Sketchy plans lead Schirripa back to Vegas

Friday, Nov. 11, 2005 | 9:57 a.m.

What: "Comedy You Can't Refuse."

When: 9 p.m. Saturday.

Where: Las Vegas Hilton Theater.

Tickets: From $65.

Information: 732-5755.

Brooklyn native Steve Schirripa didn't start out to be an actor on television or in the movies.

Or an author.

Or a TV host.

Or a correspondent on "The Tonight Show With Jay Leno."

Or a popular guest on talk shows.

Or the creator of a stand-up comedy production, "Comedy You Can't Refuse," which fans can see at 9 p.m. Saturday at the Las Vegas Hilton Theater.

"To say it was a dream of mine, I would be lying," Schirripa said during a recent telephone interview from his Manhattan apartment. "It is all so far out of the realm of things -- it wasn't even like, 'One day I would like to do this.'

"Things just kept coming, and I just took advantage of every opportunity. I didn't sit back," Schirripa said. "I started out small and started getting bigger and better roles and making more money -- to tell you the truth I'm still finding my way. I still don't have an answer to 'What do you want to do?' I would love to have my own show. That would be good."

His defining role is that of Bobby Bacala on the hit HBO series "The Sopranos," which is filming its sixth and final season.

"I would like it to keep on going," Schirripa said. "But to tell you the truth, whatever the creator wants. If he thinks he has more stories in him, I would like to stick around.

"All of us with the show are very close friends. It's a great working atmosphere, very much like a family. That part will be missed."

Several of "The Sopranos" cast will be onstage for the Hilton comedy show, including Schirripa, Michael Imperioli (Christopher Moltisanti on the series), Vincent Curatola (Johnny Sack) and John Ventimiglia (Artie Bucco).

It's a mixed bag of stand-up comedy, sketches and music.

"It's very loose -- kind of like the Rat Pack with drinking onstage. It's a lot of fun and it gives us a chance to hang around together on the weekend."

Schirripa and Imperioli created the comedy show that is now on a limited four-city tour, with performances sandwiched between shooting of "The Sopranos."

Curatola and Ventimiglia sing. There are three Italian comedians -- Rick Corso, Jon Manfrellotti and Nick Di Paolo. And the Lon Bronson Orchestra plays classic Italian songs.

"We've done it a couple of years," Schirripa said. "I'm not doing stand-up. Me and Michael host -- we weave in and out of the show."

Schirripa may not be doing stand-up, but he knows a thing or two about comedy. Before his life took many different directions he was entertainment director at the Riviera, a block west of the Hilton on the Strip.

The 47-year-old graduate of Brooklyn College moved to Las Vegas in 1980. He met his wife here, and they still have a local residence in addition to owning an apartment in Brooklyn.

And he still is a consultant for the Riviera and books comedians into its Comedy Club.

His company, Blue Diamond Talent, books bands and other entertainment at several venues around the country.

When "The Sopranos" finally ends, Schirripa won't be at a loss for things to do. He has a deal with Touchstone Television to create a half-hour comedy series for ABC.

He is working on his fourth book, "The Goomba Diet," that will be released in May. His others include the New York Times best-seller "A Goomba's Guide to Life," "The Goomba's Book of Love" and the recently released children's book "Nicky Deuce: Welcome to the Family."

Schirripa hosts the Spike TV series "Casino Cinema," which weaves poker playing into movie breaks. It's on at 9 p.m. Tuesdays.

And there will be more movie roles.

"I don't know what the next move is," Schirripa said. "It's all a coincidence."

Jerry Fink can be reached at 259-4058 or at jerry@lasvegassun.com.