Last week marked a significant milestone in the world of comedy as the new Laugh Factory Las Vegas at the Horseshoe celebrated its grand opening. The excitement peaked on Friday night, the culmination of the weekend festivities, with an electric atmosphere fueled by a lineup of talented comedians under the helm of General Manager Harry Basil.
The night began with Concrete, who headlined the early set as part of his “mini-residency” at the club. Following Concrete, the stage was graced by Jamie Kennedy, a veteran of both film and stand-up. The lineup also included special guest host Jimmie “J.J.” Walker, renowned for his iconic role in the classic sitcom “Good Times,” and featured comedian K Frances Norris, who has been making waves in the comedy scene for eight years. Adding a touch of surprise, legendary impressionist Rich Little took the stage for an unbilled performance, a treat for the audience.
Among the notable attendees was Brad Garrett, who made the short trip from his own club at the MGM Grand. A longtime friend of Basil, Garrett has been a significant figure in the Las Vegas comedy scene; it’s worth noting that the Laugh Factory took over his original comedy club at the Tropicana back in 2012.
Attending the opening felt like stepping into a vibrant local community. My experience on Thursday was reflective of the Laugh Factory’s enduring appeal rather than the star-studded gala of Friday night. The second-level venue, which seats 250, was only two-thirds full, and the iconic Laugh Factory sign was yet to be installed, having stalled in transit. It seemed that the crowd’s energy had been sapped by a day of indulgence in classic Las Vegas style.
Kennedy quickly picked up on the crowd’s lack of engagement. “I can only tell the jokes. It’s up to you to get them,” he noted, adding, “When you don’t get a joke, you really don’t get a joke.” Despite this, I found myself amused, laughing away in the back while soaking in the unique atmosphere of the night.
What stood out was the striking variety in experience among the comedians. K Frances Norris, who has spent eight years honing her craft, was performing alongside Kennedy, whose career dates back to the late 1990s, especially through his role in the “Scream” franchise. His journey into stand-up comedy began even earlier than his film work. As for Jimmie Walker, he is a legend in his own right, having reached the pinnacle of fame during the 1970s with his role as J.J. Evans.
Walker’s connection to Las Vegas runs deep. A favorite anecdote comes from a 2018 interview I had with David Letterman, who reminisced about his first visit to Las Vegas in the company of Walker during the height of “Good Times.” They shared a bill with British singer Petula Clark at the now-demolished Riviera. “Jimmie was a big star, with ‘Good Times,’ and I had been writing for him,” Letterman recalled, painting a picture of youthful nerves as he arrived in Sin City.
Walker’s friendship with Basil spans four decades, both having made their home in Las Vegas. This sense of camaraderie exemplifies the tight-knit comedy community that thrives in the city. Local headliners such as Bob Zany, Bret Ernst, and Kathleen Dunbar continue to keep the scene vibrant, often crossing paths at various venues.
The Laugh Factory plays a crucial role in providing a platform for local comics, revitalizing a space that had previously closed at the Tropicana in March 2024. Its return, thoughtfully orchestrated by Basil and authorized by founder Jamie Masada, was a long road marked by challenges. Basil has successfully maintained operations at the Covina, California location, which has flourished in a vintage theater setting. This latest venture feels like a rebirth for the brand, with Laugh Factory President David Fuhrer present at the grand opening, signaling a hopeful future for the club’s place on the Strip.
Moving forward, the Laugh Factory plans to host shows at 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. each day, with special-event headliner residencies taking stage at 6:30 p.m. during weekends. For those curious about their offerings, details will be regularly updated on their website.
In this vibrant comedy landscape of Las Vegas, the return of the Laugh Factory promises to deliver both laughter and community spirit. Its rebirth heralds a thrilling chapter in the city’s entertainment scene, eagerly awaited by locals and visitors alike.
John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. Contact him at jkatsilometes@reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on X, and @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.