Las Vegas attracts incredible comedians and has for many years. And if this week’s roster is a sign of anything, 2023 will be no different.
You may know Wayne Brady from his extensive catalog of work as a TV personality, actor, singer and game show host, and this week you can enjoy another of his talents: stand-up comedy. The beloved Let’s Make a Deal host, Whose Line Is It Anyway? regular and How I Met Your Mother co-star takes The Mirage stage on Jan. 14 as part of the Aces of Comedy series that continuously brings top-notch comedians to the city. The five-time Emmy Award winner packs unmatchable talent with impeccable improv and quick quips shining bright.
Another adored actor and comedian takes the stage a bit further south as Brad Garrett headlines his eponymous comedy club at MGM Grand, Jan. 12-13. The Everybody Loves Raymond actor opened Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club in 2012 and performs frequently along with an ever-rotating lineup of talented comedians. Known for his television and film roles, the comedy icon brings his recognizable deep voice and hilarious jokes to the stage. This week, you can catch Garrett performing with DJ Demers and Omid Singh, two jokesters you surely won’t want to miss.
Rising to mainstream popularity as a top 10 finalist and fan favorite on season 13 of America’s Got Talent, Vicki Barbolak brings relatable, loveable humor to Jimmy Kimmel’s Comedy Club at The Linq on Jan. 10. Coining the term “Trailer Nasty,” Barbolak chronicles her unpredictable life from being the child of a former NFL player to living in a posh San Diego trailer park. Beginning her career at 38, Barbolak decided to take a stand-up comedy class that aided her realization that spreading laughter provided her great joy. A few years of open-mic nights later, the comedian found herself being mentored by Mitzi Shore, owner of the Comedy Store, who helped her develop the comedy fans know and love.
Comedian and writer Forrest Shaw is set to perform at Comedy Cellar at Rio from Jan. 9-15. Featured on Conan and Live at Gotham, this former marine biologist co-wrote and starred in award-winning web series Labor Days. Additionally, Shaw co-hosts the I Don’t Know About That podcast with Jim Jefferies and The Mermen Podcast with Dave Williamson. Making light of life’s heavier topics, Shaw explores his real-life struggles with health and gambling addiction, as well as more playful topics like qualms with human anatomy and cats. Definitely cats.
Delivering bold, honest comedy to the L.A. Comedy Club at The STRAT Thursday through Monday, resident headliner Butch Bradley combines stand-up and improv for one hilarious show. Having performed around the globe, Bradley uses his likable personality and enthralling storytelling ability to win crowds over. Don’t let his personable nature fool you, though; Bradley often delivers jokes with a touch of honest cynicism throughout his set. His stand-up special, Butch Bradley: From Las Vegas, was released in March 2021, and he will appear in the upcoming biopic movie Reagan, starring Dennis Quaid.
And the best part? This isn’t an all-extensive list. There are so many high-quality comedians in town this week that you could see a new performer each night—possibly even two.
Wayne Brady: ticketmaster.com; Brad Garrett: bradgarrettcomedy.com; Vicki Barbolak: ticketmaster.com; Forrest Shaw: comedycellar.com; Butch Bradley, thestrat.com
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