THERE ARE TWO Don Rickles, the onstage persona, once called "The Merchant of Venom," and the offstage Rickles as Barbara's husband, father of two and dedicated homebody. ... The onstage Rickles, 70, began his career back East doing stock bits; impressions, commercial takeoffs and vignettes of life.
The onstage Don Rickles who has been a headliner everywhere the past 36 years came into being as a necessity in a Washington, D.C., circa late 1950s. ... A group of sailors on leave were giving Don a hard time and he turned on them. ... Instead of storming the stage, they thought he was hilarious and thus the onstage persona we know today was born.
Our first contact came just after that incident with Don at his venomous best in the Slate Brothers nightclub on LA's La Cienega Boulevard. ... That night he "destroyed" a client and made a good friend.
On to Vegas
Rickles first burst upon the Las Vegas scene at the Sahara, the start of the 1960s. ... Sinatra and the Rat Pack were nightly regulars, immediately after their midnight Sands show. ... Rickles was at his funniest taking on Sinatra and his entire entourage. ... The move to main showroom headliner status came quickly and still continues.
One of the finest sketch comedians, Rickles ranks with Phil Silvers and Jackie Gleason in that respect. ... Except for the classic Johnny Carson TV show appearances, the evil Rickles at his best has yet to be captured on films or in television. ... He's best appreciated, both Rickles, in person. ... Catch him at the Tropicana, tonight at 9, Saturday at 11 p.m.
There will be touches of the old venom, but it is soon set aside. ... Don does do a few impressions, a full-scale Jimmy Cagney singing "Yankee Doodle Dandy" -- that is the real-life Rickles.
In conclusion
Bob Newhart and Don Rickles are the best of friends. ... The Newharts and the Rickles do almost everything together. ... They observe the Catholic holidays at Bob's house and the Hebrew holy days at Don's home. ... They should have taped their travels together. ... They should also do "The Odd Couple" and later, much later, "The Sunshine Boys."
The Japan Festival starts Saturday morning and concludes on Tuesday with a jazz concert featuring the UNLV Jazz Ensemble and a group of some of Japan's best jazz players at 7 p.m. in the Winchester Community Theater. ... Call the Festival Hotline at 390-6238.
Local events: "Play It Again, Sam," LV Little Theatre, second weekend; and "Of Mice and Men," opening tonight, Charleston Heights Arts Center. ... Tyson vs. Holyfield will also be available on closed circuit at the Tropicana at 6 p.m. Saturday.
Friday addenda
Marv Koral's All-Stars, with special guest, sax man Joe Romano, play at the Santa Fe Mining Co. Saturday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. then return to The Melrose Sunday, 4-8 p.m. ... Sunday, it's The Jazz Organ-ization, noon to 4 p.m., Santa Fe Pavilion. ... Judy Collins is the LV Hilton's "Fabulous Friday" feature, 9 tonight. ... See you next Thursday.
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