Ventriloquism has always held a particular fascination for me. I caught Señor Wences perform back in the day, and over the years I’ve had the pleasure of watching any number of terrific contemporary “vents” ply their craft. I’ll even confess that as a young man I sent away for one of those “Learn Ventriloquism at Home” mail-order courses — with what results I’ll leave to your imagination.
So when April Brucker crossed my radar, I paid attention. Brucker doesn’t dabble in this art form — she lives it. Her newly published 250 Years of American Ventriloquism is a serious, deeply researched history that traces the tradition from its roots forward, mapping the surprising reach ventriloquism has had on American culture, and especially on the performing arts we love best.
A few days ago I had the pleasure of sitting down with April for an interview — and got the added bonus of meeting her dummy May Wilson in the process.
I should mention that when it came time to introduce April on the podcast, I called her sidekick “Mary Wilson” instead of May Wilson — summoning a founding member of The Supremes rather than April’s ventriloquial companion. So much for my talking capabilities. Perhaps I’m the one who needs the mail-order course after all.
Purchase a copy of the new April Brucker book here!
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