Category Archives: Shows

What you might want to know about Daniel O’Donnell’s 2015-2016 sabbatical

Daniel O'Donnell.

Daniel O’Donnell.

On February 20, 2014, internationally acclaimed singer and perennial Branson favorite Daniel O’Donnell, announced, on his website, that he has “decided to take an extended break from touring after the Gertrude Byrne Caribbean cruise finishes next February 2015.” O’Donnell went on to say, “I can’t really say how long the break will be, but there will be no shows until at least the middle of 2016 and closed the announcement saying “I want to stress that ‘This is not retirement,’ it’s just a sabbatical.”

In his announcement, he thanks everyone for their support as his wife Majella has battled cancer since last July and say’s that he is “delighted she’s doing so well” and ” that her treatment and surgery has been successful.” At the same time he points out that through it all they have had a lot of time to reflect and take stock of things. O’Donnell said, “It makes us realize that life is short. For me this was a very big decision, but there are a number of things that Majella and I want to do and even if we live to be 90 (which I hope we do) I don’t want to have to say “I wish we took the time to do such and such……”

“Although Branson audiences will surely miss Daniel O’Donnell’s performances during his sabbatical, we rejoice in the fact that Majella is doing so well and that they are able to take the time to do the things they want to do together,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “We, and we are sure, his fans look forward to seeing the final performances of the Daniel O’Donnell show in Branson November 1 through November 22, prior to the start of his sabbatical, and the opportunity to wish him and Majella ‘Godspeed.'”

For information, tickets and the best seats available for Daniel O’Donnell’s November Branson performances please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

Soothe Winter Doldrums by Planning a Perfect Branson Summer Vacation

Silver Dollar City's record setting wooden coaster "Outlaw Run" is just one of the exciting experiences awaiting Branson visitors.

It might seem odd, in the depths of the harsh winter many of us are experiencing to suggest planning a summer vacation in Branson, but what better way to shake the winter doldrums? Naturally, being a resident of Branson for these past 28 years, and having vacationed in Branson for ten years prior to moving here, it is natural to understand why I might be partial to Branson, but the question is why you and your family should spend your summer vacation in Branson?

Simply put, because there is no other place on earth that offers the combination of fun things to do coupled with the spirit Branson offers. The combination of things to do and the hospitality of those providing them stems from an Ozarks heritage and culture that is at the heart of all Branson is. Whether simply relaxing; going through a full day of fun and excitement experiencing Branson’s live shows, attractions, dining and shopping or enjoying one of the many other exciting activities Branson offers, you and your family will be interacting with people dedicated to providing you with a Branson vacation you will never forget.

Of course, it is extremely helpful in that regard that, from its oldest and most popular attraction, the award winning world class 1880s styled Silver Dollar City theme park to its three pristine lakes, around 100 live music and entertainment shows, dozens of attractions and other activities, Branson has more entertainment, excitement and things to do “per block” than any other vacation destination anywhere near its size. As an example, where else could you conveniently start your morning at a world class attraction like the Titanic Museum Attraction; visit a state of the art trout hatchery on your way to basking on a sandy fresh water beach such as Table Rock Lake’s “Moonshine Beach;” enjoy a dinner sightseeing cruise on a 100 foot luxury yacht like Main Street Cruise Lines’ Landing Princess and still be able to take in an evening performance of a Branson Show such as Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Acrobats of China, The Texas Tenors, Haygoods, Clay Cooper’s Country Express, it, The Duttons, SIX, Grand Jubilee or any one of dozens of other live shows.

Seems like a lot and it is, but the point is that everything is so close together and convenient in Branson that your day can be as active or, depending on what you want, as relaxing as you want. The real beauty of it all is that was just one daily itinerary out of hundreds that can be put together to make sure that you and your family have the best vacation ever filled with exactly the things that you want to do. Want to get a better taste of what Branson has to offer? Click here for instant on line access to Branson Tourism Center’s 2014 Branson Vacation Guide.

