Question of the Day - 09 February 2006

Although there’s a long tradition of comedians headlining in Las Vegas showrooms (current permanent offerings include Penn & Teller at the Rio, Rita Rudner at New York-New York, and Carrot Top at Luxor), there aren’t that many comedy clubs (especially since the closure of Laugh Trax at Palace Station last year) and open mic nights are even more of a rarity. To the best of our knowledge, there are currently only three nights where a local or visiting new talent can display his or her wares:

• Boomer’s, 3200 Sirius Avenue (off S. Valley View), has an open-mic night on Sundays from 8 pm. No cover but a one drink minimum applies. Sign-up for comics occurs on the night. Call 702/368-1863 for more details.
• Norma Jeane’s, 3650 S. Decatur. This is a small club with pool tables and darts that features an open-mic night from 11 pm onwards every Thursday, hosted by local comic Davyo. No cover charge. Call Davyo at 702/768-6666 (evenings only) for more info.
• The Dive Bar, 3035 E. Tropicana, also has an open-mic night hosted by Davyo, every Sunday from 10 pm. The format here is a booked show with three comics upfront, followed by an open-mic format. Call 702/579-4707 for more info.

As far as comedy clubs or nights go, here are the options:

• Laughs at the Beach: Hosted by local comedian and producer Shelly McCarty, this comedy showcase takes place every Saturday (aside from the rare occasions when the venue has a private booking) from 8-10 pm and features both local and touring performers. No cover. Although there’s no open-mic slot per se, Shelly does usually include a "courtesy moment" — a 5- to 10-minute opportunity for new talent to make an impression. Go along and introduce yourself to Shelly if you’d like a shot at this slot. The last Friday in every month is "Laughs at the Beach Elite," which features more established performers, with a $10 cover. Venue: The Beach, 365 Convention Center Drive. Tel: 702/731-1925.

• Boomerang’s: A kind of offshoot of "Laughs at the Beach," this late-night comedy club kicks off at 10:30 pm every Saturday, after Laughs has ended, and again features booked talent rather than open mic. No cover. Location: 6650 Vegas Drive. Tel: 792/631-4711.

• Funniez Comedy Club: A comedy club hosted by Jac Hayden every Friday and Saturday night from 10 pm. Ticket price: $14.95. Age: 21+. Venue: Buffalo Bill’s, 31700 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Primm. Tel: 702/382-4388 or 1-800-FUN-STOP.

• The Second City: A 75-minute show featuring a comedy troupe who specialize in improvised skits based around suggestions from the audience. Tickets: $39.95 + tax & fee. Age: 15+. Shows: 8 pm Thurs.-Tues. with an additional 10:30 pm show Sat. & Sun. Tuesday 10:30 pm features "The Second City Scriptless," which, as the name suggests, is totally unscripted. Venue: Second City Theater at the Flamingo. Tel: 702/733-3333.

• The Improv: A long-running and popular comedy club that showcases three new comedians each week. Tickets: show only $24.95 + tax & fee; buffet & show $34.95 + tax & fee; dinner and show $54.95 + tax & fee. Age: 18+. Shows: 8:30 pm & 10:30 pm Tue.-Snu. (dark Monday). Venue: Improv Comedy Club at Harrah’s. 702/369-5111 or 800/392-9002.

• Comedy Zone at the Plaza: Features a variety of comedians and comedy magic, depending on the night. We heard an inside rumor that the club is due to close Feb. 14, but the venue was unable to confirm or deny this when we called. Watch this space for updates. Tickets: $24.15 + tax & fee. Age: 18+. Show: 8 pm daily. Venue: Comedy Zone Showroom at the Plaza. 702/386-2444.

• Riviera Comedy Club: Like the Improv at Harrah’s, this is another well-established venue that features headlining comedians together with a variety of specialty performers including ventriloquists, hypnotists, and "shock" comedians. Tickets: $17.95 + taxes. Upgraded seating and dinner-and-show packages available.

Since this answer was penned, the economic problems of the world in general, and Las Vegas in particular, cut a hug swathe through the comedy scene here, including open mic nights. Visit our Comedy Club listings in "Nightlife" for up-to-date info on the Las Vegas comedy scene.