Price is absolutely right for stage version’s host

Friday, April 21, 2006 | 7:20 a.m.

Todd Newton is looking forward to hosting "The Price Is Right - Live" when the stage version of the popular TV game show debuts at Bally's on Tuesday .

"Everything you see on TV is what we have for this show," Newton said. "But since it's in Vegas, it will be bigger, brighter and more exciting."

Trips. Cash. Cars. Kitchen appliances.

Every member of the audience will have a chance to win, all for the price of admission ($39.95).

"The Price Is Right" TV show has been around for a long time - debuting in 1956. Bill Cullen, who was with the show until it ended in 1965, was host. The current version, with Bob Barker as host, began in 1972. Barker is still the host.

FremantleMedia, producers of "American Idol" in addition to "The Price Is Right," created the stage version in 2003 at Harrah's Tahoe. Newton, and a number of others, hosted the Tahoe production.

"It did very well," he said. "It was extended two times."

Then the production went on the road, appearing at casinos around the country, including Kansas City, Mo.; Shreveport, La.; and Atlantic City.

It will run in both Las Vegas and Atlantic City through 2006.

The show is scheduled to be at Bally's for at least two years, at 2:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and Saturday, and at 8 p.m. Fridays. Contestants must be 21 years of age or older.

It replaces "Society of Seven," the former afternoon show at the venue.

For information, call 967-4567.

Using interactive technology, eligible audience members will have the opportunity to be contestants and to win prizes. Prior to selecting new contestants, the audience will be shown a classic clip from "The Price Is Right" TV show, followed by a question about the clip.

Using keypads, audience members will select their answers. The first person with the correct answer will get to be the next contestant.

"Everyone is eligible to get up onstage and play the game that has been seen for 34 years," Newton said. "One of the most exciting moments is when the curtain opens and you hear the music and see the stage.

"The excitement builds from there - it's an authentic set from the TV show, with the big wheel, the showcase, the showdown."

Newton, 36, is a veteran host, known for such shows as "Whammy!" "The All New Press Your Luck," "Performing As ...," "Hollywood Showdown" and "Instant Millionaire." In addition to his TV work, he is a radio personality, starting out in St. Louis and moving to New York and other cities.

His first game show was "Hollywood Showdown" in 1999.

"I fell in love with hosting game shows," Newton said. "They include every aspect of television I find most appealing - interacting with the contestants and the live audiences and giving away cash and prizes. I love to do it."

Newton will be the host for four weeks, and then someone else will take over.

"I've mostly been on the road with this show the past couple of years," Newton said.

He said the other cities were great, but they weren't Las Vegas.

"When you get to Vegas it's like getting called up to the majors," Newton said.