Get ready for some laughs as The Comedy Festival returns November 20-22 to Caesars Palace in Las Vegas for its fourth year. Scheduled to appear at this year's event are headliners Jerry Seinfeld, Ellen DeGeneres, Dane Cook, Katt Williams, Tracy Morgan and Jeff Dunham, who will be joined by Mike Epps, David Alan Grier, The Kids in the Hall, Russell Peters, Jim Breuer, Andrew Dice Clay, Jim Norton and John Oliver. In addition, Caliente Comedy will feature comedians Gabriel Iglesias, Pablo Francisco and Anjelah Johnson.

In addition to the comedy stars appearing in The Colosseum, the Palace Ballroom and the Augustus Ballroom, the Festival will showcase more than 25 up-and-coming comedians in the LOL Lounge (located in the Emperors Ballroom).

Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased for individual shows and packages online at www.thecomedyfestival.com, by phone at (877) TCF-FEST or in person at the Box Office at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace. Exclusive VIP packages are available online or by calling The Colosseum box office at (702) 866-1409.

If you were wondering who or what was going to replace Mamma Mia! when it ends its run in January at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, wonder no longer. In a surprise announcement, we learned that Disney's The Lion King will take the stage, with preview performances beginning April 20, before the official opening May 2. Ticket prices, on-sale dates and performance schedules will be announced at a later date.

I said it was a surprise for the simple fact that Las Vegas had turned its back on its "family" destination and returned to its reputation as "Sin City" with a vengeance, becoming racier and sexier and pushing the adults only envelope. But Disney and Mandalay Bay are both winners, so they obviously feel and hope that The Lion King will be as big a success as Mamma Mia!

Bill Hornbuckle, president and COO of Mandalay Bay, said, "We are known for offering our guests exciting and spectacular entertainment options. The Lion King, one of the most successful production shows in history, will continue this tradition. We are certain its international appeal will be embraced by Las Vegas locals and visitors alike."

One of the best shows in town is undoubtedly Jersey Boys, performing at the Palazzo, the Venetian's sister property in Las Vegas. And now, the hit musical about Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, is offering what it calls the ABSOLUT BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE VIP Package.

Here's what you get if you purchase the package: a complimentary ABSOLUT specialty cocktail and access to a private entrance into the theatre through a VIP hallway that features memorabilia from The Four Seasons and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame; a full-color, oversized Jersey Boys Las Vegas souvenir program to remember their special night; and a seat in the front orchestra section. Not too shabby, but it's gonna cost ya. The package runs $235 per person, plus tax. OUCH!!!

Good news if you're a fan of The Smashing Pumpkins. As part of their 20th Anniversary Tour, they will make their way to The Pearl at the Palms on Saturday, November 29. Don't know what the ticket prices are at this writing, but I'm sure it won't stop you from going.

The Smashing Pumpkins has been one of rock's most forward-thinking, influential, and often misunderstood musical forces, and has enjoyed great success over the years. This year, as they begin their North American "20th Anniversary Tour" November 1, the group is not only celebrating the milestone anniversary of their 1988 formation, but will release a precedent-setting new single G.L.O.W. and a revealing two-DVD set "If All Goes Wrong," filmed at their residencies last year in San Francisco and Asheville, NC. Should be another big hit for them.

Len Butcher, a 25-year resident of Las Vegas, is an online columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and a former Managing Editor of the Las Vegas Sun and of Gaming Today. Reach him at lennylv@netzero.net