Comedian with history of debt reopens his show
Vinnie Favorito, the insult comedian whose personal debts led to his ouster from the Flamingo in April, plans to reopen his show Thursday at the Tommy Wind Theater.
The theater, bearing the name of the magician whose family operates it, is a free-standing venue at 3765 Las Vegas Blvd. South, not affiliated with a casino company. Wind said Wednesday his arrangement with Favorito is “a landlord deal” and that his family is not financially involved as a producer.
Favorito’s long-running show at the Flamingo came to an end in April, following an employee complaint related to a history of litigation involving personal loans.
The employee, Loralee Main-Ford, has a $7,500 claim against Favorito in Henderson Justice Court. As part of that case, Favorito recently submitted to a judgment debtor examination, which is similar to a deposition, said Main-Ford’s attorney, Alexis L. Brown.
Court actions and people who have reached out to the Review-Journal claim Favorito has taken out individual loans ranging from $2,000 to $109,000.
“I’ve found a new home here in Vegas I just want to move forward with my life. My personal affairs are being worked out,” Favorito said by email Wednesday. “I’m great at what I do, making people laugh, so I just want positive stuff right now.”
Wind said he hadn’t had “any bad dealings” with Favorito, and hoped his theater could profit from bar sales and box office fees. “He’s just paying me a rent and he got a time slot. As long as they have the finances to rent the time from me … any of his own personal issues is a separate thing.”
Favorito will perform Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m.
Read more from Mike Weatherford at bestoflasvegas.com. Contact him at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com.
