Las Vegas Spotlight: September 2010

If the end of summer has caused your smile to go on vacation, maybe some comedy will cheer you up. That piece of work herself, Joan Rivers, is back at the Venetian, performing her unapologetically brash comedy (September 23-30). David Spade also returns to the venue, providing his usual caustic wit (September 10-18). Over at the Palms is Margaret Cho, to promote her new album “Cho Dependent” (September 17). Perennial headliners Ray Romano and Kevin James are back at the Mirage on September 10-11. Jeff Dunham brings his edgy ventriloquism and menagerie of characters to The Colosseum at Caesars Palace (September 3), Gabriel Iglesias serves up some laughs at the Monte Carlo (September 9-18), and Jim Gaffigan brings the funny to the Mirage (September 24-25). Over at The Orleans Showroom is the unabashedly “Politically Incorrect” Bill Maher (September 25-26).

With the onset of fall, the curtain is also opening on the new theater season. Las Vegas Little Theatre’s Mainstage presents Jaston Williams, Joe Sears & Ed Howard’s enduring, eccentric take on small-town southern life, Greater Tuna, directed by Sean Critchfield (September 10-26). Meanwhile, the LVLT’s Fischer Black Box has a comedy of a decidedly different nature, David Lindsay-Abaire’s Fuddy Meers, directed by Mario Mendez (September 17-October 3). The play revolves around amnesiac Claire, who wakes up every morning as a blank slate.

Nevada Conservatory Theatre presents Sam Shepard’s Fool for Love at the Judy Bayley Theatre (September 17-26). The place: a stark motel room in the Mojave Desert. The people: battling lovers May and Eddie, whose volatile and desperate relationship is fueled by passion and dysfunction. And Super Summer Theatre presents Larry Shue’s comedy, The Foreigner at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park (September 9-25). Set in a rural Georgia fishing lodge, it tells the story of shy Englishman Charlie Baker who pretends he doesn’t understand English and is soon privy to all the secrets and scandals at the lodge, courtesy of the other guests.

As for music, what better way to start the new fall season than with the return of Garth Brooks at the Wynn Encore Theatre (September 10-12). He’s the Number One selling solo artist in U.S. history, and he’s stepping back into the spotlight for a different kind of show – just one man, one guitar, getting up-close and personal with the fans.

If you’re looking for a more “high-octane” Vegas show, there’s always the return of Sgt. Pepper Live Featuring Cheap Trick at Le Theatre Des Arts at the Paris (September 9-18). Marrying Cheap Trick’s brand of power pop with the music of the ultimate Beatles album, it’s a show that you’ll still be talking about years from now, when you’re 64. And if it’s a couple of hard-rocking women you want to see, September has a couple of treats for you. Melissa Etheridge plays the Pearl Concert Theater at Palms (September 4), and Sheryl Crow plays at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel (September 11). In addition to these acts, it’s a pretty big month for music at both venues.

At the Palms, “Devil’s in the Jukebox” when Ray La Montagne is joined by David Gray (September 3), or you can take your mama out to see Scissor Sisters (September 10). 80s post-punk band The Cult are joined by special guests The Black Ryder (September 16). Alternative rockers (and Grammy winners) Phoenix take to the stage with special guests Neon Indian on September 22, and the eclectic Vampire Weekend bring their unique sound to the Pearl on September 29.

Meanwhile, over at the Hard Rock, Collective Soul will “Shine” on September 11, Blue October are “Approaching Normal” on September 17, and at The Joint, Band of Horses will “Cease to Begin” on September 27. Also at The Joint is Furthur (September 22), the latest collaboration between former Grateful Dead members Bob Weir and Phil Lesh – prepare to see some new interpretations of Grateful Dead classics, when Lesh and Weir are joined by their all-star band featuring RatDog’s Jeff Chimenti, and Benevento/Russo Duo’s Joe Russo.