Veteran comedian Paul Rodriguez will take the stage at The Venetian this October as host of The Real Deal

New Show Invites Audience Members To Take On Poker Legends In A Hilarious, High-Tech, Entertainment Extravaganza

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Bringing his quick wit and hilarious standup style to Las Vegas, Paul Rodriguez has been named the celebrity host of The Real Deal!, the first ever live, interactive poker-themed stage-show, according to an announcement today by entertainment industry icon and show co-executive producer Merv Adelson. Set to debut in The Venetian Showroom at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas on October 22 (with paid previews beginning Oct. 14.) The Real Deal! will feature a one-of-a-kind combination of humor, improvisation, poker, and total audience participation sure to entertain poker enthusiasts and non-players alike.

"Paul was a natural choice to be the host of The Real Deal!" said Adelson. "Funny, charismatic, and engaging, he knows how to connect with an audience and keep them on the edge of their seats. With more than 20 years on the comedy circuit, Paul has a huge fan base and we're very excited to add his level of star power to our already exciting ensemble."

Often referred to as the Latin "Richard Pryor and George Carlin of original comedy," Rodriguez has spent over twenty-five years making audiences laugh, with starring roles in more than 30 films and countless television shows and comedy specials. His recent credits include the upcoming Beverly Hills Chihuahua, Hilary Duff's A Cinderella Story, the manic comedy Rat Race, and Clint Eastwood's Bloodwork. One of the Original Latin Kings of Comedy, Rodriguez routinely headlines comedy tours coast-to-coast and around the world, entertaining millions of fans, and over the last three years, he has regularly performed with the USO for American troops in the Middle East, including three times in Iraq.

The Real Deal! will pit two of the world's best poker professionals against a group of randomly selected audience members on stage. Every member of the audience plays against the head table using handheld state-of-the-art technology created by TimePlay Entertainment, Inc., with lots of prizes throughout, including a chance to win $1 million. The show reaches a crescendo when the final surviving amateur, the chip-leading pro, and the point leader from the audience take the stage for three-handed finale.

Featuring an ever-changing cast of poker stars and celebrity guests, The Real Deal! offers a fresh experience to visitors on a regular basis. Professional poker players set to star in the show include the legendary Doyle Brunson, Daniel Negreanu, Phil Hellmuth, Jr., Antonio Esfandiari, Gavin Smith, Eli Elezra, Jennifer Harman, Phil Laak, Scotty Nguyen, and Todd Brunson.

The Real Deal! will entertain six days a week at The Venetian Showroom in Las Vegas, with shows at 5 pm and primetime performances at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. There will also be matinee performances two days a week. Tickets start at $75 and VIP packages will be available for each show that include an opportunity to meet the poker stars after the show. For more information, visit http://www.therealdeallv.com/. Must be 21 years of age or older.

About The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino

The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino, the largest property in the country to receive AAA's Five Diamond Award and Mobil Four-Star, is one of the world's most luxurious resort and convention destinations. Re-creating Venice's legendary landmarks, the resort offers unmatched service and quality for leisure and corporate guests. Located in the heart of the Las Vegas Strip, The Venetian features The Grand Canal Shoppes, an indoor streetscape complete with gondolas and singing gondoliers, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub, world-class gaming, exquisite restaurants, and a wide variety of entertainment such as Phantom-The Las Vegas Spectacular, Blue Man Group and Wayne Brady on its premises, as well as extensive convention and corporate services. For additional information, visit http://www.venetian.com/.

About The Real Deal!

The Real Deal!, the first ever interactive poker stage show, pits audience members against the world's best poker players in a funny, fast-paced, high-tech, prize-filled event that entertains poker enthusiasts and non-players alike. The show will debut fall of 2008 in The Venetian Showroom at The Venetian Resort-Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas. A "to-go" version of the show is also available as a theme for corporate events worldwide. Events may be held in the Venetian Showroom, or at alternative event locations. Additionally, the production team is preparing to launch an online version of the show. For more information, visit http://www.therealdeallv.com/.