Exclusive Interview: Terry Fator, Las Vegas's Ventriloquist Superstar

Las Vegas ranks among Travelzoo's top-searched destinations, with its world-class entertainment drawing visitors from around the globe. We caught up with Terry Fator—singer, comedian, and master impressionist—whose long-running show at The Mirage Hotel & Casino remains a favorite among Travelzoo members, to discuss his Vegas journey.

TZ: "America’s Got Talent" winners are thriving on The Strip. As a Season 2 champion, how has the show shaped your career?

Terry Fator: Let’s just say that if I hadn’t won, right now I’d be the most talented singing ventriloquist pumping gas in Corsicana, Texas. The truth is that everywhere I go, to this day, people mention me winning "AGT." And I never get tired of hearing them share with me how they and their family voted for me. It’s why every night I want to give every fan the best show they have ever seen.

TZ: You’ve performed regularly in Vegas since 2007—any notable trends in Strip entertainment?

Fator: You mean besides me staying the same age and everyone else getting older? I think the biggest trend is that after the recession of 2008, people got much more budget-conscious. When they are spending their hard-earned dollars on a vacation to Vegas and a show, they want to make sure they are getting real value. That’s just another reason I want to make sure that when the fans leave my show, they have a memory that will last them a lifetime.

TZ: You’re always adding new characters—what performers are you excited about impersonating?

Fator: I’m a big fan of Adele and do her version of "Skyfall"...and now with her new songs coming out I’m sure I’ll want to add one of those to the show. And Bruno Mars is amazing—my character Julius does a really good version of "Uptown Funk."

TZ: What’s your idea of fun in Vegas?

Fator: I recently got married, and not only is my wife, Angie, beautiful and my soulmate, but she’s as big a fan of movies as I am. Plus, she's a great cook and I love to eat, so dinner and a movie at home is my idea of fun seven nights a week. And going up to Mt. Charleston for a romantic picnic with her is something we like to do every few weeks.

TZ: Besides your show, what do you recommend to out-of-town guests?

Fator: I always tell them to go to any of these three types of shows: a superstar like Celine or Elton or Rod Stewart; a magic show like Penn and Teller; and a Cirque du Soleil show or "ShowStoppers." And for comedy, Carrot Top or any of the stars who are at the Mirage’s Aces of Comedy in my theater on weekends will certainly tickle your funny bone.

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See Fator live on your next trip to Vegas: Travelzoo members save 45% on tickets to shows through Dec. 31.