Columnist Joe Delaney: Show prices up, up and away

Joe Delaney

Thursday, Sept. 25, 1997 | 9:37 a.m.

THE MARKET PLACE, or "whatever the traffic will bear" has long replaced the original Las Vegas premise, "the best and the most of everything for the least amount of money, for free, if possible." ... The latest example of the current modus operandi is the Rio brass's decision to raise the Danny Gans show price to $60. plus on Oct. 1, the fourth increase in approximately two years.

Danny Gans and his personal manager Chip Lightman are trying to stop this latest increase, fearing that it will price out locals, an important initial area of support in Gans' career here.

When Joan Rivers became a headliner at a major hotel, she decided to give the public two supporting acts instead of one which gave the Smothers Brothers a new lease on life at the time. ... In addition, she had inserted a clause requiring her approval for admission price hikes.

Danny's deal

As we understand it, Gans' Rio deal was for a reasonable fee based on the original under $35 tab. ... Further, that he had no say and no participation in any price increases. ... The latest is that he has been offered a raise based on the upcoming increase but has refused it for the reason stated above. ... If so, it is an historic LV first.

As an indication of Gans' growing importance as an LV showroom attraction, the room was being sold out several weeks in advance. ... This figure has diminished with each previous price rise. ... Gans continues to do capacity but the advance purchase is down to days at present.

Another story has the Hilton discontinuing shows in the main showroom after "Starlight Express" makes its last run in November. ... One possible explanation: It would be easier to convert the present configuration into a food court than restore it for entertainment.

As promised

Last Thursday, we pointed out that the late Burgess Meredith was responsible for returning Zero Mostel to the stage and films as well. ... Zero did create the definitive Tevye in "Fiddler On The Roof," the model for all who followed. ... When it came time to film "Fiddler," Israel's Topol, a brilliant actor, was given the role.

Norman Jewison, a Canadian, was selected as director. ... He accepted but only if Zero Mostel did not play Tevye. ... Zero had a reputation for being difficult. ... The film did good but not great business. ... Ten years later, Mostel took a "Fiddler" road company on tour.

After a reasonable period of time, the intent was to remake "Fiddler" as a film with Zero as Tevye. ... Unfortunately, Zero was stricken in Philadelphia, portraying Shylock in "The Merchant." ... He died Sept. 8, 1977 at age 62, a great loss.

Star-policy rundown

It's Louie Anderson at 9 p.m. nightly plus Andrew "Dice" Clay at 11 p.m., Friday and Saturday (Bally's); Huey Lewis & The News (Caesars); Debbie Reynolds (her hotel); Willie Nelson, Friday through Sunday (Desert Inn); Williams & Ree (Gold Coast); Isley Brothers, Friday only (Hilton); Righteous Brothers-Mario & Daniel (MGM Grand); Siegfried & Roy (Mirage); Lance Burton (Monte Carlo); Eddie Money (Orleans); and Danny Gans (Rio).

U.S. Strongman Competition starts this weekend in Buffalo Bill's Star of the Desert Arena, Friday through Sunday, continues Oct. 2-3 with the International Qualifying Rounds and concludes Oct. 10-13 with the World Finals which will be shown later worldwide.

Recommended: Shakespeare's "The Tempest," Friday through Sunday, in Foxridge Park in Henderson's Green Valley. ... Performance times are 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 8 p.m. Sunday.

Thursday addenda

Hawaii's "Lady of Love," Loyal Garner performs at 7 p.m. Saturday, Sammy Davis Jr. Festival Plaza. ... "Waterin' Hole," worth seeing, is in its third and final weekend (Winchester Community Center). ... The Nevada Symphonic Wind Ensemble plus Sousa Marches Saturday at 2 p.m., the Cheyenne Campus of Community College of Southern Nevada.

Jazz: Friday at Pogo's: Sunday noon, The Jazz Organ-ization (Santa Fe) and 5:30-9:30, Marv Koral's All-Stars (Manhattan Restaurant); and Monday night at 9, Don Menza & Friends (Riviera). ... Koral & Co. are also at Rob Roy's on Wednesdays. ... See you Friday.