So THIS is where all those contestants come from. You know, the ones who aren't college students! ;-)
We all know that Bob Barker and TPiR are incredibly loved from sea to shining sea. Well, Todd Newton, I, and the traveling family of TPiR-Live staffers are getting an incredible reminder of just how widespread and dedicated the fans are. It's so overwhelming that I felt I had to share the experience with our Invision family.
Hundreds of plain, church-going, Walmart-shopping Americans from all over Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas are traveling, some driving many hours, to the Harrah's casino property in Shreveport every day to experience a bit of the beloved American icon that is "The Price Is Right". Since even before our arrival at this venue last week, every single performance of TPiR-Live has been sold out.
The local TV news reporters and anchors are just as giddy as the fans when, during their live remotes, they get called to "Come On Down" or get a chance to spin the big wheel. The contestants know every game; some are so excited that they even cry on-stage. Many in the audience are wearing homebrew TPiR shirts, yelling educated guesses at the prices of the prizes, and everybody howls at the classic clips. Long live Yolanda Bowsley and the Samoans!
This unexpected short-term job opportunity has become a surprisingly fulfilling chapter in my career. As Freemantle has generously cooperated in allowing Todd, the other hosts, and me to fly home for the tape days of our other committments, I'm happy to report that I'm loving what now appears to be an endless run for TPiR-Live. In total, the show has been on the road for just over a year now, and has given away over $1 million. I hope you get a chance to see it.
Regards from the fruited plain!
Randy
tvrandywest.com