The other girl next door

Comic Jill-of-all-trades Ellen DeGeneres is bringing her brand-new “Even Bigger Really Big Show” to next week’s Las Vegas Comedy Festival, scheduled for Thu., Nov. 20, 7 p.m. at Caesars Colosseum. Two days ago, she treated a handful of us A&E beat troglodytes from around the nation to a 45-minute conference call interview. Ellen was charming, gracious and full of her trademark wryness during the talk, despite the rudeness of several reporters on the line who completely ignored PR requests to stick with the festival and avoid endless questioning about personal politics.

Look for the full story in a Las Vegas Comedy Festival preview next week in CityLife’s Stage section. For now, a tiny excerpt from the interview, transcribed and distributed to participants by Turner Entertainment:

[on the moderator's very formal introduction]

“Well, first of all, thanks, everybody. This was so official the way it started. I am – I don’t know if I am ready for this or dressed for it. “

[on being asked about favorite things to do in Vegas]

“Well, the buffet you know, obviously. I don’t know how much it is now, but it’s still a deal, isn’t it? It’s a bargain. I think you can get all you want. I mean, I am vegan, so I’ll just have salad but still that’s a bargain...”