While Broadway and Cirque Du Soliel style shows have become mainstays, comedy has been a back bone of Sin City since its early Rat Pack days. And in Las Vegas comedy is still proving to be king with many of the country’s top comedians either headlining there permanently or frequently visiting.

A comedy show is a great way to either set the stage for a high energy night out on the Strip or the perfect place to laugh during a later show after some dinner and drinks. Nearly every weekend there are major comedic stars appearing on stage in Las Vegas. Jay Leno, for example, plays nearly every month at The Mirage, while Jerry Seinfeld, Ray Romano, George Lopez, and David Spade, among others, frequently perform.

There are tons of very funny permanent comedy shows, too. Wayne Brady plays every week at the Venetian in "Making it Up." It’s a freeform improv show that takes suggestions from the crowd in the spirit of the TV show “Who’s Line is it Anyway?” He’s a triple threat, too, harkening the spirit of Sammy Davis Jr. since he sings and dances as well.

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Carrot Top and Louie Anderson are frequent performers at Luxor

Renowned comic Carrot Top plays the Luxor nightly and Louie Anderson is at Excalibur. Anderson is known for telling hilarious tales of his youth while Carrot Top goes for laughs derived from the ever more ludicrous props.

The town’s queen of comedy has to be Rita Rudner, who has been playing a nightly show here for years. Her act at Harrah’s takes a look at life as a mother and wife and injects her signature quirks into very funny reality based bits.

Bobby Slayton takes no prisoners with his an acid tongue that pokes holes in myriad stereotypes. It’s edgy, funny comedy at its best, playing at Hooters. It’s a show not for the easily offended. George Wallace is at the Flamingo playing a later evening show that’s been called one of the funniest 10 p.m. shows in town.

Then there’s the comedy clubs. The LA Comedy Club at Planet Hollywood and the Improv at Harrah’s get a revolving assortment of up and coming comedians. Also check out Comedy After Hours at Fitzgerald’s and the Comedy Stop at Tropicana.