Dr. Cookie
Interview
Comments....
Dan
Comments
0 Comments > > >
August 8, 2007
Terry Fator
Dan @3:46pm
Terry Fator continues to
WOW me with his uncanny ability to impersonate singers while staying
stone faced with virtually no lip movements during the performance.
Truly a thing of beauty. We all should take lessons on how a
ventriloquist should perform. When you take your eyes off of the
puppet and look at Terry you see no movement. The mark of a great
ventriloquist. If you have not seen his performance from last night
on America's Got Talent the just go to the
"What's New" page for the link and
you can watch him perform.
He impersonated Dean Martin and Tony Bennett and I thought they were
both terrific. His manipulation of the puppet was perfect for both
of the songs.
I hope everyone has been casting their votes for him. Lets make him
the winner of the show and boy what a boost for ventriloquism. Way
to go Terry!!
Comments...
Dan
Comments
0 Comments > > >
August 6, 2007
Another
Vent Haven ConVENTion Interview.....George Boosey
Dan @6:15am
Today I have posted the
second in my series of video interviews that I did at the Vent Haven
Convention. This particular interview is with George Boosey who I
have know for quite a few years and is a regular contributor to
Ventriloquist Central.
He is currently in the media business in North Carolina, performs
ventriloquism and also uses a great figure which was made by
Marshall which was originally owned by Peter Rich. Please enjoy this
interview with George & Oscar!!
Click Here for George Boosey
Interview
Dan
Comments
1 Comment > > >
-
Technical Issue - Fuzzy
Videos: Hi all, Steve (the webmaster) here...the video
interviews (even the video blogs) were a last minute idea Dan and I
had. As you have found out (and us too) the interviews are a
bit fuzzy. There are a few reasons for this and we apologize
for the problem. However, we felt that the content of the
interviews out weighed the "technical problems". There are a
couple more interviews to be posted in the near future and they too
will be a bit fuzzy. The next time we do these, we'll try
harder to provide you with better quality videos. Thanks.
Comments by Steve Hurst
(Webmaster) - August 6, 2007 @10:23am
August 4, 2007
More...
McElroy Brothers
Dan @6:45am
It is with great pleasure
that I can say thanks to Janice McElroy for allowing Ventriloquist
Central to publish her great story of the McElroy brothers on the
blog. This was posted on the McElroy Brothers Fan Club yahoo group
this past week and I felt it should be read by everyone and not just
that one small group. So Janice agreed and now you all can enjoy her
wonderful story!!
Dan
From
the McElroy home front....
Since Glenn and Betty were childless, George's children make up the
remaining McElroy family. George has a son and daughter, 2 grandsons
and 2 granddaughters, 4 great-grandsons and 3 great-granddaughters.
We are all enormously proud of Glenn and George's achievements and
in
awe of their genius. However, we never wrote a book in tribute,
probably because it didn't occur to us, and except for a picture now
and then, we have not been posting pictures to the internet.
However, we're glad to share any pictures we have and delight in
seeing yours.
I thought you might be interested in a conversation I overheard the
other day. It was an overcast, but warm day and I was just lolling
around the pool with my head in the clouds when I heard:
"Hey, Glenn, did you hear Claassen's written a book about us?"
"Yeah, George, I sure did. In fact, I received an advance copy a
couple of days ago. It was sent air mail. Did you get one too?"
"Yes, I did, but I haven't
had a chance to read it. Not even sure if
I will since I already know how it's going to end!! I've been rather
busy lately. Mary wanted me to build a fireplace, because, although
the weather is near perfect, nights can at times become chilly. It's
not nearly as hot up here as - - - - well, you know. At any rate,
building material is scarce up here and what I've found seems to be
all fluff and a bit too flimsy for my taste. I did, however, find a
Stairway to Heaven that was not being used, so I recycled the
material and built the fireplace. I even put an inlay above it
that's
sprinkled with angel dust that says "In God We Trust"."
"George, I don't think it's politically correct to say that
anymore".
"What?! I'll say what I damn well want and as God is my Witness, you
can believe me when I say I wasn't being political. Since when can't
you say In God we Trust? Humph, that's ridiculous! So what's kept
you
from reading Claassen's book?"
"Well, you know, Betty's here with me now and I had to find a bigger
cloud. We're in a pretty impressive area now. Bergen is 4 clouds
down, Winchell is a cloud behind me, Shari Lewis is a cloud across
from Bergen and I even saw W.S. Berger floating around."
