Ventriloquist to play Gloria Theatre

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How to go

What: “The Vocal Illusions of Lynn Trefzger”

Where: Gloria Theatre, 216 S. Main St., Urbana

When: 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23

Admission: $15; children age 10 and younger admitted free with ticket

More info: 937-653-7557 or www.champaigncountyartscouncil.org

Lynn Trefzger found her voice as an entertainer long ago. You just never know which mouth it may come out of.

“The Vocal Illusions of Lynn Trefzger” will showcase the ventriloquist/comedian’s numerous voices and cast of characters on the Gloria Theatre stage at 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23

This family-friendly show is appropriate for all ages and presented by the Champaign County Arts Council and the GrandWorks Foundation.

A staple of vaudeville and the early days of television, ventriloquists got somewhat lost as the years went on.

Trefzger was influenced as a child and made it her hobby. She’s never let it go.

The last 10-15 years or so have seen comedians such as Jeff Dunham bring the skill to a receptive new mainstream audience.

“If you see a good one you’ll want to see more,” said Trefzger.

She’ll introduce characters including Camelot the Camel, Buford W. Bear, cranky old man Judd and precocious 3-year-old Chloe. The latter is part of why both kids and adults can enjoy the show on different levels.

“Kids like it because she’s a kid and she tells grown-up jokes based on things my kids have said,” Trefzger said.

Trefzgar, an Ohio resident, has been performing outreach shows in Louisiana and on a Disney cruise, but she said she always looks forward to shows in her native state, where she finds a down-home friendliness.

She has performed several times in the area and likes playing small towns where everybody knows everybody.

“We have an interactive show, and it’s always fun to see your friends or someone you know onstage,” Trefzger said. “It’s good to get kids away from the computers and TVs to see something live.”

Concessions will be available, and the doors will open at 2 p.m.

Tickets cost $15 each, and children age 10 and under will be admitted free but still need a child’s ticket.

Tickets are available at The Gloria Theatre by request at 653-4853, at the Arts Council office, 119 Miami St., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Friday or online using Paypal at www.champaigncountyartscouncil.org.

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