Columnist Joe Delaney: Anderson’s humor casual, refreshing

Joe Delaney

Friday, Feb. 25, 2000 | 9:04 a.m.

Joe Delaney's column appears Thursdays and Fridays. Reach him at joe@vegas.com or 259-4066.

Louie Anderson, appearing in the MGM Grand Hollywood Theatre through March 8, is known as the Gentle Giant of Comedy, an exception to the cookie cutter-type comics who come out of the comedy clubs. ... He does not rely on scatological material or the standard set-up and punch-line visceral approach. ... Anderson talks about growing up, family life, Las Vegas, our personal foibles, and actually does converse -- free-form -- with the audience.

The audience segment has people selected at random. The dialogue is ad-lib, completely natural, and always extremely funny. ... This is not the usual "Where are you from?" with stock city-of-origin lines.

Since Anderson assumed hosting duties on the syndicated "Family Feud" in 1999 its ratings have more than doubled. ... He is a successful author with several best-sellers and is the producer of the Emmy-winning "Life With Louie" cartoon series, soon to go into syndication.

The beginning

Anderson came to Las Vegas first in 1984 as one of the first acts in Mitzi Shore's Dunes Comedy Store, later imploded and now the site of the Bellagio. ... Mitzi and her former husband, comedian Sammy Shore, established the original Los Angeles club as a place to perform and be seen in for entertainers in all phases of show business.

After they divorced Mitzi had custody of the club and it became the Comedy Store under her aegis. ... Located in West Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard, the Comedy Store was an early launching pad for David Letterman, Richard Pryor and Robin Williams, among many others. ... The Dunes Comedy Store had a six-year run in the Dunes, starting on April 24, 1984.

The accompanying picture was taken back stage at the Dunes that night. ... Anderson's LV breakthrough came at a St. Jude's Ranch for Children Night of Stars at Caesars Palace, later that year.

Continuing on

Roseanne, then Roseanne Barr, came to the Dunes Comedy Store a few years later. ... This led to a national tour for Anderson and Barr, followed by her tour with Julio Iglesias, which, in turn, led to the "Roseanne" show. ... Anderson became a successful LV main showroom headliner in addition to his various other media accomplishments.

Jim Carrey first did impressions of stars. ... The Wayan Brothers and "In Living Color" was developed at the L.A. Comedy Store and Mitzi Shore put Carrey on the show, which led to his incredible film successes. ... Steve Oederkerk, a Dunes Comedy Store regular, wrote and directed Carrey's first film hits.

A subdued Andrew "Dice" Clay, then doing impressions, was sent back to L.A. that night because his act was "too bland." Clay has just signed a lucrative long-term contract with the Venetian.

In conclusion

Paul Rodriguez, also in the picture, headlines here and has been successful on TV and in films. ... The late Sam Kinison and his Comedy Outlaws, which included C.D. Labove, Ronny Kenney, Mitchell Walters, and Sammy and Mitzi's son, Pauly Shore, were Dunes Comedy Store regulars. ... The surviving Outlaws still play Las Vegas.

Blake Clark, Argus Hamilton and Jeff Sobel, also in the picture, are still active. ... Mitzi Shore's Comedy Stores continue in West Hollywood and La Jolla. ... Lee Pete and I did a show from the Dunes on KLAV 1230-AM, 1984-1990, until the Comedy Store left the Dunes. ... Las Vegas was a much funnier place during those years.

Trombonist Neil Maxa and tenor sax man Bill Trujillo sit in with Marv Koral's All-Stars, 5-9 p.m. Sunday, Pierce Street Annex. ... See you next Thursday.