Of Notoriety: Ventriloquist Darci Lynne turning 21 with birthday wish to keep profession popular with new generation
'I just played the Mirage Hotel and Casino in April 2022,' said Lynne, speaking from her home in Oklahoma City Wednesday morning.
'It's a little strange to be able to work in the theater space and be in the hotel, but not allowed in the casino area. But that's OK. I will turn 21 in October.'
She is billed as 'an award-winning ventriloquist and singer renowned for her unique blend of skill, humor and heart,' all true as confirmed by anyone who has met her and followed her unique career of performances featuring her beloved puppets, such as Petunia the Rabbit, Oscar the Mouse, Little Girl Katie and wise-crackin' geriatric diva Edna Doorknocker.
On Thursday, July 10, Lynne headlines one performance at 7:30 p.m. at The Art Theater, 230 Main St. in Hobart. Tickets start at $31 with other options such as a package 'meet and greet' for $128, available at www.brickartlive.com or 219-942-1670. The next day, she and her rabbit Petunia hop up to Grand Rapids, Michigan, to the Wealthy Theatre for a 7:30 p.m. EST show paired with opening act magician Brynn Cummings from 'America's Got Talent' Season 18 with identical pricing at www.grcmc.org/theatre.
Lynne holds the distinction of being the youngest ventriloquist ever to win a talent competition on national or international television. Since her victory as the winner of Season 12 on NBC's 'America's Got Talent' in 2017 at age 12, she has appeared on 'AGT: The Champions,' 'The Kelly Clarkson Show,' and starred in her own NBC Christmas special 'Darci Lynne: My Hometown Christmas' aside her special guest stars Toby Keith and Kristin Chenoweth in December 2018.
'I was very shy growing up,' Lynne said.
'When my parents gave me my first puppet as a gift for my 10th birthday, it really helped me build my confidence.'
Lynne said part of her youth was devoted to participating in scholarship pageants under the guidance of her mother, Misty Farmer.
'I remember when I was age 9, one of the other pageant contestants had a ventriloquist puppet she used for the talent portion of the pageant, and I was so fascinated by it,' Lynne said.
'I grew up with a family who liked to sing and perform. I sang with my mom in church, and my grandparents were in a band.'
Lynne lists as her favorite mentors and established career contemporaries Terry Fator, 2007 winner of Season 2 of 'America's Got Talent,' and the versatile Jeff Dunham as her favorite inspirations, along with the late great Shari Lewis, who died at age 65 in August 1998, and her puppet pal Lamb Chop.
'I love all of the ventriloquists of the past, but especially Shari because she could sing with her puppets, which is very hard to do, and I also do in my performances,' Lynne said.
'Right now, I'm taking vocal lessons to learn opera, which is extremely challenging for a ventriloquist, but I want to add to my rabbit Petunia's singing talents on stage.'
The roll call of other famed ventriloquists and great puppeteers of the past is short but impressive: Edgar Bergen (1903-1978) with Charlie McCarthy and Mortimer Snerd; Jim Henson (1936-1990) with Kermit the Frog; Burr Tillstrom (1917-1985) with Kula the Clown and Ollie the Dragon; Paul Winchell (1922-2005) with Jerry Mahoney; Wayland Flowers (1938-1988) and glitzy Madame; Senor Wences (1896-1999) with his talking face in a box called Pedro; and Rodney Hull (1935-1999) with his angry giant Emu bird foil.
During her own decade-long career, Lynne already has a few favorite star-crossed paths.
'While performing in Nashville, singer Keith Urban and his wife Nicole Kidman brought their children to see my show,' Lynne said.
'They didn't contact my team in advance or alert us in any way. They just purchased tickets online and showed up, which was such a nice surprise when they came backstage to say hello.'
In addition to working on her opera lessons, Lynne is also hard at work practicing with a new puppet character.
'My puppets are created and designed by makers, and often, I'll spot who I want at ventriloquist gatherings or conventions where the puppets are sold,' Lynne said.
'A few years back, I tried out a new puppet who was a one-eyed cyclops named 'Ivan,' and he is so cute, but it just didn't work well in my act. My new puppet is Andy, and I'm excited to unveil him on this tour.'
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