Rick Thomas at the start of one of the most amazing and beautiful illusions most people will ever see.

Branson, Missouri has some of the best singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, and entertainers in the world presenting a variety of live shows and entertainment that is virtually unrivaled in any other tourist destination,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and sellers of over 4.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets. “BTC’s Featured Show of the Week spotlights one outstanding example of Branson’s live entertainment from its list of Most Popular Shows,” she added

Illusionist Rick Thomas has created a show filled with stunning illusions and spectacular beauty! With years of successful tours around the world, headline shows on some of the biggest stages in Las Vegas, and the honor of being recognized by the magic industry, “Rick Thomas” will again establish his home base in Branson! His graceful movements to music, aided by his exceptional skill at ballroom dancing, and his unique ability to keep audiences of all ages and walks of life spellbound throughout his performance, has kept “Rick Thomas” at the top of the magic game. He’s received the World Magic Award of Magician of the Year, and been honored by the Academy of Magical Arts as the Stage Magician of the Year. He’s been sought after for not only live stage performances, but for television broadcasts on many major networks and popular cable stations, including channels like Discovery, Hallmark, History, and Animal Planet as well as ABC, CBS, and NBC where he appeared on The World’s Greatest Magic.

In a recent review of this show I wrote, “The short and quick of it is, if you want to see one of the best magic shows to ever appear on a Branson stage, you don’t want you and your family to miss the Illusionist Rick Thomas Show at the Moon River Theatre. In over 28 years of seeing magic shows in Branson I have never been as amazed or entertained by a magic show as I was by this show.

“From the time the show starts until it ends with a “blast,” it is two hours of truly magical non-stop entertainment with a variety of illusions; close up 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.”

If you enjoy splendid illusions enhanced by elegant dancing and enchanting music, then “Illusionist Rick Thomas” has put together a magical performance custom made for you!

For more information or tickets for Illusionist Rick Thomas Show or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Billy laughing during a comedy skit at Jarrett Dougherty as Security Officer “Billy Club.”

“Branson, Missouri is blessed with an amazing variety of live shows presented by some of the best singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, magicians, and entertainers on the planet,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and sellers of over 4.5 million Branson show and attraction tickets. “BTC’s Featured Show of the Week spotlights one outstanding example from its list of Branson’s Most Popular Shows.

Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett is a unique combination of entertainment talent. Billy Dean is a Grammy nominated and Academy of Country Music Song of the Year award winner, singing the very hits that only wrote, but took to the top of the charts. Jarrett Dougherty, is one of Branson funniest and most beloved comedians. The pairing results in a show filled with great music, presented in that special Billy Dean down-home style, and hilarious comedy routines for which Jarrett Dougherty is famous.

Billy Dean’s impressive career as an amazing vocalist and songwriter keeps him in the hearts of everyone who loves a great country song. Dean’s impressive music career took off when his very first single landed in the top five on Billboard’s Country Music Charts. Only Here for a Little While may have introduced him to the world, but the title certainly doesn’t reflect his career; he’s definitely here to stay! He’s charted scores of hits, including the song that earned him a Grammy nomination and an Academy of Country Music Song of the Year award, Somewhere in My Broken Heart. Other big songs include It’s What I Do, Only the Wind, You Don’t Count the Cost, Billy the Kid, and Let Them Be Little.

It’s not just the music that keeps audiences enchanted by the talented Billy Dean, his engaging personality, sense of humor, and delightful story-telling make every performance special; those movie-star good looks don’t hurt either! And speaking of movie stars, Dean has exercised another of his gifts on both the big and small screen, appearing in movies and TV series alongside some of Hollywood’s most memorable names.

Want funny? Nobody brings on the funny like Jarrett Dougherty! He’s kept Branson area audiences in bellyaching laughter for years with his keen wit, humor, and the comedy characters he brings to the stage. It adds new meaning to the term hilarious to see Jarrett’s ‘characters’ interact with Billy Dean on stage.

When you see this show, two things are a certainty, “Billy Dean in Concert with Jarrett” is sure to hit all the right notes and tickle every rib! If you’d like more information or tickets for this or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions, or for lodging arrangements, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

The Sight and Sound Theatre in Branson has amazed audiences with its spectacular and inspirational productions such as Noah – the Musical, Miracle of Christmas, Joseph, and most recently Jonah, which holds its last Branson performance on December 31, 2015. “When I saw Noah the Musical, I wondered how they would be able to top it, but it seems as if each new show just gets more spectacular,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “When I heard that Jonah’s last performance was on December 31st and that Moses would be starting in 2016, I thought, ‘How do you top Jonah?'”

