The Continuing Story of Carla Rhodes

Show Description

"The Continuing Story of Carla Rhodes" is a ventriloquial rock opera featuring rock'n'roll ventriloquist Carla Rhodes. She's assisted by a cast of colorful characters she meets on the way from teenage frustration to artistic satisfaction. Not only will you be thrilled and delighted by ventriloquial feats and clever quips, but your socks will also be rocked by her band The Extravaganzas. The debut episode entertained a sold-out crowd at Arlene's Grocery. Adding to the excitement this time around are special guests Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop.

"The Continuing Story of Carla Rhodes" follows the thread of Carla's intricate and dysFUNctional (emphasis on fun!) life story. How did a lil' ol' ventriloquist from Kentucky befriend stuffed effigies of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards? Why is her hair so fabulous? Can she fend off an unsightly East Village homeless pigeon named Herschel Ragbottoms? Why does she socialize with a cantankerous, salt water taffy obsessed 1920's gentleman named Cecil Sinclaire? Will she go against all odds, throw aside the nattering naysayers and achieve ventriloquial superstardom?

The special guests for the June 27th show are Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop. Mallory Lewis and Lamb Chop have been touring America and abroad performing for families and adults alike, and spend much of their time entertaining our troops! Visit mallorylewisandlambchop.com or for grown ups- Lamb Chop After Dark on YouTube. Carla's inspiration for becoming a ventriloquist was the legendary Shari Lewis, who worked with Lamb Chop. As a teenager, Carla was mentored by the show biz icon. She received letters, advice and ultimately struck up a relationship with this well-loved pioneer of the ventriloquial art. Since Shari's untimely death, Carla has befriended Shari's daughter, Mallory, who has carried on the tradition of her mother. Asked about Carla's relationship with Shari, Mallory expressed, "Mom never interacted with any of her fans (that I know of) but for Carla.  I think she saw in Carla a little version of herself, that is, until Carla got taller! I always knew about Carla, I’d heard Mom talk about her, and after Mom’s death, Carla and I became friends. She’s a little sister to me, but again, much taller!"

Carla has appeared at establishments all over New York City including Joe's Pub, Bowery Electric, Le Poisson Rouge, Galapagos Art Space, Highline Ballroom and Comix. Dubbed by New York Magazine as one of the "Ten New Comedians That Funny People Find Funny,"; described in The Pulse as a "corkscrew-haired waif with painted red lips and spitfire moxie,"; and The Villager says it best, "Rhodes is the Savion Glover of vents, almost single-handedly injecting a notoriously uncool and backward-looking performance branch with a badly-needed kick in the ass." Carla Rhodes is certainly bringing ventriloquism screaming into the 21st century.
 

"In my view, Rhodes is the Savion Glover of vents, almost single-handedly injecting a notoriously uncool and backward-looking performance branch with a badly-needed kick in the ass. Don’t get me wrong; Carla is PLENTY old school — but she also has at least one of her dainty feet planted firmly in the current century, or at least the tail end of the last one (which is more than you can say about just about any other vent). Carla is, in short, a rock and roll ventriloquist. The current piece purports to tell her life story, but we won’t be stinted on bits with her favorite “partners”, including Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and another dirty old Englishman, Cecil Sinclaire. She also promises to unveil her new rock band The Extravaganzas and a new character with the enticing name Herschel Ragbottoms. "
-Trav S.D., The Villager

"Affable and laughable and with corkscrew curls framing her dimpled face, Rhodes carries on the great tradition of ventriloquists like Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop."
-Penthouse Forum

"'Rock and Roll ventriloquist' Carla Rhodes, on the other hand, is an act so unique that she’s really in a class all by herself. Here’s the best comparison I can think up: imagine if the lovechild of Shari Lewis and Mick Jagger was raised by David Bowie. Can you even wrap your head around that?"
-NashvilleStandup.com

"A corkscrew-haired waif with painted red lips and spitfire moxie"
-The Pulse

One of the "Ten New Comedians That Funny People Find Funny."
-New York Magazine