Simplicity in 2012? That’s the ticket

Looking back at two years of New Year’s “entertainment wish lists,” I realize some requests are more easily granted than others.

On a real Christmas list, it’s easier to get that zip-up hoodie than a new home mortgage. Likewise, a short tradition of wishing for things I’d like to see in the next year’s entertainment brings small victories and one growing frustration.

As I hoped, older casinos are shaping up, and some of them are offering better ideas on modest budgets. It was great to see the Plaza host Insurgo Theater, the Riviera book rocker Pat DiNizio and for the Stratosphere to commit to showman Frankie Moreno.

Other wishes seem far-fetched. Fewer magic shows? Geez. For the magicians who aren’t “names,” it’s really all a strategic ground game with ticket vendors and discounters. I decided to relax and let ’em fight it out.

And that brings me to the one wish that keeps getting more wishful. I asked for a “CarMax for tickets,” for face-value prices to be closer to the hidden average.

Silly boy. Same-day discounter Tix4Tonight just changed everything. The company has 11 outlets and now lets you order over the phone and sometimes a day in advance, something it once said it would never do.

Yes, it’s galling to see face-value prices inflated so tickets can be sold for “half price.” And I feel for producers being held hostage to the middle-man. But it is the game as it exists today. I can no more tell you not to play it than I would tell you to hit on an 18 in blackjack.

So put on some comfortable shoes as I point out a few things producers have pointed out to me.

If you are staying at Circus Circus, you would have to walk past the discount booth there or at Slots-A-Fun to see a show at the Riviera anyway.

“Absinthe” is out in front of Caesars Palace, so it’s almost as easy to buy your tickets across the Strip at Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon. If you want to see “Phantom,” it’s a short hike to The Venetian from the Casino Royale booth.

Downtown shows? The Four Queens booth. You get the drift. But it gets confusing. Producers can block by location and ticket type, offering only “VIP” tickets to shows sold for the Flamingo at adjacent O’Sheas.

The whole thing has become such a mess, the two major casino players — MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment — are said to be pondering their own discount booths. Discounting their own shows so Tix4Tonight can’t.

Madness. But as with all things coming next year, make the best sense of an insane situation.

Contact reporter Mike Weatherford at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0288.