When the closing of the Sands moved "Viva Las Vegas" to the Stratosphere in late 1996, the afternoon minirevue competed with only two established matinees. Both comic magician Nick Lewin and the "Bottom's Up" revue were priced at 10 bucks, and Lewin's show included two drinks.

Now, as "Viva" prepares to pack it up at the Stratosphere on Dec. 30 and seeks a new home, afternoons are a crowded playing field.

Magicians such as Dirk Arthur and Rick Thomas -- the latter opening at The Orleans on Monday -- offer elaborate staging that breaks the spare, "front of curtain" afternoon formula. And the variety act Society of Seven is essentially an evening show crowded out by the intense, big-budget competition at night.

In the face of at least five strong competitors, the "Viva" divorce from the Stratosphere sounds fair. Producer Dick Feeney believes the Stratosphere -- known mostly for its tower and wholesale room rates -- is going through "a little identity crisis, like everybody on the Strip" shaken by the city's celebrity-fixated youth makeover.

And the hotel folks might feel like Feeney could stand to refocus the revue for an era when having the cheapest ticket -- $16.85 if you can't find a coupon -- may no longer be enough to sell a scattershot variety show without a strong "hook."

Still, I'd give "Viva" strong odds for bouncing back. Its chances seem much better than those for recently departed evening shows ranging from "Splash" to "Erocktica." And I don't say this just because Feeney is a savvy producer who helped define the whole "free for a drink" promotion way back when.

Right now, the "little shows" seem safer than the "middle" tier, which is in the process of being redefined.

As the big shows get bigger -- "Phantom" and the Beatles-themed "Love" collectively adding up to at least $175 million invested -- the few night shows that were around when "Viva" moved into the Stratosphere have themselves resorted to competitive pricing or afternoon-style promotions to survive.

And if those solid shows -- including "Folies Bergere," "Tournament of Kings" and "Jubilee!" -- recognize their place is really in the middle now, it helps explain why there's no room for the dicier quality of "Splash" or "Headlights & Tailpipes." In fact, it wouldn't hurt a few shows that are still battling at night to ponder a move to the afternoons: "Forever Plaid," Gordie Brown and "Shag With a Twist" ought to at least scope out the option.

People still need something to do in the daytime after a few bouts with the machines, and most visitors still like to answer in the affirmative when the folks at home ask them if they saw a show -- any show -- on their trip to Vegas.

Mike Weatherford's entertainment column appears Thusdays and Sundays. Contact him at 383-0288 or e-mail him at mweatherford@reviewjournal.com