'Nevada' offers a laugh for everyone

Had enough of politics in the Silver State? Don't put your foot threw your television, have a belly laugh instead.

"I Say Nevada - Government Bailout Edition" takes a satirical approach to Nevada politics and life in the state.

After a successful showing in Minden, the comedy comes to the Brewery Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and Oct. 29-30; and 2 p.m. Oct. 31 in the Maizie Harris Jesse Black Box Theatre. Birthday cake in honor of Nevada Day will be served at the final performance.

Written by Robert Leonard Reid, the original version of "I Say Nevada" was staged two years ago.

"Some of the stuff we did two years ago wasn't relevant any more," Reid said in a phone interview on Wednesday.

"I threw out about half show and wrote new material, keeping some of the best sketches."

Reid calls the timing of the release of the revised version "very lucky." The final show is just two days before the General Election.

"It turned out to be just perfect. The sketches treat each of our famous politicians equally with a frown. We hand out the roastings equally so that everyone will be offended - or nobody will be offended.

"Everyone's a little bit discouraged about politics these days. We put some perspective on it," Reid said, emphasizing that the show is about having fun, not offending people with strong political views.

The musical comedy is performed by six actors, June Joplin, Kevin Karp, Cate Cook, Corey Stockton, Michon Chandler-Douglas, and Tony DeGeiso.

"I Say Nevada" isn't all about politicians, however. Songs include "There's a Place in My Heart Called Nevada," which is a sentimental look at the state.

"Whatever" looks at the idea that, though the state is in disarray, Nevadans still have a lot to appreciate about their home, especially the freedoms enjoyed compared to other states, Reid said.

Sketches also take a satirical look at Burning Man and Area 51. "Las Vegas the Opera" is a 10-minute complete history of Las Vegas.

Reid, an author and musician who's part of the duo Me and Bobby McGee, says he likes the Saturday Night Live approach to theater.

"It's really an honor to be able to do this," he said. "I really love this place, where I've been for 15 years. It's fun to give a hard time to those things we take for granted around here."

Tickets for "I Say Nevada - Government Bailout Edition" are $18 general; $15 student, senior and BAC members, and can be purchased at www.breweryarts

.org or call 775-883-1976.

For more information about Reid's work, go to his website at www.RobertLeonardReid.com.