Jay Leno returns to Las Vegas with solo standup dates

It’s been about a year since Jay Leno stepped down as the host of “The Tonight Show.” That hasn’t stopped the comedian with the every-man style from continuing his standup career.
Leno, who made his first appearance on “The Tonight Show” in 1977, returns to the Mirage with solo dates through November.

The comedian with the cleft chin takes on everything including current events, growing older and being a cat owner during his routine. Even his collection of 100-plus vehicles and 90 or so motorcycles makes an appearance in the show. Toward the end of his routine, Leno uses the audience for his comedy, asking where people are from and what they do for a living for off-the-cuff laughs.

Much like his late-night show, Leno is at ease with the crowd during his 90-minute performance. After all, he’s comfortable in that environment.

Before taking over as host of “The Tonight Show” in 1992, Leno headlined at comedy clubs and opened for singers such as Tom Jones and John Denver. Even as host of the late-night show, he still found time to perform live in front of 150-plus audiences a year. Once he told Parade magazine that he stashed all of his “The Tonight Show” earnings and lived off his standup pay.

In 2014 Leno retired from “The Tonight Show” and turned over the reigns to Jimmy Fallon.

Leno next performs in Las Vegas on Saturday, Feb. 28, and has dates booked for Friday, May 15, Saturday, June 13, Saturday, July 4, Saturday, Aug. 1, Friday, Sept. 18, Saturday, Sep. 19, Friday, Nov. 20, and Saturday, Nov. 21.

Tickets start at $48.99.

Tickets: Mirage, (800) 963-9634