Author Archives: BTC News Staff

Four seasons of Legends in Branson

Legends in Concert's ever popular " Blues Brothers."

BRANSON, Mo., December 10, 2013 – – “How exciting is that, being entertained by ‘Michael Buble’ and ‘Marilyn Monroe’ in one show,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “And that’s just two of the amazing acts that Legends in Concert will be bringing to Branson for the 2014 season.”

Johnson was referring to the new 2014 line up announced in Branson today by “Legends in Concert.” Each of the following schedules also includes “Legends” performances by The Blues Brothers™ and Elvis in addition to the scheduled performers which will be:

Spring – February 20 – May 20: Adele, Tina Turner, Johnny Cash.

Summer – May 22 – September 2: Justin Timberlake, Whitney Houston, Kenny Chesney.

Fall – September 4 -October 31: Michael Buble, Marilyn Monroe, George Strait.

Winter – November 1 – December 31: Rod Stewart, Nat King Cole, Reba McEntire.

Legends in Concert’s General Manager, Jeannie Horton said, “We are so excited to be featuring tried and true ‘Legends’ acts that have been so well received throughout the years as well as several of the up-and-coming ‘Legends’ that appeal to a younger crowd.” She notes that several of the acts have never been in a Branson “Legends in Concert” Show before.

For additional information on the Legends in Concert show or tickets for any of Branson’s 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 1-800-785-1550.

$1.7 Million Heart-Pounding KaPau Plummet White Water’s biggest thrill ever

KAPAU, when the "Aqua Launch" trap door opens riders plummet into the thrills of White Water's most thrilling ride ever.

BRANSON, Mo., October 28, 2013 – ” KAPAU,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “With the addition of the $1.7 million ‘KaPau Plummet’ for 2014, White Water, an already exciting and adventure filled water park experience, gets more thrilling. That’s one of the things that makes Branson such a special place to visit and revisit, its shows and attractions are always evolving looking for new ways to give its visitors something fresh, exciting and thrilling.”

“When designers and developers with Silver Dollar City Attractions set out to create a new 2014 ride for White Water, there was one mandate: The new ride must be The Biggest Thrill in White Water History. The concept began with the idea of a heart-pounding, drop-floor plunge. Now in initial stages of construction, the $1.7 million KaPau Plummet will open in Spring 2014 with two 240-foot slides, each launching riders from a drop-floor into a 70-degree plunge followed by a spiraling loop, promising to far exceed the thrill factor of any water ride ever built at the 13-acre tropically-themed water park located in Branson, Missouri.

“Those brave enough to dare the drop will experience a heart-pumping, breathtaking thrill that begins at the top of a 40-foot tower. Two encapsulated slides are the starting points for loading brave riders into a launch capsule. Once inside, the countdown begins: 3…2…1 KAPAU! The bottom of each slide drops out, creating a rider free fall at 70 degrees, speeding at 26 feet per second into a looping 240-foot translucent waterslide before final splashdown. Spectators will be able to see the riders take the rocket-like plunge and their spirals through the loops.

“‘The AquaLaunch trap door builds anticipation for an incredible drop below,” said Cory Roebuck, White Water Director of Operations, who explains “‘kapau’ is a slang U.S. surfer term meaning ‘the next big wave or the next big thing’ [and is] pronounced ‘KA-POW.’ Never before has White Water had such a thrilling ride. KaPau Plummet will literally take your breath away in an awesome plunge.”

Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill has legendary Branson opening

Some of the cast from the "Legends in Concert Show" "Celine Dion," Brigitte Valdez; "Johnny Cash, Paul Eve and "The Blues Brothers" Bucky Heard as "Jake Blues" and Justin Clark as "Elwood Blues" enjoying their meal at the Grill.

BRANSON, MO, August 6, 2013 — Where can you eat fried pickles see a truly legendary show, hear Elvis sing, see a Celebrity Car Museum and experience a legendary show all at one place? All this and more is at the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex on the famed “Branson Strip.”

The Complex is “an integrated entertainment and hospitality destination” with a state of the art theatre featuring the Legends in Concert and the Bretts shows, a Celebrity Car Museum, an adjacent Ramada Inn and the recently reopened “Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill.” Among many others the Grill’s new menu includes classic signature items such as Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches, Almond Crusted Chicken Fingers and Fried Pickles.

