Photo by Dianne R. Davis

Brad Garrett make s people laugh even before his show begins and the laughter continues once he is on stage. The Emmy awarding-winning comedian best known for his portrayal of Ray Romano’s brother on “Everybody Loves Raymond” was mixing with audience members prior to his June 28th show, clowning, posing for photos, and warming up the fans with his antics.

But don’t come to the Brad Garrett Comedy Club at the Tropicana to see Robert, the character he played on the long running hit TVshow. “Robert is dead” he tells his audience, making it clear that what you get is Brad Garrett, comedian, Vegas style.

That’s fine because Brad is funny. His appearance was preceded by some old fashioned piano music by the very talented George Bugatti followed by the comedy of Rob Sherwood who found the humor in the tale of his 19 year old’s DUI. The room was packed with people laughing their @#$%s off as Brad’s jokes and stories bounced around from Asian Blackjack dealers to Jewish people in Florida to his broken marriage. The audience roared and applauded their agreement when he quoted someone who referred to him as the love child of Herman Munster and Greg Brady.

Garrett’s act isn’t too raunchy by Vegas standards, but don’t expect Brady Bunch type squeaky clean either. His oral patter was peppered with the F word and he got some good laughs out of his story about dogs who consume their feces Okay, that isn’t exactly the way he said it. You fill in the blanks on that one.

If you are close to the stage, be warned that you are likely to be picked out and picked on. No doubt you’ll be laughing as the hilarious jabs shoot in your direction. Speaking from personal experience, beware the Q&A session at the end. Brad offers to answer questions, but if you ask, you may become the subject of some great off the cuff humor. I did and I was. And it was fun.

Garrett plays through July 4 and will return periodically. The Brad Garrett Comedy Club will feature comedians ranging from well established to up and coming talent. Those expected to appear this year are Kevin Nealon, Dom Irrera, Bob Zany, Rondell Sheridan, Rocky LaPorte and other surprise celebrity guests. Showtime is 8 p.m. nightly with an addition 10 p.m. show on Friday and Saturday nights.

Admission starts at $39. VIP package seats are $59 (plus tax and fees) and include a line pass, and preferred venue seating. Guests must be 18 years of age and older. Tickets may be purchased online at www.troplv.com and through the Tropicana Box Office (702.739.2417). Group discounts are available for parties of 15 or more. For additional information on the Tropicana call 702.739.2222 or visit www.troplv.com.

Dianne R. Davis has been writing as long as she can remember. She is a columnist/photographer for Judy Thorburn’s www.lasvegasroundtheclock.com and for the Vegas Voice newspaper. Dianne is a reporter on Anthem Alive on Sun City Anthem’s Channel 99, specializing in entertainment. She can be contacted at DianneRD@aol.com.