To make it fun and easy to plan the perfect vacation for your family, the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), who’s mantra is, “We don’t sell discount vacations we sell amazing vacations at a discount,” starts that amazing vacation off with a unique free personal concierge style Branson vacation planning service. One phone call to 800-785-1550 will put you in contact with one of their Branson based Vacation Planners who will show you what Ozark hospitality is as they help you plan a perfect Branson vacation, answer questions, make recommendations on what to see and do, save you time and, in most cases, money.

 

 

Material Connection

Jonah Promises to be a “Whale” of an Entertainment Experience

Jonah is a spectacular,fun and inspirational entertainment experience.

After seeing the promotional video for “Jonah,” taken during its performances in Lancaster, PA and getting an informal “sneak preview,” of the sets during a behind the scenes tour last week; it is with eager anticipation that I await the Branson premier of Sight and Sound’s production of Jonah, on March 22. I have seen all of Sight and Sounds spectacular productions, “Noah the Musical,” “Joseph,” and the “Miracle of Christmas,” but, based on what I have seen and heard so far, even among that group of outstanding shows, “Jonah” is going to be something special.

I am not the only one who feels that way. Dan Deal, who ought to know because he is the shows Director and Associate Producer said that Jonah, “Is probably the most high energy vibrant and pretty show that we have ever done. It is a nonstop energy packed powerful story that takes off and keeps running just like Jonah himself does the whole way through. You will be surrounded by the show and engulfed by the underwater experience. From start to finish the show is jammed packed. It is fun, it’s funny, it’s endearing, it’s powerful and its life changing.”

All my life I have heard the story described as “Jonah and the whale,” but in reality what scripture says is that “The Lord appointed ‘a great fish’ to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the stomach of the fish three days and three nights.” After standing on stage and looking into the mouth of the “great fish” and sensing the excitement of Mike Pitman, Sales Manager for Sight and Sound Theatres, as he described the show and how everything comes together, or in some cases, “breaks apart,” in this exciting, entertaining and inspirational show all this writer can say is, “Everyone is going to have a ‘whale’ of a time as ‘one of the bibles most misdirected prophets’ attempts to run and avoid that which he knows God would have him do.”

As Jonah does so, Sight and Sounds 300 foot stage surrounds the audience on three sides and, excuse the pun, really “immerses” the audience in the action, not only during the spectacular underwater scene, but throughout the show. Follow Jonah from lavish royal palaces into the belly of the big fish as spectacular 40 foot tall sets, beautiful costuming, amazing special effects and an extremely talented cast present the adventures of one of God’s prophets, as he attempts to run from the will of God and comes to realize the true meaning of God’s mercy, in what promises to be a one of a kind, spectacular, powerful, colorful and fun filled inspirational entertainment experience.

What you should know about what’s new in Branson for 2014

Sight and Sounds "Jonah" is a spectacular biblical production for the whole family.

Having lived in and written about the Branson area for the past 28 years, this is the time of year that is the most exciting for me. It’s not only the anticipation of spring and the opening of the new Branson season, but the metamorphosis of all the effort that Branson puts into presenting their visitors with something that is constantly fresh, new and exciting becoming a reality each year. It may be a new $1.7 M water ride, a complete renovation of a theatre’s auditorium, opening of new shows or attractions or a myriad of other things that keeps Branson on the cutting edge of the fun, entertainment and adventure that makes it the outstanding relevant travel and vacation destination it is.

One of the major highlights of 2014 is the opening of Jonah which will be presented as only Sight and Sound can do it with their 2000 seat theatre, a 300 foot stage that wraps around three sides of the audience virtually engulfing them in the action, elaborate sets that are up to 40 feet high and an assortment of live animals that brings the bible to life in a spectacular way. “Experience all the up’s and downs of the Bible’s most misdirected prophet, ‘Jonah,’ whose story is filled with humor, soul-stirring music, incredible special effects and the amazing ‘underwater’ scene.” It is “an exhilarating fun-filled journey that carries you over land and sea, across deserts, into royal palaces – and deep within the belly of a big fish” and is a production that the whole family will enjoy.

