The Laugh Factory, located on the mezzanine level of the New Tropicana Las Vegas, will present an outstanding combination of stand-up comedy by featuring two headliners and a featured comedian as host the week of Nov. 24-30. Headlining will be Gerry Bednob and Harry Basil, with John Crist hosting the show.
Bednob, who was born in Trinidad, India, and grew up in Toronto, Canada, attended the University of Toronto where he obtained a degree in Sociology. He uses sociology very cleverly in his various comedy routines. As an example, Gerry talks with a slight East Indian accent, and he’ll use minor errors in various accents, to show how it can lead to a miss understanding: “I was in the men’s room at an airport recently, and this gentleman walks in and says, ‘Hi seeyours (Senor)’ to me, and I responded, I see yours too.” Another example he uses: “I was sitting at a bar in this hotel, and a guy was talking nearby and I heard him say, ‘I’d give my left nut for a drink.’ I thought, ‘there goes a guy limited to two drinks.’”
After graduating from the University of Toronto, and working as a teacher, Bednob was lured to a Toronto nightclub, Yuk Yuks, where they held a weekly open mic night. He was hooked, and stayed for two years where he gained experience as a stand-up comic. He eventually moved to Los Angeles where he further honed his skill, and began being cast in a few movies. He met and became a friend of producer, Judd Apatow, who cast him in the Fox television show “Undeclared.” Apatow followed up by casting him as Mooji in the 2005 hit film, “The 40-Year Old Virgin,” “Walk Hard,” and “Zack and Miri Make a Porno.” The rest is now history.
Comedian and impressionist Harry Basil literally “lives the movies.” Basil is a human movie trailer, taking his audience on a wild romp through current and classic movies, with a trunk of outrageous props that could fill a soundstage. Basil was Rodney Dangerfield’s exclusive opening act for 17 years. Harry appeared in two of his HBO specials, and wrote and directed five of Rodney’s films. Basil has been the show runner on the sitcom “The Jadagrace Show,” and produced the comedy film “Sleeping Around,” starring fellow comedians Michael McKean, Bill Bellamy, and Bryan Callen.
Award-winning stand-up comedian John Crist is an edgy yet clean comedian that makes him popular among fans of all ages. His unique brand of stand-up comedy comes highly touted as the winner of the 2012 Denver Improv’s Got Laughs Competition, also winner of the 2012 Loonees Comedy Corner Competition, and was a finalist in the 2012 Comedy Works New Faces Contest. Crist also appeared on “Live at Gotham” and opened for Seth Meyers on NBC’s “Late Night with Seth Meyers.”
Tickets for the 8:30 and 10:30 performances at the Laugh Factory are priced at $34.95 and $44.95. For information call 702-739-2411.
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Last Saturday, The Lili Claire Foundation, along with presenting partner Hyundai and sponsorship partner Warner Bros. Television, hosted the top names in entertainment for the “Live Your Passion” Celebrity Benefit and Concert, which included a star-studded poker tournament chaired by Jason Alexander and benefit concert, hosted by comediennes Caroline Rhea and Aisha Tyler. Alexander had poker participants reeling with laughter and clapping non-stop throughout the tournament where Aisha Tyler, Joshua Malina, and Michael Ian Black were among the celebrities who tested their luck at the tables. “Curb Your Enthusiasm’s,” Cheryl Hines, actress Shari Belafonte, “VEEP’s,” Kathy Najimy, Jeff Garlin from “The Goldbergs,” and “Scandal’s,” Malina were on hand to enjoy performances from the R&B superstars All-4-One, Oscar™-nominated musician Stephen Bishop, and Grammy nominated comedian Bob Saget. Saget delighted the crowd with his hilarious impressions, sketches and unique views on everyday life. Celebrities and guests were treated to a spectacular live auction featuring once-in-a-lifetime experiences, including: VIP packages to attend live television tapings, such as the pre-finale of Dancing With The Stars, and a walk-on extra role in Adam Sandler’s next film, among other items. All the events from the exciting day raised more than $250,000 for The Lili Claire Foundation.
