Hackett and Co. making an impression

Sandy Hackett's Comedy Club at Greek Isles is the newest entry in the comedy club competition. It differs in that it is performed seven nights a week at 9 p.m., that Hackett is the constant, joined by a second comedian, with a different co-star, starting each Monday, and (for an extra dollar) you can get a steak-and-shrimp dinner, before or after the show, in Yanni's restaurant.

The ticket price is a modest $13.95. At $14.95, dinner included, the food is good, the show is funny, it is the best deal of its kind in town.

Hackett has developed an easy, likable onstage personna; he thinks funny and can find the humor in any situation. Equally at home working alone, he has also exhibited great ability as the comedian in a team format, especially with straight-man Steve Rossi, who is scheduled to appear starting April 29. A master of dialects and sounds, Hackett is a comedic chameleon.

Tony D'Andrea once filled the comedian's spot in the Tropicana's "Folies Bergere" and, for a number of years, opened for Tom Jones. D'Andrea is rapid-fire, an accurate impressionist who does quick takes, hilarious throw-away lines, and can cram 45 minutes of laughs into a 30-minute turn. He can be caustic, borderline abrasive, but never alienates.

D'Andrea's extended closer included an on-the-mark Rodney Dangerfield impression; an even stronger Jack Nicholson; a serious Anthony Hopkins with segments from his Hannibal Lecter roles; Michael Jackson as he might be performed by John Wayne, complete with dance moves; and Sylvester Stallone as Rocky singing rap. D'Andrea would also be a big winner in a revue situation.

Hackett and D'Andrea could both be headliners at any of the local comedy clubs. The question remains: How many comedy clubs can -- or will -- Las Vegas visitors and locals support?

archive