Rudner’s longevity in Vegas impressive

There's an old saying in Hollywood, says Rita Rudner. "Ride the horse in the direction it's going. It's a smoother ride."

The ride led the comedian here from Los Angeles in 2000, to dig in as a year-round headliner on the Strip. Rudner and her husband/manager found fertile ground that wasn't yet overrun with other name stand-ups, and they were able to expand the base they built during 15 years on the road.

"It was a plan that worked," Rudner says. Last week's move into The Venetian keeps her in a small and honorable pack of regulars who have held tough for a decade or more.

Longevity is seldom discussed on the Strip. And it's not always a good thing for shows that go stale, right? Success is reward enough, I suppose. But if you start adding up who has been around since the years started beginning with "2," the list gets short enough to be impressive nonetheless.

At least 10 production shows claim a decade; you can make it a dozen if you don't haggle about whether "Divas Las Vegas" is a continuation of "La Cage," or the various permutations of "The Rat Pack is Back."

Of course, revues don't rely on individuals. The three Blue Men onstage tonight aren't the ones who first spat marshmallows at the Luxor in March of 2000. (Exceptions are special, though. Who could imagine "Divas" without Frank Marino? And "Mystere" has an extra resonance now, thanks to Brian Dewhurst's long reign as the resident funnyman.)

Magicians seem to have an advantage in this longevity game. David Copperfield moved into the MGM in 2000, when Caesars Palace tore down the showroom he had played since 1984. Rick Thomas has been around town, with a few lapses, since 1997.

And both Mac King and Penn & Teller hold their own with Rudner for time on the Strip, and top her with time spent in the same place. King's contract at Harrah's through 2015 would put him beyond the 14-year Monte Carlo run by buddy Lance Burton, who "conned me into the move here," he says with a laugh.

The fact that Rudner is a solo comedian -- without even a guy in a bear suit to help her -- makes her lead more impressive. The Amazing Johnathan (marking 10 years as a Nevadan next June), George Wallace (who this month notches up seven years at the Flamingo), Carrot Top (December was five years at Luxor) and Anthony Cools (who arrived in 2003) will all have to wait for her to step aside to have a shot at her streak.

"I think it's a culmination of everything that gives you the longevity," she says. "I had comedians calling me up: 'How'd ya do that? I want to do it. Tell me how to do it.' "

Needless to say, she ain't talking.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.