Before Smokey Robinson brought Australian sensation Human Nature to the Sands Showroom at The Venetian Las Vegas, it was home to some of the biggest acts working in comedy.
Beginning on July 11, the theater goes back to its roots. Daytime television personality and media superstar Wendy Williams kicks off “Lipshtick: The Perfect Shade of Stand Upâ€, a newly branded residency made up of all women.
“While the industry has concentrated on male comedy acts, The Venetian has a long-standing history of featuring outstanding female comediennes,†John Caparella, president and COO of The Venetian, The Palazzo and Sands Expo, said in a statement. “Our success with comedic legends like Rita Rudner and Joan Rivers have proven that ‘girls rule’ when it comes to comedy. Further, we believe that female-driven comedy is now as popular as ever.â€
The entertainers will perform 2-3 shows over a weekend, on Friday and Saturday, and are part of a rotation to perform up to four dates at The Venetian per year. The Venetian says it’s still adding artists to its roster. “We’ve already created a buzz in the comedy community,†said Caparella. “Everybody wants to be part of this series.â€
They’d certainly be in good company. The series was announced by Whitney Cummings, co-creator of the hit CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, at a May 15 press conference. (Cummings will make her debut on Aug. 15 and will return on November 28 and 29.) In addition to Williams and Cummings, other performers include Joy Behar, the former co-host of The View; Jennifer Coolidge (American Pie, 2 Broke Girls); Caroline Rhea, (Sabrina, the Teenage Witch); and stand up Lisa Lampanelli, “The Queen of Meanâ€.
Upcoming shows include:
· July 11: Wendy Williams
· July 18 & 19: Heather McDonald and Iliza Schlesinger
· July 25 & 26: Rita Rudner
· August 1 & 2: Caroline Rhea and Wendy Liebman
· August 8 & 9: Lisa Lampanelli
· August 15 & 16: Whitney Cummings
· August 22 & 23: Joy Behar
· September 5 & 6: Susie Essman
· September 12 & 13: Natasha Leggero and Jen Kirkman
· September 19 & 20: Jennifer Coolidge
· October 3 & 4: Lisa Lampanelli
· October 10 & 11: Loni Love
· November 28 & 29: Whitney Cummings
· December 26 & 27: Lisa Lampanelli
Tickets can be purchased at the The Venetian Box Office at 702-414-9000 or online at www.lipshtick.com or www.venetian.com.
Reporting by Darren L. Sands.