When Stars of Comedy debuted this summer at Harrah’s Las Vegas, it was with some major star power signing on, like Jeremy Piven, Paul Zerdin, Ryan Hamilton—and Carlos Mencia. Known for shows like Mind of Mencia and his podcast, The Journey, Mencia performs most Sundays and Mondays in Vegas, and spoke with Las Vegas Magazine’s Nina King shortly after jumping onto the Harrah’s Las Vegas stage.
What was the impetus behind you becoming the main headliner for Stars of Comedy?
You know, I expected at some point in my career to do this. I’ve been touring consistently ever since I started doing stand-up in 1988. To be in Vegas and have those people coming to me instead was very, very inviting. Another thing was I felt like I needed something different, something new, something more challenging … (I) thought that it would give me a different jolt of energy, and it has. I’ve done four shows and they’re all about 60% to 80% different.
Can you tell me what might be your favorite part of stand-up comedy?
When human beings are laughing, the avenue of information is open as well. And I am able to put ideas forth in my comedy, perspectives maybe, that my audience doesn’t have—point of views that they’d never thought of. I’m able to do that.
What endeavors beside stand-up have been the most meaningful for you?
When an opportunity presents itself like this one, I’m going to enjoy it to the fullest. I’m going to give myself to it completely. One hundred percent—not 99.9 but 100%. And whenever I venture into any endeavors, whatever they may be, I give myself 100% at that moment that I have to that endeavor. So that I know, at the end of it, I did my best, I gave it my all, and it’s also something that really makes me happy.
Do you stay in Las Vegas for Sunday and Monday shows?
Oh, hell yes! I love the fact that in Vegas, you can get a good bite anytime. Every day is Friday or Saturday, depending on which one of those you like, it’s a 24-hour city that’s awake all the time. I love that energy. I love that I can wake up at anytime and say, “Hey, let’s go do this.” OK, we can, whatever time that is. To see shows, to go see friends. Access to some of the best food in the world. Yeah, all of that stuff is just, it’s just so much fun.
Any future projects you want fans to look for?
I’m about to do a new special. I’m trying to figure out if I want to record it actually in the showroom (at Harrah’s Las Vegas). Because it’s convenient, it’s already there, it’s nice, It has a good feel—the stage is big. And all we would have to do is put some cameras up there. So yeah, I’m in talks with that right now. But you know what? You have no idea what to expect, because I have no idea what to expect.
Harrah's Las Vegas. starsofcomedy.com
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