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Press Release
Kevin Johnson – Master Ventriloquist
Award-winning “America’s Got Talent” actor brings show to Firehouse


Pleasanton, Calif.  More than 18 million viewers were amazed by his “Godzilla Theater” on America’s Got Talent, and Simon Cowell told Kevin Johnson, “America loves you!” The Master Ventriloquist, comedian, and magician skyrocketed to fame with his appearance on America’s Got Talent, and brings “A new generation of ventriloquism” to his live show. Clean comedy, plus some magic and audience participation make this hilarious show a draw for all audiences.


One show only, Friday, October 13 at 8:00 p.m. on stage at the Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton. 


Reserved seating tickets are $20 - $30.  Tickets online at www.firehousearts.org, by calling 925-931-4848, and in person at the Box Office, 4444 Railroad Avenue, in downtown Pleasanton.  Box Office hours are Wednesday - Friday 12:00 noon-6:00 p.m. and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m., and two hours prior to performances if not sold out.


As the only two-time International winner of the “Best Male Performer” award (IAAPA), Johnson has appeared on Late Night with David Letterman. Letterman called his act: “Very, very impressive. I’ve never seen anything like that!”


In comparing Johnson to the iconic Edgar Bergen, the USA Today says: “Johnson is a ventriloquist. In fact, a right fine ventriloquist. I tell you, Bergen would move his lips, Kevin never does.”  And the Modesto Bee: “No, his lips didn't move. And after a while, it didn't matter because the crowd had bought into the believability of his characters. They watched the birds, not Johnson. And they laughed.”


Kevin has been a ventriloquist nearly all his life, starting off as a kid of 9 when he was inspired by a pull-string dummy he got for Christmas. With no formal training, he taught himself the art of ventriloquism over a four-year period. His primary path was through studying how on earth parrots can be taught to speak without the use of lips, and then figuring out how to speak using only his tongue and his throat.


Johnson came by his performing genes by his grandfather Harley Noles, a professional magician who was giving stage performances throughout Colorado when Kevin was young. He told Kevin, “If you get good enough, you can open for my show,” and made good on the promise when Kevin was only 13.  The rest, as they say…


Along with the incredible ventriloquism skills (Johnson incorporates a variety of modes and techniques throughout the show), and the "realness" of Johnson’s characters is top notch. And of course the comedy is super, and the content appropriate for all ages. 


The Firehouse Arts Center is dedicated to inspiring passion through the arts.  The center is comprised of the 227-seat Firehouse Theater, the 2000 square foot Harrington Gallery, classrooms and rehearsal space, the grand atrium lobby, and the famous interior glass bridge.  With world-class performing and visual arts, exciting interactive programs for all ages, and a state-of-the-art venue which opened in 2010, we combine the sophistication of the culturally rich Bay Area arts landscape with the hospitality and intimacy of our own home town.  The Firehouse Arts Center is located at 4444 Railroad Avenue in downtown Pleasanton.  Media:  Jane Onojafe, jonojafe@cityofpleasantonca.gov