Las Vegas Sun

April 27, 2024

Joe Delaney remembers 1964: Shecky Greene at the Riviera

Comedian Shecky Greene, the funniest natural comedian ever to play Las Vegas, had just come from "saving" the Tropicana when the lounge was its only entertainment activity. He then proceeded to establish the Riviera's Starlight Lounge as a casino action equal to its highly successful Versailles showroom. Greene's act varied from show to show, often reflecting that day's happenings, personally and worldwide. He had few peers for spontaneity, using both humor and wit, and as an impressionist. When Greene finished his show, both he and the stage were a shambles. Russ Cantor and Marty Heim, both deceased, were brilliant musicians and fine entertainers.

archive