Category Archives: Press Release

Branson Entertainers Unite to Create a “Showstopping” Mannequin Challenge

BTC Videographer, Chris Canote, shooting Shoji Tabuchi during Mannequin Challengee.

BTC Videographer, Chris Canote, “shooting” Shoji Tabuchi during Mannequin Challenge.

Over 40 entertainers from some of Branson’s most popular and iconic live shows gathered at the Yakov Theater to create a truly showstopping Mannequin Challenge video that embodies the immense talent that graces the Branson stage on a daily basis.

The Mannequin Challenge is a viral internet trend that attempts to mimic the dynamic sequences in movies like “The Matrix” with individuals frozen in place throughout the entire filming process.

“Branson’s filled with unparalleled performers,” says Tammy Johnson, Vice President and General Manager of Branson Tourism Center. “We have world-class dancers, aerial acrobats, comedians, beautiful costuming, the greatest musicians and attractions…what could possibly make a more engaging video?”

Entertainers from Branson shows,  attractions, and theaters participating in the Mannequin Challenge included Shoji Tabuchi, The Baldknobbers, The Acrobats of China at the Yakov Theater, “it” starring The Hughes Brothers, Branson Zipline, The Duttons, Patsy Cline Remembered at the Americana Theatre, Down Home Country at Grand Country, Dublin’s Irish Tenors & Celtic Ladies at King’s Castle Theatre, Parakeet Pete’s Steampunk Balloon, Legends in Concert and The Bretts at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, and The Petersen’s at the Little Opry Theatre.

Branson’s Showstopping Mannequin Challenge, created by Branson Tourism Center and the Branson Show League, can be found on:

FACEBOOK

YOUTUBE

Presleys’ Country Jubilee has new music, comedy, lights, set and shopping

Three generations of Presley comedy and the Branson consecutive years performing record holders, Gary "Herkimer" Presley, red shirt hat, and Steve Presley, Drummer, who have been performing in the show since 1967.

BRANSON, MO, March 4, 2013 — Branson’s First Family of Entertainment, the Presleys will kick off their 47th live show season at 8p.m., Friday, March 8, 2013 in their original theater built in 1967 on Branson’s famous Highway 76 Strip. Three generations of Presley family members, plus a cast of multi-talented entertainers, can be seen six nights a week in an all-new show full of country hits, classic country favorites, Southern gospel and hilarious comedy.

“Every year we bring back parts of the show our audiences love best, but over 75 percent of the music and comedy is always new,” according to co-producer, Gary Presley, also known as the lovable hillbilly character, Herkimer. “Now, the mistakes are always new every night, and that’s what makes it fun!”

Also new for the 2013 season is a state-of-the-art stage set that will give the show a new look and feel while keeping with the tradition of the original theater on the Strip. Brand new eco-friendly LED stage lights also promise to add fresh pizazz to the show while saving energy and reducing the show’s carbon footprint.

Before and after the show, guests will want to check out the Presleys’ Country Jubilee gift shop because for the first time ever, a sampling of Dick’s Old-Time 5 & 10 merchandise will be available for purchase outside of their only retail store, located in Historic Downtown Branson. Dick’s Old-Time 5 & 10 is a nationally-known variety store and a great family-owned Branson business.

Fans of the Presleys’ live music and comedy show in Branson, along with fans of their hit TV series on RFD-TV, can watch the new 4th season of Presleys’ Country Jubilee on television every Saturday night at 7:30pm EST/6:30pm CST. RFD-TV is available on DIRECTV channel 345, Dish Network channel 231, or your local cable provider. RFD-TV is available to 41 million homes and is now programming to 20 million more through FamilyNet.

For Presleys’ Country Jubilee information or tickets or information on any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

Kirby VanBurch Finds Permanent Home On Branson Strip

Award winning magician Kirby VanBurch and one of his exotic cats.

BRANSON, MO, February 9, 2013 Kirby VanBurch, internationally renowned entertainer and illusionist, announced today that he has signed for permanent residency at a theater on Branson’s world famous West 76 Highway, fondly known as “the strip”. Kirby VanBurch has played at multiple different theaters throughout his 20 plus year career in Branson.  Kirby says, “I’ve long joked about being one of the only entertainers in Branson actually touring Branson; so to be able to say that I’ve found my permanent home is really exciting; especially as me and the cats are ready to settle down.”  Kirby’s new home at 1835 W 76 Country Boulevard will be renamed the Kirby VanBurch Theatre.

“This theater is perfect for my show.  I like to have an intimate setting with my audiences so I can interact with them.” VanBurch adds, “This Theater has the space to allow me to do up close and personal magic and at the same time pull off some big illusions.”  The new Kirby VanBurch Theatre (formerly known as Music City Centre) will also be home to Kirby’s famous Big Cats as well as his other furry (and not so furry) friends. “We’re in the process of doing some remodeling on the stage and should be able to open for shows on March 15 at 8:00pm,” says Kirby. “Along with the remodel we’re adapting the illusions to the new stage.  Luckily, we’re quite familiar with the theater as Bambi was signed to do her own show there for three months in 2009 and we created specials illusions for her for that run.  Of course she’ll be featured in my show again this year.”

