Terry Fator at Mirage

Fantastic Fator

By Caroline Fontein

Only in Vegas can you be entertained by a singing turtle, a country music singer and an Elvis impersonator all in the same show. They are just some of the characters in Terry Fator’s show at the Mirage where he astounds people with his ability to do impressions of countless entertainers without ever moving his lips. His dynamic show features music and comedy that often spawns from the wacky personalities of his eight puppets. Each one has a different taste in music, showcasing Fator’s ability to emulate entertainers from almost every genre.

His show starts with a performance of the Etta James’ hit “At Last” sung by his lovable puppet Emma Taylor. It’s the same routine that won over the hearts of audiences nationwide in his debut performance on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” in 2007.

Next, he pulls out Winston the Impersonating Turtle who performs Roy Orbison’s “Crying.” It’s awe inspiring to hear Orbison’s voice projecting from a cute turtle puppet while Fator seems to be standing there taking in the outstanding performance just like the rest of the audience. In fact this incredible moment in the show is the same performance that made Fator the $1 million winner of “America’s Got Talent.”

Aside from just singing, Fator has brief discussions with each of his characters that usually end in amusement for the audience.

“I’m like a convertible, I look better with my top down,” says Vikki, a sassy and voluptuous cougar puppet who made her debut in the show at Mirage. Laughter erupts from the audience at her remark. She performs songs from female artists like Amy Winehouse and Beyoncé. Her lifelike movements and dynamic personality make it easy to forget that you are watching a one-man show, aside from the live band that also performs on stage.

In between doing impressions as a ventriloquist, Fator also does them on his own to demonstrate that his puppets are not the only ones who can carry a tune.

“I like to do that because after seeing me on TV most people don’t even realize that I can sing,” says Fator in his show after performing a song from the Bee Gees.

Walter T. Airedale is the next puppet to perform. He is a country music lover who also has an eye for the ladies.

“Last time I saw that many beautiful women in Vegas I had to pay a cover charge,” says Airedale after taking a look at the audience. Not even Fator can stop from laughing. In fact, despite not moving his lips for much of the show, there always seems to be a smile on his face.

Fator’s success story is one that dreams are made of but getting to that point wasn’t easy. In his autobiography, “Who’s The Dummy Now?,” he describes how a disapproving father and chronic illness got in his way, but he never lost sight of his dreams.

“That’s my message to everyone. Never give up. Don’t let somebody tell you what you can and can’t do with your life. What do they know? You’re the one who has your life in your own hands. The amount of work you're willing to put into something is what you’re going to get out of life,” said Fator in an interview after the show.