It’s been one week since the first Las Vegas Showbiz Roast and people are still enjoying the aftertaste of ridicule, embarrassment, humiliation, hazing, and good ol’ fashion dirty humor. But that’s why they came in the first place.
It was a packed house at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino -- home to the fantastic Frankie Moreno (doesn’t everyone love this guy?) – late on April 23rd when the who’s who of the entertainment industry gathered for a night of laughs – at the expense of Las Vegas singer Chris Phillips of Zowie Bowie.
Vinnie Favorito roasts Chris Phillips
Roastmaster and downtown Vegas comedy magician Mike Hammer didn’t disappoint. From the minute he stepped on stage the audience knew they were in for a one-of-a-kind experience. With sharp-witted humor and a no-holds-barred attitude, Hammer ripped on just about every celebrity, roaster, and audience member he could get his hands on.
The local stars who took to the podium to roast their friend and colleague included Dennis Bono, Dayna Roselli, Lorena Peril, Clint Holmes, Gordie Brown, Kelly Clinton, Frankie Scinta, George Wallace, Vinnie Favorito, Robin Leach, Murray Sawchuck, Recycled Percussion, and John Katsilometes.
The stage is set for round two...
Celebrity roasts have been around for decades made famous by Dean Martin in the early years, and popular again today on Comedy Central. The Las Vegas roast was the brainchild of Las Vegas producer Andy Walmsley. The show was a success if you’re counting laughs per minute. It was a non-stop ride for two hours with very few downbeats. As a business venture, time will tell whether this show can sustain itself as recurring event. Tickets to the show were free on a first-come, first serve basis.
Who will be the next victim up in the spotlight at Walmsley’s Showbiz Roast? Frank Marino? Wayne Newton? Oscar Goodman? Whoever gets this coveted spot can be sure the jokes are already being written.