"Wow, that's quite a neighborhood. What's up with them?"
"Edgar was just saying the other day that he is constantly amazed
with the new materials being used to construct the puppets. He can't
believe how lightweight they are now. Back in his day, the dummies
were all wood. He said he's been hearing a lot about a new kid,
Jeff, and says he's doing a pretty admirable job. That's a huge
compliment coming from Bergen, don't you think? I hardly ever see
Paul. He's always tinkering around with one thing or another and he
gets so wrapped up in his projects, he doesn't take time to visit. I
swear, he'll probably re-invent the wheel someday. If he does, I
hope he remembers to get a patent."
"Glenn, remember a few days ago when we were treating ourselves to
delicious divinity candy?"
"Yes."
"Well, did you notice the angel sitting on the cloud over your left
wing? I couldn't take my eyes off her. She had such an innocent look
and she also had one of those big dimples right in the center of her
chin. I hear my kids and grandkids call that a butt chin!! I think
I'll use her as the model for the next face I create. That would
probably be about the 101st or would it be the 102nd face I've
created, I can't remember, but then, who's counting?"
"Was that the girl who was playing that oversized harp?"
"Yes."
"I did see her, but it was the harp that caught my eye. I was just
imagining what I could do with those harp strings."
"I wanna talk some more about Greg's book. I hear it's very good,
but I also hear there's a lot of talk about it on the internet.
Glenn, I've been out of the loop for awhile, what the hell's an
internet? Is there a use for those harp strings with an internet?"
"To tell the truth, George, I don't know what it is either.
Remember,
I've been out of touch a bit longer than you, so you should have a
better idea than me what it is."
"I know nothing. Just give me a good book to read."
"I think you've got one, George. Remember? Greg's book?"
"Oh yeah, that. Maybe I will read it after all."
"You know, I've been thinking, George. We really did do some great
work, don't you think??
"We sure did. Anything you would have done differently?"
"Sure, I would have made sure we kept better records. You know wrote
down who we sold them to, how many we made, stuff like that."
"How about you? Anything you would have done differently?"
"Just one thing and I can tell you in just one word."
"Really, George, what would that be?"
"Copyright, Glenn, Copyright".
Janice McElroy
Comments
0 Comments > > >
August 2, 2007
An
Interview With Carol Greene
Dan @6:15am
The 2007 Vent Haven
convention was a great time for me because not only was I able to
bring you the video blogs each day but I also was able to get a few
different ventriloquists to give me private video interviews. We
will post all of these interviews very shortly and to start this off
I am happy to announce our first to be Carol Greene. I loved
interviewing her and she is a multi-talented ventriloquist. I hope
you enjoy her interview !!
Click Here For Carol Greene
Interview
Comments
Dan
Comments
1 Comment > > >
- Dan, Your interview with
Carol Greene was very well done. Carol is an amazing performer and
I had the occasion to speak with her in the past and she has a
wealth of knowledge in the art of vent.
Comments by Larry Harris (ComicVent)
- August 2, 2007 @5:31pm
August 1, 2007
The McElroy
Brothers
Dan @6:31am
Talk has taken place on the
McElroy group about the age of the brothers during their creative
years of the original figures and I want to let everyone know they
were NOT teenagers. From information that I have garnered, Glen
McElroy was born in 1911 and George McElroy was born in 1913. They
were under contract ( I presume ) with the Abbott's Magic Co under
whom they sold their figures. The first catalogue to show the
McElroys listed was catalogue number 4 and it was published in 1937.
Please check out this
catalogue:
1st Picture
2nd Picture
3rd Picture
In that issue Robert
Wedertz makes comment about his "Deluxe Figure" which has made him a
hit with his audiences. Therefore they had to sell this first figure
in 1936. That being said, at this time the brothers were 25 and 27
years of age. Certainly young but Not teenagers. They produced
figures until 1942 and if you listen to the McElroy interview on
this site they talk about producing somewhere around 100 figures.
Where are they??
I am asking that any information anyone has please post your
comments.
Dan
P.S. Check out
"Ventriloquist In The News"....Wilma
Swartz the Ventertainer
Comments
1 Comment > > >
-
On one of the taped interviews
they mention making figures with just moving mouths. Maybe most of
the figures were of this type.
Comments by Robert Anthony -
August 1, 2007 @3:34pm
Back to Blog Main Page |
|