“And that’s just the beginning,” said Annette Wood, Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “From the unique Elvis Lives, kicking the season off with a limited engagement just in time for Valentine’s Day, to Osmond’s American Jukebox and new magic, music, limited engagement and animal shows, Branson’s live entertainment scene for 2014 is bursting at the seams with excitement and variety,” she added. New 2014 Branson shows include, among others, Billy Dean Live!, Chris Perondis Stunt Dog Experience, Dublin’s Irish Tenors and the Celtic Ladies, Hamner’s Unbelievable Variety, Illusionist Rick Thomas, Magnificent Seven, Sha-na-na Rockin Christmas Show, The Lettermen and more.

The annual “Branson Shuffle” has resulted in many shows having a new home for 2014. Some of the major changes include one of Branson’s hottest shows, The Haygoods moving into the Clay Cooper Theatre along with and Joseph Hall’s Elvis Rock N Remember Tribute  and  another of Branson’s hottest shows, the Clay Cooper’s Country Express; Buck Trent to the Baldknobbers Theatre; 70’s Music Celebration Starring Barry Williams to the Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theatre;and the Rankin Brothers moving to the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre to perform 8 PM shows.

The Titanic Museum Attraction pictured amid the beauty of spring which can't come soon enough this year.

From a Branson Attractions perspective White Water’s new $1.7 M 240 foot “Kapu Plummet” water ride starting with a drop-floor drop through a 70 degree plunge into a spiraling loop ride and is promised to be the biggest thrill in “White Water history.” Construction of the new “Branson Auto and Farm Museum,” after its demolition as a result of the 2013 Tornado, is about complete and will result in a bigger and better facility than what was there before. Although no formal completion date has been announced, construction on the new “Parakeet Pete’s Waterfront Zipline” is proceeding. When completed it will provide a unique ride departing from Branson Landing and traveling across Lake Taneycomo to an observation platform high on the side of Mount Branson. From there riders will have a unique and inspiring view of historic downtown Branson, Branson Landing, Main Street Lake Cruises and Lake Taneycomo. When they leave the observation platform they will zip back across the Lake to the original starting point on Branson Landing.

The Branson Titanic Museum Attraction, is always offering something new and fresh for its “passengers” to experience. This year they are featuring a new gallery honoring the eight musicians on the Titanic. As the great ship sank and the final “sadness and sorrow of that dark night” approached these heroic musicians played on. It has been said that “When the music stopped the legend began.” This gallery tells their individual stories and commemorates their courage and gallantry.

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood points out that the Branson entertainment scene is painted day by day on a constantly evolving canvas. She advises that the Branson based Vacation Planning Specialists of the Branson Tourism Center will be delighted to answer any questions anyone may have about the current status of the Branson entertainment scene.

How to give the one you love the perfect Branson Valentine

Branson is a special Valentine.

To those of us who live and work in Branson and to many of the millions who visit each year, Branson is a special place full of excitement and entertainment with a spirit that seems to make special occasions just a little more special. Valentine’s Day, is a special day that those in love show their Valentine just how special they are and what better place to do that than in Branson, Missouri. From great live shows and attractions to romantic dining, shopping and much more, Branson has an outstanding variety of choices to give the one you love the perfect Valentine experience.

 

Grand Country's Comedy Jamboree is just one of the shows to share with your Valentine.

A number of Branson shows will be open for Valentine’s Day Weekend. Clay and Tina Cooper will be opening their 2014 show in their newly remodeled auditorium on Valentine’s Day followed by the Haygoods, who will be appearing in the Clay Cooper Theatre starting this year, the very next night.. The shows that will be open for Valentine’s Day Weekend include:

Absolutely Patsy

Acrobats of China

Amazing Pets

Branson Country USA

Baldknobbers Jamboree Show

Branson Country USA

Clay Cooper’s Music Express

Comedy Jamboree

Dancing Queen ABBA’s Greatest Hits

Elvis Lives

Grand Jubilee

The Haygoods

For many, if not most, Valentine’s Day includes a special meal with their Valentine. Branson offers a variety of choices that meets just about every budget and need. From the simple down home cooking of “Clocker’s Café” in historic downtown Branson to the “Keeter Center,” “Level 2 Steak House,” “The Chateau on the Lake” and many others including a romantic champagne cruise and dinner aboard Main Street Lake Cruises 100 foot luxury yacht the Landing Princess; Branson has the special dining experience that will help make Valentine’s Day Special.

