Written and performed by Jay Johnson, conceived by Jay Johnson, Murphy Cross and Paul Kreppel and directed by Murphy Cross & Paul Kreppel, the solo work charts Johnson's career as a ventriloquist, and explores the history of the form from ancient time to vaudeville to Johnson's work on TV's "Soap" (as Chuck and Bob).

Opening is April 22, following previews. Performances play to May 21 at the Colony Theatre, 555 North Third Street (at Cypress) adjacent to the Burbank Town Center.

Jay Johnson: The Two and Only was to come to Broadway's Helen Hayes Theatre in spring 2006, but when Sarah Jones' Bridge & Tunnel proved popular there, the producers and Johnson graciously stepped aside and aimed to follow Jones in 2006-07.

"Jay Johnson is a writer, philosopher, comic, poet, and artist," according to production notes. "In the show, he takes us on a multi-dimensional journey that combines his skills with a parade of characters that range from a subversive monkey to a befuddled tennis ball."

The Two & Only! features scenery by Beowulf Boritt; lighting is by Clifton Taylor; sound is by David Gotwald and original music by Michael Andreas. For more information, visit www.colonytheatre.org.