Some good news just arrived at my desk from a long-time friend, Bill Fayne. He’s formed a new Tenor group. Yep, he’s back doing what I always felt was his special niche. There have been dozens of Tenor groups all around the world, and Las Vegas audiences have enjoyed many of them. Fayne started the first one in Vegas when he and three other tenors formed what I called the Four Tenors of Las Vegas. Bill has the biggest smile ever on his face these days, with the announcement of the new group, “The Desert Tenors.” Bill, along with Mark Giovi (one of the original guys in the first group), and George DeMott, they will take you on a musical journey through Opera, R&B, Popera, Musical Theater, Jazz, swing and much more. These three performers have been exciting audiences as single acts for quite some time, and now with their voices and personality combination, audiences will have a chance to enjoy a musical experience that is designed to please people of all ages. Every time you think you know what to expect, you’ll be surprised! As soon as the first gig is booked, I’ll letcha know.
Anyone out there looking for a new and exciting experience? The popular sport of IndyCar racing is now a part of the Richard Petty Driving Experience at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to peel rubber in an open-wheel vehicle will be offered twice a week during a three-month partnership. Known as open-wheel vehicles, due to the fact that the wheels are located outside the car’s main body. IndyCars are lightweight, extremely aerodynamic, have powerful engines and are often considered the fastest racing vehicles available. Guests who try their skills at IndyCar will have the opportunity to lay rubber in their own open-wheel vehicle as they follow behind an instructor-led car. Adrenaline junkies will feel like they’re in the Indianapolis 500, as they step on the gas around the 1.5-mile tri-oval superspeedway at speeds up to 120+ mph. “Motorsports has always been a popular pastime in America, and we want to make it even more enjoyable by giving our guests the opportunity to get behind the wheel of different vehicles, and experience it first-hand,” explained Karl Fusco, general manager. “The addition of the IndyCar driving experience just enhances the Richard Petty Driving Experience as a leader of thrilling drive and ride entertainment.” Visitors can learn more about the IndyCar driving experience, or book their experience at www.drivepetty.com. Guests who book any other Richard Petty Driving Experience, including the American Muscle Car Challenge, IndyCar, NASCAR, or ride-along experience can receive complimentary transportation to and from five casino resorts located on the famed Las Vegas Strip.
Legends in Concert, Las Vegas’ longest-running live tribute show at the Flamingo Las Vegas, will greet the winter season with the debut of its holiday show on Sunday, Nov. 30. Guests will enjoy holiday tunes performed by both classic and modern legends, alike. Bobby Darin, portrayed by Art Vargas, will rock the house with “Jingle Bell Rock”; Michael Jackson, played by Jason Jarrett, will bring holiday cheer with “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus”; Britney Spears, depicted by Katie Murdock-Gunther, will entice the audience with “Santa Baby”; Barbra Streisand, as presented by Sharon Owens, will make the masses merry with “Jingle Bells”; and Elvis, expertly brought to the stage by Bill Cherry, will warm the showroom with “Blue Christmas.” Local youth choirs and performing arts groups have been invited to perform in the holiday production, providing young talent an opportunity to perform on the historic stage in the Donny and Marie showroom. For a very merry finale, the full cast will perform “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and the Legends band will perform a stunning tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s, “Christmas Eve in Sarajevo” (“Carol of the Bells”) that brings the magic of the season to Las Vegas. The current cast has a range of music legends, from contemporary pop stars to classic icons. Guests will be able to watch the stars align at Legends in Concert during special holiday show times available to view on the show’s website at http://www.legendsinconcert.com/las-vegas-december#. With 4 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. shows available, Legends in Concert will spread merriment both day and night during the holiday season. Tickets are on sale at all Caesars Entertainment box offices or by calling 702-777-2782. More information is available at www.flamingolasvegas.com or www.legendsinconcert.com.
Well, gang, I think that pretty much covers it for this week. I’m beginning to write my latest book which will be about my 81 years on earth (soon to be 82). And as it becomes more of a reality, I will insert some of it in my weekly columns now and then.