 

The "Grand Stair Case " of the Titanic Museum Attraction.

Although it’s always a great time to visit the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction, Valentine’s Day seems like an especially appropriate time to visit. The museum’s elegant full sized replica of the “Titanic’s Grand Staircase” is a romantic icon that is a popular place for weddings and for couples to renew their wedding vows. Its brand new exhibit honoring the musicians aboard the Titanic coupled with the romance of its band master, Wallace Hartley and his engagement to Maria Robinson is, to me, a special Valentine in itself.

The Branson Tourism Center is offering a variety of “Valentine’s” packages combining shows, lodging, attractions a “Romance Basket” and more. These packages not only provide a way to save money, but a special romantic way to show your Valentine just how special they are.

Why not give your Valentine a special Valentine and plan to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Branson? Need help deciding what to do in Branson or adding that little extra something that will make Valentine’s Day special for your Valentine? Call the Branson Tourism Center, Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning service, by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 and talk with one of their Branson based Travel Planners who will be happy to assist in planning the perfect Branson Valentine experience for your special Valentine.

Branson, a special way to end 2013 and begin 2014

Joining the party aboard Main Street Lake Cruises' "Landing Princess" is just one of many ways to celebrate New Year's Eve in Branson.

BRANSON, Mo., December 18, 2013 – “For families as well as individuals it’s hard to beat the variety of exciting ways Branson has to ‘ring out’ the old year and welcome in the New Year,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Branson offers an amazing choice of entertaining and exciting ways for everyone to celebrate the New Year,” she added.

For those wanting a special New Year’s Eve celebration with the traditional Midnight welcoming in of the New Year, many of Branson’s shows and Main Street Lake Cruises are providing a variety of unique and exciting New Year’s Eve celebrations. These include:

Legends in Concert – Show at 9:30 PM featuring the world famous Legends in Concert tribute artists performing their tributes to Brooks and Dunn, Stevie Wonder, Cher, Alan Jackson, The Blues Brothers, and Elvis. Includes a New Year’s Celebration with party favors and various food choices depending on the package selected.

Pierce Arrow – Want a funny and musical New Year’s Eve Celebration with great food? The Pierce Arrow New Year’s Eve Celebration includes a special three hour show starting at 9 PMwith funny man Jarrett Dougherty, Pierce Arrow, Kenya Wilhite, Shonna Bonds and special guest stars. The fun and entertainment includes games, giveaways, wonderful catered food from Vaskens Deli and a live countdown with balloon drop.

The Haygoods – This fun and exciting evening includes Chocolate Fountains, the Haygoods show starting at 9:00 PM with a break between 10:00 and 10:50 PM during which Gourmet Hors d’oeuvres will be served. The Haygoods will resume the stage and perform from 11:00 until the Midnight celebration which includes Pyrotechnics and Laser Show, Party Hats, Horns, and a huge Balloon Drop at Midnight!

New Year’s Eve Cruise on the 100 foo luxury yacht Landing Princess or the riverboat replica Lake Queen – Ring in the New Year by joining us for this 3.5 hour New Year’s Eve Party aboard Main Street Lakes Cruises’ 100 foot luxury yacht, the Landing Princess. Enjoy mouthwatering hors’ d oeuvres, a sinfully delicious dessert bar, complimentary party favors, a live DJ and dance floor, hula-hoop and limbo contests with fantastic prizes, raffle give-a-ways with awesome prizes, complimentary midnight champagne toast, a cash bar with end of year drink specials and a memorable cruise on Lake Taneycomo. Both boats are handicap accessible, climate controlled, and have onboard restroom facilities.

