Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
COMEDY CLUBS
Comedy and Las Vegas used to go together like “knock, knock” and “who's there,”
with ties to historically funny legends such as Jerry Lewis, Shecky Green, and
Phyllis Diller, just to name a few. But like the changing of the lounge scene, and
the underlining trend of Vegas appealing to the lowest common denominator,
comedy is no longer a cutting-edge art. Casinos are actually known for watering
down comedy (not their drinks, as legend incorrectly has it). Afraid of offending
the sensibilities of tourists, the rehearsed routines are essentially de-politicized and
wiped clean of any edgy commentary on current events. It's all part of the fantasy
land, helping to maintain your escape from reality.
As far as shows go in Las Vegas, comedy is generally the most affordable. But
by its very nature, it's also the least reliable. With improv, the audience alone can
cause variation in how the show is carried out. Aside from Second City, which has
no stand-up, the following venues all have circuit comedians, so the talent con-
stantly changes. In the show chapter, you'll find reviews of the few long-running
star comic shows.
Tip:
Keep in mind that if there are two shows a night, the late one will tend
to be spicier while the early one will be more clean.
Because it's the same cast most nights,
Second City
55
(at the Flamingo;
%
702/733
-
3333; www.secondcity.com; tickets
$
51; Fri and Mon-Tues 8pm,
Thurs and Sat-Sun 8 and 10:30pm)
is the most dependably funny choice in town.
Though the famous comedy troupe inspired the creation of
Saturday Night Live
and is known for its improv, in the summer of 2006 they changed formats to an
almost entirely scripted show. It works, but I much prefer the actual improv show
that they put on in other cities where it's acceptable to be controversial.
STAND-UP COMEDY
The following clubs bring in different comics each week, so the humor varies.
Because of the talent turnover it's nearly impossible to review each place. Instead,
I've just provided some details about the venues.
One of the most inexpensive entertainment deals in town is
The Comedy
Stop
55
(in the Tropicana;
%
888/826-TROP or 702/739
-
2714; www.comedystop.
com;
$
20, includes drink; nightly 8 and 10:30pm).
Headliners change three times a
week, keeping the show fresh. The club is like a slightly rowdy sports bar, with long
covered tables that have candles actually screwed into them (a not-so-subtle com-
mentary on the demographic), and card-style chairs tightly packed next to one
another. The 8pm show is nonsmoking.
Part of a chain that was founded in New York in 1963,
The Improv
5
(in
Harrah's;
%
800/392
-
9002; www.harrahs.com; tickets
$
27; Tues-Sun 8:30 and
10:30pm)
features three comedians nightly, with new talent brought in each week.
In spite of the name, the acts don't always involve improv. And it's difficult to find
out who's going to be there because they don't post the performer schedule online.
Call ahead to find out details.
The Riviera Comedy Club
(in the Riviera;
%
800/634
-
3420 or 702/794
-
9433;
www.rivierahotel.com; tickets
$
30, or
$
40 for VIP seating; nightly 8:30 and
10:30pm)
has been around since the late '80s, and looks like an understated com-
edy basement. In addition to revolving comedians, the Riv also brings in ventrilo-
quists and hypnotists. The lineup changes weekly.
