Even before the shimmering golden curtains have parted, announcer Randy West has whipped the eager crowd into a tizzy of anticipation. His cheeks scrubbed pink and his voice a plummy baritone, West preps the audience with a mix of naughty jokes and trivia—and not-so-trivia: The Price is Right is the longest running game show on television. The live version at Bally’s shows us why.
Host Todd Newton—a tall and handsome fellow, gracious with the contestants but quick to take advantage of any opportunity for comedy—guides audience members through their chance to win an abundance of prizes, everything from digital cameras, cookware, and vacuum cleaners to tropical cruises and high-end entertainment gear. Newton smoothly establishes his charm while tipping his hat to The Price is Right‘s beloved longtime former host, Bob Barker (Newton even signs off with Barker’s encouragement to spay your dogs and cats). Presenting the fabulous prizes are Danielle and Gale, who whirl through a cascade of outfits ranging from bikinis to sparkling gowns. These lovely ladies, the Vegas versions of the show’s classic beauties, wheel out washer/dryer sets with good cheer and buoyant grins.
What soon becomes clear is the cunning structure of the games. From Cliff Hangers to Hole in One, each game—designed exactly like the television originals—allows the audience to scream out advice while building edge-of-your-seat suspense. As frazzled contestants dash to and fro, trying to match price tags with cleaning products and snack food, the audience roars out advice. Each contestant knows the collective knowledge of the crowd holds the key to success, but which eager voice from the mob has the right answer? Everyone holds their breath as Plinko disks clink from post to post, or the Big Wheel spins. The hypnotic clicking sound jangles our nerves: Will the contestants reach the perfect sum of money and win a portable spa or high-definition TV? Or will they go over the top and go home empty-handed? Of course the climax is the Showcase. Hands tremble and eyes grow wide as doors open and curtains swish, revealing not only household goods but also a brand new car! Smartly, the Las Vegas The Price is Right brings up a whole bank of new contestants for every game, maximizing the audience’s opportunity to win.
But something more than the tantalizing promise of fabulous prizes fuels the energy in the theater. Even the young twenty-somethings in the audience grew up watching this show; we’ve known Bob Barker as long as we’ve known our own families. We’ve watched hyperventilating contestants leap and shriek since we were children. Perhaps stepping onto that stage feels like stepping into television itself, a fantastic world of flashing lights, ringing bells, and glamorous smiles. No wonder contestants look both elated and terrified as they approach the Big Wheel! It’s these skyrocketing emotions that make The Price is Right as entertaining as any show on the Vegas strip.
—August Evans