In talking about all that the Complex offers, Legends in Concert General Manager, Jeannie Horton said that the Grill is the perfect enhancement for the Complex. It enables their guests to park their car, enjoy a truly unique dining experience at the Grill, peruse the expanded museum quality memorabilia in the theater lobby, see the Celebrity Car Museum and top it off by seeing the award-winning Legends in Concert show without ever leaving the Complex.

The opening of the Grill was made possible because local Springfield/Branson businessman and philanthropist Jim D. Morris, who purchased the Complex in 2011, entered into an agreement with Dick Clark Productions for re-opening of the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill at the Complex. In announcing the addition of the Grill Morris said that he was ” delighted to have the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill re-open and pleased to see it restored to its original name, concept and design within the Bandstand Complex.”

Morris also announced that the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex will continue its long-term relationship with the celebrated tribute artist production, Legends in Concert saying, “The strength of the ongoing partnership with Legends in Concert and Dick Clark Productions was instrumental in the decision to bring the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill back to Branson.” Liz Morentin, Vice President of Corporate Communications, for Dick Clark Productions said, “Jim D. Morris is a terrific partner and we look forward to having Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Grill…in Branson. Our team has handpicked many unique, one of a kind memorabilia items from our archives to decorate the restaurant and to enhance the current collection of pop culture items in the theater lobby.”

For more information about Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater Complex; or tickets or information for the Legends in Concert or Betts shows please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website, www.bransontourismcenter.com/.

Yakov Smirnoff performs limited engagement Branson shows

Yakov Smirnoff

BRANSON, MO, July 24, 2013 — “Even if only for a limited engagement, it’s great news to have Yakov Smirnoff returning to the Branson stage and performing in his all new Branson show Dinner with Yakov,” said Tiffany Isnard, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “And the news just gets better,” she continued, “because it was just announced that not only will he be appearing from October 1 through November 27 in 2013, but will be returning to Branson to perform in the Fall of 2014.”

Dinner With Yakov combines a “delectable mouth-watering meal ” with side-splitting comedy that will have the audience “laughing the entire way through their meal” as Yakov shares “his insightful and laughter-filled philosophy on life, love, family and country. He takes his comedy to a new level to showcase laughter’s effects on relationships and envisions a world where sadness and tears are replaced with love and laughter. The New York Times called his one man hit Broadway show, “warm-hearted, delightful and splendidly funny.”

Between 1992 and 2012 Yakov produced “several outstanding award-winning shows” and entertained over four million Branson visitors. In 2011 he announced that 2012 would be his last full Branson season. After traveling around the U. S. with his acclaimed “The Happily Ever Laughter Tour” during most of 2013 he will be returning to Branson for his Fall season limited engagement performances with his new show.

One of America’s favorite comedians since he first hit the entertainment scene in the late 1970’s Yakov “has been a popular guest on numerous national TV shows including the Tonight Show, HBO and “ his highly praised Showtime special as well as co-staring ” in movies with Robin Williams in Moscow on the Hudson, Tom Hanks in The Money Pit, Meryl Streep and JackNicholson in Heartburn, and Richard Pryor in Brewster’s Millions.” He has been “invited to to perform at the White House for several presidents and honored guests and President Ronald Reagan called him a “national treasure.”

For additional information on Dinner with Yakov or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s 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 1-800-785-1550.

Celine Dion heads Branson Legends in Concert Summer Line-Up

Celine Dion as portrayed by Legends in Concert Tribute Star Brigitte Valdez aboard "Branson's Titanic."

BRANSON, MO, May 17, 2013 — Congratulations to ‘Legends in Concert’ as it celebrates its 30^th year of their unique tribute recreations of legendary superstar performers incorporating the voice, mannerisms and looks of the star being recreated into a unique entertainment experience.” Johnson’s congratulations came in conjunction with the Branson’s Legends in Concert announcing their all new summer lineup.

“Beginning May 23^rd, see tribute performances to Celine Dion, The Temptations, Johnny Cash, The Blues Brothers™ and Elvis Presley. This incredible cast, backed by the beautiful Legends dancers and fabulous Legends band, is sure to rock the house at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater! Experience country classics from the ‘Man in Black’, Johnny Cash; hear the beautiful voice of Celine Dion performing hits such as the theme song from Titanic; listen to your favorite Motown hits by the incomparable Temptations and, of course, no Legends show would be complete without the crazy antics of The Blues Brothers™; and the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley!”

