This week, Ira spoke with comedian Michael Somerville, performing in Brad Garrett’s Comedy Club at the MGM February 5-8 (and 10). In this episode of “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Michael talks about his start in stand-up comedy on a dare in college; moving to New York and earning $18,000 gross in an advertising agency; his decision to pursue comedy full time; how he became the original couch surfer; when he knew he had made it as a comedian; why he uses a lot of relationship humor in his act; why he credits Las Vegas for helping him hone his craft over 20 years of appearing here; how he tries to write material every day; the challenges of being on the road and being a father; and why he doesn’t do a “character” on stage.
Michael Somerville has performed on “The Late Show with David Letterman,” wrote and hosted the reality show “Wingman” and appeared on Comedy Central, Bravo, VH1, History Channel, Hallmark and Nick@Nite. His digital shorts have garnered over 100 million views online and his most recent album “Otherwise Engaged” hit #1 on Apple Music.
Michael’s humorous insights have appeared in magazines from Time to Maxim and he spent three years authoring Glamour magazine's relationship column "Jake: A Man's Opinion." He also performs 300 live shows per year and has been featured at the “Just For Laughs Comedy Festival” in Montreal, Johnny Carson “Great American Comedy Festival” and Gilda Radner’s “Gildafest.”
Michael’s smart, clean wit and sharp improvisational skills also puts him in demand on the corporate circuit with blue chip clients such as MetLife, Bausch & Lomb, Longhorn Steakhouse and careerbuilder.com.
In his free time, Michael enjoys sleeping late, fettucini and the color blue. While generally convivial, he is most fun after coffee.
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