The Las Vegas Advisor's annual comparison of show prices in Las Vegas indicates that the average cost of a production-show ticket (touring headliners not considered) is $68.94. That's a $6.92 increase over last year. And if you want to see one of the A-list shows, it costs even more. Factoring out lower-priced afternoon shows and comedy clubs, the average ticket price breaks the $70 barrier for the first time, rising to $72.90. A silver lining, however, is the trend toward offering a level of bargain seating for the better shows. Because many of the best productions play in custom-built theaters, these "cheap seats" tend to be a good play. The best cheap-seat plays are for "LOVE" ($69), "KA" ($69), "Zumanity" ($69) and "Mamma Mia!" ($49.50).

HUNDRED-DOLLAR BABIES: There are 17 shows with a top ticket price of $100 or more (up from 12 last year): Barry Manilow, Celine Dion, Danny Gans, Blue Man Group, "Hans Klok: The Beauty of Magic," "KA," "Le Rêve," "LOVE," "Mamma Mia!," "O," "Phantom," "The Producers," "The Sopranos' Last Supper," "Stomp Out Loud," Toni Braxton, "Tony 'n' Tina's Wedding" and "Zumanity."

BARGAINS EXIST: With 75 ticketed shows in town, bargains are still available. One avenue is to use the half-price ticket outlets on the Strip. Tickets2Nite is in the Showcase Mall on the Strip. Tix4Tonight has locations in front of the Hawaiian Marketplace on the Strip, in the parking lot due south of the Riviera, at the Fashion Show Mall, and at the Four Queens downtown. You must buy tickets in person at an outlet on the day you see the show, and there's typically a $4 service charge.

Q. Is one of the contestants on "Dancing With the Stars" the girl from the "Ultimate Blackjack Tour" TV show?

A. Yes! Shandi Finnessey was Miss USA 2004 and is currently the "UBT" on-camera hostess.

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, see www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.