Regis Philbin hasn't been so successful so long in show business because he's just a game-show host or one-note emcee.
The morning-show host from "Live With Regis and Kelly" put on an entertaining show at the Mohegan Sun Arena Friday night, backed by an excellent orchestra and his wife Joy's occasional accompaniment.
He joked about getting through New Haven traffic, he thanked the crowd for coming out during the rain, he kvetched about the security guards and lack of water on stage and he sang standards alone and with wife, Joy.
The mostly full arena of Mohegan Sun patrons (the event was free for most of them) cheered their guy, a 78-year-old TV legend, especially when he was joking with adoring fans or "auditioning" women to do what Kelly Ripa does and Kathy Lee Gifford did before her.
His wife, in evening gown, looked great for age 68, was fine on one solo number and good on a couple of duets with Philbin, who has worked with show-biz greats going back to Joey Bishop.
The crowd was full of aging Baby Boomers and their parents, who seemed to appreciate watching the TV pro work his old-time magic. You can call him a longtime second banana, but really Philbin is The Man these days. If for no other reason, you have to admire the longevity and ambition. (But who can resist the kvetching?)
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