Brenner could be in for the long haul at Golden Nugget
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.
archive
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- Hearing set for ex-NBA star with $822,500 gambling debt
- Trial delayed for man accused of shooting 3 officers
- Kruger hoping his team will play with grit
- Ten minutes with Chelsea Handler is better than no minutes with Chelsea Handler
- Pricing out wagers on the Pacquiao-Cotto fight
- RTC bus driver fired, arrested after allegedly attacking woman
- Two second-graders involved in shooting at bus stop
- CityCenter Realtors hit with cut in commissions
- Privé owner files for bankruptcy protection in Florida
- Shanghai’s maglev: Flying with both feet on the ground
Blogs
The Greene Room
Predicting this weekend's Mountain West football slate
Top Chef: Las Vegas
Top Chef Episode 11: Child's play
Miech Again
UNLV prez Smatresk is ready for some basketball (5 Comments)
Politics: The Early Line
Harry Reid's fourth TV ad begins running today
The Greene Room
Chad Ochocinco vs. Anderson Silva? That would be a sight ... (4 Comments)
Top Chef: Las Vegas
The Jet Stream: The three stages of chefdom
Miech Again
Rebels rookie Lopez says redshirting is his best move (12 Comments)
Calendar »
- 14 Sat
- 15 Sun
- 16 Mon
- 17 Tue
- 18 Wed
-
Pacquiao vs. Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena
MGM Grand Garden Arena | 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
-
Friends of India Diwali Celebration at Cashman Field with Dan Nainan
Cashman Field | 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
-
Norm MacDonald at the House of Blues
House of Blues
-
Boulder City Art Guild Winter Fest Fine Art Show
Boulder City Parks & Recreation
-
John Fogerty at the Star of the Desert Arena
Star of the Desert Arena | 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
-
Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s 5th annual Carnivale du Vin
The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino | 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Technorati