“We share Kirby’s excitement at finding a permanent Branson “home” on the strip” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “He has been a Branson magic staple for over 20 years and his signature exotic animals adds a unique element to an already ‘magical’ show.” Johnson invites anyone wanting additional information or tickets for the Kirby VanBurch Show to call the Branson Tourism Center, toll free at 1-800-785-1550.

Branson celebrates Christmas with the “Andy Williams Christmas Show”

BRANSON, Mo., September 8, 2012 — Lynn Meredith, General Manager, of the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre said that “the Andy Williams Christmas Show in Branson this year will be even bigger and more spectacular. Andy Williams has been involved in all phases of his 21st Christmas show in Branson, including production, its music and the selection of the acts that will be in the show. Andy’s participation in the show will be determined by the progress of his recuperation.

“The full production show has spectacular sets, dancers, a full orchestra, lots of variety acts and   the beautiful music and sounds of Christmas all presented in the spectacularly decorated Andy Williams Moon River Theatre. It will feature new performers, as well as the most popular acts from last year’s show, such as the adagio dance team and quick change artists, ‘Pasha and Aliona.’ Additional acts will be announced soon.

“The Andy Williams Christmas Show will perform from November 1 through December 12, 2012.” For additional information or tickets for the Andy Williams Christmas Show or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Silver Dollar City’s “White Glove” preview of “An Old Time Christmas”

BRANSON, Mo. In a one-night-only special event, Silver Dollar City is offering an opportunity for guests to participate in the final walk-through of the top features of its world-famous An Old Time Christmas festival before it opens to the public. The proceeds of the event will benefit “Care For Kids,” a project of the Silver Dollar City Foundation and Hometown Radio. Care For Kids provides funds to area school districts to meet the individual needs of area kids.

The White Glove, a preview event on the eve of An Old Time Christmas, takes place at the park Friday, November 4, beginning at 5:30 p.m. It includes a holiday feast with prime rib and all the fixings, the first lighting of the 5-story Christmas Tree, caroling, the first run of the Holiday Light Parade, and final dress rehearsals of the park’s highly acclaimed production “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” and the Living Nativity.

The walk-through review, known at the park for decades as the “White Glove,” is when all shows, décor, food and lights are tested and approved before the park opens to the public. It is limited to 400 tickets, with a special price of $40 per person. For additional information call 800-831-4386.

The Texas Tenors Return to Branson for Fall and Christmas Season

Texas Tenors during their Spring 2010 Branson Performance

In 2009, over 100 million people from around the world watched the Texas Tenors take fourth place in the overall competition on the hit NBC prime time show “America’s Got Talent. Starting on September 28, Branson, Missouri audiences will get the chance to see the Texas Tenors perform at the Starlite Theatre.

“From John Denver to Puccini, JC, Marcus, and John bring their unique blend of Country, Gospel, Classical, and Broadway to the stage with breathtaking vocals, humor, chemistry, and cowboy charm. So grab your cowboy hat and your opera glasses, cause this inspirational and patriotic show will leave you shouting ‘ENCORE & YEE-HAW!’ Shows begin September 28th, 2010 Tuesday thru Sunday at 3:00 pm and 8:00pm.

“Along with their September & October schedule, they’ve also added dates for November & December this year, as well as joining Righteous Brother Bill Medley for a New Year’s Eve Party on December 31st.”

Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, said, “Branson is already known as ‘the live music show capital of the world.’ The Branson engagement of the Texas Tenors is another exciting entertainment choice for Branson visitors.” For additional information or tickets for the Texas Tenors or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Fun Ramps up at White Water with Night Water

A splashdown from the top of the seven story Kalani Towers at night is an entirely different experience.

“On the typical day the two million gallon White Water park closes as at 7 p.m.” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “However, from July 2 to July 10 guests to the park can have a unique experience as they beat the heat, splash, play and slide away until 10 p.m.”

A recent press release announcing the extended hours said, “Nighttime thrills abound at the region’s largest fun-filled tropical getaway. Guests can raft the challenging Ohana Falls or surf the 500,000 gallon wave pool at dusk, meander down the Lazy River under the stars, and maneuver Raging River Rapids and the Bermuda Triangle in the dark. Even the youngest members of the family can play under the stars at Night Water. RainTree and Splash Islands, along with Little Squirts’ Waterworks, offer fun for the whole family.

“For the adventurous, the region’s largest high-speed water ride is the ultimate after-dark experience. Take in the panoramic view of the lights of B-town before plunging 75 feet on Kalani Towers, a multi-experience thrill ride with two 300-foot drop slides for freefall body sliding at speeds up to 40 mph, and four additional 312-foot slides for lane racing at speeds up to 25 miles per hour.” White Water General Manager Jackie Smith said, “Kalani Towers is the ultimate splashdown thrill, and it’s even better after dark. The entire family can get in on the fun, whether plummeting down the huge drop flumes, or racing down the four-lane slides.”

Johnson points out that there is no additional charge for the extra hours for guests having a one day ticket or a season pass. For additional information or tickets for White Water or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

White Water is a sister attraction of Silver Dollar City, Branson oldest and most popular attraction celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year and the Showboat Branson Belle.