American ventriloquist David Strassman returned to Tasmania last week with his new show, The Chocolate Diet, which focuses on chocolate, dieting, and self-denial.
The main protagonist of the show is the adorable Ted E. Bare, who goes on a diet after Strassman gently tells him he needs to eat healthier. He becomes anorexic, and to put weight back on, he starts eating chocolate, but ends up obese! To return to a more acceptable weight, Ted must go on another diet.
Several of Strassman’s other puppets also feature in the show, with storylines of their own. Chuck Wood deals with an identity crisis; Grandpa Fred is addicted to drugs; and Kevin the Alien evaluates the human race. Buttons the Clown makes an appearance as well, emerging drunk from his storage box.
Strassman is a master ventriloquist. He gives each puppet its own unique personality, and he swaps fluidly between their voices and his own. You quickly forget that his puppets are actually just that – puppets! He also has excellent improvisation skills: when heckled, he responds with witty, clever comments that leave audiences in stitches.
The Chocolate Diet is well worth a watch when it is released on DVD. It is hilarious; its subject matter is relatable; and its production values are exceptional. I thoroughly recommend it.
INTERVIEW WITH DAVID STRASSMAN: https://tasmaniantimes.com/2022/04/interview-with-david-strassman/
