Dr. Scott Lewis Outrageous Comedy Hypnotist

Society has a knack for stereotyping – slotting professions into neat little niches, and labeling them appropriately. So, the very notion of a trance-inducing professional chiropractor, ordering a bunch of willing volunteers to strut upon his stage like Victoria's Secret models is... Well, it sounds a little far fetched right? And yet this is all in a day's work for Dr. Scott Lewis, the 'Jekyll and Hyde' inceptor of “Dr. Scott Lewis: Outrageous Comedy Hypnotist”.

Hailed as a guru for those seeking weigh loss assistance or help to quit addictions; Dr. Scott Lewis holds the title for a hypnosis show with the longest continuity on the Strip – now in it's 15th year. The congenial venue (Le Bistro Theater at the Riviera Hotel) now hosting “Outrageous Comedy Hypnotist”, presents an intimate medium, for a show that relies upon audience proximity - for a real howler of an evening. Dr. Lewis' record-breaking show has enjoyed a period of longevity within the Riviera's comedy lair, with a track record of just over seven years. During this time, the show has been bolstered by the likes of artistic director Joanie Spina – consultant to David Copperfield for over 11 years, as well as Corbin J. Craft – the one time “Mad Hypnotist” with his own show at the Tuscany Hotel!

Should you ever have experienced a hypno-comedy stage show, you'll likely be familiar with the relatively standard running order. Audiences are greeted, inducted and then largely forgotten as the host, or hypnotist focuses all his energies upon a number of preselected volunteers (usually 'plants' – deliberately employed actors to you and I.) “Outrageous Comedy Hypnotist” represents one of the few concepts to defy this standard – getting the audience in on a number of rib-cracking experiments from the outset. Given the size of the theater, there is a probable likelihood of your 'section' being chosen to provide orchestral accompaniment throughout the course of the evening. If you aren't one of the selected, it is still utterly hilarious to witness an entire wing of the audience suddenly striking up imaginary instruments, with the utmost conviction. And it all takes just one 'code' word from Lewis to get them going. Equally as comical, are the bewildered faces of the select few each time they 'rest' their instruments!

Popular culture, news and celebrity form the basal elements to any great stand-up comedy show, and yet with hypnosis such elements are negated, in favor of simply getting guests to embarrass themselves. The ostensible format of “Outrageous Comedy Hypnotist” combines the integral flavors of stand-up, intertwined with the mind-bending that influences even the most reserved of guests to partake in the “booty shaking contest”. Persuaded to 'drop it' like Beyonce, the mere sight of ten grown men attempting that trademark super-thrust is enough to have anyone in stitches, but is amplified by the fact these guys really believe there is a grand prize at the end of it. If derrière shaking does little to prompt even a twitch of a smirk, hypnosis karaoke surely will – although it's rather more lip-syncing, than classic karaoke and usually 'á Capella.

With his neat goatee and suited charisma, you could be forgiven for thinking Scott Lewis takes the whole stage hypnosis gig, as seriously as he does his chiropractic responsibilities. Thankfully, he leaves his alter ego in the diagnosis room, to fulfill his reputation for outrageousness. His combination of mild insult and observational humor, are perfectly balanced by the ever more exorbitant performances he plans for his 'volunteers'. Sure flirting with a thirty-something blond, while her boyfriend belts out a hit by Lady Gaga may seem a little uncouth, but the guy was a willing volunteer!

If you're prepared to indulge more than a little light-hearted ribbing, coupled with the possibility of becoming the next lip-syncing Britney upon Lewis' stage – this is definitely a must see. But forewarned is forearmed - leave the bromidic idea of hypnosis, well and truly at the theater door!