'Cheers' alum to appear on 'Last Comic'

BURBANK, Calif., June 11 (UPI) -- "Cheers" stars George Wendt and John Ratzenberger are to appear on the final U.S. audition episode of the reality show "Last Comic Standing," NBC said.

"The Office" stars Brian Baumgartner and Kate Flannery also are scheduled to appear on Thursday night's episode of the series that seeks out new comic talent.

Wendt and Ratzenberger, who played barflies Norm and Cliff on the classic NBC sit-com "Cheers," will audition wannabe comedians in Nashville, while Flannery and Baumgartner, who play Meredith and Kevin on "The Office," will check out the local talent in Minneapolis.

The best of the best will go to Las Vegas to perform at the Paris Las Vegas, where the top 12 comedy acts will be chosen as finalists. They'll then move on to the challenge rounds for a comedy showdown week by week, until the funniest comics return to the Paris Las Vegas for the finals and the finale.

The winner, to be determined by a viewer vote, will win a $250,000 grand prize including an exclusive talent deal with NBC, a brand new Honda and a starring appearance in Jubilee! at Bally's Las Vegas.