July Las Vegas Backstage Talk Column
July 2014- Casino Player Magazine, Gaming Today
by Michele LaFong
(Click on article to enlarge)
After three years of trying, I finally scored an interview with Jay Leno. Although I had watched Jay countless times over the years on the Tonight Show, I never actually saw him perform his stand-up show live for a full 90 minutes till last month when I checked out his show at the Mirage, and I must say his set was even more impressive than I expected it to be. From the moment Jay hit the stage it was a laugh-a-thon. He opened with strong topical set-up/punchline type jokes that he would typically do in his opening monologue on television. He was like a joke machine for the entire first half of the show. I didn’t notice any notes on stage, nor did I see him using any cue cards, and it made me wonder how he can remember every joke and segue so effortlessly. He never stumbled or once had a “senior moment!” As much as I enjoyed the first half of the show, I loved the second half even more. Jay delved into the audience some, working the sold-out crowd masterfully. My favorite part of Leno’s show was when he told stories about his background, family, personal experiences with meeting celebrities for the first time, and referencing things and guests from events that happened on the Tonight Show. It was all meat and potatoes, without filler for the entire 90 minute performance. There aren’t too many comedians that can sustain that rhythm and flow of laughs so consistently with clean, smart thought provoking comedy…especially for an hour and a half. Jay returns to the Mirage on July 11 & August 8, and November 1, 21, 22. Our interview will air on Las Vegas Backstage Talk on July 3 & 5.
Wilson Phillips returned to the Eastside Cannery on June 7, and surprisingly put on a very different but equally entertaining show than when I saw back in October. Mixing in some of their famous parents’ hits from the Mamas and Papas and the Beach Boys from an album that they finally recorded at the request of their fans, I especially loved that part of the show and the stories they told of how those hits were born and came about. As usual, the show had lots of personality, and spontaneity.
Both Ventriloquist Willie Tyler & Lester recently guested on LVBST live in-studio. Willie Tyler is an icon in show business getting his first big break on Rowen & Martin Laugh-in. He also was then featured on The Jefferson’s, and many other TV shows as well as being the first ventriloquist to be booked on Late Night with David Letterman. It was a trip having a ventriloquist with his comedy partner in-studio live on radio! It was a throwback to the Edgar Bergan days. I hadn’t seen Willie in many years, not since we were booked together on a national TV commercial for Mercedes Benz. Willie hasn’t aged a bit…and neither did Lester! We used to share the same manager, Marty Fischer who also handled Senor Wences. An edited portion of Willie & Lester on LVBST can be seen on casinocenter.com
For the very first time and for one night only Talk Show Host Wendy Williams will be performing her comedic one-woman show which will debut at The Venetian. Last month, Williams revealed to her guest Comedian Joy Behar on her popular television talk show that she’s always wanted to be a stand-up comic and will finally take her shot at it on Saturday, July 11 at 10pm. That night will also mark the launch of the Venetian’s new Lipshtick Comedy series, which will feature an impressive weekend line-up of female comedy talent including Heather McDonald & Iliza Shlesinger, Rita Rudner, Caroline Rhea & Wendy Liebman, Lisa Lampanelli, Whitney Cummings, Joy Behar, Susie Essman, Jen Kirkman & Natasha Leggero, Jennifer Coolidge, and Loni Love. I’m sure this new venue will do well. There has always been a market for strong female comedians even back in 1998 which is why I produced and starred in “Funniest Females” back in the Comedy Theatre upstairs at O’Sheas, and currently co-star and co-produce Leading Ladies of Comedy with Judy Tenuta, and singing impressionist Bethany Owen in the Indian Casino market.
