09/17/09 Show: Improv Jam - My Review

• Stage Door Theater @ Town Square
• Thursdays 10:30 PM - 1AM+
• $10 includes unlimited soft drinks

This is not really a show as much as a social gathering for upcomming improv comics.  It runs as a bunch of moderated improvisational games.  The audience (of comics) is invited to get involved and make the show.  Imagine "Who's Line Is It Anyway" on crack.

Warning:  These are comics performing for comics and their own enjoyment therefore NOTHING IS TABOO... but if you can handle that fact you will laugh and have a great time.

Show: Sin City Comedy - My Review

• Offered by House Seats
• $5.00 Service Fee
• Planet Hollywood V theatre 9:00 PM

A sexy comedy show featuring comedy and berlesque is how it is advertised.

The headline comic for the evening was Bob Zaney.  His comedy seemed more reactionary than joke driven, probably from years of practice, and that made it all more funny.  He attacks some new angles on subjects and then attacks the audience for their non immediate reaction.  Heck, I even purchased his CDs following the show.

As for the berlesque... it was more tease than strip.  Less sexy than a break from the comedy.  The performer was lovely to behold; but I believe that if you are selling sexy as a product, I'd like to see it.

The space for the show is not well conceived.  The room is too wide for the stage and the wings get an obstructed view.  Also the back is a semi enclosed room (that is where I got seated).  It's bad enough to be behind 8 rows or so of people on the same level, but then also be in a box.
Also, they have an interesting collection of flat screen TVs behind the stage (and two in the room I was in).  Instead of broadcasting the show on those screens so that everyone can see the show, they just display the logo.

Not a bad show, but I can tell you, if I go again I'm going to be there very early to get a better seat.

Show: SET

• Onyx Theatre 8:00 PM
• Cost $7 - Cheaper if you are involved in classes
• Weekly - every Monday

This is an outlet for people who want to be in comedy (or love comedy). A local comedy school (Improv Vegas... I believe [ formally associated with Second City]) hosts a scheduled practice and show for their students and teachers.

Once the main acts are done... if there is time they do roulette - a chance for the audience (mostly students) to get involved with structured improvisational games.

I've been attending this more frequently. I have to admit that they usually have me in stitches. BTW - I'll be the one with the obnoxious contagious laughter.

Show: FREE BEER! - The Improv Show

• Offered by House Seats
• Stage Door Theatre - Town Square  11:00PM

Stand-up comedy can be good.  The comedian has tried and tested out his material so that he has a familiarity and comfort with it.
IMPROV - on the other hand takes talent.  You have to be quick whited, have real comedic timing and understand funny to pull it off.  Welcome to this show.
Designed as game show of comedic teams, these artists are given the ultimate mad-lib scenes to act out.
Let's not forget the free beer... yes, all of age in attendance are given a ticket to the bar for a free beer.
What a bargain, a 90 minute bust-a-gut funny plus a beer.  Gotta love the idea for this late night gem.

05/29/09 Show: Bobby Slaton

• Coupon (2 for 1) from Vegas4Locals
• Tropicana Casino  8PM

Recently migrated from Hooters to the Trop, Bobby has added some good new material along with his classic audience bashing attitude.

I took my out of town guest to see Bobby.  I once again laughed my way through the show as he trashed all concepts of boundaries.

We happened upon Bobby at the buffet following the show.  After some nutty political debate and social questions, we were left with the following...

My friend explained that his father was a Holocaust survivor.  Bobby asked if he ever came to the casino and played the numbers that are on his arm.  Ouch!!!