I wasn’t quite sure what to make of the man dressed in a multi-colored lab coat with the fish skeleton tie. Or the drag queen dressed in a tight purple dress, reminiscent of a plus-sized mermaid. Or the balloon man, who took balloon art to a whole new level by crafting adult-oriented shapes involving Elmo, monkeys and many a phallus.

This was definitely a different kind of Las Vegas show experience.

Sin City has no shortage of comedy shows, to be sure, but this may be the only one that leaves you asking, “Did he just say what I think he said?”

Short Bus Comics was born in September 2008, carving out a niche in the Las Vegas comedy scene that larger, more publicized shows were not filling. While many shows avoid bizarre but humorous performers, Short Bus embraces them. This show is about more than just comedians creating their own funnies; rather it is composed primarily of character-based acts. No other show in Las Vegas is home to a ventriloquist, balloon twister, drag queen and extraterrestrial.

Ultimately, though, Short Bus Comics is about stand-up comedy. The show clips along at a healthy pace, jumping from one unpredictable act to another. I’m not a great judge of comedy shows, but I laughed consistently, if not at the actual jokes than at the ridiculousness of the routines and hysterical passion of the characters. Like any stand-up comedy show, though, there are performers who just aren’t on beat for one reason or another, and in those laughless moments, I felt just a bit embarrassed for the comics floundering on stage. Luckily, with a cast of performers each night, there is someone ready to swoop in and grab the mike before the evening goes completely downhill.

Short Bus Comics consists of approximately 20 local comedians who rotate schedules, so no show is quite like another. It is low-key — no fancy stage work or drink minimum — and extremely personable. And, as a local troupe, Short Bus Comics frequently participates in fundraising events, so ticket proceeds often go to help those in need. Some nights the house is packed; on others there are just a few filled chairs in the audience. Regardless, the comedians put their full hearts into the show every night, hoping only to make you laugh — and blush — like no other show on or off the Las Vegas Strip.

21+ only / Greek Isles Casino / $19.95 per ticket / Tickets and further information online

Photo courtesy of Cathe Jones.

Disclaimer: I received free entrance into the Short Bus Comics show, though not specifically to review it.

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