Sight and Sound Theater is known for its spectacular props and filling their 300 foot surround sound stage with music, action, dancing, drama, colorful costuming, dozens of animals, and special effects, resulting in magnificent, entertaining, and inspirational productions of some of the most well-known stories in the bible. Mike Pitman, the Sales Manager for Sight and Sound, said that the tradition continues with Moses, and he’s really excited about its performances in Branson that begin on March 5, 2016.

Pitman said, “The show has incredible special effects that leave people asking, ‘How did they do that?'” One of his favorite scenes, illustrating that point, is where the staff of Moses turns into a snake, crawls down a stair banister, and turns back into a staff again. He loves the inspirational and spectacular scenes where the audience is literally with Moses, surrounded by the mountains, at the “burning bush,” and in the Red Sea as it parts around the Israelites enabling their escape from Pharaoh’s wrath.

This powerful and epic biblical story follows Moses on his quest for personal identity; what that meant as he decided to follow his God and, unbeknownst to him at the time, change the course of history. Journey back to that time with your family and witness some of the greatest moments in biblical history as only Sight and Sound can depict.

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood said that Moses will run through December 31, 2016. She also points out that tickets for Moses are currently available through the Branson Tourism Center and recommends getting them early to ensure not only availability on desired dates, but the best available seats. For additional information or tickets for Moses or any of Branson’s other 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; call 1-800-785-1550 or visit www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

From the “Grinch” to the Nativity and true meaning of Christmas, Branson’s Christmas shows are full of color, fun, and the “Reason for the Season.”

“It is highly unlikely that any other travel destination offers the selection, quantity, quality, and spirit of Christmas shows that Branson offers,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “All year long, Branson’s shows sparkle with that unique Branson spirit, but they just glow in an extra special way as most celebrate Christmas, and ‘the reason for the season,’ with their audiences in a very unique and personal way,” she added.

Here’s a list of things you might not know about Branson’s Christmas shows:

Christmas shows have two general formats – It can generally be said that Branson’s Christmas shows follow one of two formats; first are shows that are totally Christmas, such as the Andy Williams Christmas Show, Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Dinner Show, Christmas Wonderland, Shoji Tabuchi, and the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show. The second, and by far more prevalent format, used by the remaining Christmas shows, involves a mixture of their regular season show and their Christmas show. Typically, one half of the show is devoted to the best of their regular season, and the other half, usually the last half, to their Christmas show. This would include many of Branson’s most popular shows.

They are part of Ozark Mountain Christmas: Ozark Mountain Christmas, from millions of Christmas lights to Christmas shows, and so much more in-between, is a combination of things that add up to a unique Branson area wide celebration of the true spirit of a traditional American Christmas; one that has been celebrated in Branson for over two decades. Branson’s live shows are a wonderfully entertaining, unique, and inspiring part of that celebration.

Christmas shows start the first week of November: Branson’s Christmas Shows usually start during the first week of November and run to the end of their season, typically the first week in December through December 31.

Most Christmas Shows end by mid-December – Many of Branson’s most popular shows close out their season by the end of the second week in December. These include Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Andy Williams Christmas Show, Mickey Gilley, Shoji Tabuchi, Duttons, and George Dyer. Other popular shows such as Billy Dean Live!, Doug Gabriel’s #1 Hits Tribute Show, Christmas Wonderland, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, Dublin Tenors and the Celtic Ladies, New Jersey Nights, Grand Jubilee, Haygoods, Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Legends in Concert, Million Dollar Quartet, SIX, Paul Harris and the Cleverlys, Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Dinner Show, and Dixie Stampede are open to the end of the third week in December or beyond.

Make Reservations early to ensure availability and get best seats! It’s no exaggeration to say that Ozark Mountain Christmas is not only one of the most special times of the year to visit Branson, but it’s also one of the busiest. The limited time these shows run and the demand for their tickets makes it imperative to make early reservations, not only to insure availability, but to get the best seats. In this regard, Branson Tourism Center, the company that’s sold more than 4,000,000 million Branson show and attraction tickets, has a special relationship with its theatre partners. This special relationship helps insure that their customers not only get tickets, but get the best available seats at the time they are purchased. Branson Tourism Center can be reached by phone at 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Last chance to create a special Christmas memory with Jonah: One of Branson’s most popular shows, Sight and Sound’s spectacular biblical production, Jonah, will hold its last Branson performance on December 31. Although not a Christmas show, it is certainly related to the “reason for the season,” and seeing it together with your family would make a wonderful Christmas memory!

