Three hilarious Comedians at the Tropicana Laugh Factory

Bob Zany
Bob Zany

A vigorous trio of comedians has taken over the stage at the Laugh Factory this week (Oct. 6-12), inside the New Tropicana Hotel, with Bob Zany headlining what is sure to be a “Madcap” night of zingers. Assisting Zany is Felicia Michaels, who never holds back on subjects dear to her, and hosting the evening is Las Vegas resident, Penny Prince. Show times are 8:30 and 10:30 p.m., nightly.

 

Bob Zany is wry, sarcastic, insulting, lovable, and lives up to his name… zany! Bob has appeared on over a thousand national TV shows from, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” to a 17-year stint co-hosting “The Jerry Lewis Telethon.” It all got started for Zany, when in 1977, at the tender age of 15, the native Southern Californian appeared on the infamous Gong Show. Halfway through his stand-up routine, which he read from a piece of paper, he was pulled off the stage by a man dressed like a nun wielding a net. Eleven years later, he made a triumphant return as a celebrity judge. Bob has appeared in numerous films, including “Joe Dirt,” with David Spade, and he played Matt Damon’s attorney in Stephen Soderbergh’s, “The Informant.” According to the Los Angeles Times, “He simply reaches into a bottomless grab bag of jokes. It’s like watching Magic Johnson lead a fast break – so smooth and effortless that it would be easy to overlook just how much talent and skill is behind the process. He’s also a naturally funny guy, a distinction at a time when stand-up is cluttered with people who aren’t.”

 

Early in his career he auditioned for the owner of The Ice House in Pasadena. The audition took place in the middle of the afternoon.  From the only occupied chair came the voice of the owner, “You’re not ready”. Zany looked around the empty showroom and said “Neither is your club!” Undaunted, he talked the owner into letting him produce his own show so he could have the stage time, and for the owner, an audience. The result was The “Bob Zany Show,” featuring such newcomers as Garry Shandling, Yakov Smirnoff, Robert Wuhl, Kevin Nealon, and Nia Peeples.

 

Felicia Michaels
Felicia Michaels

An “Army Brat,” who was used to moving about, Felicia Michaels built her early career by refusing to allow her gender to tame her material, and never once flinching when it came to the rigorous travel and TV schedule that a stand-up comedy career demands. She has appeared on networks such as MTV, A&E, Comedy Central, VH1 and Showtime. Michaels was nominated twice as Funniest Female by the American Comedy Awards, before winning it, and also received a Best Comedy Podcast nomination from the Podcast Awards in 2012, for the hit underground podcast “Beauty and Da Beast,” with fellow comic Joey “Coco” Diaz. Over the course of the ’90s, Felicia shifted her stand-up persona from a dumb-blonde stereotype to a soft-spoken provocateur, with an unrepentantly blue sense of humor. She explores such topics as the dynamics of the male/female relationship, “dirty thoughts,” and the proliferation of the sensual feminist. She has appeared in three movies: “Smart Alex,” directed by Steve Oedekerk, “Los Enchiladas,” directed by Mitch Hedberg, and most recently “I Am Comic,” directed by Jordan Brady. She once posed nude for Playboy Magazine,

 

Penny Prince
Penny Prince

Amazingly hysterical” and “outrageous” are just some of the adjectives used to describe Penny Prince, and his rapid fire act. For years, Penny has entertained audiences big and small with his dead-on impressions, and wickedly funny observations. He started his comedy journey in Northern California, and quickly gained a reputation for his ability to impersonate just about anyone. He currently resides in Las Vegas, where he served as the house MC for three-years in the hit burlesque/comedy show, “Sin City Comedy.” He has also been seen on, NBC’s Animal Planet,” and on “Comedy Central.” He has performed with Andrew Dice Clay, Mark Curry, and Ron White.

The Laugh Factory is located on the mezzanine level of the New Tropicana Hotel. Tickets are priced at $34.95 and $44.95. For further information call 702-739-2411 or 800-829-9034.