Grand Jubilee – The fun starts with the first half of the Grand Jubilee Show from 9:00 to 10:00 PM. Finger foods, desserts, and nonalcoholic beverages will be served from 10:00 to 11:00 PM after which the 2nd half of the show will be presented leading up to the balloon drop at Midnight with party favors.

Doug Gabriel’s #1 Hits Tribute Show – Join Doug Gabriel and his family for a fun night as they ring in the New Year! The celebration includes the show featuring Doug and his talented cast, drawings, raffle prizes, celebration cake, party favors, a live countdown and a Midnight balloon drop.

Other Branson dinner shows open “New Year’ Eve” for wanting an earlier celebration include:

Dixie Stampede 5:30 PM

Showboat Branson Belle 4:00 and 8:00 PM

Christmas on the Trail 5:15 PM

High flying Hoop acrobatics from the "Acrobats of China," just one of the many shows olpe n New Years Eve.

From a pure show perspective, Branson has shows for the entire family starting at 10:00 AM and continuing into the evening. These include the following listed by time:

Amazing Pets 10:00 AM

Michael J. & Friends 2:00 PM

Todd Oliver & Friends 2:00 PM

Acrobats of China 3:00 PM

Comedy Jamboree 3:00 PM

Acrobats of China 8:00 PM

Comedy Hypnosis  8:00 PM

Gatlin Brothers 8:00 PM

During New Year’s Eve Day and into the evening the following attractions will be open for the whole family to enjoy. Please check the link for hours of operation, prices and ticketing:

Adventure Ziplines of Branson

Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure

Castle of Chaos

Celebrity Car Museum

Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors

Hollywood Wax Museum

IMAX Adventure Films

Inspiration Tower

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum

Shoot for the Stars Mini Golf

The Track Family Fun Parks

Titanic Museum Attraction

Trail of Lights

Vigilante Ziprider

World’s Largest Toy Museum

“And that doesn’t include shopping, golf, fishing and a myriad of other activities. It’s hard to imagine a better place than Branson for families to celebrate New Year’s together,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson. She points out that, particularly at this time of the year, schedules and activities could be impacted by weather and offers the services of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning service, the Branson Tourism Center, in answering any questions anyone might have or to assist with tickets or lodging arrangements for New Years. BTC can be reached by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550.

Behind the Curtain: Clay Cooper’s remedy for a “bigger world”

Clay Cooper is really "drilling" into the details of the the project.

BRANSON, Mo., December 12, 2013 – “The only major complaint we get about our show is that our seats are too small,” said Branson entertainer Clay Cooper of “Clay Cooper’s Music Express.” “These seats were installed 15 to 20 years ago and let’s just say, ‘The world has gotten a lot larger since then.'”

He explained that, as part of a complete auditorium renovation, they are removing all of their existing theatre seats, about 1058 of them, and installing newer four inch wider seats with more leg room between each of the rows of seats. In addition the aisles will be widened to about six feet from their current size. The theatre will lose about 108 seats reducing its capacity from 1058 to 950 and have a different seating arrangement when the project is done, but Cooper said that it is worth it in terms of audience’s total enjoyment of the show.

When they first bought the theatre four years ago, they spent over $2.8 million remodeling the front, lobby, gift shop, signage and portico; the back with a multi-story facility containing dressing rooms, administrative facilities and “green room” and included the installation of state of the art sound and other audio visual systems in the auditorium. Clay said that the current project is a complete remodel and renovation of the “middle” of the theatre, its “auditorium” and, except for the sound and other systems installed earlier, that the seats and expanded aisles are just the beginning.

In addition to the seats and larger aisles, the renovation will include a new fiber optic back curtain, a new front curtain and new carpeting as well as a new stage surface. The size of the stage will also be enlarged slightly on each side to better tie in with the theatres other two wrap around side stages. In addition, the little cement step up slope in the back of the theatre will be taken out to eliminate the step up and provide a single surface auditorium floor.

While interviewing Clay at the theatre he explained that they started within two days of ending their 2013 season and plan to have done in time to have their first 2014 show on Valentines with the Haygoods, who are performing at his theatre starting in 2014, opening the night after Clay’s opening.

