Saturday, August 3, 2013

Wheel Watching in Vegas

I will never look at a game show the same way again.

Our friends, John and Susan, had two extra tickets to watch the taping of Wheel of Fortune in Las Vegas and invited us to go with them. Because there wasn't assigned seating, we arrived at The Palazzo early and waited in line. When the doors finally opened, we were led in and seated in groups. The four of us ended up placed in the center section on the floor. Don, sitting on an aisle seat, had a great view of the game board and Vanna White.

The crew working the event was friendly and fun. Before filming, we were told that we would be clapping A LOT. We were also instructed to not look at the cameras or call out answers. While we were being entertained by the announcer Jim Thornton (nice guy and funny too) the contestants on stage were briefed and given opportunities to get comfortable spinning the wheel and shouting out letters. 

I learned from this experience I will never have the nerve to be a contestant on Wheel of Fortune. I would have a hard time wrapping my head around a celebrity (and yes, Pat Sayjak is a celebrity) talking to me and trying to concentrate on a puzzle at the same time. I'd be the contestant that people get frustrated with and yell at through the television.

During breaks the contestants sipped water and were primped and powdered by make-up artists, crew members changed the wheel, and Pat and Vanna took turns walking through the audience, shaking hands and answering questions. Pat has a great sense of humor and Vanna is very sweet. She is from North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and has an adorable southern accent.

Wheel of Fortune is taping six weeks of shows in Las Vegas and we sat through three of them. (Yep. We got to see Vanna wear three different gowns.) These particular episodes will air on October 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Please watch and look for me. I'll be sitting between my husband and a man (John) wearing a bright red shirt. 

One more thing... Back in 1992, Vanna was recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as TV's most frequent clapper. I want you to know that she totally deserves that acknowledgement. We had to clap until our hands and forearms hurt. 

You may ask, "Would you like to be part of a live studio audience again if given the opportunity?" 
My answer, "Heck yes I would!"



2 comments:

carolinaheartstrings said...

How fun! That would be something I would love to experience too. Went to the Johnny Carson show once a long time ago. Very fun and not at all like what you see on TV.

I said...

Wow! That must have been quite an experience. lol I don't know if I would like being on a tv show period. In person, I'm actually quite introverted

Ila
http://www.hehasms.com

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