By Kenneth Jones
08 Dec 2009
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| Jay Johnson in The Two and Only on Broadway |
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| Photo by Carol Rosegg |
Developed regionally and Off-Broadway, the memoir about Johnson's life in ventriloquism had its Broadway premiere at the Helen Hayes Theatre in September 2006. The acclaimed show also played London's West End, and cities across America (and is currently at Los Angeles' Colony Theatre through Dec. 13). During the Broadway season, Jay's famed partner, "Bob," was inducted into the Smithsonian Institution, where he resides today.
In Jay Johnson: The Two and Only!, Johnson "deconstructs and demonstrates his lifelong obsession," aided by a "cast" that includes Bob, Amigo, Darwin, Long John La Feat, Nethernore – the Bird of Death, Spaulding, Arthur Drew, Jackie and Ga Ga and Squeaky.
Best known for playing the schizophrenic role of Chuck and Bob on the groundbreaking television comedy, "Soap," Johnson is one of the world's most famous living ventriloquists, part of an ancient tradition, which is explored in the show. According to producers, "With his dummy Bob, Jay Johnson follows in the footsteps of such performers as Jules Vernon, Fred Russell (and Coster Joe), The Great Lester (and Frank Byron, Jr.), Edgar Bergen (and Charlie McCarthy) and Paul Winchell, who have all helped to define ventriloquism as a bonafide modern art form."
Jay Johnson: The Two and Only! is directed and co-created by Murphy Cross and Paul Kreppel.
Jay Johnson: The Two and Only! will play the following performance schedule: Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 2 PM, and Sunday at 2:30 PM and 7:30 PM. Tickets are $45 and are available online 24/7 at www.tigertheatricals.com.




