Las Vegas Weekly

The Raging Jews of Comedy: No yarmulke required

“Don’t be a lawyer. Be a comedian.”

That’s what Tom Savitt’s drill instructor told him upon leaving boot camp, and Savitt followed his advice.

Having been through both Marine training and law school, Savitt has a lot of material to draw from.

Savitt will headline Saturday night’s Raging Jews of Comedy show at CSN, along with Jessica Kirson, Gregg Rogell, Sunda Croonquist and Dan Naturman. Don’t be deceived by the name of the show. There won’t be any Fran Drescher impersonations or jabs at Jewish mothers. The show aims to please all creeds, though you might want to tote along a thesaurus — Savitt’s jokes have been known to be on the very intelligent side, setting up that “Aha!” payoff later in the night.

How did you first make your way into comedy?

I was discontented as a law student. I was hoping I could capture the feeling of entertainment in the courtroom in a practical setting, but I found that was not the case. It just wasn’t satisfying for me. I couldn’t relate to my fellow law students who wanted to work for corporate firms. I decided to enlist in the Marines to become a Judge Advocate General. I was always cracking jokes and entertaining the other guys. I had one more week to go in boot camp, but we parted ways amicably. As I was walking out my drill instructor said, “Don’t be a lawyer. Be a comedian.”

What do you like most about performing in Las Vegas?

I love it all. I want to check out Terry Fator. I hear he has an awesome show out there. I love Vegas. I like my Vegas in doses. It can be so stimulating [that] it’s exhausting. It’s great for a few days, though.

I hear you’re a clean comic. Is that just a personal preference?

I’m clean; it’s just adult topics. It’s adult topics I discuss, but I don’t curse or use vulgarities. That doesn’t mean you can’t still push buttons. That’s just my preference. You have your own template. You’re your own director. I don’t need to be vulgar to drive home my point.

Is your humor occasionally a little too intellectual for your audiences?

It’s a cheeky act. For those who aren’t used to comedy shows, they take it at face value. It can go over their heads. I’ve actually had bookers who say I’m now their favorite comedian. At first they detested me then they apologize that they just didn’t get it. They come around.

Where have your overseas gigs for the troops taken you?

I’ve worked for Armed Forces Entertainment. Now I just got on board with a very prestigious group called Comics on Duty. I’ve been all through Asia, Europe, Guantanamo Bay and Curacao. Hands down, Curacao was my favorite. It was an incredibly fun place. There was gorgeous weather and a lot of tiki clubs. It was the best time I had ever had.

What will the Raging Jews show be like?

It’s not what people think it is. Once you put the word Jew there it neutralizes the rage. People don’t look at the word raging. They don’t really put it together. It’s really just a bunch of edgy comics who happen to be Jews, but it’s not a Jewish show. Anyone can enjoy it. It’s going against stereotypes. It’s an edgy show. I like to say it’s like the movie Inglourious Basterds only with a little more violence.