The fabulous Lennon Sisters performing their beautiful rendition of "The Star Carol."
To many people Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas in Branson without the “Andy Williams Christmas Show” and there was some concern that there would be no show because of Andy’s illness. Be concerned no longer. I saw the Andy Williams Christmas Show on its opening night and, even though Andy is not performing as a regular part of the show, his influence on everything involved with the show from the costuming, sets, music, talent, choreography and spirit is obvious and for good reason; he conceived and produced the show.
From the bands opening number to the shows last number, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” this show is an exciting and beautiful testimony as to why that it so. Here it is, the day after Halloween and I am attending the Andy Williams Christmas Show wondering how to make the transition into feeling the Christmas spirit.
It was a gradual thing, starting with the sound of Andy singing Christmas carols as I walked up to the theatre entrance. It really kicked up a few notches when I stepped into the lobby and was transported into the “Christmas Winter Wonderland” created by Andy and his team. They really did a terrific job! If you would like to see a Face Book Album with pictures of this “Christmas Winter Wonderland” please click here.
One of the shows colorful and exciting production numbers featuring who else, but Santa Claus.
At this point, I’m starting to feel that Christmas Spirit and then it happened; the curtain went up and the show’s band filled the theatre with the glorious sound of Christmas surrounded by the beautifully decorated Christmas set. That was followed by a wonderful production number, amid a winter wonderland, as the shows singers and dancers brought the scene to life with their costuming, dancing and singing including, who else, but Santa Claus. From then on, at least for me, it was impossible not to feel the Christmas spirit.
The show is a virtual Christmas Tree decorated with a variety of stars and an extremely talented cast of musicians, dancers and singers. Bob Anderson, does a masterful job as “Master of Ceremonies,” as well as providing a “lite” touch of humor, without changing the spirit or flow of the show; singing and impressions. This is one talented entertainer. When you see and hear him impersonate Dean Martin, Sammie Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis and even Andy Williams, while performing “Winter Wonderland,” you will appreciate why he has been called, “The best singing impressionist in America.”
Another of the shows stars are “Lennon Sisters”, celebrating their 55th year in show business with one of their busiest years yet. Not only are they performing their own Christmas show, Christmas with the Lennon Sisters at 2 p.m. each day at the theatre, but they are also performing in the Andy Williams Christmas Show in the evening. Kathy, Janet and Mimi sing a variety of numbers, Christmas and otherwise, with that beautiful natural familial harmony that has made The Lennon Sister so special to so many for so long. Their rendition of “The Star Carol,” is a special Christmas blessing sung as only they can sing it.
The Christmas Tree that is the Andy Williams Christmas Show also sparkles with stars such as the “Lennon Brothers and Gail,” who added their big band swing style to a number of Christmas songs. Their rendition, and the message of, “May Every Day Be Christmas” particularly resonated with this writer. When talking about the shows quick change artists and Adagio Dance Team, “Pasha & Aliona ,” Andy Williams said, ““Pasha and Aliona are just great, and people go NUTS over their dancing and quick changes! I can’t figure out how they do it!” Even as I sat there watching their quick changes seamlessly interwoven into the grace and beauty of their performance this writer would second Andy’s statement by saying, “I saw it, was amazed by it, but I don’t know how they do it either.”
The "Cookie Bear" dancing in a colorful scene with the "cookies."
Other stars on the shows Christmas Tree include the beautiful harmonies of the “Warnocks,” in numbers such as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and Dean Church playing the fiddle. His rendition of “What Child Is This” was a delightful introduction to his performance. The cast of Oh What A Night, A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons which performs a morning show at the theatre, did a wonderful job with this writers favorites being “The Christmas Song” and their rousing performance of “Jingle Bells” complete with dancing reindeer. Oh and did I mention, that there is a special appearance by the “Cookie Bear” who actually dances with the “cookies” which it so eagerly seeks.
There are two moments however, had a special impact on this writer’s heart. The first was the video of a younger Andy Williams singing “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” as he shares himself and his family with us at Christmas. The second was the sound of Mr. Williams voice reading the words of “One Solitary Life” in combination with Mike Cathcart’s spectacular, mesmerizing and poignant rendition of “Silent Night.” As his singing touches your heart, it is easy to understand why Andy said, “Mike Cathcart is the best singer I know!”
As is the case with decorations on any Christmas Tree, it is the totality of all the decorations that make it what it is. That is the case with the Andy Williams Christmas Show. It is the combination of the spectacular orchestra; energetic and talented singers and dancers; beautiful sets and costuming all choreographed together, not only to interact with each other, but the talents of the guest stars appearing with them, that results in a one of kind Christmas show that should not be missed.
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 (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.