With her off-kilter, sing-songy delivery that kind of line comes off a lot less dark when she’s saying it, but no matter the subject, Rudner is a true pro with perfect timing, a knack for cutting to the heart of things, and now, after five years in a small-ish theater at New York-New York, has a new gig at the big showroom at Harrah’s.

The size of the theater is not really important here, since Rudner doesn’t rely on shtick or props or wacky backdrops to get her point across. It’s just her, a curtain, a spotlight, and a microphone. This is stand-up comedy the way God intended it to be.

Her show runs about 90 minutes, give or take, and the exact content will vary depending on when you see it of course. That’s another bonus – you can go back to see her again and again and not hear all the same jokes twice.

This particular set involved a lot of Vegas-centric comedy, all spot on and laugh-out-loud funny. On people watching in Sin City: “You look at people and sometimes you just want to walk up to them and say, ‘I demand an explanation.’” On the prices at Vegas restaurants: “Some of them don’t even have prices on the menu – just pictures of faces with different expressions of horror.” (The latter an oldie, reborn.)

She even pokes fun at the guys who pass out the pornographic brochures on the street. “They never pay attention. One guy tried to hand me one of those things with two nearly naked women in bed on the cover while saying, ‘How about showing them a good time?’ And I said, ‘How? Would you like me take them shopping? Because it looks like they need some clothes.’”

Much of her set, as has been her stock in trade, is about the differences between men and women and the joys and pitfalls of marriage. She expends a great deal of effort trying to get the men in the audience to understand why the female persuasion enjoys shopping so much: “It’s like hunting, but with a credit card.”

Now that she is the proud parent of a four-year-old, she also works in some good “mommy” material, complete with the notion that being a working mom in Vegas is perfect because she has hired a Rita Rudner impersonator as a nanny so her daughter never knows that she’s not there. “He’s really great with her,” Rudner says.

Tickets start at around $50 and go up from there including a VIP package that allows you a chance to meet Rudner before the show for a few moments (and snap a picture if you’re so inclined), better seats, and a copy of her new novel.

It’s one of the best values in town and one of the best shows in town at any cost. At Harrah’s they call comic-magician Mac King the “King of Afternoon,” so I’m giving the marketing folks there a no brainer — Rita Rudner is the Queen of Las Vegas. It’ll look great on the posters.

Rita Rudner
Harrah’s
3475 Las Vegas Blvd. S.
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-369-5222
tickets
Showtimes:

Mon-Sat 8pm
Prices:

$49 and up
http://www.vegas4visitors.com/column/index.htm

Inspired by the spirit of The Beatles and created by Cirque du Soleil, The Beatles REVOLUTION LOUNGE is set to open this December at The Mirage. Opening its doors only six months after the high-profile launch of The Beatles LOVE, REVOLUTION will offer an extended experience before and after the show. 

Revolutionary in design and atmosphere, this ultra-lounge will feature cutting edge, interactive experiences to create a psychedelic sensory environment and a contemporary interpretation of The Beatles era. Each night will be an evolutionary journey, where both the music and interior transform, resulting in an eclectic nightlife adventure at The Mirage.

“The inspiration for REVOLUTION began with The Beatles’ message of love but the atmosphere will be a modern twist on their era of freedom, self-expression and free-love,” Jean-Francois Bouchard, Creative Director, Cirque du Soleil Experience.

Scott Sibella, president and COO of The Mirage, said “The Beatles REVOLUTION Lounge is the next dynamic step in the continuing transformation of The Mirage.  REVOLUTION will bring an even higher level of energy and excitement to the resort.”

This is the first time Cirque du Soleil draws upon their innovative talent to create a unique nightlife experience in Las Vegas. REVOLUTION will be operated by INK, the premier nightclub operator in Toronto, currently managing seven highly successful nightlife complexes in Canada.

REVOLUTION facts:

Capacity: 400.

Hours: The Abbey Road Bar, located in front of the main entrance of REVOLUTION, will be open from 11am daily. The REVOLUTION Lounge will be open 7 nights a week from 5pm until 5am.

Music: Each night will have a specific musical direction. DJ’s will make a musical progression through the evening from strictly Beatles music, to funky lounge remixes, house , rock, electro, new wave and Brit pop.

Luxor Resort and Casino will be the home for the third season of A&E Network’s “Criss Angel MINDFREAK.”  The critically acclaimed show, featuring 28 episodes, will begin filming Monday, November 6, 2006 and will air on A&E Network beginning in the Spring of 2007.

In its first two seasons, “Criss Angel MINDFREAK” garnered critical acclaim, delivering the biggest ratings numbers in A&E Network’s history.  In each episode Criss Angel demonstrates his visionary approach to the art of magic that escapes the confines of tradition and gives birth to a new breed of modern mysticism.  Dubbed “the new Houdini,” Criss Angel captivates audiences with mind-boggling demonstrations of his skills including mentalism, hypnosis, illusion and escape which blur the lines between reality and illusion.  The third season of the show will feature Criss performing demonstrations and illusions in and around the numerous attractions and features of the Luxor Resort and Casino as well as various locations at other MGM MIRAGE properties.

“I am so happy to call Luxor Resort and Casino home for my third season,” said Criss Angel.  “This is an amazing place with infinite possibilities.  Everyone here has been so approachable and already made us feel right at home.  I can’t wait to get started.”

The “Criss Angel MINDFREAK” Production Offices and Merchandise Store will be located in the Luxor Galleria.

Felix Rappaport, President and Chief Operating Officer of Luxor Resort and Casino said “We are thrilled to be the home for the third season of  MINDFREAK.  Criss Angel is one of the most intriguing personalities in the entertainment world today.  Having him here is the first significant step in the total transformation of Luxor into one of the most exciting and fun venues in Las Vegas.  Criss’ worldwide following and the amazing popularity of his show are a perfect fit for us here at Luxor.”

Talk about service. Palace Station, beginning today, will be offering tableside food service in the Pit. A traditional tableside noodle menu will be available in “Pit 8,” the Asian gaming pit featuring mini-baccarat, Pai Gow Poker and Pai Gow Tiles. The menu will be available every day from 6 p.m. to midnight and all dishes will be complimentary for qualified Boarding Pass members.

And we’re talking more than a fortune cookie and cup of tea. The menu items featured are Special Vietnamese Rice Noodle Soup; Wonton Noodle Soup; Roast Duck Noodle Soup; Seafood Noodle Soup; Beef Noodle Soup; Beef Chow Fun; Yang Chow Fried Rice; Singapore Pan Fried Rice Noodles; Chicken Congee; Mixed Beef Congee; and Bee Bim Bop, a Korean dish featuring rice topped with meat, egg, vegetables and served with a spicy sauce. Anything to get you to stay at the tables and keep gambling. Next they’ll be supplying cots so you can lie down while you play.