"Come on down!"
By Aleza Freeman
The longest running game show in television history, The Price is Right, has started doing things Vegas-style, inviting audiences to "come on down" for a live version of the popular hit in Bally's Jubilee! Theater.
The Price is Right - Live has a lot in common with the popular television hit, with a few notable exceptions. The Price is Right - Live is not televised, contestants are chosen randomly rather than going through a screening process and audience members can sip on cocktails throughout the 105 minute game show.
While comedian Drew Carey has taken the place of The Price is Right's legendary host Bob Barker on television, the stage show is hosted by the quick-witted Todd Newton ("E! News Live," "Coming Attractions" and "Whammy! The All New Press Your Luck"). It also features announcer Randy West ("Supermarket Sweep"), two lovely models and the actual sets from the television game show's 35th anniversary season.
Audience members who want to play the game must be at least 21 years old. Registration takes place at a booth located adjacent to the theater up to three hours before the show. Each will receive the recognizable yellow price tag-shaped name tag and a chance to compete for a bevy of valuable prizes, from luggage to a brand new car.
Overall, more than 50 audience members are given the opportunity to take home cash and prizes, including jewelry, appliances and vacation packages. Four new people per round are beckoned to "come on down" and bid on a prize and a chance on stage. The contestant bidding closest to the actual price without going over (... and yes, you can bid the infamous $1) is called up to play a familiar game like Plinko, Cliffhangers, Hole in One or It's in the Bag.
Half way through the show, three new contestants are brought up to spin The Big Wheel, which is flashing with lights and flanked on each side by a model. Later in the game, two new contestants compete in The Showcase. Also, between each round, several audience members are randomly selected to receive 1,000 Total Rewards credits at Bally's.
Even though the show is not televised, there is a camera man on stage, and audience members may be able to spot themselves projected upon big screens hanging on either side of the stage. Some of the players are pretty hard core, such as the mother and her six daughters, who came all the way from Kansas; their T-shirts said it all: "I didn't come here to lose."
While, bloopers and other great moments from the TV show are interspersed throughout the show, Newton, West and the audience often create their own brand of zany antics. Newton's interaction with the players is engaging and entertaining, leading to many enjoyable moments. The excitement of the show is infectious, spreading throughout the theater. Audience members often find themselves rooting for people they've likely never met, suffering actual disappointment if the contestant loses -- and even better -- feeling genuine happiness if the contestant wins.
Of course, it's not all about the prizes. As the show draws to a close you may be reminded, in Barker's honor, to spay and neuter your pets.
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