Las Vegas Weekly

August 20, 2008 · 6 AM

Wayne Brady bunches a lot of action into weekend

By Wayne Brady

Wayne Brady.

Photo: radiantphotography.com

So here I am in Las Vegas five nights a week. You would think that being a young brother with a hit game show on Fox (Don't Forget The Lyrics), a successful show at the Venetian (Makin' *&it Up) and reruns on the air 24/7 (Whose Line Is It Anyway), that I would be awash in good, old-fashioned Vegas naked fun. Nope. Sure, I go to the Vbar at the Venetian every couple of days to unwind after the show, but my Vegas life is a lot less exciting than I thought it would be. Good!

Photo: radiantphotography.com

Wayne and the cast at the Venetian.

That's the way I like it. I'm a grown ass man. (When reading, the emphasis should be placed on grown. Otherwise, it sounds like I’m telling you my favorite body part. To really get the soul effect, say grownass all at once. Now you're hip!) There is no need to ever see me dancing on a table at Tao! I don't need a long yardstick of a drink tethered to my neck! So, how do I spend my weekend?

Here goes:

THURSDAY

First day back. I check in to the hotel ready to have a great show tonight. I tip the valet, the doorman, the keno girl, the blackjack dealer, the cocktail waitress, the maid, and a guy standing next to me in the elevator. He doesn't work here. I get my money back.

FRIDAY

I'm up early to workout at Canyon Valley Ranch. I drink a bottle of $25 water from my room and look forward to working that night so I can pay for aforementioned bottle of water. Post workout, It's off to do a few interviews to promote the new season of Don't Forget The Lyrics and my upcoming CD, A Long Time Coming. After stimulating conversations with morning DJs with names like "Johnny and the Booty Crew In The Morning!!!!!", I head off to the airport to pick up my daughter, Maile, who's going to be spending the weekend with me.

SATURDAY

Last night’s show was a home run! My partner, Jonathan Mangum (in the Abbott & Costello way, not the “Yay! Thank you Gov. Schwarzenegger way), really did our thing. For those of you that haven't seen it, "Makin' %$It Up" is one part improv show, one part music review, one part male strip show. I'm naked a good 48 percent of the show. Am I lying? You'll have to come and find out.

SUNDAY

I'm very tired. I've been to Game Works, Circus Circus, Build A Bear Workshop, and Crazy Girls. Just kidding. We skipped Game Works.

SUNDAY

After brunch at Bouchon, it's off to the Fashion Show Mall to shop for something to wear next week to the "Makin' *&It Up" One year anniversary party. I keep trying on clothes at my favorite store. I'm getting discouraged because nothing is fitting me and the saleswoman is of no help to me whatsoever!. So, I leave Victoria Secrets and head off to Saks.

MONDAY

Last day of shows for the week. I'm in a great mood today. I find out that the first single from my record starts playing on the radio Aug. 11th! Then it's on Itunes Aug. 19th. This is what I've been waiting for! The day couldn't be going any better. After some serious flirting with a hot little blackjack dealer named Ling Chow Fong Mai Ping Tai Long Pong Dow, it's off to the show room. My show starts at 9pm, but I waited until 10 so they'd think I was George Wallace. Success!

Well damas y caballeros, that's my weekend in a nutshell. Just an ordinary guy, with an ordinary job. Now, if you'll excuse me my jet is waiting to whisk me back to L.A. I'm in the A boarding group this time! Southwest rocks!

Photo: radiantphotography.com

Wayne Brady and his anniversary cake.

Photo: Isaac Brekkan

Wayne Brady and his (onstage) partner, Jonathan Mangum.

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