He said, “It will be an involved intense process, but it’s needed. When it’s done it will be very nice and will enhance the overall experience that audience’s attending not only our show, but all the shows at our theatre, will have.”

Clay said it will be an intense process, but plans to have it done by the opening of his 2014 season on Valentine’s Day. The Haygoods, who will be performing at the Clay Cooper Theatre, starting in 2014, open the next night.

Branson Thanksgiving Horn of Plenty overflows with fun

The Titanic Museum Attraction is just one of the many Branson Attractions open Thanksgiving Day.

BRANSON, Mo., November 13, 2013 – Thanksgiving in Branson is like nowhere else in terms of offering a blend of a traditional Thanksgiving along with everything else for which Branson is famous. From a wonderful selection of places to have a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner served aboard the Main Street Lake Cruises’ Lake Queen; one of Branson’s many excellent buffets or other fine restaurants to its dozens of attractions, millions of Christmas lights, great shopping and wonderful live shows, Branson’s Thanksgiving horn of plenty is overflowing with food, fun, shopping, excitement and entertainment.

There will be a full selection of attractions open to entertain Branson visitors on Thanksgiving Day including Silver Dollar City with its celebration of “Old Time Christmas;” the Titanic Museum Attraction‘s “Christmas Winter Wonderland” featuring thousands of holiday lights, Edwardian-style decorations, costumed merry-makers and the beautiful “Fantasy Princess” and the following attractions:

Adventure Ziplines of Branson

Celebrity Car Museum

Hannah’s Maze of Mirrors

Hollywood Wax Museum

IMAX Adventure Films

Inspiration Tower

National Tiger Sanctuary

Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum

Shoot for the Stars Mini Golf

Silver Dollar City

Sky Surfer

The Track Family Fun Parks

Titanic Museum Attraction

Trail of Lights

Vigilante Ziprider

World’s Largest Toy Museum

Xtreme Racing Center

A colorful scene from The Shoji Tabuchi Christmas Show.

Many of Branson’s shows will also be opened on Thanksgiving Day including some of its most popular such as the Acrobats of China, Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express, Duttons, Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, The Haygoods, Legends in Concert, New Jersey Nights, Pierce Arrow, Shoji Tabuchi, Tony Orlando Great American Christmas,Twelve Irish Tenors and others including:

3 Redneck Tenors

Acrobats of China

Amazing Pets

Andy Williams Christmas Show

Starring the Osmonds and Lennon Sisters

Ayo Starring Voices of Glory

A Neil Diamond Tribute

A Tribute to John Denver

A Tribute to Marty Robbins

Absolutely Patsy

Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band

Christmas in Hollywood

Christmas on the Trail

Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express

Hughes Brothers Christmas Show

Dixie Stampede

Doo Wop and Chico Vega Drifters

Duttons

Grand Jubilee

The Haygoods

Jim Stafford

Johnny Cash Songbook

Journey Tribute

Legends in Concert

New Jersey Nights

Patsy Cline Remembered

Pierce Arrow

Sanders Family Christmas

Shoji Tabuchi

Showboat Branson Belle

Tony Orlando Great American Christmas

Twelve Irish Tenors

In should be noted that those Branson Attractions and Shows not open on Thanksgiving Day will be open Thanksgiving weekend.

Branson’s two major drive through lighting displays, the Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and the Branson Area Festival of Lights will also be open on Thanksgiving Day. “The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights is a two and a half mile journey through hundreds of gorgeous displays, millions of Christmas lights, holiday music, and animated scenes most of which have been integrated into the natural terrain of the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. It is one of the most unique and memorable drive through lighting experiences anywhere and also includes a trip to the top of Inspiration Tower where guests can ride glass elevators 230 feet up for a ‘Santa’s eye view’ of the lights from one or the highest points in southwest Missouri. The Branson Area Festival of Lights is a one mile trip through more than 175 sparkling lighting displays, many of which are animated. It is conveniently located a few blocks off the heart of the Branson Strip.”

For additional information on Thanksgiving in Branson 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.

