Comedy - and Magic - Tonight

Every night in Las Vegas there are (if you count all available entertainment listed in the local papers) about 200 shows from which you can choose. 

Prices are all over the place, ranging from free to hundreds of dollars. So, from time to time, it is worthwhile to look at some of these even if they're not large Cirque du Soleil productions, Broadway imports or the big headliners who have had theaters built for them (we'll get to those in a few days). 

So, tonight, we have something for the kids. And, then, something definitely for the adults. 

In the former category is "Master Magician" Lance Burton who for more than 10 years has been playing in his own theater at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino. He claims his title as the latest in a tradition of passing the mantle of the world's most classic magician that dates back to 1896. Burton was formally given the title by magician Lee Grabel in 1994. 

As far as I can tell, this "classic" title relates to the type of magic Burton does — straight out sleight-of-hand. He has helpers, full sets, lots of props. But, in the end, he does wonderful magic, differing from the David Coopperfields of the world in that he does not use elaborate stunts or huge set pieces involving lots of technology. He performs what we used to — and still do — think of as "magic," not as today's "illusion." 

The 1,274-seat Lance Burton Theatre is an old-school kind of place. Lots of crimson plush, boxes at either side of the stage (although they hold lights, not seats) and good views, although he performs a portion of the show upstage and, therefore, might consider employing large screens to help the audience see. 

Throughout it all, Burton is pleasant, quiet and amusing. He's terrific interacting with the kids in the audience and genuinely seems to enjoy the interaction. His is a terrific family show. It's like Disneyworld — the kids will very fondly remember their parents taking them to see it for a long while. And, even without kids, it's a fine evening of entertainment. 

Then there's Bobby Slayton who opened last week for an indefinite Wednesday through Sunday stand at the Night Owl Showroom at Hooters Casino. 

The only thing remotely child-friendly about Slayton is that his act is blue as a Smurf. 

It's also very, very funny. 

Slayton, an actor you've seen in lots of films and TV shows, is here billed at "The Pitbull of Comedy" takes no prisoners. He targets anyone and everyone. But, because he's an equal-opportunity insulter, it's difficult to be offended. It's also difficult — no, impossible — to repeat his material here. Suffice it to say that all of those he targeted were laughing with everyone else. 

Of course, his favorite target is his wife, his marriage and the tribulations involved. But he is not mean. He's simply articulating what a lot of people feel as, throughout his set, there's this sense of recognition on the part of the audience. They clearly relate. 

Slayton is one funny man and if you can take the heat, it's well worth going into the kitchen. 

Lance Burton performs at the Lance Burton Theatre at the Monte Carlo Hotel and Casino Tuesday & Saturday at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m., and Wednesday, Thursday & Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $72.55 and $66.50 plus taxes and fees. 

Bobby Slayton appears Wednesday through Sunday nights at Hooters Hotel at 8 and 10 p.m.. Tickets are $36.95 

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