The incredible Shoji Tabuchi during opening set.

The Christmas spirit springs alive in Branson shows this week as most begin their Christmas shows. They will not only provide excellent entertainment for you and your family, but fill you with the spirit of the traditional American Christmas and celebrate the “reason for the season.

Among Branson’s Christmas shows, there’s always been something extra special about Shoji Tabuchi’s Christmas show. That’s even more so this year as the show, Celebrate 25 Days of Christmas With the Tabuchis, marks the first time Shoji has performed a show in Branson since a fire damaged his theatre in the Spring of 2017. And, after seeing the show on October 29, all I can say is, “WOW, what a show!”

From Santa Claus arriving on the very first number to the closing, with the “reason for the season,” this show is all about Christmas. Oh there’s a few special Christmas gifts strategically placed throughout the show, audience favorites, such as Through the Eyes of Love, Pure Imagination, and the Orange Blossom Special, but from beginning to the end, this show is a delightful celebration of the joys, spirit, and wonders of Christmas.

In addition to the amazing Shoji Tabuchi, the show features Christina Lingo-Tabuchi as the featured female vocalist. She is also the co-dance captain and co-producer of the show. The show’s entertainers, who add so much to the show, among other things, dance, sing, and, unless my guess is wrong, “magically” appear as reindeer and penguins. They are Kami  Ballard, Norvin Breeck (Co-Dance Captain), Jeremy Sterling, and Sharlyn Todd.

The shows live band adds another enjoyable dimension to the show. It consists of Dougie Duggan, Guitar (Band Director), Carl Hose, Trombone, Dan McMasters, Bass, Collin Rozario, Keyboard, and Anthony Walter, Drums. They play in just about every number and featured in many.

The opening number sets the Christmas tenor right away with Here Comes Santa Claus featuring Shoji Tabuchi. What better time to have Santa Claus himself arrive and, to the delight of the audience, especially the kids, come down into the audience and wish them a “Merry Christmas.”

Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer goes Hawaiian.

Speaking of kids, they should love this show! There’s the music of Christmas, which most will relate to, and colorful unique costuming. Starting with the arrival of Santa Claus there are strategically placed numbers and things that will excite and entertain kids, such as the march of the drumming toy soldiers, penguins, the Hawaiian reindeer in Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, and when they get a chance to come up on stage, interact with Christina and receive a “little gift.”

The set list for this show covers the full range of Christmas music that celebrates both the fun and excitement of Christmas as well as the “reason for the season.” The fun music of Christmas includes music such as Here Comes Santa Claus, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer, Frosty The Snowman, Jingle Bells, Reindeer Boogie and others. The inspirational music of Christmas includes, among others, Oh Come All Ye Faithful, Oh Little Town of Bethlehem, and Oh Holy Night.

Interestingly, although there is a mixture of both kinds of music throughout the show, both the first and second half of the show end with versions of Joy to the World. The first half with Shoji and the band playing a unique instrumental arrangement incorporating three variations of music, Latin, Pop, and Rock and the second with the whole cast singing it along with the audience. What an inspirational way to end both halves of the show with the “real reason” for the season.

Fully recognizing that your favorites might be different than mine, and from among many, I typically pick two things from each show that are my favorites. Shoji and the bands instrumental version of Joy to the World, with its different beats and Christina’s rendition of “Oh Holy Night” were as inspiring as they were entertaining. OK, I’ve got to mention two more. The mandolin and violin duet with Shoji and Sharlyn Todd of Christmas Time’s A Comin’ provided a fun change of pace and a bit of bluegrass that I particularly enjoyed. Shoji’s favorite song is Through the Eyes of Love, from the movie “Ice Castles.” I have had the privilege of hearing him play it for over 20 years, it’s my favorite Shoji number, and it always touches my heart. This time was no exception.

Not only is it a special joy to see Shoji performing in Branson again, but particularly to see him continue his legacy of legendary Branson Christmas shows. If, regardless of age, you want to be entertained and celebrate all that is Christmas don’t miss this show. It will be performing at the Clay Cooper Theatre on selected dates through December 21. For more information on Celebrate 25 Days of Christmas With the Tabuchis or other Branson Shows, attractions or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 or through their website https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/.