Johnson points out that over the last 30 years “Legends in Concert,” has been “widely recognized in the entertainment industry as the original celebrity tribute show…has not only performed throughout the United States, but traveled to 15 countries on 5 continents, entertaining more than 25 million fans. It currently operates numerous fixed-based, touring, limited-term and private engagements of ‘Legends’ throughout the world. In addition to Las Vegas, ‘Legends’ is presented year-round in numerous cities including Myrtle Beach, S.C., Atlantic City, N.J., Foxwoods, CT; Waikiki, HI” and of course Branson, MO.

For tickets or additional information on Legends in Concert or for 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 1-800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

New Branson show and Walk of Fame for Barry Williams

Barry Williams with Missouri Walk of Fame Star

BRANSON, MO, April 30, 2013 — “Another well deserved honor for Barry Williams,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center after hearing of his induction into the Missouri Walk of Fame in Marshfield, Missouri on April 26 during its Cherry Blossom Festival. Johnson points out that Williams, perhaps best known for his performance as Greg Brady on the hit prime time TV series, The Brady Bunch, is in his third year of performing in Branson and is starring in a new show this year, 70’s Music Celebration Starring Barry Williams.

The show is a high energy, multimedia production full of “disco, folk and classic rock songs featuring the music and comedy of the 70s staring Williams. It features a live band and dancers as Williams uses his personal experiences and some of the greatest music of the 70s from Elton John, The Eagles and The Bee Gees to take the audience “on a nostalgic trip through the grooviest decade.” It is “a spectacular ‘Dy-no-mite’ trip back through this colorful era in a ‘Far out’ and ‘Outta sight’ kind of way that is perfect for all ages.”

Williams, who was born in Santa Monica California, has been performing in Branson for the last three years and has made Branson his permanent residence. The Missouri Walk of Fame is Missouri’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Each year “the walk” honors famous Missourians and a star is unveiled during Marshfield’s annual Cherry Blossom Festival which has been celebrated since 2006.

Williams has had an extensive career starring in hundreds of television shows and over 85 productions of Broadway Musicals including appearances on several television shows such as Dragnet, Adam-12, The Invaders, That Girl, Mission: Impossible and others before landing his role as Greg Brady on The Brady Bunch. Williams has also been involved in musical theater, touring with Pippin, Music Man, City of Angels, The Sound of Music, West Side Story and others. In 1988, he appeared on Broadway in Romance/Romance.” This versatile performer “has been a DJ on satellites’ Sirius Radio, has recorded several live CD’s and recently, starred in a 2013 Sci-Fi made for television movie Bigfoot with Danny Bonaduce and Sheryln Fenn.

For additional information on the 70’s Music Celebration Starring Barry Williams or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions 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 calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

7th Annual Branson Elvis Festival

BRANSON, MO, March 12, 2013 — “Branson is blessed in that Elvis Presley fans can pick from a variety of quality Elvis Tribute artists performing in Branson on any given day, but the Annual Elvis® Festival is something special for Elvis fans,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. ” Legends in Concert announced that “the 7th Annual Branson Elvis® Festival will take place April 12-14, 2013. The highlight of the festival, the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ is scheduled to take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 13 at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. This contest is one of a select few tribute competitions sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc.

“The winner of the Branson contest will receive $1,000 and the opportunity to compete in the 2013 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ finals presented by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. The finals will be held in Memphis, Tennessee during Elvis Week. The winner of the Branson contest will also be offered the opportunity to perform in the Legends in Concert show at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater on Sunday, April 14 at 8 p.m.

“Branson Elvis® Festival highlights, in addition to the contest, include an Elvis Vendor Village at Dick Clarks American Bandstand Theater, The Hound Dog Competition at Branson Landing’s Town Square, and Elvis Karaoke Nights at Shorty Smalls.”

From a show perspective, Johnson suggests that those attending the Festival might also enjoy the following shows while in Branson because of their “Elvis” connection, Joseph Hall’s Elvis Rock N Remember Tribute, the Rankin Brothers and Tony Roi’s Elvis and More or one of the many other quality Branson Shows that will be open during the the time the Festival is running. She also points out that the majority of Branson’s attractions, including Silver Dollar City, will be open for Festival attendees to enjoy and the splendor of an Ozarks Spring should be at its height during the Festival.