George Dyer Show a Christmas gift extraordinaire

 

The incredible George Dyer.

BRANSON, Mo., November 8, 2013 – This writer was reminded again last week why he has described George Dyer as “Branson’s tenor extraordinaire as he again experienced the wonder, power and beauty of his voice and his interaction with his audience during the George Dyer Show. His voice is one of the most magnificent tenor voices I have ever heard, but when it is combined with one of the finest bands in Branson, his “mini introductions” of each number, the marvelous vocal talents of his family and his personal charisma the result is a unique and memorable entertainment experience simply not available anywhere else, in Branson or otherwise.

When most people hear the term “tenor singer” they think of opera. This show is anything but opera. Like many of Branson’s resident family shows, the first half of his Christmas show is the best of his regular season show and is a virtual cornucopia of music genres, including music from Broadway, Gershwin, Sinatra, Darin and Disney, to mention a few, with the second half being devoted to Christmas and not an “opera” number in the show.

Before getting to George Dyer himself, it should be noted that he is surrounded with talent starting with his family, his wife, Clarisse; daughters Kendra and Kassidy and sons Mitchell and Garrett. The vocal talent of this family is simply amazing both as individuals and as they sing together. Kendra’s performance of “Embraceable You;” Kendra, Mitchell and Garrett’s performance of “White Christmas,” with an instrumental surprise and Clarisse singing “I Cried the Day I Took Down the Christmas Tree” all illustrate that point.

And then there is the band consisting of Norman Bergen, Pianist/Conductor; Bogie Bohinc, Lead Guitar; Rob Wilson, Drums; Marcus Willet, Bass Guitar and Rickey Helms on the Keyboards. They are phenomenal in terms of their experience, talent and instrumentality making an already special show even more so.

The magnificent rich tenor voice of George Dyer is just a joy to hear as he covers a variety of music as only he can. His singing would be enough, but when combined with his personality, interaction with the audience and the unique way he introduces each number the end result is a wonderful and unique musical entertainment experience without equal. Although subjective, from many, Dyers solo performance of “Bring Him Home” from “Les Miserables” and the “The Impossible Dream” from the “Man of La Mancha” were this writers favorites.

Adding to the enjoyment of the shows music is his “charisma,” ability to relate to his audience and the short entertaining introductions he gives to each number. J.P. from Mobile Alabama, a first time Branson visitor, who was at the show said “I love it and was very impressed.” When asked what he liked best about the show he replied, “His vocal range and the different types of music he sings. I love the way he intros each of the songs.”

During the Christmas portion of the show George and his daughter sing a duet that is a wonderful inspirational message of the true meaning of Christmas. It combines Kendra’s performance “Breath of Heaven” with George’s performance of “Mary Did You Know” into one of the most beautiful and touching Christmas performances that most will ever hear.

Right after his opening number, George shares his hope with the audience that after seeing his show, “They will be entertained and inspired.” That is a self-fulfilling prophecy for those who love a magnificent tenor voice singing music that is timeless in its ability to entertain and inspire. From beginning to end this is a special entertainment experience that should not be missed.

Please feel free to contact the contact Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services for additional information on the George Dyer Show or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

 

 

Material Connection

 

Ozark Mountain Christmas – Branson’s unique traditional American Christmas celebration

Silver Dollar City's "City Square" with its five story special effects Christmas Tree and the "Gifts of Christmas Holiday of Lights" parade passing through.

BRANSON, Mo., October 27, 2013 When Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, was first asked, “What exactly is ‘Ozark Mountain Christmas?” she said, “It’s not just one thing. It is a unique Branson wide celebration of the true spirit of a traditional American Christmas that has been celebrated for over two decades.”

From its live Christmas Shows to drive through Christmas lighting displays with millions of lights, Santa, Fantasy Princess, decorations, all sorts of shopping Branson is aglow with the festive look and feel of the season and everything one would expect from a world class holiday celebration. If that was all however, Ozark Mountain Christmas would be just another politically correct “holiday,” but that’s not all!