Three of Branson’s amazing magicians, Reza, Taylor Reed, and the Hamners with their amazing birds.*

For a town of Branson’s size, the choice of live shows is almost magical in terms of their variety, quality, and quantity. That means there is not only a wide choice of the type of shows, but of shows within a particular type. There is a live music show for just about every genre of music, and generally a choice within each type. Similarly, when it comes to magic shows, there’s is a wide choice of quality magic shows to pick from. Here are three diverse shows, representing the variety of magic available for you and your family to enjoy in Branson:

Hamners’ Unbelievable Variety Show is the realization of a dream that Dave and Denise Hamner had to produce and present an entertaining family friendly magical variety show that would appeal to all ages. And do it they have! This show is a virtual cornucopia of magical entertainment that transcends mere illusions. Along with the Hamners’ award winning magic, including their signature illusion, featuring beautiful Macaws and Cockatoos, this unbelievable show features some of the best dance, music, comedy, and acrobatic performers in Branson as “Birds Appear, People Fly, and Voices Soar.” It’s two hours of magical entertainment that the whole family will love.

Reza Edge of Illusion features one of the hottest young magicians of today. His fresh approach to the of the centuries-old art of magic adds an eclectic touch as he combines some of the old-style magic; the disappearing birds, or the beautiful assistant being sawed in half, with fresh, cutting edge illusions running the gamut from close up and “mind” magic to the spectacular. A Helicopter disappears, motor cycles roar, and the simple elegance of a magical painting are just a small part of this wonderful show. Reza makes liberal use of his audience throughout the show which just adds so much. One comment from someone who saw the show recently pretty well sums up how people that have seen the show feel and why you might want to share it with your family. “This show was a last minute decision for us. I am so glad we took the time to see it! It was amazing from beginning to end. Speaking of endings, your mind will be blown by the time you leave! Very impressive to people of all ages!”

The Magic and Comedy of Taylor Reed is a unique combination of comedy and illusions that truly provides a magical entertainment experience. He appeared on the hit NBC Prime Time show Americas Got Talent and is currently mesmerizing audiences in Branson, leaving them asking the question, “How’d he do that?” An engaged couple who saw the show recently said, “What a phenomenal show! My fiancé and I took our first trip to Branson and he was the first show we saw! Definitely worth every penny! A family with a 12 year old said, “My family loved the show! The illusions were amazing and we loved how he mixed in some comedy! Our 12 year old loved the audience interaction during the show and meeting Taylor afterwards. We highly recommend this show…it is a must see if you are in Branson!”

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

• Pictures used in composite courtesey of respective shows.

Among his many talents, Jim Stafford is considered a “guitar virtuoso.”

Jim Stafford has been billed as the “consummate entertainer,” and for good reason. He’s been doing it all since the 1970s, singing; song writing; playing a variety of instruments, all self-taught, including the guitar, fiddle, banjo, and piano; and comedy. And doing it well!

He hit the entertainment scene on the heels of a number of hits including, among others, “Swamp Witch,” “My Girl Bill,” “Wildwood Weed,” and his most popular hit, “Spiders & Snakes,” which rose to “No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.” He came to Branson and started the Jim Stafford show in 1990. This year, the show is celebrating its 28^th year of entertaining Branson audiences. With decades of material to draw from, his unique combination of talents, and ability to relate to his audience, it’s a celebration not to be missed!

Stafford says, ““I’ve got new vocals, new stories and new instrumentals I’m working on. There is one new instrumental piece I’ve been working on for the past 16 months, and the reason why is because it’s hard.”

He also points out that as he has added new elements to his show over the years that some really “good bits fall by the wayside.” For the celebration of his 28^th year in Branson, Stafford says that in addition to the new material, he’s decided to bring back some of his favorites from the past that he hasn’t done in many years.

One person who saw the show recently summed thing up pretty well. They called him a “comedic genius” in terms of his style and timing, suggesting that his style is reminiscent  of the comedy styles of Tim Conway, Phyllis Diller, Rodney Dangerfield and Elmer Fudd. They went on to say that “Jim Stafford is the real deal. An extraordinary entertainer.”

Stafford points out that in addition to his show, that the Jim Stafford Theatre is home to three more great shows offering a variety of live entertainment choices including:

Heartland Country a brand new classical country music show. It brings two of Branson’s long time favorites, Splinter Middleton and Casey Ellison, back to the stage along with Kailey Adams and Logan Allen and a great live band.

Parrottville, a tribute show covering the 40 years of all the great hits of the amazing Jimmy Buffet. It’s all presented by singers and a band with the talent to “make the magic happen,” amidst a show full of family fun, entertainment, and surprises.

The Magic and Comedy of Taylor Reed will keep you on the edge of your seat and wondering, “How did he do that?” This master of comedy and illusion has almost 40 years of experience entertaining audiences with his world class magic. Enhanced by fun story lines, wonderful sets, colorful costumes, and music, this high energy magical show will be enjoyed by the whole family.

For more information, tickets or reservations on any of these shows please feel free to 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.

