Ventriloquists. They’re part magician, part comedian, and part prop master. Lips generally move when speaking. Try saying “move” without moving your lips. Now try “Ooompah-Loompah.” Damn near impossible.

But not for Jeff Dunham. The stand-up with a boxful of characters with holes in their butts will be here in Evansville at the glorious Victory Theatre on November 10 on a stop in his “Spark of Insanity” tour.

Unfamiliar with the name Jeff Dunham? He’s been on Comedy Central a lot lately, and his José Jalapeño…on a STEEK character is probably familiar to just about everyone. But Dunham’s got a whole posse in his prop box, including Walter (who’s currently running for president), Sweet Daddy Dee, Peanut and the felt-covered embodiment of white trash, Bubba J, who would as easily worship stock cars as Jesus.

Dunham’s career launched back when the Holy Grail for comedians was an appearance on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Not only did Dunham kill on the show, he was invited to come sit on the hallowed couch next to Johnny and Ed (an honor shared by only four other comedians in the 30-plus years Carson hosted the legendary program).

Another sidelight to Dunham’s relationship with Carson and the NBC show – he’s appeared on the Tonight Show more than any other ventriloquist ever.

The famous daughter of the most famous ventriloquist of all time, Candice Bergen, once interviewed Mr. Dunham for a segment on CBS’s 60 Minutes II, and during the interview, Ms. Bergen lauded Jeff as “flat out FUNNY!” – this, coming from someone who knows funny, whether living creatures or puppets provide it.

Dunham’s achievements put him in league with some other huge names in the ‘biz. He was voted “Funniest Male Stand-Up Comic” at the American Comedy Awards, an honor shared by the likes of Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld and Jeff Foxworthy. He’s also the only person to win the “Ventriloquist of the Year” award twice.

His television appearances are numerous. From Good Morning America to Hollywood Squares to The Best Damn Sports Show, he’s covered a lot of ground. But he covers the most ground while out on the road. Out of 52 weeks in the year, he spends about 40 of them traveling to 250 shows everywhere from clubs, concert venues and private corporate events.

Which brings us back here to Evansville, the Victory Theatre and November 10 at 8 p.m. Seats for Jeff Dunham’s “Spark of Insanity” tour are $35 and $30 (plus applicable fees) and are available at all Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com, the Roberts Stadium and Centre box offices, by phone at 423-7222 in Indiana or 270-926-6661.

See you there… on a STEEK.