The “Amazing Pets” in action.

“Branson is called by some, ‘The live music show capital of the world,”‘ said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “While it’s true that most of the over 100 live shows offered daily during the season, are primarily music shows, some of Branson’s most popular shows are not,” she added.

This rolling pyramid is as dangerous as it is beautiful.

A prime example is the Acrobats of China Featuring New Shanghai Circus which gives Branson audiences some of the most electrifying and unforgettable performances they’ll ever witness. A recent review of the show said, “From juggling to strength acts, hoop jumping, an unbelievable bike act, pole climbing, and so much more, this show truly entertains the entire family throughout the entire two hours of the show, entertaining kids and adults simultaneously. Each act seamlessly transitions from one to another, almost like magic, with no dead time. The skill and energy of these performers is amazing even to the way they leave the stage and rush out to the lobby to meet and greet the audience after the show.”

Like animals? The Amazing Pets, a unique Branson show, features delightful circus-like acts with an impressive cast of creatures! Cats galore, cuddly canines, and even brilliantly colored exotic birds put on a show that delights kids of all ages! It’s a bit of magic, a touch of mayhem, and a whole lot of fantastic family fun. Although a show for “kids” of all ages, it will have a special appeal to younger children and the adults accompanying them to the show.

The biblical spectacular “Jonah” is thrilling Branson audiences.

When Sight and Sound puts on a production it’s spectacular, and its production of Jonah is no exception. It takes one of the most popular bible stories of all time and brings it to life with a story that goes from nail-biting to inspirational, has immersive special effects, an original score, brilliant costuming, acting, and singing to give you and your family the experience of a lifetime! Jonah is unlike anything that most people will ever see live on stage, a pure joy to experience and is something that every member of the family can enjoy together and remember forever. Jonah will be performed through December 29, 2015, and will be replaced by Moses in 2016.

Rick Thomas and his assistant Tara.

Want a little magic in your life? Illusionist Rick Thomas is the show is for you. As you watch this world class artist perform, you will not only be thoroughly entertained and thrilled, but might be asking yourself the question, “Is it just an illusion…or is it truly magic?” In a recent review, I said, “From the time the show starts until it ends with a “blast,” it’s two hours of truly magical non-stop entertainment. It’s an amazing variety of illusions, close up magic; what I call ‘mind magic’…doves, dogs, color, 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!”

For additional information or tickets for any of these shows, please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center, by calling 1-800-785-1550 or by visiting its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/

“Branson is noted worldwide for the quality, quantity, and variety of the live entertainment it offers,” said Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of over four million Branson show and attraction tickets. “With almost 100 live shows available during the season, there is a show for just about every age and budget,” she added.

BTC has tens of thousands of Branson fans participating in their social media channels including its Facebook page. From time to time, we go to that resource with questions that we believe would be of interest not only to them, but to potential Branson visitors. Recently we asked the question, “If a good friend or close relative, age 30, was coming to Branson, what one show would you tell them not to miss?”

As would be expected, with hundreds of responses, there was a wide variety of shows listed. The top five most chosen are listed below, in alphabetical order, along with a description and link to where you can get more detailed information on the show’s content, schedules, pricing, and, in most cases, videos and pictures:

Clay Cooper’s Country Express has everything you want in a great Branson show! With 24 veteran entertainers, there’s a variety of singing, dancing, comedy, and music. Backed by a live, 7 piece band, you’ll hear country and pop hits from the likes of George Jones, Hunter Hayes, the Doobie Brothers, and Bruno Mars!

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede will take your family on a wild ride! Dixie features their world famous racing ostriches, 32 horses in some amazing equestrian feats, a stampede of buffalo, the Rumble in the Treetops lumberjack relay, and friendly competition all wrapped up in a fabulous four-course feast!

The Haygoods is an amazing Branson experience! Excellent choreography, exquisite harmonies, state-of-the art sound and special effects, a delightful sense of humor, and energy that never quits, you get it all in one show from one phenomenal family! It’s easy to see why “The Haygoods” pack the house night after night!

Presleys’ Country Jubilee continues to be a mainstay on the list of Branson experiences you can’t miss! Long before anyone ever heard of Branson, Missouri, the Presley family had people from across the country lined up every night to hear the type of country music and comedy that eventually made Branson a household name.

