Columnist Joe Delaney: Remembering Red Skelton

RED SKELTON, one of comedy's all-time greats, a magnificent clown, is the subject of a heartfelt tribute by Tom Mullica, at 2 and 4 p.m. in Jackie Gaughan's Plaza showroom. ... Mullica was a personal friend and protege of Skelton's, and it was Red who encouraged him to recreate some of those classic comedy segments including column favorite, "Guzzler's Gin."

"Guzzler's Gin" was created by the stage actor James Barton. ... The scene has an announcer, a table with a full bottle, the product, and a glass. ... Never quite getting it right, he has to repeat sampling the "gin" a number of times, getting progressively more inebriated.

Barton taught the routine to Red. ... Many of the comedians who came along in the 1940s and 1950s "borrowed" the concept, but no one ever achieved the degree of hilarity with it that Skelton did. ... Our intent is to catch up with Mullica's tribute early next week.

Recalling Red

In 1936, at age 14, I conducted my first interview for the Clara S. Burroughs Jr. High School student newspaper. ... My subject was a young, red-haired comedian who was working eight hours a night, 45 minutes on, 45 minutes off, at a Walk-athon in the Camden, N.J. Convention Hall Annex. ... His name: Red Skelton; Frankie Laine, with his own hair, was the boy singer.

In 1976, at age 54, on KTNV Channel 13, Skelton guested on my talk show. ... He actually remembered our interview in minute detail. ... A few years after this, he decided he would no longer play hotel showrooms. ... He did come back, first at the Hilton, then several times before his passing, at Caesars Palace. ... We continued to be close friends.

While at the Hilton, I taped an interview with Red in his hotel suite, surrounded by his art work. ... Somewhere, I have a telegram crediting the Sun and our column for his decision to resume performing.

One more memory

This happened during a Night of Stars for St. Jude's Ranch for Children, held in Caesars' convention area, in the late 1970s. ... Comedian Shecky Greene was headlining at the MGM Grand, now Bally's. ... Skelton was in that hotel for a convention appearance. ... I called Red and he agreed to come over with Shecky and do a few minutes for St. Jude's.

Shecky, a clown himself, in a league with Skelton, introduced Red to the huge crowd in the convention center, sat on a piano stool and watched Skelton, like a child -- in awe. ... Red performed for 25 minutes, there were at least four standing ovations. ... He closed with his classic, "Old Man Watching A Parade," a memory book night.

All of the acts who were there that night were showroom headliners or major opening acts. ... Several went back to their midnight shows without getting to perform. ... Not one act complained.

Our original intent

We intended to start this column with the good news that Kenny Kerr has returned his show to Jackie Gaughan's Plaza this week, with performances at 8 and 10 p.m., dark on Sundays and Mondays. ... Kerr has chosen to perform as a female impressionist. ... His Streisand is dead-on. ... Kenny is also a world-class standup comedian as well.

Kenny Kerr's "Boy-lesque" was a hit from the start, first at the Silver Slipper, then wherever it has played. ... He has probably lost the original name and a few other valuables along the way, but he has never given less than his best and has always offered quality and value.

It should also be noted that Kerr managed to do business even when he was the only action during the last days of the Debbie Reynolds Hotel. ... The Plaza showroom was a winner for Kenny once. ... With support from Gaughan, et al, he should enjoy a renaissance there once more.

Friday addenda

Actors Repertory Theatre presents a gala fund-raiser musical revue, "Showstoppers '98," one night only, Saturday at 7:30 in the Summerlin Library Theatre, featuring stars of A.R.T., young and old. ... Ticket prices include a champagne reception. ... Donors of $100 will enjoy a gala dinner after the event. ... Tickets are tax-deductible.

"Little Shop Of Horrors," the musical, closes Saturday at Spring Mountain Ranch State Park. ... Catch it. ... Sammy Shore opens Monday, Riviera Comedy Club. ... See you next Thursday.

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