The Osmonds and Lennon Sister from the “Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza,” “Illusionist Rick Thomas”, “The Lettermen” and “Moon River and Me”

When the Andy William’s Moon River Theatre was renamed the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center and Theatre, Jimmy Osmond pointed out that the name change was really calling it “what it was really meant to be by Andy’s design.” He said that although primarily used as a theatre, the building was designed as a multi-use performance space that could handle large and small-scale productions of various types of performing arts from Broadway productions, to concerts, dance, drama, music, and more.

He said, “From magic and comedy, to music from just about every genre, concerts and spectacular productions, we are offering Branson visitors a wide variety of entertainment that follows the Andy Williams tradition for variety and quality.” The Center’s variety of entertainment includes a mix of “house shows” and shorter “limited engagement” performances by touring national stars and acts that is one of the most extensive in Branson.

In the past two years the Center has featured limited engagement performances by stars such as Jennifer Nettles, LeAnn Rimes, Ray Stevens, Bill Engvall, and many others. America, Neil Sedaka, Paul Anka, Righteous Brothers, Tanya Tucker, and The Golden Boys will be performing limited engagements through the end of October.

The Center’s house shows, provide a wide variety of entertainment and include:

Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza carries on the tradition of “Mr. Christmas,” the late and much-loved singer Andy Williams. The 5^th Dimension and the famous sibling acts, The Lennons and The Osmonds, headline one of Branson’s hottest Christmas shows. In addition to these exceptional entertainers, you’ll be treated to the magic of Rick Thomas’ ‘Let It Snow,’ performances by the Lennon Granddaughters, the Andy Williams singers and dancers, and the incomparable Moon River Band. The production is spectacular with gorgeous costumes, festive sets, and amazing Christmas music! The 5^th Dimension will headline the show from November 1 through November 18 with the Osmonds and Lennon Sisters headlining from November 20 through December 16.

The magic of Illusionist Rick Thomas will leave you wondering if it’s only an illusion…or truly magic. He uses his exceptional showmanship and incredible gracefulness, honed by years of ballroom dancing, to present a Branson show of stunning illusions and spectacular beauty! After seeing this show I wrote, “If you want to see one of the best magic shows to ever appear on a Branson stage, don’t miss the Illusionist Rick Thomas Show. In over 28 years of seeing magic shows in Branson, I have never been as amazed or entertained by a magic show as I was by this show.” It runs through October 27. Starting November 1, 2017, he will be performing in the Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza.

The Lettermen continue to be one of music’s most romantic pop groups, making them an excellent show for couples. Their untarnished, all-American image, makes every performance perfect to share with the family. Although their biggest hits graced the airwaves back in the 60’s, that classic sound has endured in the decades since, thrilling their long-time fans and finding a new audience with a younger generation.

Moon River & Me pays tribute to the life, the music, and the wonderful man himself, Mr. Andy Williams! The sensational Jimmy Osmond stars in this dynamic production that features the Moon River Band, and is filled with award-winning music, video footage of Andy, and Jimmy’s own memories of the icon he knew as a friend and mentor; this is one powerful show!

Hallmark Presents Maxine’s Christmas Carol is a show that even the Grinch would envy. Charles Dickens could never have imagined the role of Scrooge inhabited by a sassy sourpuss like Maxine. The call-it-like-she-sees-it, lovable curmudgeon delivers the iconic story with song, dance, and a helping of merry and mirth, sprinkled with the best of her rude mood, and just a dash of attitude! Introduced to us by way of greeting card covers from Hallmark, the self-appointed Queen of Crabbiness, Maxine, has been a popular Hallmark character for over three decades and made her Branson debut in 2016.

For additional information on any of the shows at the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center and Theatre, or any of the many other exciting things there are to do in Branson, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center and talk with one of their Branson-based Travel Planners. They’ll be delighted to assist you! BTC can be reached by calling 1-800-785-1550 from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM seven days a week, or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Whole cast performing “We Go Together” from “Grease.”

Broadway has burst upon the Branson Strip in a spectacular new production, Broadway’s Greatest Hits. The show adds a unique new dimension to the scope of entertainment Branson’s live shows offer. It’s a show of “bests.” It’s Broadway’s “best” presented in one of Branson’s “best” productions by some of the “best” vocalists and dancers on any stage in Branson.

