Comedy in Vegas Tonight: Ray Romano with Jon Manfrelloti

There are performers who pay frequent visits to the same theaters in Las Vegas, There's the Hollywood Theatre at the MGM Grand group — Tom Jones, David Copperfield, Howie Mandel, Lewis Black — and there's Robert Schimmel who fills in for Lance Burton at the Monte Carlo. Over at the beautiful Danny Gans Theatre (Have you noticed that, here in the middle of the desert in the American west, we love to spell "theater" the British way?) you'll find Jay Leno, David Spade, Brad Garrett and the comedian we're reviewing tonight, Ray Romano. These people are not here all the time, but they are here frequently enough that they're worth noting.

Ray Romano (above) is, simply, very, very funny. He's a bit bluer than he was on Everybody Loves Raymond, but that doesn't matter. It's not gratuitous; it's all in keeping with his persona — just a guy with a wife and four kids — including twin boys — who's ambling through life doing the best he can. It's relatable comedy in that we've all been there at one time or another.  

No matter how rich or famous he's gotten, Romano's still that guy from Queens, only now he's rich and famous. Fame and money haven't made the life essentials change, only the trappings and you get the feeling it's no act. In fact, he had much of his family with him that night and introduced them to the audience. 

Romano delivers his thoughts on Las Vegas, something every comic does here. When we saw him on June 22, it was about 110º outside, which provided plenty of material. ("People from Phoenix think this is cool….Canadians melt.")  

He talked about his sex life (or lack of same, of course), his kids, married men going to bachelor parties, and so on. He showed home movies, especially of the twins and talked a lot about his children. It's all the stuff of everyday life. But, again, he's funny and the material is funny. Repeating it would do him a disservice. It's that nasal whine he brings to it, along with his timing that makes it what it is. 

Jon Manfrellotti (right), who played "Gianni" on Everybody Loves Raymond opens for Romano, pointing out that his life — "working 15 minutes a night" — is difficult. He's also a funny guy. Like Romano's, his takes on the minutia of daily living is funny. He visibly melts to the floor talking about a tourist venturing onto The Strip in summer weather. His set is funny and more would have been welcome. 

The encore — unusual for a comedy show — was mostly outtakes from "Everybody Loves Raymond" and a Q & A from the audience. 

It was a very funny 90 or so minutes and it is highly recommended that you take advantage to see Ray Romano in Las Vegas or anywhere else.