Ventriloquist Todd Oliver’s act, which features a talking dog, has gotten the attention of the late-night programs of Jay Leno, David Letterman and Craig Ferguson.
He is now bringing his own show, “Todd Oliver & Friends,” to Munster’s Theatre at the Center at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25. A cash bar will be available.
“I’ve got a real live talking dog named Irving; it’s not every day you get to see a talking dog,” Oliver said in a recent phone interview.
The magician, musician and comedian noted that Irving is a pooch “with an attitude” that commands attention in his distinctive stage presentation.
“But it’s clean, and it’s family friendly,” Oliver assured. “There’s no bad words or anything off-color. But it’s contemporary. It’s fast moving. The goal of my show is for kids and parents to laugh together at the same time.”
Oliver made his mark in 2012 on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”
Throwing one’s voice is a distinctive talent that wedges ventriloquism into a unique niche of the entertainment world.
“I don’t think it’s ever been a lost art,” Oliver, 59, said. “It’s just an art that’s never been overdone, and there’s never been a ton of people doing it. It’s something you don’t see every day.
“The secret to it is making it contemporary for today’s audiences, and that’s what I’ve done. There’s never been as many ventriloquists as there have been magicians and stand-up comedians and rock bands and singers. And in some ways, that’s kind of kept it still novel and special.”
The resident of Ozark, Mo., has an act that relies heavily on his 9-year-old Boston terrier, Irving, who will be at the Munster show in The Center for Visual and Performing Arts.
“He’s the reason there is a show,” Oliver said. “If you ever wonder how your dog would look at life, you’re gonna find out. He’s got a lot to say about it.”
Oliver’s performance also features the piano.
“The music is original,” he said.
As for the humor, it is modern and situational.
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Additionally, there are the ventriloquist-dummy antics of Joey, Pops and Lilly, also known as Miss Lilly.
One of those pals ranks as an especially close comrade in Oliver’s life.
“Joey is my very first partner in show business; we’ve been together for years,” said the entertainer, who has brought his talents to schools, clubs and showboats.
The adeptness at speaking without moving his lips is born from hard work.
Oliver believes learning ventriloquism requires a daily, “concentrated effort in the beginning to achieve it.”
Beyond that, a ventriloquist’s “friends” need to connect with the public.
“The characters have to be endearing to an audience,” the ventriloquist said.
Oliver’s act offers the personal touch via audience participation.
There also is a bunny named Alice.
Meanwhile, incorporating the concept of a talking dog into his act required a bit of ingenuity on Oliver’s part.
Presented with a moving-mouth Irving, the “America’s Got Talent” judges and audience were witness to a different spin that was being put on the craft of ventriloquism.
“It’s a funny, magical illusion that I created,” Oliver said.
Todd Oliver & Friends
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 25
Where: Theatre at the Center, 1040 Ridge Road, Munster
Tickets: $35; students $20
Information: 219-836-3255, www.TheatreAtTheCenter.com