For additional information or tickets for Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest,™ or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling their toll free number 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 adds $10 million world record setting coaster thrill

Construction is well along on Silver Dollar City's newest thrill ride "Outlaw Run."

BRANSON, Mo., August 22, 2012 An article entitled “Thrilling $10 million ‘Outlaw’ to entertain at Silver Dollar City,” appearing on line August 18 in Branson.Com/News, reports that, starting in the Spring of 2013, guests to Branson’s most popular paid attraction, the 1880s styled theme park Silver Dollar City, will be able to ride on “the world’s most daring wood coaster ride called ‘Outlaw Run.'” It will join Silver Dollar City’s other world class coaster rides, “PowderKeg, a compressed air-launch coaster that accelerates from 0 to 53 MPH in just 2.8 seconds and “WildFire,” a 66 mile per hour multi-looping steel coaster.

Brad Thomas, senior vice president, Silver Dollar City Attractions said, “Our Silver Dollar City fans told us they wanted a new thrill attraction, and we were determined to create a world-class experience even they couldn’t imagine.” The $10 million “‘Outlaw Run’ is a first-of-its-kind ride” that sets several world firsts for wood coasters. Its “record-breaking 3 inversions, with a 720-degree (double) barrel roll and a 153-degree outside banked turn” and its initial 162 foot 81 degree drop is a world firsts for a wood coaster. At speeds of up to 68 miles per hour, as it takes riders on a 2,937 foot ride in just 1 minute and 27 seconds, “Outlaw Run” is the world’s second fastest wood coaster.

As might be expected from its name, “Outlaw Run” is themed around the stagecoach travels of the old west with its passengers going “on a journey of unexpected drops, thrilling twists and rolling inversions” as they pass through “a storied place where civility is waning and outlaws may lurk.” In keeping with that theme, passengers boarding the coasters two 24 passenger “trains” will experience their thrilling adventure riding aboard the custom-designed “stagecoach” trains of Silver Dollar City’s Western Missouri Stagecoach Company. “All generations will enjoy this bold and daring ride where the ‘good guys always win, leaving the bad guys in the dust,” Thomas added.

Legends in Concert resumes 2012 season as Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre reopens

With roof work complete, workers are now working on the final phases of the restoriation of "Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theatre."

BRANSON, Mo – (April 6, 2012) “That’s great news, not only for the Dick Clark’s Bandstand Theatre, the Legends in Concert and Brett Family Show, but for Branson visitors too,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson’s comments were in response to an announcement by the theatre earlier this week that “with roof repairs now complete, the restoration” of the theatre from the impact of the February tornado can proceed to its final phase.

The “celebrated tribute artist production Legends in Concert will resume its 2012 season schedule on April 14 performing six days a week through the end of the year. The Bretts, who also perform at the theatre will open their 2012 season, as scheduled, on April 16.

Jeannie Horton, General Manager for Legends in Concert expressed her delight that the completion of the repairs is just about done and how excited she is that the “state of the art facility, that millions of our fans have always enjoyed during their visits to Branson,” will again be available for them to experience. “The repair team has been amazing, working rapidly and diligently,” she continued.

Horton said that the pleasure of working closely with the theater’s owner, Jim D. Morris and Jerry Carroll, his general manager to assure “that the theater will be better than ever, has certainly taken away much of the sting from the tornado’s fury.” Morris said he is “grateful for the dedication of those working on the repairs to reopen the theater so quickly.” He went on to say how thrilled he was that “our Highway 76 and Fall Creek complex, including the Ramada Hotel, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, featuring Legends in Concert, and all its activities, the Midtown said Cafe, and the brand new REEL CARS Automobile Museum under the theater, will all be open and working together in harmony in less than two weeks.”

The theatre is holding “a gala fundraising event, benefiting victims of the tornado, which will be held at the theater on April 20″ featuring an 8pm performance by Legends in Concert and special guest performers soon to be announced.” In announcing his support of the event Morris said, “We are pleased knowing that the fundraising will benefit the portion of the Branson community that was most adversely affected by the tornado.”

For additional information or tickets for the “Legends in Concert,” “The Bretts” or 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 either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.