Jeni offers a fast-paced, fun ride at New York-New York

Joe Delaney

Friday, Jan. 11, 2002 | 9:16 a.m.

Richard Jeni, appearing in the New York-New York Cabaret Theatre through Wednesday, is Brooklyn, N.Y.-born, an excellent start for someone in show business, particularly, a comedian. His act begins in high gear and accelerates from there.

Knowing him only from his HBO comedy specials, I wasn't prepared for the rapidity and unexpected comedic twists and turns that ensued.

After he verbally destroyed his stage setting, he discussed Siegfried & Roy, not as persons or performers but as presenters -- a very funny concept that ran through the entire performance. As with most comedians, he took on the casino next, explaining the real meaning of "Good luck" when said to a player; then wondering why casinos never post pictures of losers.

The terrain was familiar but the route was different, fresh and consistently funny, as he dealt with nickel slots, the "Big Wheel," roulette, craps and blackjack, including an impression of Jackie Mason explaining the rules for playing craps. Suddenly, Jeni turned to Osama bin Laden and a fantasy piece on how he would go about capturing him in Afghanistan.

Just as quickly, he was in San Diego at the aquarium, having a conversation with various fish. Then it was back to Las Vegas and a visit to one of the gentlemen's clubs, Olympic Garden -- edgy, accurate, and hilarious. At that moment, the hotel's roller coaster went by and Jeni stopped the show so the audience could listen. Next, the schtick was about his girlfriend.

The scene was a restaurant, the girlfriend had premenstrual syndrome and ordered red wine -- a deadly combination for her, even worse for him. He spied a well-endowed waitress, and the dialogue that ensued followed his brain as it tried to warn him of the dangers ahead. This was a classic segment that equalled some of the best of the Lenny Bruce vignettes.

Then it was onto reasons for couples staying together; football as viewed by men, then by women; and then a brilliant bit about a referee, realizing he has an audience, stopping the game for a penalty but telling his personal troubles before calling it. Bits about computers and pornography on the Internet; security systems in the home; and Robert Stack and "Unsolved Mysteries" followed.

It was time for a segment on "The Crocodile Hunter" show on Animal Planet -- a gem; growing up; learning about sex; going to church, and Mass as said by his priest, and how much better and faster it could have been said by a mob guy as portrayed by Joe Pesci.

Go see Jeni, but be ready, hang on and enjoy a very unusual, very funny comedic roller-coaster ride.