The Las Vegas Advisor's annual comparison of show prices indicates that the average cost of a production-show ticket (touring headliners not considered) is now $62.02. That's an $8.36 gain over last year—a whopping 16 percent increase. And if you want to see one of the A-list shows, it'll cost you even more. Factoring out lower-priced afternoon shows and comedy clubs, the average ticket price rises to $66.68. The gains are attributable to the expensive productions on the Strip, and more big tickets are on the horizon.

HUNDRED-DOLLAR BABIES: There are now 12 shows with a top ticket price of $100 or more: "Danny Gans," "Blue Man Group," "Mamma Mia!," "O," "Tony 'n Tina's Wedding," "Hairspray," "Le Reve," "Zumanity," "Ka," Wayne Newton, Celine Dion and Barry Manilow. Dion and Manilow top out above $200.

DISCOUNT RESCUE: The flip-side to high ticket prices is an increase in discounted tickets. Use the half-price ticket outlets on the Strip. On a recent Sunday, 44 different shows were available for 50 percent off. Tickets2Nite is in the Showcase Mall on the Strip. Tix4Tonight has sites in front of the Hawaiian Marketplace on the Strip, in the parking lot across from the Stardust, at the Fashion Show Mall, and a new outlet at the Four Queens downtown.

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