Ozark Mountain Christmas is the celebration of the traditional American Christmas filled with the spirit and message of the true meaning of Christmas as it has been traditionally celebrated. Its roots go back to a community celebration dating back 65 years as its 65th Annual Adoration Parade, and Nativity Scene Lighting, dedicated to “Keeping Christ in Christmas,” is held on Sunday December 8 in Historic Downtown Branson.

While appreciating and respecting those who celebrate other holidays associated with that time of the year such as Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and others, Ozark Mountain Christmas, is unique in that it is one of the few open and public community celebrations for those who celebrate the traditional American Christmas and the reason for the season. Each year, between November 1 and December 31 hundreds of thousands come to Branson for this special celebration and to experience Ozark Mountain Christmas and all that it has to offer.

Silver Dollar City’s world class festival, An Old Time Christmas, running from November 2 through December 30, is a major focal point of Ozark Mountain Christmas and is constantly recognized as one of the nation’s top theme park Christmas celebrations. The 1880s-style theme park is transformed into a glowing Christmas spectacular with a twice nightly 100,000 light “Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade; over four million sparkling lights throughout the park; one-of-a-kind handmade gifts made and showcased by Silver Dollar City’s 100 demonstrating craftsmen; foods of the season and special shows including the Broadway style production of an original musical adaptation of “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol,” produced by Silver Dollar City; “The Living Nativity” and a special production of “It’s A Wonderful Life.”

The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights and the Branson Area Festival of Lights are the two major drive through lighting displays. The Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights is a two and a half mile journey through hundreds of gorgeous displays, millions of Christmas lights, holiday music, and animated scenes most of which have been integrated into the natural terrain of the Shepherd of the Hills Homestead. It is one of the most unique and memorable drive through lighting experiences anywhere and also includes a trip to the top of Inspiration Tower where guests can ride glass elevators 230 feet up for a ‘Santa’s eye view’ of the lights from one or the highest points in southwest Missouri. The Branson Area Festival of Lights is a one mile trip through more than 175 sparkling lighting displays, many of which are animated. It is conveniently located a few blocks off the heart of the Branson Strip.

One of the many spectacular scenes from Sight and Sounds "Miracle of Christmas."

As would be expected in the place that many call the “Live music show capital of the world” there is a wide selection of Christmas Shows that are only available during Ozark Mountain Christmas. Some such as Miracle of Christmas; Hughes Brothers Christmas Show, Christmas in Hollywood, The Andy Williams Christmas Show starring the Osmonds and the Lennon Sisters; The Toy Shoppe, Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas and many others are totally Christmas shows. Most of Branson’s regular season shows also have Christmas shows which include a mixture of their regular season show and a major Christmas segment, usually during the second half of the show. Each is unique and special. This includes some of Branson’s most popular shows such as Clay Cooper’s Country Express; Duttons; George Dyer; Hamner and Barber Variety Show; Haygoods; Legends in Concert; Mickey Gilley; Pierce Arrow; Presleys’ Country Jubilee; Rankin Brothers; Shoji Tabuchi; SIX and many more. Click here for a complete list of Branson Shows or call the Branson Tourism Center at 1-800-785-1550 for information about any Branson show.

Many of Branson’s attractions have special activities for Ozark Mountain Christmas. A partial list includes the Titanic Museum‘s with its Fantasy Princess starting Thanksgiving weekend,, Ride the Ducks Land and Lighting Tour With Splash’s Winter Wonderland and White Flight at the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest.

Branson’s shopping is legendary and the Christmas shopping during Ozark Mountain Christmas is no exception. From the shops at Branson Landing on the shores of Lake Taneycomo to handcrafted items by the craftsmen and artists at Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, three outlet malls and specialty shops for just about every interest, Branson is a Christmas shopper’s paradise.

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson suggests that Ozark Mountain Christmas is a wonderful way for locals and visitors alike to get into the true Christmas spirit, reminds everyone that it is one of the busiest times of the year in Branson and advises advance reservations for shows and lodging.

For additional information on Ozark Mountain Christmas please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling their toll free number, 1-800-785-1550.