The Comedy Cellar Las Vegas opened about six months ago and has been finding its footing ever since. I like CCLV because they capture the spirit, energy and spontaneous nature of the original Comedy Cellar New York with their intimate venue, constant action, diverse talent and occasional surprises.
Saturday night the audience was treated to one of those surprises. Before I get to that I want to compliment the nightly emcee, Mark Cohen who by now seems very much at home here. This was my third visit to the club and Mark opened the show with his usual audience riffing which includes banter with some of the Las Vegas locals who frequent the Comedy Cellar as well as tourists; who always provide ripe material for what they refer to in the comedy business as crowd work. Mark is funny and high energy without appearing to be trying too hard.
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| Matteo, Leo, Traci, Rocky, Mark - Photo from @traciskene |
Mark had a special surprise for us last night. Just a comedian stopping by for a short set who turned out to be comedy legend Ray Romano! Sporting a mustache for his current role in the TV Series Get Shorty, he mentioned he enjoyed being at the Comedy Cellar Las Vegas since he had actually gotten his start at the Comedy Cellar in New York about 25 years ago. Ray wondered about the need for wake up calls in Vegas, (considering nobody ever goes to bed), bemoaned the effects of aging on the sex life with a particularly funny reference to current events, as well as some improvisation about needing more doctors as friends at his age, since he always seems to need one anyway. They don't allow recording at the Comedy Cellar so I have no photos of his set...I actually like that rule. Keeps things real time.
Ray Romano was actually the second comedian to perform that night. First up was Rocky Dale Davis, a funny southerner who claims he's 25, but looks much older, or so he says. He performed before Ray so was the only comic that didn't have to follow a legend in the line-up. That's probably why he seemed so relaxed. Or maybe it's just the Southern accent.
Next up was Leo Flowers, who is really not that ambitious. I'm not insulting him, just repeating his catchphrase and the basis of his act. He also reminds women they don't want a man who is too ambitious, and his reasons are funny but also ring true. Leo also talks about how his mother came to the U.S. illegally from Belize. That was a brave statement, or joke, not sure which one, but still courageous material to present in today's political climate. I liked Leo, but he was not as relaxed as Rocky...probably because he had to follow Ray Romano!
Following Leo was Traci Skene, who talks about the ups and downs of being 53. Yes, it's true, she admitted her actual age. Another brave comic! There are quite a few hilarious "shares" here, as she explains the pitfalls but also the advantages, such as the fact that a woman over 50 is less likely to be abducted by a serial killer! She also talks about how nobody over 40 wants to "make love all night long" like in the love songs, (more like about 30 minutes). Traci has great material and excellent segues from bit to bit, and although not as mainstream famous as Ray Romano, every bit a pro and has been for a long time.
Matteo Lane closed out the night. I saw him earlier this year at Comedy Cellar. He's a delight. Matteo is funny, snide but also upbeat, and super gay in the best possible way. He talks about the fact that his brother is also gay and how that is like a "second Vietnam" to their father. Aww, I felt kind of bad laughing about that one, but I did. He talks about how he watches Ghost Hunters but wonders why they have never in 16 seasons caught even one ghost! I like Matteo as a show closer because his high energy pumps up the crowd as we all spill out of the club and into the casino.
Well yet another gem of Las Vegas. Have to add it to my list. You gave such a great portrait of the evenings entertainment, I almost felt like I was there.
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