The entertainment landscape in Las Vegas is well known for its large theaters, arenas and nightclubs. Comedy Clubs have had a smaller presence, but now, they're popping up everywhere. More than ever, casinos host comedy clubs or feature stand-up comedy, and Westgate and the Cromwell are about to join the laugh parade.
So why is comedy king of late?
Reasons abound — low production costs and smaller venue spaces, the virality of comedy reels on social media, the ease of seeing stand-up specials on streaming platforms — but it's also Las Vegas' penchant for taking something successful in one place and replicating it elsewhere. "The more Las Vegas realizes that something can work, it's derivative," says Review-Journal entertainment columnist John Katsilometes, also mentioning how Jerry Seinfeld caught fire with a Caesars Palace residency that began before Celine Dion's own historic run at the same property, inspiring more comedy bookings. "So when people see that, when bookers see that, and even when ticket buyers see that, they they're attracted to it, [and] you [draw] big names."
The newest entries in the local comedy market include Wiseguys' first foray in the tourist corridor (at Westgate) and Drai's After Hours venue beneath the Cromwell starting a prime-time stand-up program. Also, Katsilometes suggests the Palazzo Theater may soon try its hand at comedy-headliner bookings, and the former Laugh Factory at the about-to-be-imploded Tropicana is still looking for a new home.
Also discussed:
- The Sphere has debuted a concert film about U2's 40-date run there, and is reportedly planning to debut an 80-minute, modified-for-venue version of The Wizard of Oz. Meanwhile, higher-ups at Sphere are said to be actively looking for women headliners — and possibly rock en español group Maná — for 2025.
- Janet Jackson is Resort World's newest resident act, with dates to come in December. Meanwhile, recent Olympics performer Céline Dion, who was supposed to open The Theatre at Resorts World, won't return to concerts this year. But she "has been working diligently to get back on stage," says Katsilometes. "I do believe something will break next year."
- Responding to a suggestion from UNLV's Bo Bernhard that locals should stop complaining about the high cost of concerts and entertainment offerings, Katsilometes thinks what locals really object to are the high — and often hidden — fees tacked on the ticket prices. He proposes an all-in-one cost from the get-go. "Why can't we just have [one] price? Then people can budget it, they can plan for it, and they don't have to be worried about being hit [with added fees], the fees are baked in. So that's a start."
Guest: John Katsilometes, entertainment columnist, Las Vegas Review-Journal