On June 7, 2014 Comic/Magician the Amazing Johnathan and fiancée Anastasia Synn tied the knot in one of the most off the wall weddings Vegas has ever hosted. Longtime friend and entertainer Gallagher became an ordained minister specifically to marry the couple for the star-studded event. The ceremony took place at “A Special Memory Chapel,” and had a circus atmosphere. David Copperfield, Carrot Top, Louie Anderson, and many other performers attended. Comedian Gallagher is developing a reality show where he marries couples by day and turns the chapel into a comedy club at night. “I have many clubs around the country that would like me to bring this reality show to their venue for an episode.” Gallagher said. On July 12, Gallagher starts a two-week run at the Golden Nugget in the main theater. He has proven from his last successful run in Las Vegas at the Laugh Factory at the Tropicana that he is a very funny and relevant comic and a consistent entertainer. Due to health issues, June 30th – July 1st, the Amazing Johnathan will give his final performances at the Magic Castle in Los Angeles, CA. After 35 years of bringing his unique style of comedy and magic to the world, the Amazing Johnathan is retiring from performing and these final four shows will be video tapped for a future documentary.
My Picks for July: Carlos Mencia, TI July 4, Bob Weir & Ratdog, Palms, July 5, Queen & Adam Lambert, Hard Rock, July 5 & 6, America, Cannery, July 6, Gallagher, Golden Nugget, July 10-19, New Kids on the Block, Planet Hollywood Resort, July 10-13, Wendy Williams, Venetian, July 11, Jay Leno, Mirage, July 11, The Bangles, Eastside Cannery, July 12, Bill Cosby, TI, July 18, Heather McDonald and Iliza Schelesinger, Venetian, July 18 & 19, Lady Gaga MGM Grand, July 19, Nine Inch Nails, Soundgarden, Planet Hollywood, July 19, Paul Revere & the Raiders, the Cowsills, Eastside Cannery, July 19, Nick Swardson, Mirage, July 25 & 26, Rita Rudner, Venetian, July 25 & 26, The Voice Tour, Hard Rock, July 25, Boston, Cheap Trick, Hard Rock, July 26, Spinners, Cannery, July 26, Olivia Newton-John, Flamingo July 29- Aug. 30.
“Gaming Today” Column/Adam Carolla and Rita Rudner by Michele LaFong
by Michele LaFong
Adam Carolla and Rita Rudner are featured in this month’s edition of “Getting Personal with the Stars” Column in Gaming Today. Radio Personality / Comedian, Adam was promoting his Reunion Tour with Dr. Drew on March 29, at “House of Blues,” at Mandalay Bay. Carolla, was first most known for “The Man Show,” on Comedy Central, and “Loveline,” with Dr. Drew Pinsky. He now hosts The Adam Carolla Show, which set the record as the “most downloaded podcast” as judged be Guinness World Records, and after interviewing him…I can see why.
We covered everything from his humble beginnings.. working as a carpenter, carpet cleaner, and construction worker, to bombing in comedy clubs.
Many questions were answered like how he got to be on the Board for “The Marijuana Policy Project,” when it turned out he doesn’t even smoke marijuana!
Adam Carolla was honest, funny, unpredictable, and did not disappoint. His persona was exactly the same off camera, as on. I’m really looking forward to seeing his show on Friday.
Next up was Comedian Rita Rudner. She too was very similar to her persona on television. Rita was promoting her upcoming show at The Venetian on April 2, where she performs dates intermittently, throughout the year.
She has written four books, Her play “Tickled Pink,” based on her novel that will be debuting sometime in 2013. It is based on her own experiences as a female comedian coming of age in the 80’s. There are three jokes a minute.
“The 80’s were a very important time for comedy. Johnny Carson was my favorite host. He was always very friendly to me and would come into the make-up room and say “hi.” He was always a very sweet guy. Jay Leno, and Letterman are really terrific at what they do, but they are more of a comedian first, and an interviewer second.
These days, working for herself is very important to Rita. “Creative Freedom is the most important thing when you are a creative person. I love doing stand-up and writing because no one tells you what to wear, or what to say, what order to do things…no one is telling me what to do. That’s what I love so much about this profession.
When asked if she has trouble remembering lines she responded: “Not only do I remember the jokes, but I remember where I was when I thought of the joke…as I’m telling it…but even if I make everyone laugh for the hour and a half, and everyone has a good time, I try to at least try 2-3 new avenues of material at each show, or I’ll have felt that I let myself down.
I always do questions and answers at the end of my show. I answer the questions honestly, but I also bring in the jokes because I want to be entertaining. I sometimes bring out my joke notebook, and ask the audience if I can try these new jokes out on them. They like it and it helps me because they feel like they are in on something, and they are in on something.”
