Las Vegas Shows: Terry Fator at The Mirage

It’s one of the greatest rags-to-riches stories in recent times. Dallas native Terry Fator had been practicing ventriloquism since the fifth grade, and performing comedy and music his whole life, but things weren’t exactly going well, he recalls performing for just one 12-year-old at a local fair appearance, before he won an audition on America’s Got Talent. Although judges literally scoffed at the very idea of a ventriloquist from the beginning. Fator’s charm and sheer talent brought him to the top, and he won over judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff, taking the million dollar prize for the second season. Even Simon Cowell later called Terry “one of the most talented people on the planet.”

If that was all that happened to Fator, it might have been incredible enough but then he was booked in Vegas—at the Las Vegas Hilton at first, and then, under a historic $100 million contract, in his own theatre at the Mirage, where he continues today.

In fact, Terry just celebrated his 1000th show and one millionth audience member at the Mirage.

What makes him so special? It probably isn’t one thing, but the combination of all that Fator does, the impeccable ventriloquism, the comedy, the brilliant singing that makes him so irresistible. Terry claims he can do over 100 different ventriloquist voices. His most beloved character puppets include Winston the turtle, Walter T. Airdale, soul singer Julius, little Emma Taylor, Elvis impersonator Maynard Thomkins, and aging rocker Duggie Scott Walker, possibly inspired by Fator’s own former band days . Since being at the Mirage he’s added several new characters including “The Fifth Beatle” (inspired by the Mirage’s other show, the Beatles LOVE), lounge singer Monte Carlo and Vikki the Cougar.

With this cast of “talent,” Fator shows both an amazing sense of comic timing and incredible range of vocal impersonation, from Etta James and Aretha Franklin to Garth Brooks, Adele and even Lady Gaga. You might also notice an attractive female assistant. Yes, that’s Mrs. Fator. And speaking of family, while some of his jokes might be aimed at the adults, this is over all a truly family show (toddlers and infants are not permitted).

Terry’s own rise to fame has made it important to him to give back, and he includes that in his show, paying tribute to fallen soldiers and children with cancer. But before then end, of course, he’ll leave you with a big smile.