Oliver and Friends coming to Palace this weekend, Oct. 1 and 2

Todd Oliver and his talking dog, Irving, have performed in New York City, Hollywood, Branson and other major venues, but he’s looking forward to the Palace Theatre this weekend in small-town Luverne.
“I can clearly remember the Palace Theatre in Luverne — I was completely charmed,” Oliver said of his Luverne visit 30 years ago. “It was one of my favorite shows in my entire career.”
His show, “Todd and Oliver and Friends,” will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, at the Palace Theatre.
When Oliver was 10 years old growing up in Minneapolis, his father died of cancer, and he said his first ventriloquist dummy helped him get over his sadness.
In 1971 he started entertaining in nursing homes and libraries, mostly volunteering. “That taught me so much about life and about show business,” Oliver said.
As his comedy ventriloquist act became more popular, he acquired bigger audiences.
He and Irving have been featured on “The Late Show” with David Letterman, “The Tonight Show” with Jay Leno, “The Late Late Show” with Craig Ferguson, “The Today Show,” and a couple of episodes of “Walker Texas Ranger.” In 2012 they were semifinalists on “America’s Got Talent.”
But his act has remained rooted in Minnesota Nice, according to Oliver.
“American comedy is dirty now and I don’t want to compete with that,” he said. “I’m not old-fashioned, but I don’t use bad language or sexual innuendos. I’m family-friendly, hip and fun.”
And, it’s original, he points out. “It’s a talking dog, for gosh sakes,” he said.
While he’s enjoyed national stardom, Oliver said he’s enjoying smaller venues today and is particularly happy to be returning to Luverne.
“People say there’s something magical about the Ed Sullivan Theatre, but I think there’s something magical about the Palace,” he said. “I think Luverne is very lucky to have the Palace.”
Tickets for this weekend’s shows are available at the Palace Theatre Box office on Main Street or by calling 507-283-4339.
When he’s in the area for the show at the Palace, Oliver and Friends will also visit area schools in Luverne, Adrian and Brandon.
Information about the act can be found at www.funnydog.com and toddoliverschoolassembly.com.