Do you think women in comedy, have it harder? “Of course!” She responded.
Women have to be twice as good at everything, because the positions of power are usually in the hands of men, and being a stand-up comedian..is certainly a position of power.
I love female comics because they all so unique, and there are so many male comics, that sometimes you can get them confused, but I think every female comic has a very individual voice. However, I don”t watch any comics really because I’m so busy with my daughter’s piano, tennis, and guitar, etc. and I work. I do watch sports because it gets me away from things… and I love to watch other people exercise! I’m hoping it will get on me.
I love living in Vegas because my audience has jet-lag…and I’m fully awake. I really like doing my own show at The Venetian. It’s relaxing. I don’t really like when you’re on television, and you’re under a microscope, and you have to rush it in five minutes and be as funny as you’ve ever been.
Even when I’m traveling…the lights are different, the sound is different. The Venetian is like my living room. I know what to expect. And that’s my favorite when I’m in my room in LV, and the audience has come to see me.”
Rita does a Meet & Greet before and after with her VIP audience. “I love to meet the people that I’m going to make laugh in a few minutes, and it makes me less nervous to talk to the people before the show. It makes it a better experience. Las Vegas is a Special Place, and I want to give the audience a Special Time.”
Adam Carolla, and Rita Rudner’s full interviews will be aired on Las Vegas Backstage Talk Radio Show on March 28, from 6pm-7:00pm PST on 1230AM in Las Vegas, and The Web. lasvegasbackstagetalk.com.
Both Adam and Rita will be featured in Michele LaFong’s Monthly Syndicated Column, “Las Vegas Backstage Talk,” in Casino Player Magazine. (CP Magazine.)
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Gordie Brown, Jimmy Shubert-Las Vegas Backstage Talk w/Comedian Michele Lafong
Aug. 25, 2011 6pm-7pm PST 1230AM in LV & The Web
Singing Impressionist Gordie Brown guests on LVBST Radio Show with Comedian Michele LaFong.
Impressionist Legend Rich Little, Dana Carvey, Rich Natole, Tom Stevens, Bethany Owens, Scott Record, and many others recommend Gordie’s show.
Gordie will soon be featured in Michele LaFong’s Syndicated monthly “Las Vegas Backstage Talk” column in Casino Player magazine, as well as LaFong’s “Getting Personal with the Stars” syndicated column in Gaming Today.
Gordie was approached by Harrahs Corporation to headline his hilarious one-man show in Reno, Nevada where he received numerous awards, including “Entertainer of the Year”, “Best Comedian”, “Best Show” and “Best Entertainer”. Destined to return to Las Vegas, Gordie headlined several different venues such as The Golden Nugget, The Venetian, and Planet Hollywood, and made television appearances on the “Late Show with David Letterman”, the “Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”, and “EXTRA!”. Gordie then joined Celine Dion on the North American leg of her “Taking Chances” world tour, bringing audiences to their feet with his uniquely edgy and energetic combination of comedy, music and impressions. Returning to The Golden Nugget Casino in 2009, Gordie headlines in front of a live band in their newly renovated state-of-the-art theater, The Gordie Brown Showroom.
For more info about Gordie, click here!
You can catch him live at Las Vegas Golden Nugget
Tuesday – Saturday 7:30 p.m. at The Gordie Brown Showroom
Comedian/Actor – Jimmy Shubert
Jimmy Shubert has built an impressive resume as an actor, both in film and on television. As a comedian, he is recognized as one of the most successful comedians working today, headlining comedy clubs, casinos and theaters across the country. Now Jimmy is adding another title to his resume of producer. In 2007 it was a labor of love for the actor a short film, “Alive N’ Kickin,” which is a companion piece to his new hour-long stand-up comedy special which won top ten comedy DVD’s for 2009 by Punchline Magazine, which he wrote and produced.
You can find him at Las Vegas Hilton in a limited engagement at the Shimmer Cabaret.
Jimmy Shubert in Icons of Comedy Series 10:00 p.m. Aug. 24th-28th
For more info about Jimmy Shubert go to jimmyshubert.com
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