Efforts to save The Historic Rodgers Theatre have lately been a topic of conversation among community members, but while catching up recently on current events, news of the campaign reached the ears of Irving the Talking Dog and his owner Todd Oliver, of Ozark, Mo.
Oliver, a professional ventriloquist, performed for 13 years on The Branson Belle in Branson, Mo., and has been featured on programs such as The Late Show with David Letterman, America's Got Talent, The Today Show and many others.
"My wife has family in Poplar Bluff and they told me about efforts to save the theatre," Oliver said. "After I heard about this, I went online and read about it and found the campaign to save the Rodgers. I'd like to be a part of that."
Oliver said he got his start in show business by performing in small communities and has an appreciation for the nostalgia of a hometown theater. He and Irving are scheduled to perform at 7 p.m. June 17 at The Historic Rogers Theatre.
"I love little theaters and I'll do whatever I can to help them," Oliver said.
Unfortunately Irving isn't truly linguistically equipped, but he and his pal Lucy are the primary focus in Oliver's family friendly comedy routine.
During the show, Irving "talks up a storm" about his views on life and according to Oliver, he "is not one to mince words" and will "give it to you straight."
"It's a comedy show without the bad words," said Oliver, who credits his reputation as a clean comedian for his success.
Oliver will donate half of all proceeds from his show to Rodgers Theatre, Inc., to benefit capital improvement projects around the theater.
Tickets for reserved seating are available for $30, general admission for $20 or balcony seating for $15.
Another upcoming act at The Rodgers is a more familiar face, Malden native Narvel Felts, who has graced the stage several times through the years.
Felts, who found success as a top country artist in the 1970s, will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday with the Wild Cotton Band as his opening act.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are $20 for premium seating, $15 for general admission and $10 for a seat in the balcony.
Tickets for either show can be purchased at Hays the Music Store and Myrtle's Place, both in Downtown Poplar Bluff, the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce or online at rodgerstheatre.org.
For more information, contact Brent Davis at 573-429-0416 or Penny Cooley at 573-712-8991.