Columnist Joe Delaney: Some show ticket prices on rise while others stay put

Joe Delaney's column appears Thursdays and Fridays. Reach him at 259-4066 or [email protected].

Could this be a trend? ... Harrah's most recent entertainment advisory states that the ticket price for "Spellbound," as of Monday, will be $39.95 plus tax, up from $34.95 plus tax. ... "Spellbound," originally scheduled to close at the end of 1998, may now be updated and continue into the next millennium. ... Will the $5 increase have a negative effect?

Lance Burton's Monte Carlo prices are slated to go up $5, to $44.95 and $39.95, tax included, on Sept. 21. ... Burton has also announced modest New Year's Eve prices, $59.95 and $54.95, tax included.

We learned that the Stardust has no plans to replace "Enter The Night" or raise prices. ... The current three price levels, based on location, are $29.95, $39.95 and $49.95; each includes tax, gratuity and two drinks. ... The higher-priced seats sell out first, no resistance, but attempts to raise the $29.95 price have met strong resistance.

After Labor Day

Look for more moderate price increases after Labor Day. ... In order to compete with the top production shows, the others will have to beef up their current shows, perhaps adding star segments, or tighten the shows and lower prices. ... Prognosis for production shows in Casino Center is particularly bleak; there could be none by year's end.

World class magician Steve Wyrick did send out invitations for the press to have dinner and catch his Lady Luck show Friday, celebrating his second anniversary there. ... It's more like a celebration of survival, as is the case at the Union Plaza where Kenny Kerr, et al, are just hanging on.

Clint Holmes and "Hot Stuff," the twin bill at the Golden Nugget, will close on Tuesday. ... The small Golden Nugget showroom will be converted to another purpose not as yet determined. ... "Hot Stuff" was never more than lukewarm. ... Holmes deserves another venue here.

Star-policy rundown

It's Chuck Mangione, tonight only (Arizona Charlie's); George Carlin (Bally's); Howie Mandel (Caesars Palace); Gladys Knight (Desert Inn); Clint Holmes (Golden Nugget); Bill Acosta (Luxor); Tom Jones, plus Tommy Tune starring in "EFX" (MGM Grand); Siegfried & Roy (Mirage); Debbie Reynolds (Orleans) and Danny Gans (Rio); an excellent variety of choices.

One-night stands: Friday, it's Hal Ketchum (Boulder Station); Moby (Hard Rock Hotel); Hothouse Flowers with Flogging Molly (House of Blues); B.J. Thomas and Lowell Sanders (Stardust); and Paula Poundstone (Sunset Station); really an eclectic selection.

Saturday's one-night special is Tony Orlando, too long away (Flamingo-Hilton). ... Elsewhere, it's The Cult (Hard Rock Hotel) and Julian Lennon with the Push Stars (House of Blues). ... Dr. Funkinstein performs a late-night Friday session there with doors open at 11 p.m.

Local happenings

The Eighth Annual Las Vegas Music Festival concludes Saturday with the Grand Finale at 8 p.m. in UNLV's Ham Hall, with Evan Christ conducting the Las Vegas Music Festival Orchestra, Andrew Russo, pianist. ... The Tropicana's Harbor Bar now has singing bartenders . ... The late Roger Miller's musical, "Big River," based upon the adventures of Huckleberry Finn, continues through Aug. 25, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park.

"Macbeth, An Urban Tragedy," will be performed Thursday through Sunday and Aug. 19-22, outdoors on the steps of the LV Academy's gymnasium. ... Rodgers and Hammerstein's "Sound Of Music" starts Friday, an Actor's Repertory Theatre production at the Summerlin Library Theatre.

It's Lisa Mayer (not "Meyer") and Mayhem, performing Top 40 variety and the best blues, featuring outstanding female guitarist Cheryl Justice, 5-10 p.m. through Sunday at the Stardust. ... Catch them.

Two appreciations

Art Force was an outstanding journalist and one of the best publicity men ever, a major contributor to the early growth of our town. ... Art co-founded Variety Club, The Children's Charity and the LV Press Club. ... Force signed out last week at age 92.

Another nonagenarian, Ray Wilson, left us on Tuesday. ... A great friend to Las Vegas, magazine publisher, editor and writer based in both California and New York City, he was also a syndicated radio host. ... Each man gave much to Las Vegas, both will be missed.

Murray Sidlin conducts the LV Pops Orchestra in an evening of "Picnic Pops a la Boston," 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Hills Park at Summerlin. ... Please support the Sun Summer Camp Fund. ... See you Friday.

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