Onlookers at the Ambler Health and Wellness Center on Sept. 7 enjoyed an intriguing show by David Pendleton, a comedic ventriloquist who performed one of his 80-100 annual sold-out shows at the Gospel Barn this past Saturday.
“Puppets fascinated me as a kid. There’s something magical about bringing a character to life through interaction,” said Pendleton.
The comedy integrated audience members into the plot throughout the evening.
Volunteers participated by loaning small items for a skit, responding to banter from the puppets, and clapping in unison to impromptu songs.
“A puppet talked to me! It was awesome,” smiled Isaiah, a 9-year-old boy whom Pendleton chose as an onstage volunteer. Isaiah received a DVD for his efforts, though not without the puppet teasing, “Remind your grandpa to pay for that during break.”
Directly preceding intermission, ushers came by with KFC buckets for those who felt inclined to donate to the church.
“These performances are certainly not for any one church. Every week it is important that we have some fun together,” said Laota Redding, a community member.
Pendleton, who began his ventriloquist acts as a small-town boy entertaining friends and family, underscored the importance of amusement:
“Laughter and what we call a ‘good time’ are connected,” she said. “Laughing causes a release that you feel in your whole body. My spiritual growth has prompted me to search for a light-hearted way to express my relationship with God.”
The Gospel Barn features an artistic concert every Saturday as a way to promote community fellowship. On Saturday Pendleton became the first ventriloquist to humor those at the Gospel Barn.
“I don’t want to use my art as a tool to sell something. Art needs to flow from who you are as an individual. I encourage believers to express themselves,” said Pendleton. “If you hide your light under a bushel then your life won’t do anyone any good.”
