Greene knows slapstick, but fall was the real thing
Shecky Greene said, “I’m gonna do something,” and started toward the stage at the Italian American Club on Wednesday night. He didn’t quite make it. The comedy legend and Las Vegas resident, who turns 91 on April 8, fractured his right hip after falling onto the small lounge stage at the IAC, shortly after dining in the club’s VIP room. An ambulance shuttled him to St. Rose Dominican Hospital’s Siena campus, where he remained Thursday as doctors determined when to operate on his damaged leg.
In the meantime, no visitors are allowed to visit Greene at the hospital, where he is reportedly keeping the staff on its toes with one-liners.
The incident that landed Greene in the emergency room happened just as he was about to leave the swanky club and stopped at a table just in front of the lounge stage. Greene’s friend, comic and musician Dennis Blair, was the night’s headliner and taking a break between sets.
Greene was soon involved in a spirited conversation with friends Gene Kilroy (former business manager of Muhammad Ali), Vegas photographer and liveentertainment supporter Ed and covers at Tuscany, IAC, Bootlegger and The Composers Showcase of Las Vegas at Cabaret Jazz.
During his appearances at Cab Jazz, emcee and music director Keith Thompson has jokingly introduced Blair as “the longtime opening act for Shecky Greene,” knowing that Blair never has opened for Greene. Early Wednesday night, before Greene’s fall, there was discussion at the table of bringing Greene to Cabaret Jazz one night to introduce Blair — while finally correcting Thompson from the stage. SHOWING THE LIGHT
During a phone chat Thursday, Kilroy talked of Greene’s affection for children. Greene usually carries toys with him, such as brightly colored balls. When he meets children at restaurants, he produces the toy and makes a fast friend. As Kilroy said, “He’s told me that watching those kids’ faces light up means more to him than all of the laughs he’s gotten from adults as a comedian.” John Katsilometes’ column runs daily in the A section. He also hosts “Kats! On The Radio” Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on KUNV91.5-FM and appears Wednesdays at 11 a.m. with Dayna Roselli on KTNV Channel 13. Contact him at jkatsilometes@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @johnnykats on Twitter, @JohnnyKats1 on Instagram.