Hackett and Co. making an impression

Joe Delaney

Friday, April 19, 2002 | 8:52 a.m.

Sandy Hackett's Comedy Club at Greek Isles is the newest entry in the comedy club competition. It differs in that it is performed seven nights a week at 9 p.m., that Hackett is the constant, joined by a second comedian, with a different co-star, starting each Monday, and (for an extra dollar) you can get a steak-and-shrimp dinner, before or after the show, in Yanni's restaurant.

The ticket price is a modest $13.95. At $14.95, dinner included, the food is good, the show is funny, it is the best deal of its kind in town.

Hackett has developed an easy, likable onstage personna; he thinks funny and can find the humor in any situation. Equally at home working alone, he has also exhibited great ability as the comedian in a team format, especially with straight-man Steve Rossi, who is scheduled to appear starting April 29. A master of dialects and sounds, Hackett is a comedic chameleon.

Tony D'Andrea once filled the comedian's spot in the Tropicana's "Folies Bergere" and, for a number of years, opened for Tom Jones. D'Andrea is rapid-fire, an accurate impressionist who does quick takes, hilarious throw-away lines, and can cram 45 minutes of laughs into a 30-minute turn. He can be caustic, borderline abrasive, but never alienates.

D'Andrea's extended closer included an on-the-mark Rodney Dangerfield impression; an even stronger Jack Nicholson; a serious Anthony Hopkins with segments from his Hannibal Lecter roles; Michael Jackson as he might be performed by John Wayne, complete with dance moves; and Sylvester Stallone as Rocky singing rap. D'Andrea would also be a big winner in a revue situation.

Hackett and D'Andrea could both be headliners at any of the local comedy clubs. The question remains: How many comedy clubs can -- or will -- Las Vegas visitors and locals support?