SIX is Branson’s sensational sibling singing group that quite simply defines the art of performing music without instruments! Sensational harmonizing, polished professionalism, zany on-stage antics…it’s the most talented half dozen guys you’ll ever meet! They’ll charm you right from the opening note!

Wood points out that it’s interesting to note that the vast majority of these shows, along with many more that were mentioned, are found on the Branson Tourism Center’s List of Most Popular and Highly Recommended Shows.

Dave and Denise Hamer at the conclusion of their magnificent flying birds illusion.

Gakita the gorilla, flying cockatoos, Wayne Newton, and much more are all part of the fun and excitement of Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show in Branson, Missouri. In a town with shows of just about every type, Hamners’ Unbelievable Varity show is truly a magical experience where birds appear, people fly, and voices soar!

Particularly important with this show, because of the perception some could get that it’s primarily for children, is the audience reaction to the show. The performance that I saw on July 26, 2015, was just about sold out and was composed of nearly equal numbers of adults and children. I was seated about half way back and got to see, as well as sense, the audience’s reaction to the show. It was just amazing the way people of all ages reacted throughout and how everyone, kids and adults alike, really seemed to be involved in the show and having fun.

During intermission, I talked with Dennis from Grandville, New York, who was attending the show with his wife. He was in the 50 plus age range and said that he thoroughly enjoyed the show and would recommend it for others in their age group. At the other end of the spectrum, I had a chance to chat with the four Manning children from Poplar Bluff, Missouri, who ranged in age from about seven to 13 years old. Collectively, they said that the show was awesome but, interestingly, each of them had a different favorite part, except for the youngest, Miss Mollie, who liked everything.

Many shows say they have “something for everyone,” but this show has “lots for everyone.” From its magical opening introduction to its spectacular inspirational and equally magical 911/Veteran’s finale, this show has it all…great illusions, close-up magic, high flying “silk” acrobatics, an amazing strength adagio act, comedy, musical impersonations, vocals, dancing, and ventriloquism. The scope and variety of this show and the way everything smoothly transitions from one act to another is simply Unbelievable!

The centerpiece of the show is the magic and illusions of Dave and Denise Hamner. One could talk about the venues they have appeared in, from Las Vegas to Disneyland, and the awards they’ve received, including the prestigious Magic Masters Award by their peers in Las Vegas, but nothing compares to just watching these two masters of illusion perform their unbelievable magic as they entertain and interact with their audience. That’s not an illusion, it’s purely magical!

From among many, their signature, one-of-a-kind bird act with flaming swords, coins, and beautiful Macaws and Cockatoos appearing and flying out over the audience, their unique version of “Origami,” and a beautiful woman being transformed into “Gakita” the gorilla right before my eyes, were three of my favorite illusions.

The cast of Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show Ken Brown (L), Brenda Hahne, AJ Heard, Dave Hamner, Jeff Brandt, Mariya Serykh, Tamra Tinoco, and Vadim Serykh.

If the magic of the Hamners was all there was, that alone would make it a fabulous show, but it isn’t; there’s a virtual cornucopia of talent, excitement, and entertainment including:

Jeff Brandt, who while performing vocal impressions with Wayne Newton in Las Vegas, was given the nickname The Voice; after seeing and hearing him perform, you’ll know why. His incorporation of the different impressions of Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. into his performance of “My Way” was, to say the least, remarkable and some, might even say, Unbelievable.

Vadim & Mariya Serykh, a father and daughter team, amaze the audience with their eloquent and beautiful strength and balancing adagio act. Mariya rises high over the audience and performs a beautiful acrobatic “silk” routine.

Tamra Tinoco, has produced and performed in a number of Branson shows, including The Magnificent 7, in which she and her husband Joe star. Her performance of “Are You Ready for a Miracle” during the show was beautiful.

Brenda Hahne, the shows ventriloquist, and her loveable “Aunt Ruth” appear magically and add an element of humor to the show as Aunt Ruth and her “niece” Brenda interact with each other.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention AJ Heard, the show’s choreographer, who also dances in the show with Ken Brown, and Mariya Serykh. Their dancing, whether introducing an illusion or as part of some other act, adds an element of grace, elegance, and beauty to the audience’s enjoyment of this Unbelievable show. Their interaction with Tamra Tinoco during her performance of “Feeling Good” is but one example.

From beginning to end, one word describes this show, “Unbelievable,” in terms of its combination of magic, variety, and its ability to simultaneously entertain all ages. For additional information or tickets for Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show, 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 by visiting www.BransonTourismCenter.com.