In a recent episode of ABC's "Suburgatory," George Altman, played by Jeremy Sisto, is in a female neighbor's home when her husband unexpectedly arrives.

He is given quite a punch, and the puncher is played by Jay Mohr. That was just the latest of up to 50 television shows in which the comedian has appeared. Mohr has his first Reno- area engagement this Saturday at John Ascuaga's Nugget.

Of course, most know Mohr from his stint on "Saturday Night Live," and it is probably that audience who will take most of the seats in the Celebrity Showroom. But a few will know him from the films "Jerry Maguire" and "Picture Perfect" and some others from his regular radio appearances on "The Jim Rome Show," "Kevin and Bean," and "Opie and Anthony." Mohr has been around ever since his first stand-up comedy appearance at the age of 16.

There is a possibility Mohr will become an even more prominent presence on television. His second book, "No Wonder My Parents Drank" (his first was "Gasping for Air," chronicling his SNL career), has been optioned for development as an ABC series of his own. (9 p.m.; $40; 1100 Nugget Ave., Sparks; 800-648-1177 or janugget.com)

Cheech and Chong back

It will be a tough choice Saturday for comedy fans since Cheech and Chong return to the Silver Legacy that night. Free love and cannabis may not be the center topics of today's comedians, but there is still joy to be had in hearing "Earache My Eye," "Dave's Not Here" and "Santa Claus and His Old Lady."

The duo have been at it for over four decades now, and there's a wealth of material to be mined from the nine albums they recorded between 1971 and 1985. Six of them went gold, four were Grammy- nominated, and "Big Bambú" went downright ballistic.

There aren't many acts guaranteed to fill a large venue like the Legacy's Grande Exposition Hall in the pre-Thanksgiving season, but Cheech and Chong will. (8 p.m.; 407 N. Virginia St., Reno; $57.50, $69.50; 800-687-8733 or silverlegacy.com)

And a cleaner act

Another touch of nostalgia and of comedy is available this Friday at the Carson Valley Inn when Dick Hardwick appears. Hardwick was seen by thousands at Disneyland when he starred in the Golden Horseshoe Revue.

That led to multiple appearances for corporations when representatives saw him and realized he was funny and worked clean.

"I can do my entire act," he says, "without using one four-letter word."

That should make him unique among this week's comedy choices. The $15 price tag also makes him the least expensive. (8 p.m.; 1627 Highway 395 North, in Minden; 775-783-6606)

Holiday happenings

The Eldorado kicks into holiday gear Thursday with "Peter Pan," the classic story that replaces the traditional holiday show. Still, expect a few carols to be tacked onto the end when, in this version, the Darling children return home just in time for Christmas. There will be lots of additional frills including meet-and-greets after the weekend matinees. The show is set to run through Jan. 1, playing at 7 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays unless demand allows matinees, and 3 and 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets start at $24.95 for adults and $19.95 for children. (345 N Virginia St., Reno, 800-648-5966 or eldoradoreno.com)

And this coming Saturday and Sunday features the 15th Annual Valhalla Holiday Faire in the Grand Hall (the 1924 Heller Estate) with 25 vendors and artists, Father Christmas, and musical groups. This historic site is two miles past the intersection of Highway 50 and Highway 89, just past Camp Richardson, on the lake side of Highway 89.

The parking lot has limited space, but you can park along Highway 89 outside the entrance. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; free).

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