Sight and Sound’s production of Samson is as epic and spectacular as the man whose story it tells.

Sight and Sounds spectacular stage production of the biblical epic Samson is literally bringing the house down daily to the entertainment delight of Branson audiences. When responding to the question, “How do you pick your shows?” Josh Eneck, President and Chief Creative Officer of Sight and Sound Theatre’s said, “It absolutely comes from prayer with the Lord and seeking Him on what’s the best story to tell for the day and age we are in right now.”

It’s hard to imagine a better story to tell in the day and age we find ourselves in right now than that of the world’s first “super hero,” Samson, a man, like many today, who have strayed from God’s path, and need to trust in Him and His grace, to return to the His path. The story of Samson’s heroic battle with the Philistines, succumbing to temptation, losing his strength and sight but, through perseverance and by trusting in God and His grace, redeeming himself in a mighty way is well known. And who better to bring it to the stage than Sight and Sound Theatres, noted for their spectacular entertaining biblical productions?

It’s important to note however, that this show, while based on one of the most famous biblical stories of all time, stands on its own as a unique entertainment experience. It’s a show whose story, cast, music, dancing, scale, spectacle and ability to entertain does so, regardless of one’s knowledge or appreciation of the bible. It’s just an amazing entertainment experience to be enjoyed by all!

The story’s brought to life on Sight and Sound’s 300 foot surround sound stage, amid amazing sets and special effects, colorful costuming, and a host of live animals. Don’t want to spoil the surprises, but suffice it to say there’s action on the stage, up and down the aisles and overhead as the story unfolds. Ok, just have to mention one part, you’ll have to wait for it, but it literally brings the house down.

It’s a story we can all relate to, that uses the narration of Manoah, Samson’s father, to tie different elements together as he tells the story of his son, his trials, temptations, and relationships. As should be the case today, Samson’s relationship with his family played a pivotal role in developing the man who rose to the heights of success, faltered in his faith and fell to the depths of defeat, and ultimately rose again in victory. Too, it tells the story of a father and mother’s love for their son; the conflicting emotions of both Samson and Delilah as they dealt with their relationship, her ultimate betrayal, and the rekindling of Samson’s faith under the most dire of circumstances for his final act of heroism and service to his God.

The musical format under which the story unfolds is beautifully acted, sung, and danced by an outstanding cast that exudes not only a tremendous amount of talent, but a love and dedication to their performance. Two of my favorite musical numbers was the entire cast performance of the rousing “Philistia Brave and Strong” and Samson’s performance of “What Is This Grace?” during his realization and acceptance of God’s grace. The role of Manoah, Samson’s father, narrating the story really added to the overall experience.

No matter how you look at it, story wise, musically, or production wise, Samson is one incredible entertainment experience that inspires as it entertains and can should not be missed.

Prior to seeing Samson you might like to take the special Behind the Scenes Tour of the production. “A million watts of lights, sixty-thousand watts of sound, a massive stage over twenty-thousand square feet in size that wraps around the audience on three sides and four-story tall set pieces towering right in front of you.” This additional add on tour, includes exclusive backstage access to everything that happens behind the scenes and can really add to the total Samson experience.

For more information on Samson, the Behind the Scenes Tour, or other great Branson shows or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of almost 5 million Branson show and attraction tickets by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com .

The “Million Dollar Quartet,” Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash.

When four young recording legends-to-be, Elvis Presley, Carl Perkins, Johnny Cash, and Jerry Lee Lewis, ended up in an impromptu jam session on December 4, 1956 history was made. Ironically, no one appreciated its importance at the time and one of the most significant moments in rock n’ roll history was almost forgotten.

Thankfully, that wasn’t the case. Except for one newspaper article, which referred to the four as “The Million Dollar Quartet,” and its accompanying photo, appearing a Memphis Newspaper the day after, the session was largely forgotten. It was only after the sale of Sun Records decades later, when the new owner discovered a forgotten recording of the session, that its significance became apparent.

Those recordings, that jam session, and the four rock n’ roll legends involved became the inspiration for the Tony Award winning musical Million Dollar Quartet. It shares the music, spontaneity, and drama of what happened that day, as four future legends performed together for their first and last time.

Branson has over 100 live shows, offering a wide variety of quality entertainment, but there’s only one like the Million Dollar Quartet. It’s great story line, outstanding cast, timeless music that everyone knows, combine with the show’s unique set and great production to create an incredible entertainment experience for the whole family to enjoy together.

To do the music and a story line justice requires an awesome cast of talented performers. The cast of Million Dollar Quartet is just that and “then some.” Tyler K. Hunter as Elvis Presley, Cliff Wright as Johnny Cash, John Countryman as Jerry Lee Lewis, and Brad Waters as Carl Perkins, do a great job of sharing the music, spontaneity, and excitement of that night. They perform classics such “Great Balls of Fire,” “I’ll Walk the Line,” “Riders in the Sky,” “Hound Dog,” “Peace in the Valley,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and many more. Watching them perform, in the show’s elaborate Sun Records Studio set, I felt, even if only for a moment, that I was getting a personal glimpse of what they actually shared together that night. It was awesome!

