Monday, May 7, 2007 | 7:16 a.m.
Who: Ronn Lucas
When: 3 p.m. Saturdays through Thursdays, dark Fridays
Where: Steve Wyrick Theatre at Planet Hollywood
Tickets: $29.95 to $34.95; 777-9974
The brilliant ventriloquist Ronn Lucas completes the trifecta of entertainment at the Steve Wyrick Theatre.
Lucas not only is a wizard with the technology of the art of ventriloquism, he is an entertaining comedian as well - one whose show can be enjoyed by everyone.
"I call it an adult show you can bring your kids to so they can explain it to you," said Lucas, who left the Rio after four years to join the Wyrick group, which has become a focal point for G-rated entertainment.
Lucas, who has a five-year contract here, jumped at the chance to join Wyrick in the daring adventure that includes a user-friendly $34 million theater, ultra-lounge, nightclub, bar and gift shop where you can buy Luca s' tongue-in-cheek book "Better Living Through Ventriloquism" (and in July the follow-up, "Talk to the Hand").
He says the only drawback since his debut on April 20 has been branding the property - explaining to folks where it is.
"I was on TV the other day and tried to explain," Lucas said. "Our show is in the Steve Wyrick Theatre, which is wordy enough, in the Steve Wyrick Entertainment Complex at The Miracle Mile Mall, formerly the Desert Passage Mall, adjacent to and or behind the Planet Hollywood resort formerly the Aladdin.
"Now, if someone hasn't tuned out and changed the channel by the time I get all of that out, it's a miracle."
If you can remember where it is, it's worth the trip to see Lucas and his cast of characters in action.
But he doesn't limit himself to hand puppets, such as Scorch the Dragon and Buffalo Billy. He turns his microphone into a ventriloquist's doll.
And his sock.
And a volunteer from the audience, a personal favorite that will have you in tears.
His show continues to evolve. He's waiting on the arrival of some new technological equipment that will add a new dimension to the show, one he can't yet discuss.
"And I'm thinking about doing a late-night show," he quipped. " 'Puppets After Dark.' Our slogan will be 'Let's get drunk and go see a puppet show.' "
I'll drink to that.
