By Dana Amireh

The William Saroyan Theatre in Fresno will host “The Price Is Right Live!” on Wednesday Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. with Emmy-Award winning television host Todd Newton, who is known for his work on “E! Entertainment Television.”

Playing to near sold-out audiences for almost nine years, “The Price Is Right Live!” has given away more than $10 million in cash and prizes and sold more than 1.2 million tickets.

This year, organizers expect the show to have 1,500 — 1,800 people attend Fresno’s show.

The hit interactive stage show presented by Magic Space Entertainment will give contestants pulled right from the audience the chance to win prizes such as appliances, vacations and even new cars by playing classic games from television’s “The Price is Right” show.

“From Plinko to Cliffhangers to the Big Wheel, and even the fabulous Showcase, all the favorite games are played just like the TV show,” Marketing Director at Magic Space Entertainment, Kathy Lustica said.

Fresno State student Gianna Phillips has attended both the Hollywood taping and the live show of “The Price is Right” and recommends attending both. She said a couple notable differences between the tapings and the live shows are that, “contestants are randomly chosen,” and, “[audience members] get to drink alcohol at the live show.”

“Although it’s not the actual taping of the show, you have a higher chance of winning prizes at the live show, and you don’t have to wait in line for hours just to see it,” Phillips said. “I had a blast.”

Bahar Madani, a Fresno State alumna, has never been to either but watches the television show religiously.

“I’m glad Fresno is being recognized by having ‘The Price is Right’ in our city,” Madani said. “Because it makes it easier for people with busy schedules, such as myself, to be able to experience the show live rather than on the TV screen.”

Tickets are still available, and there is a student discount so “come on down” and enjoy a one-time live Fresno performance of “The Price is Right,” Lustica said.

Students can purchase tickets for $18 at the box office at 700 M Street with valid I.D., and quantities are limited. General tickets are on sale at the Convention Center box office, all Ticketmaster locations, online at www.ticketmaster.com, or by calling 800-745-3000.

“If you enjoy the rush of emotions experienced while watching the show on television, just imagine the possibilities if you were actually in the audience watching it live,” Lustica said.