Bill Cosby Returns to Treasure Island Tonight, 7/20

Iconic funny man Bill Cosby, who has been making audiences laugh for decades with his keen insight into everyday existence, brings his signature comedy to the Treasure Island Theatre tonight, July 20 at 8 p.m.

Cosby has earned respect from critics and adoration from fans for his uncanny ability to connect with people through humor and providing insight into the role of parents, children, family members, men and women,. Without resorting to gimmickry or lowbrow humor, Cosby has been compared to such great American humorists as Charlie Chaplin, Will Rogers, W.C. Fields and Groucho Marx. A testament to his status in the world of comedy, Cosby has earned five Grammy Awards for best comedy album.

Known the world over for “The Cosby Show,” which ran from 1984 to 1992 on NBC, Cosby broke racial barriers and sent a powerful message to viewers – that the family unit and raising children matters most. The No. 1 rated sitcom earned six Emmy Awards, three Golden Globes and 10 People’s Choice Awards. It helped set the stage for Cosby’s career as an author, as his book “Fatherhood” remained at No. 1 for more than half of its 54 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller List. Among Cosby’s other titles are “Time Flies,” “Love and Marriage,” “Come On People: On the Path from Victims to Victors” and “Friends of a Feather: One of Life’s Little Fables,” which was illustrated by his daughter.

A champion of youth, Cosby’s dedication to helping children realize their potential is evidenced through his Emmy Award-winning “Little Bill” animated series, which aired on Nickelodeon and CBS. Together with partners Tom Werner and Marcy Carsey, Cosby produced “A Different World” on NBC from 1987 to 1993. His other television and film credits include “Obkb,” “Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids,” “The Cosby Mysteries,” “Man and Boy” and “Uptown Saturday Night,” where he starred alongside Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte. He has written, produced and directed educational television shows and animated specials.

Few entertainers have achieved the legendary status of Cosby, who emerged from humble beginnings in a Philadelphia housing project. After returning from the Navy, Cosby went on to earn a degree at Temple University and later a master’s and doctoral degree in Education from the University of Massachusetts. As philanthropists, Cosby and wife Camille have made substantial gifts in support of education and to various social service and civil rights organizations. His lifelong contributions to American culture were recognized with a Kennedy Center Honor in 1998, the Presidential Medal of Freedom in July 2002, America’s highest civilian honor, and the Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2009.

Tickets are available starting at $59, plus tax and handling fees, and can be purchased by calling the box office at 800-392-1999 or 702-894-7722. Purchases can also be made on-line at www.treasureisland.com.

Treasure Island on the Las Vegas Strip, a privately owned hotel and casino boasting nearly 3,000 guest rooms, stands alone as the only major Strip property to claim that unique market position. It’s a world-class destination for headline entertainment, the enchanting Sirens of TI nightly outdoor show and Mystère, the classic Cirque du Soleil performance that combines the powerful athleticism, high-energy acrobatics and inspiring imagery that have become the company’s hallmark. Upscale and casual dining choices, hip nightspots and indulgent spa and shopping experiences further complement the one-of-a-kind Treasure Island guest experience.

Photo credit: BWW Staff