Among the greatest jam sessions in rock n’ roll history was a spur of the moment jam session of four young recording legends-to-be, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis, that took place inside the Memphis storefront recording studio of Sun Records on December 4, 1956. Even more remarkable is that, except for a single newspaper article and its accompanying photo, dubbing the four “The Million Dollar Quartet,” the jam session went unnoticed for decades until a recording of it was discovered in the Sun Records library and released in Europe in 1981. That jam session and recording became the inspiration for the Tony Award winning musical Million Dollar Quartet.The show shares the music, spontaneity, and drama of what took place that December day when these four legends performed together for their first and only time.

For over three decades, I’ve seen Branson shows of all types, but in all of that time I have never seen a show like the Million Dollar Quartet. Its outstanding cast; timeless music that just about everybody knows; and a| wonderful storyline combines with its unique set into an extraordinary entertainment experience that the entire family will enjoy.

Some might ask, “Will my kids like it; it was over 50 years ago, by performers, some of whom my kids might not recognize, and is a genre of music that is not popular with today’s kids?” In a recent interview, with Ryan Pelton, the extremely talented Elvis Presley Tribute Artist currently appearing in the Branson’s Legends in Concert show, was asked, “Why would kids like this show [Legends in Concert]? He replied, “Kids might not know who some of these stars are, but good music is just good music and kids appreciate that. Bruno Mars started as an Elvis impersonator and he’s one of the most popular stars today.” More to the point, “Carol C,” who recently attended the Million Dollar Quartet, with her husband and 14 year old daughter said that her daughter just loved the show with its music and the dramatic interplay between the characters.

Clearly, with four recording stars represented in the lead roles, plus the iconic music being performed, it requires some extremely talented entertainers to do it all justice. Tyler K. Hunter as Elvis Presley, Cliff Wright as Johnny Cash, John Countryman as Jerry Lee Lewis, and Brad Waters as Carl Perkins do an outstanding job with hits including “Matchbox,” “That’s All Right,” “I Walk The Line,” “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” “Hound Dog,” “Peace in the Valley,” “Whole Lotta Shakin Goin On,” “Blue Suede Shoes,” and many more. From among them, two of my personal musical highlights are “Ghost Riders In The Sky,” sung by Johnny Cash| and “Peace in the Valley,” not simply because| of the way it was sung, but how the storyline integrated a personal memory from each of the performers seamlessly into its performance. It was a special moment.

As amazing as the music is, it’s the storyline, the historical moment it describes that’s so expertly woven in to the musical tapestry surrounding it that makes this such an entertaining show. Matt Joyce as Sam Phillips, the founder of Sun Records, the man many call the “Father of rock n’ roll,” and the person who essentially set the circumstances in motion that ultimately lead to the jam session, does an excellent job of telling the story in a manner that ties all its diverse elements together and holds the audience’s interest throughout.

And what a story it is! Filled with fascinating historical facts and antidotes about not just simply what happened that day, but the stars themselves, a hint of romance, the mechanics of how the record business worked in those early years, and beginning history of rock n’ roll. This includes the part Sam Phillips played in bringing the four together that day; the answer to the question on everyone’s mind at the time, “Why did Phillips sell Elvis Presley’s contract to RCA for $40,000 in 1955?” the angst Carl Perkins, the old man in the group at age 24, felt towards Elvis Presley over Blue Suede Shoes; why Johnny Cash was leaving Sun Records for Columbia Records; the jealousy some felt regarding the emphasis Phillips had placed on Elvis Presley, and much more. Watching the connection between Jerry Lee Lewis, the not so bashful rookie in the group ,evolve is as interesting as it is entertaining.

Lindsey Perenchio as “Dyanna,” does an awesome job, not only in her role as the girl Elvis was with that night, but in interacting with the four musical icons and Sam Phillips and adding a dramatic element with a hint of romance and “commonsense” to the show. Her performance of “Fever” also demonstrates her considerable vocal talents and is yet another example of how she enhances the shows overall entertainment experience. Daniel Dossey plays the drummer, W.S. Fluke Holland, with Austin Wilson rounding out the cast as Jay Perkins, the bass player and brother of Carl Perkins.

How a simple recording session by Carl Perkins, with his brother and a drummer, evolved into what is perhaps history’s greatest  rock n’ roll jam session, as presented in the Million Dollar Quartet, is as wonderfully entertaining as it was unlikely to have occurred in the first place. From beginning to end its nonstop music, fun, drama, and entertainment with no intermission. Oh, and when you think the show’s over, hold onto your seat and remember the old Yogi Berra saying, “It ain’t over| till it’s over.” We don’t desire to spoil the surprise, so just “Wait for it!” It’s a grand ending to a totally delightful and absolutely entertaining show!

For more information or tickets for the Million Dollar Quartet please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s biggest and most respected vacation planning services, by calling 1-800-785-1550, or going to www.BransonTourismCenter.com.