Lindsey Perenchio plays Dyanna, representing the girl accompanying Elvis that day. She adds her considerable musical talents to the  musical repertoire of the jam session performing “Fever” and “I Hear You Knocking.” In addition, her character adds a special dimension and perspective to the dramatic aspects of the show, both from a potential romantic aspect to the more practical, when she interacts with the other characters as the story unfolds.

As timeless and wonderful as the music is, it is the storyline, the historical moment it describes and the way it is artfully woven into the musical tapestry surrounding it that makes this such an entertaining show. Matt Joyce as Sam Phillips, the founder of Sun Records, the man some call the “Father of rock n’ roll,” and the person who actually set the circumstances in motion that resulted in the jam session, does a superb job of dramatically narrating the story and tying its diverse elements together in a manner that kept me keenly invested throughout the entire performance.

The story’s  filled with interesting antidotes and historical facts about not only what happened that day, but the artists involved, how the record industry worked at that time, and the early history of rock n’ roll. Among them is how the four musical icons came to be together that day for the impromptu jam session; the angst Carl Perkins, the old man of the group at 24, felt towards Elvis Presley over Blue Suede Shoes; why Johnny Cash was leaving Sun Records for Columbia Records; the answer to the question in everyone’s mind of why Phillips sold Elvis Presley’s contract to RCA for $40,000 in 1955; the jealousy some felt about the emphasis Phillips placed on Elvis Presley, and more. Watching the relationship between Jerry Lee Lewis, the brash outspoken rookie of the group, and the others evolve is a hoot.

It’s nonstop fun, drama, great music, and entertainment from beginning to end with no intermission. Oh, and a word to the wise, remember the admonition of Yogi Berra who said, “It ain’t over till it’s over. Don’t want to spoil the surprise, but “Wait for it” because it’s a grand ending to an absolutely delightful and completely entertaining show that ends all too quickly.

The Million Dollar Quartet‘s 2018 season runs from March 14 through December 30. For additional information or tickets for please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, by calling 1-800-785-1550, or by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Broadway The Greatest Hits, top left, Christmas Wonderland, New Jersey Nights, and Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies.

“The beautiful Kings Castle Theatre, located in the middle of the famed Branson Strip is known for the variety, quality, and production of its shows,” said Preston Garrison, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Each is a high energy production featuring some of the best vocalists and dancers in Branson, amid exciting choreography, lavish costuming, and dynamic state of the art lighting and sound, performing some of the most memorable music of all time,” he added.

“We offer a wide variety of stunning musical entertainment,” said Danelle Walters, the General Manager of King’s Castle Theatre. Puttin’on the Ritz features the timeless music of yesteryear; classics from our greatest composers such as George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, and Cole Porter. Broadway’s Greatest Hits is a high energy all singing and dancing glittering salute to the best of Broadway! Dublin’s Irish Tenors and The Celtic Ladies unites two exceptional groups of artists; five of the finest tenors and four beautiful ladies singing some of the very best music of the 20th century, including famous Irish classics, opera, pop, and swing. New Jersey Nights presents the timeless music and amazing harmonies of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.

In celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas, from their first show in November through the end of their season, each of these shows will be a combination of their regular season show and their Christmas show. The first half of each show will be the best of their regular season show while the second half will be their Christmas show featuring favorite Christmas music pertinent to the show.

“We’re really excited about our Christmas Wonderland Show,” Walters said. “It’s a 100 percent Christmas extravaganza filled with all the color, sounds, and excitement of Christmas. It will inspire and fill you with the spirit of Christmas even as it entertains and delights you,” she added. The show’s song list includes such favorites as Silent Night; Joyful, Joyful; Happy Holidays; Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree; O Come All Ye Faithful; and many more.

As is the case with other Kings Castle productions, the interaction of the vocalists with the energy and skill of the show’s dancers becomes a delightful part of this marvelous and unique entertainment experience. Throughout they demonstrate high energy, grace, skill, and versatility across a range of different dancing styles from the dazzling high stepping “Rockette” routines to tap dancing and so much in between. As one watches these superb dancers perform, the word that comes to mind is “amazing.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Garrison reminds those planning on visiting Branson during Ozark Mountain Christmas that it’s not only one of the most special times of the year to visit Branson, but one of the busiest. He suggests making reservations to ensure availability and the best seats and lodging accommodations.

For more information on any of these shows, other Branson shows or lodging please feel free to call one of our Branson based Vacation Specialists at 1-800-785-1550. They’ll answer questions about Branson shows, hotels, and attractions; help with making show, attraction, or lodging reservations; and get you 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.