The shows vocalists and dancers are the lifeblood of the show. Their unbelievable talent, enthusiasm, and boundless energy is a joy to experience. Oh, the music and production is spectacular, but WOW, are those vocalists and dancers something! They are vocalists Ryan Walton; Vocal Captain; Maggie Moore-Cyr; Katie Mussler; and Robert Quibell and dancers Ollie Barrow, Dance Captain; Rebecca Hoffpauir; Sarah Hunter; Joey Kuba; Amy Morlang; Ruth Robertson; Dasha Ruden, Ballet; Kelvin Wright, Ballet; and Landy Saavedra.

Obviously, with a title of Broadway’s Greatest Hits the music comes from Broadway production shows. Most of the time, when these songs are performed outside of the production show itself the style of the performance is “park and bark.” That’s where someone stands there and performs the song “concert style.” Broadway’s Greatest Hits is different in that each number is a mini production.

Each segment has its own choreography, style, special effects, costuming, and more. The timelessness of the music, the interaction between the vocalists and dancers, their talent and energy, the many styles of dancing, colorful costuming and more, appeal to both adults and kids alike and have them waiting for what’s coming next.

Normally, one would not associate a music show, particularly one featuring Broadway music they might not be familiar with, as something kids would enjoy. That’s not the case with this show. During an interview, Maggie Moore, one of the vocalists, said, “There’s so much music in it that will directly appeal to them such as, ‘Mary Poppins,’ ‘Aladdin,’ and Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast’. The constant action, interaction between performers, dancing, and colorful costume changes appeal to adults and kids alike.” In addition, an associate of mine took her 13-year-old daughter to see the show. She loved it and wants to go see it again!

The show starts with a high energy, and colorful performance of We’re In The Money” from “42nd Street” and a full cast performance of the Academy Award winning song, Lullaby of Broadway. What a wonderful and powerful way to prepare the audience for the wonderful musical journey through Broadway’s Greatest Hits that follows!

The beautiful and talented Katie Mussler performing “Memory” from “Cats.”

And do they ever! From “Westside Story” to “Oklahoma,” “Les Miserables,” “Aladin,” “Mary Poppins,” and many more; the journey travels seamlessly from one great show to another. As is my custom, I will highlight, from among many, three of my favorite highlights.

Katie Mussler’s singing of Memory from “Cats” was a joy. What talent! Simultaneously, with Katie’s singing, ballet dancers Dasha Ruden and Kevin Wright, were performing an exquisite ballet. OK, I’ll admit I don’t know the difference between a “pirouette” and a “two step,” but I do recognize a WOW moment. This was one!

The performance of One Day More from “Les Miserables,” involved both vocalists and dancers in an extremely entertaining and inspiring performance. WOW, what a way to end the first half! My third highlight would be the performance of Step In Time from “Mary Poppins.” It features Ryan Walton singing, a really unique dance routine, chimney sweep costuming, and a neat “chimney” set. What the dancers do during the number is so entertaining and amazing.

From beginning to end this show is a wonderful, high energy, and colorful journey through Broadway’s Greatest Hits. It’s a journey that ends all too soon.

For additional information or tickets for Broadway’s Greatest Hits please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Hughes Brothers, Ryan,left, Adam, Andy, Jason,Marty

All I can say is WOW! From beginning to end it starring the Hughes Brothers is non-stop quality entertainment from the Hughes family to yours. I’ve seen and enjoyed this show for years, but this year’s show just knocked my socks off! It was like seeing a new show, and what a great show I saw.

The show’s powerful opening set features the stars of the show, the Hughes Brothers, Marty, Jason, Adam, Ryan, and Andy. It sets the stage for what’s to follow. They perform Alabama’s Here We Are; Welcome, from Disney’s “Brother Bear;” and Avicii’s Hey Brother, closing the set out with an absolutely spectacular performance of Pure Imagination from “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.”

There’s just something about familial harmonies that’s hard to beat and, these guys are just plain good. The opening set immerses the audience in that talent while exposing them to the variety of music they will experience throughout the show. The Brothers perform many numbers throughout the show, with others and by themselves. Two of my favorite pure Brothers’ numbers, from among the many, were Pure Imagination and their a capella version of America.