 

 

THIS AND THAT QUICKLY:

Sharon Owens as Barbra
Sharon Owens as Barbra

The dynamic cast of Legends in Concert, Las Vegas’ longest-running live tribute show at Flamingo Las Vegas, has introduced Barbra Streisand to its cast of award-winning tribute artists. Through the end of the year, the talented Sharon Owens will honor the legendary Barbra Streisand with her uncanny resemblance and breathtaking vocal range of three full octaves. Owens found success after winning FOX TV’s “Performing As…” reality competition show, where she stunned audiences with her talent. Sharon been featured as the legendary singer on “Entertainment Tonight,” “Access Hollywood,” “Extra” and in People Magazine. With more than three decades of experience as a tribute artist, Owens continues to take audiences back in time to ‘60s Broadway, ‘70s disco, and ‘80s films with her rendition of Barbra Streisand performances. The addition on Sharon Owens to the Legends in Concert lineup comes as Streisand just released her 34th, best-selling studio album, “Partners”. Billboard reports the hit album will reach the Top 200, which would make Streisand the only person in history to have a No. 1 album in six different decades.

 

The current cast has a range of music legends, from contemporary pop stars to classic icons. With 11 performances every week in the Donny & Marie Showroom, guests will be able to watch the stars align with show times including:  Sunday and Monday at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., Tuesday at 9:30 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 4:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

 

For more than three decades, Legends in Concert has proudly entertained more than 6.6 million Las Vegas visitors and residents, produced over 18,500 performances on the Las Vegas Strip and performed to more than 30 million fans worldwide. 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.

 

Ricci Martin
Ricci Martin

On Saturday Nov. 8, the children of some of the biggest names in entertainment will come together for a special history-making performance at the M Resort Spa Casino. An Evening with The Next Generation will showcase the extraordinary musical talents of Ricci Martin, son of Dean Martin, Lorna Luft, daughter of Judy Garland, Lena Prima, daughter of Louis Prima, and Steve March-Torme, son of Mel Torme, as they celebrate their legendary parents. Anthony Lewis, son of comedian legend Jerry Lewis, will host the event as the Master of Ceremonies. “We are incredibly excited about getting everyone together for this rare performance,” Anthony Lewis, said. “Through incredible music, audiences will get to experience a rare glimpse into the lives of these iconic legends as told through the eyes of their kin. It will be a musical phenomenon, unlike anything we’ve ever done before.” An Evening with The Next Generation is the first-time collaboration between the sons and daughters of the musical icons who shaped the American songbook as it is known today.

Lorna Luft
Lorna Luft

Audiences will witness an incredibly special musical celebration interpreted through the hearts of those held nearest and dearest. Accompanied by a 10-piece band and spectacular never-before-seen video montages, this historical ensemble should not be missed. Tickets are now on sale, priced at $29.99 and $34.99 plus taxes and fees. The concert begins at 7 p.m. and doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the M Box Office, by phone at 800-745-3000 or at Ticketmaster.com.

 

The International House of Blues Foundation has awarded a $2,496.35 grant in support of William E. Orr Middle School’s marching band as part of the 2014 Action for the Arts Grants. The school will receive their new instruments and equipment on Thursday, Oct. 23 at 2:30 p.m. “Music has the power to create opportunities and open doors.” said International House of Blues Foundation Executive Director Marjorie Gilberg. “We are dedicated to connecting emerging young artists with musical opportunities and resources through programs like our Action for the Arts Grants.” Several House of Blues Las Vegas team members, Foundation donors and Foundation Staff will deliver the award to students. “Being a community partner with IHOBF, in empowering Las Vegas students to grow into the artists of tomorrow echoes what House of Blues is all about.” said House of Blues Las Vegas General Manager Tim Jorgensen. “The power of music is palpable and the experiences of a memorable first concert can stay with you forever; paying forward what we do on a day-to-day with the next generation makes it all worth it.” Orr will receive two alto saxophones and various jazz equipment to allow more students the chance to practice and lead to more opportunities for the community.

 

“Orr Middle School students are in a high risk area of Las Vegas and have 88% of the student population on free/reduced lunch.” Orr teacher Ginney Abeyta said. “Through our music program, student’s grades and attitudes toward school improve while creating a starting point for their music careers.” The Foundation’s 2014 Action for the Arts Grants Program has awarded $220,000 to 63 schools and organizations reaching underserved youth in communities nationwide. Additional schools and organizations in the Las Vegas area receiving Action for the Arts grants include: After-School All-Stars, Canyon Springs High School band, Fremont Middle School Orchestra, Girls Rock Vegas, Mariachi Azul, and NyE Communities Coalition. For more information on Action for the Arts Grants and other Foundation programs, visit www.IHOBF.org.

 

Well, gang, that’s it for this week.

I’m outa here!

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