“The renaming of the Andy William’s Moon River Theatre to the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center and Theatre (AWPAC) is really calling it what it was really meant to be by Andy’s design,” said Jimmy Osmond in a recent interview. He points out that, although used primarily as a theatre, the building was designed as a multi-use performance space that can handle large and small scale productions of various types of performing arts from Broadway productions, to concerts, dance, drama, music, and more. “Another important aspect of AWPAC’s operation is our performing arts educational efforts through our affiliations with various colleges and other schools where we work with their students to provide mentor ship programs and offer practical first-hand experience in an actual working environment,” he added.
Osmond is really pleased with the amazing, magical, and star studded entertainment that will be presented in the AWPAC during 2016. 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 schedule is a blend of short, mostly one-day limited engagement performances by national stars such as Jennifer Nettles, LeAnn Rimes, Loretta Lynn, Ray Stevens, and others with extended performances from our resident shows, such as the magic of Illusionist Rick Thomas and the Andy Williams Christmas Spectacular starring the Osmonds and Lennon Sisters.
The full schedule of shows and concerts, as of March 22, is listed below sorted by the date of their first performance.
Illusionist Rick Thomas: Mar 11 – Oct 29*
CMT Presents Jennifer Nettles with 2016 Next Women of Country Tour: Apr 8
Moon River and Me: Apr 28 – May 12*
LeAnn Rimes: Apr 29
The Lettermen : May 13 – June 4 and Sep 1 – Dec 10*
Ray Stevens: May 14
Rockapella: June 13 – Jul 16*
MJ LIVE: Sep 24
Bill Engvall: Oct 7
David Cassidy: Oct 15
Loretta Lynn : Oct 22
Jeanne Robertson: Oct 29
Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza: Nov 1 – Dec 10*
Hallmark Presents Maxine’s Christmas Carol: Nov 1 – Dec 10*
Southern Fried Chicks: Nov 1
James Gregory with Keith Alberstadt: Nov 3 – 5
Osmond says that the excitement they feel about the variety and talent of the nationally known entertainers coming in for limited engagement performances extends to their extended performance and resident shows which include:
Illusionist Rick Thomas: In a recent review of this show I wrote, “From the time the show starts until it ends with a ‘blast,’ it’s two hours of truly magical non-stop entertainment with a variety of illusions; close up magic; what I call ‘mind magic;’ doves, dogs, color, brightness, dancing, music and action that will ‘knock your socks off.’ The magic is illusionary, but the fun, excitement and enjoyment I experienced, and witnessed others enjoying was real.'”
The Lettermen: Continue to be one of music’s most romantic pop groups, making them an excellent show for couples; and with that untarnished, all-American image, every performance is 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.
Andy Williams Christmas Extravaganza: This special show is a shining example of why there’s no place like Christmas in Branson. Carrying on the tradition of “Mr. Christmas,” the late and much-loved singer Andy Williams, famous sibling acts – The Lennons and The Osmonds – headline one of Branson’s hottest Christmas shows, in a not to be missed production filled with the spirit of Christmas, gorgeous costumes, festive sets, and amazing Christmas music!
Hallmark Presents Maxine’s Christmas Carol: With this show, Branson has a holiday show 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 heaping 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 is now making her debut in Branson for Christmas 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.
* Indicates extended performance or resident show.