In addition to singing, the Brothers maintain a constant relaxed interaction with the audience. That interaction, through their comedy and sharing of information about themselves and the family is an inherent part of the show as it transitions from act to act throughout the show.

The Hughes family is billed as one of the, if not the largest family acts performing together anywhere. And it’s quite a cast, including, the four brothers and their wives Marty and Cindy, Jason and Mara, Adam and Vikki, Ryan and Carina, and Andy and Becky, plus over 35 children ranging in age from two to 24.

The number and makeup of the cast is a unique entertainment experience and phenomenon in itself, but it’s so much more! It’s not just putting kids on a stage. These kids are there because they want to be, are talented, and know what they are doing. Jason Hughes, the show’s producer, once said, “Sure it might be a four-year old performing, but it’s going to be one of the best performances by a four-year-old that you have ever seen.”

The kids in the audience seemed excited to see their “peers” performing. This, at the same time their parents and grandparents are enjoying the same performance. From the Hughes Brothers themselves, to their wives, and kids these are very talented entertainers presenting some awesome entertainment.

From among many, here are three of my favorite highlights featuring members of the Hughes family other than the Brothers. The performance of the Halo Theme Song featuring Aaron, William, and Hannah and the barrel drums was a WOW moment. The drums were made from 55 gallon barrels and their combination with the violins and lighting made for an awesome experience. I loved it. It was one of the most unique and amazing violin performances I have ever seen on a Branson stage.

The Teens really knocked it out of the park with their Teen Medley.

The “Teens’ Medley” of I Did It All, Geronimo, and Can’t Hold Us was so much fun! Not only was it colorful and well sung, but the dancing and energy within the performance was phenomenal. The younger Hughes Brothers’ Kids’ performance of the Trunk Song was just a joy. You won’t believe what they do with those trunks, but you will love it!

I could go on and on, but I think you get the idea. This is one great show, with lots of everything for everyone, that families can enjoy simultaneously together. It also is a standalone show that adults will enjoy throughout. It’s hard to explain, but a joy to experience.

Family, yours and theirs, is the whole reason for this show. Nowhere is that more evident than when the Brothers and their wives are joined by the rest of the family as they sing All You Need Is Love and Somebody To Love. “It” would be hard to imagine a more unique, entertaining, or fun filled show for the whole family than it starring the Hughes Brothers.

For more information on it starring the Hughes Brothers please contact the Branson Tourism Center, the sellers of over 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets, by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com

Lloyd, right, and Gary (Herkimer) Presley at Fantastic Caverns in the early 1960s.

Building and opening Branson’s first live music theatre, on the now famous “Branson Strip,” took more than a dream. That doesn’t mean however, like many of life’s sterling accomplishments, it didn’t start with a dream and, become realized because of its passionate pursuit.

The longtime dream of Lloyd Presley, the family’s father, was to be able to play music for a living. It was a dream he never gave up. Even as he married the love of his life, Bessie Mae, in 1942; started a trucking firm delivering produce to grocery stores in Springfield, Missouri; and began a family in 1943, he played and sang whenever he had a chance.

In the early 1940’s, he teamed up with the Luttrell Brothers to form a bluegrass group called the “Ozark Playboys.” The group became a staple performing all over southwest, Missouri just about everywhere and anytime they had an invitation to perform. The talent and passion of their performances increased their popularity to the point where KGBX, a radio station in Springfield, Missouri, invited them to put on a local show once a week. That show, “Saturday Night Jamboree” immediately preceded the stations’ nationwide broadcast of the “Grand Ole Opry.” They also played live on Springfield’s KWTO “the station that launched the careers of such country music legends as Chet Atkins, Porter Wagoner, and June Carter Cash.”

The second generation of the Presleys, “filled in” with the births of Deanna, Gary, Janice, and Steve. The young family regularly went to Lloyd’s performances together. In what should have been a surprise to no one, the kids, “of their own choice,” and without formal lessons, taught themselves to play and sing.

