Jay Johnson is a master of his art on a level with a Vladimir Horowitz or Arthur Rubenstein on the piano, Picasso or Rembrandt as painters, Najinsky as a dancer, Caruso as a singer. The art here is Ventriloquism, and in his show, Jay Johnson: The Two and Only, Johnson's complete unification with his art and his wit and humor are there to enthrall an audience in a performance that is rare, delightful, and at times, quite moving. He sprinkles the history of Ventriloquism into his personal odyssey into becoming a gentle, bright comedian whose many puppet personas are distinct in voice, action and tone as they actively challenge him.
Beowulf Borritt's set and Clifton Taylor's splendid lighting complete this exciting, entertaining show directed by Murphy Cross and Paul Kreppel with perfect timing. It's a thrilling experience to see a master of this caliber at work. There is no better ventriloquist in the world.
Subtitle:
The Two and Only
Opened:
September 28, 2006
Ended:
November 2006
Country:
USA
State:
New York
City:
New York
Company/Producers:
Roger Alan Gindi, Stewart F. Lane & Bonnie Comley, Dan Whitten, Herbert Goldsmith Productions, WetRock Entertainment.
Theater Type:
Broadway
Theater:
Helen Hayes Theater
Theater Address:
240 West 44th Street
Running Time:
1 hr, 45 min
Genre:
Solo
Director:
Murphy Cross & Paul Kreppel.
Review:
Parental:
profanity
Cast:
Jay Johnson
Technical:
Set: Beowulf Boritt; Lighting: Clifton Taylor; Sound: David Gotwald; Orig Music: Michael Andreas.
Other Critics:
TOTALTHEATER David Lefkowitz +
Critic:
Richmond Shepard
Date Reviewed:
October 2006
