Brenner could be in for the long haul at Golden Nugget

Joe Delaney

Friday, Dec. 15, 2000 | 9:44 a.m.

Comedian David Brenner is proving that the right attraction in the right room will work, even if the Golden Nugget happens to be the showplace of Casino Center.

What started out as a modest two-month trial run, going into December -- not the best time for entertainment experiments -- gives every indication that it could be there for most of 2001, allowing for other Brenner commitments.

Full or nearly full houses have been the norm, and Brenner is the show. This is a fresh Brenner after being virtually out of the business during most of the 1990s for personal reasons -- a long, arduous custody battle over his son, which he won. This is a much funnier, much more aggressive performer, taking no prisoners, hitting home runs throughout.

The first 15 minutes off the top of his head, dealing with the Supreme Court's election decision, was a brilliant tour de force, too new to have been written in advance. Actual newspaper and magazine articles were a further source of very funny takes on actual happenings.

Brenner constantly paced, one side of the stage to the other, words tumbled out as though in a hurry to be both spoken, heard and responded to with laughter. There was a little bit of Jackie Mason at one point, and early Woody Allen-nightclub "he-said, she-said"-type of delivery. Otherwise, it was the new Brenner, unbridled.

Dumb criminals were another subject, dealing with actual instances. He made his paranoia and fear of flying funny, a considerable accomplishment. Animals, particularly horses and dogs, were a different trip over what is usually familiar terrain. The story of his discovery by Buddy Hackett during an appearance on "The Tonight Show" was truth told funny.

An Irish joke, told to him by Jack Lemmon, was a quick insert that worked as did just about everything else. Brenner opened on a roll and never let his audience up for a minute. His stay in Aspen, Colo., and subsequent move to Los Angeles, where he now lives, and the comparison between Los Angeles people and New York residents was more familiar ground made fresh by his new approach.

After 70 solid minutes, on the way out, I heard a lady exclaim that she had laughed so hard that she was physically tired. We're pleased to report that Brenner seems to be settling in for a long run.