Columnist Joe Delaney: There are many Don Rickles

Joe Delaney

Friday, May 23, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

MULTIPLE IDENTITIES. ... Onstage, Don Rickles, starting a new long-term engagement in the Desert Inn Crystal Room tonight through Sunday, is a comedic predator for the first 20 minutes. ... After his traditional matador plus music entrance, Rickles rakes the audience and all races, creeds and colors, sparing no one -- politically incorrect and mostly hilarious -- then admits it is a put-on.

Don takes a deep breath, and it's time for the first of several songs, "I'm a Nice Guy." ... What follows is funny, but it is really the other onstage Rickles, warm, caring, human, doing a few impressions and demonstrating his love of country with a heartfelt Jimmy Cagney tribute.

Rickles does not preach but he makes his point well, sending the audience home, satisfied, laughed out and feeling good. ... There is Rickles the aggressor to start and Dr. Goodfellow to close.

Rickles at home

Offstage, Don is a homebody, devoted husband, father and sports fan but primarily as a spectator on television. ... The Rickles and Bob Newhart families are like one family, celebrating all the holidays together, often traveling together. ... For a long time, we have been suggesting that Don and Bob perform together, as themselves or in a play.

Rickles is riding the crest of two successful film roles, as the pit boss in "Casino" and the voice of Mr. Potato Head in "Toy Story." ... He is featured in two new Bud Light commercials, previewed this past Tuesday when he guested on the Jay Leno "Tonight Show."

If you've never experienced Rickles in person in Las Vegas, you are in for a shock, a treat and a lot of laughs. ... Don has assembled some impressive statistics in a long successful career. ... He shares them generously with his audiences.

'Jubilee' news

Bally's "Jubilee" will be dark from May 27 through June 27, reopening with a completely new Act 1, one that we're sure will be faithful to the spirit and talent of the late Donn Arden, as is the closing act that was introduced last year. ... "CATagious," starring Dirk Arthur, will be performed this evening then go dark until "Jubilee" returns.

Actors Repertory Theatre follows its outstanding production of "Love! Valour! Compassion!" with the mirthful musical "Nunsense," opening Saturday in the in the Summerlin Performing Arts Center for a two-weekend run. ... "The Magic of Flight" starts today (Caesars' Omnimax).

Caesars Magical Empire is offering free Lumineria shows from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. ... Guests will explore the catacombs en route to the 70-foot-tall central rotunda, then see the whirlwind flames and high-tech special effects usually seen only by dinner and show guests.

Jazz news

It's Pogo's with Irv Kluger & Co. on Fridays; the Jazz Organ-ization at noon (Santa Fe); Jimmy Wilkins Big Band, 3:30-7:30 p.m. (Carollo's); and Marv Koral's All-Stars, 5:30-9:30 p.m. (Manhattan); all on Sundays plus Don Menza & Friends, 9 p.m. Mondays (Riviera). ... Remember to observe Memorial Day properly as well. ... See you next Thursday.