‘Wheel of Fortune’ spells success at MGM Grand

Joe Delaney

Friday, Feb. 25, 2000 | 10:08 a.m.

"Wheel of Fortune Live On Stage" is a 75-minute version of the extremely popular television game show, seen locally on KVBC Channel 3. It is performed nightly except Thursday in the MGM Grand's newly renamed Wheel of Fortune Theatre, formerly known as the Center Stage Lounge, erstwhile home of "Catch A Rising Star."

The capacity of the theater is approximately 325. Shows are at 3 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; 7:30 and 10 p.m. Friday; and at 4, 7:30 and 10 p.m. on Saturday. The room has been filled for most of the shows since it opened on Jan. 17. The show caught was about two-thirds of capacity.

The format is fast-paced, thanks to an easy, personable host, Michael Burger, with copious television and radio credits, plus two attractive and articulate females, Jacqueline Holland and Lauren Moore. Each member of the audience is given a number, put on paper attached to their clothing. Numbers for each game are called at random, identifying contestants.

Early arrivals are treated to funny excerpts from other game shows on three giant television screens. When the show starts, after introductions, numbers are called and the first three contestants take their places onstage, spinning the wheel in turn. Contestants win points here rather than dollars.

At the show caught, there were six games with three players in each. The two first-round winners with the highest point totals compete in a seventh and final game with a third contestant selected from the audience. The winner of the final game has an opportunity to compete for a grand prize that now totals $43,000 and has $500 added each performance until someone claims it.

It's interesting to note that not one of the 18 contestants in the first six games was from Las Vegas. Among the states represented: Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Washington and Wyoming.

The requisites for winning the major prize are difficult and may have to be revised or the shows could go on for quite a long time before there is a winner. The finalist rolls the wheel three times and his totals must equal the three hidden numbers rolled prior to the start of the show. Should one number be matched, the prize is $1,000. All three have to be matched to win the grand prize.

If and when the grand prize is won, a member from the audience will have his or her number called and awarded an equal amount. Between each game, there is a 90-second video of out-takes from various game shows. Most are very funny, a nice respite. Winning contestants did receive nice prizes.

This audience really got into the spirit and seemed to have a great time. Not a game show fan myself, I did enjoy their enjoyment.

Bruce J. Starin is the producer. Early indications are that the MGM Grand could have a long-term tenant in its Wheel of Fortune Theatre.