Dennis Miller Where: The Orleans Cost: $39.95 - $69.95 plus tax When: 8 p.m., May 16-18 Info: (702) 365-7075

Before he became Bill O'Reilly's go-to political commentator, Dennis Miller was a stand-up comedian known for his freewheeling rants and wisecracking commentaries. Like George Carlin, whose comedic routines revel in the minutiae of language, Miller spikes his stand-up with esoteric allusions to history, literature and pop culture.

The Pittsburgh native got his big break on Saturday Night Live, where he anchored Weekend Update for six seasons, helping return the segment and the show to prominence. His HBO specials and the long-running Dennis Miller Live have been equally well regarded; his stints on Monday Night Football and CNBC, tumbleweed and crickets.

But a funny thing happened on the way to middle age. Spurred by the World Trade Center attacks, Miller became vocal in his support of the Bush administration and the War on Terror. Regardless of his affiliations, his penchant for the obscure remains undiminished. Take, for instance, his recent O'Reilly Factor diatribe on how the Clintons will try to steal the Democratic nomination from Barack Obama: "I think they're grifters, they're Bonnie & Clyde. Yes. I think (former Clinton lawyer) Lanny Davis is firing out the back window, (B&C sidekick) C.W. Moss is hanging onto the wheel. It's the hope of audacity with Hillary Clinton."

Bring an encyclopedia; it's going to be one funny ride, babe.