Loyd Evans, a promoter and a deejay at KGBX, had acted as the emcee with the “Ozark Playboys” on the popular long running radio show, “The Country Caravan.” In 1962, he arranged for the Presleys to perform every Saturday night in the 1000 seat auditorium of “Springfield’s Fantastic Caverns.” The show, “Farmarama,” was recorded for re-broadcast on KGBX later. It featured Lloyd, 18-year-old Deanna and ten-year-old Janice as vocalists, and 14-year-old Gary on guitar.

Evans thought the show could use some comedy. The result was 15-Year-Old-Gary creating the hilarious character “Herkimer.” Ever since, “Herkimer’s” been making audiences laugh as a highlight feature of the Presleys’ shows.

There was yet another cave for the Presleys to visit on the way to opening their own theatre on Highway 76 near Branson. Monday through Friday nights, Lloyd, Gary, and Janice performed in “The Tri-Lakes Opry” show at the “Under Ground Theatre,” a cave near Branson. The show was produced by Bob White and was also recorded for re-broadcast and syndication all over the Midwest.

While performing at the Underground Theatre, the Presleys realized two things. The first was the importance of air conditioning to an audience. The second was that it was time to realize the dream of owning their own theatre. Stepping out on faith; the result was the building of Branson’s first live music theatre on the now famous “Branson Strip.” On June 30,1967, the air conditioned “Presleys’ Theatre” opened, featuring the first performance of, what has become one of Branson’s most popular and beloved shows, Presleys’ Country Jubilee.

The Duttons!

Just about every live music show in Branson is entertaining and has kid friendly content. Few however, can simultaneously entertain the whole family at a high-level of interest throughout the whole show. The Duttons do.

From their opening set, “Good Funk Mashup,” featuring Good to be Alive Right About Now and Uptown Funk to the last, their famed Finale, Boil Them Cabbage Down, it’s spellbinding entertainment that the whole family will enjoy together, Add that special “patented” Dutton family warmth, and the result is a wonderful entertaining experience unlike any other in Branson. One that’s as inspiring as it is entertaining.

The Dutton siblings, Abigail, Amy, Jonathan, and Tim, along with his wife Judith, are the “stars” of the show. It’s cast is rounded out with Sheila and Dean; drummer, Rob Wilson; and the talented Dutton grandchildren. The talent and versatility of this cast, enable a show providing a constant flow of color, action, and “peer” performances for both adults and kids. As I watched the reaction of some of the kids in the audience, it was obvious that they were having a great time. What was also obvious was that the adults in the audience were having a great time right along with them.

A perfect example, and one of my favorite numbers in the show is their performance of Cotton Eyed Joe. The combination of their remarkable instrumental skills, with a neat “black light” performance, featuring other members of the family was awesome. The audience just loved it!

Amy and Tim Dutton playing the “Orange Blossom Express.”

Some of my favorite highlights would start with Amy and Tim’s performance of the Orange Blossom Special.” It’s hard to imagine a more exciting, energetic, or entertaining performance of this fiddle classic. Tim Dutton playing a short segment of Pachelbel’s Canon in D major on a variety of instruments, and using a “looper’ to combine them into “an orchestra,” was as amazing to watch as it was to hear. Amy’s performance of Vivaldi’s Four Season Summer Movement was a WOW moment along with the performance of their spectacular Finale Boil Them Cabbage Down.”

I would add one more, “You Can Count On Me.” It’s beautifully and inspiringly performed by the whole cast. As many time as I have heard it, it always touches my heart because, to me, it captures what makes the Duttons so special; their commitment to each other, their craft, and their audience.

From rock and roll to bluegrass and country this show has a variety of music with something for everyone. It’s not the show’s content alone however, that makes it so special. It’s how the Duttons present it! It’s the combination of that fabulous Dutton talent, showmanship, and their innate ability to instill that warm “directly from our family to yours” feeling that make this show the spellbinding experience it is.

For ticket or information for the Duttons or for any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging, please call one of our Branson based Vacation Specialists at 1-800-785-1550. They can also help with making show, attraction, or lodging reservations. This ensures getting the best available show seats and lodging. One call takes care of it all!  There is no charge for this service and they are available daily, except Christmas Day, from 8:00 AM to 9:30 PM.