Dreams come true in comedy show

Staff Reports

Live comedy returns to the Carson Valley Inn's Shannon Ballroom on Nov. 21 when Kat Simmons proves that Dreams Do Come True! Joining Simmons will be comedian Dave Mencarelli.

Simmons has entertained Northern Nevada residents and hosted Comedy Night Live at the Carson Valley Inn for 15 years. After working for 22 years as a stand-up comic, Simmons' big break came after winning an eWomenNetwork International talent contest in Dallas this summer.

There were agents and talent scouts in the audience and, after being awarded a perfect score from each judge, Simmons' life changed as a result of her winning performance. She is hitting the international circuit with two fall trips to Canada, and considering a number of national opportunities.

Simmons does traditional and new material in this show and shares the excitement of winning the competition with everyone who has shared in her journey.

"I didn't just win, we all did," she said, referring to her local fans. "I only had a few minutes to prove myself and the dream had to be bigger than the fear and, thankfully, it was."

Dave Mencarelli's show is a twisted trip through his childhood, his "practice" marriage and life in general. From his relatives in Arkansas, to his decidedly politically incorrect take on the world, Mencarelli spins a tale to which most people can relate. Hear about his ex-wife, his crazy mother, exploits about raising kids and toss in some horror stories about dating.

The Dreams Do Come True! comedy show starts at 8 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Carson Valley Inn. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance and may be purchased at www.cvartscouncil.com/katsimmons or 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at the Carson Valley Arts Council office in the Copeland Cultural Arts Center, 1572 Highway 395 in Minden. Tickets are $25 at the door.

Check out Kat Simmons' eWomen International talent contest-winning performance at www.ewomennetwork.com/conf2009/GotTalentWinner.html