Guest Stars

Variety Acts

Note:
Guest stars and variety acts subject to change.

Brad Cummings and Rex

"Everyone had an invisible playmate when they were young; mine just happened to talk back . . . AND everyone could hear him!" admits Brad Cummings (57), making his Follies debut this season.

While possibly the rantings of a mad child, these "conversations" were actually Cummings' early fascination with ventriloquism . . . a fascination that would lead him to become one of today's most successful and innovative ventriloquists.

Years of practice paid big dividends as he grew older because, by the late '70s, Cummings packed his bags (and dummies!) and left the humble security of Wellesley, Massachusetts, to pursue a career in show business. Soon after his arrival in Hollywood, he became a popular performer at some of L.A.'s most-respected comedy clubs, including The Ice House and The Improv.

The early '80s gave this now-seasoned performer the opportunity to "hit the road" as the opening act for such superstars as John Denver, the Captain & Tennille and Frankie Valli. In addition to these tours, he also starred in main showroom revues in Lake Tahoe, Reno, Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

After a nearly 40-year career, Cummings has not only conquered ventriloquism, but has taken it to a new level. In recognition of his innovative approach, unusual characters and unique presentation skills, he's been booked on television's top comedy and variety shows.

It's no wonder Smithsonian Magazine has called him "one of today's top ventriloquists," a claim with which we're certain Follies audiences will soon agree!