Jay Johnson: The Two and Only

Synopsis

Forget everything you think you know about ventriloquism. Shut it neatly away in a box along with that fat little green bird who wished he could fly and that mangy Scotty dog that used to spit a lot. Because throwing your voice has just come of age in this West End premiere. Following the Tony Award-winning success of his Broadway debut last year, Jay Johnson will be performing The Two and Only. Accompanying this gifted showman and master storyteller on stage for an autobiographical blend of comedy and theatrical story-telling is a wonderfully eclectic cast of characters including Darwin, a rare breed of jazz monkey who was born in a trunk in a comedy club, Spaulding, a tennis ball retired from the game after a particularly rough Andy Rodick match, and Bob, a product of the Hollywood star system and Jay’s famous co-star from the 1970’s international hit comedy, SOAP.

Our Review:

3 July 2008

At long last, the Arts Theatre has a hit on its hands. Or rather, it has what deserves to be a hit - a very good show. Jay Johnson, best known for his work on 1970s American sitcom Soap, is one of the few contemporary ventriloquists you might actually have heard of. And during the course of his Tony Award-winning show The Two and Only, he makes such a compelling case for the ‘art’ of ventriloquism (don’t dare call it a ‘craft’!), that I left wondering why there aren’t more like him.

The Two and Only is a kind of smorgasbord of history lesson, autobiographical reminiscence and perfectly crafted puppet comedy. Opening with a brief history of ventriloquism (it was once seen as a sign of demon-possession), Johnson soon moves into an account of how he received his own ‘calling’, and how he learned to throw his voice and avoid saying the letter ‘B’ at all costs.

As for his onstage companions, Johnson and ...

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Latest User Review

Nick Dente - 5 July 2008:

unexpectedly hysterical and raucous evening. this subtle art may be lost on younger viewers, but we witnessed a virtuoso performance. Funny, poignant, brave and excruciatingly clever. Bravo, jay. Bravo....

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