“Cruise With The Stars” ends season in Legendary fashion

Dean Z, the winner of the 2013 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, is just one of the "stars" on the cruise.

BRANSON, MO, November 30, 2013 —  “The extremely successful 2013 Cruise With the Stars entertainment experience concludes in ‘legendary’ fashion on December 5th,” said Annette Wood, Director of Group Sales for the Branson Tourism Center. “Those participating in this unique entertainment experience will join the stars of Branson’s Legends in Concert for an exclusive luncheon cruise at 12:15 PM on December 5 aboard Main Street Lake Cruises’ 100 foot climate controlled luxury yacht, the Landing Princess,” she added. During the cruise they will get to meet and interact with the stars performing in the Legends in Concert Show “Stevie Wonder,” “Alan Jackson,” “Cher,” “The Blues Brothers” and “Elvis.”

“Cruise With the Stars” provides the ultimate complete entertainment experience combining two activities, the unique VIP luncheon cruise and the opportunity to see these amazing performers perform live in the Legends of Concert Show. While on the cruise guests will have an unparalleled opportunity for personal interaction with these amazing performers, get autographs and take pictures while enjoying the beautiful view of Lake Taneycomo and its environs including the opportunity to see Bald Eagles and the Great Blue Heron.

Then, either before or after the cruise, those participating in the event will have the opportunity to see these “universally-renowned performers,” who transform themselves through hours of practice at their craft, using their own natural voices, to not only look and sound like the stars they portray, but incorporate their mannerisms into their tribute performances. How good are they?

Dean Z, who does the Elvis tribute in the show, won the 2013 national “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest,” in front of a full house at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis, TN earlier this year. Sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ involved hundreds of Elvis tribute artists competing in 28 preliminary Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ events all over the United States for cash and an invitation to the Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Contest™ Finals in Memphis during Elvis Week.

Jeannie Horton, the General Manager of “Branson’s Legends In Concert” said that although the Legends in Concert is presenting “a Christmas show you won’t want to miss, each performer will sing the songs that made their character the ‘Legend’ they are today.” She also points out that the performers for the Christmas show have been hand-picked because they also have a great Christmas hit which will be performed during each performers set as “Dean Z performs BLUE CHRISTMAS which was Elvis’s signature holiday song, Alan Jackson performs LET IT BE CHRISTMAS, Cher sings PLEASE COME HOME, Stevie Wonder performs THIS CHRISTMAS and The Blues Brothers perform a Grinch Medley that is truly one of a kind. The show finishes with a beautiful finale sure to give you goose bumps as Bucky Heard (Jake Blues) and Kelly Smith (Cher) perform a special rendition of MARY DID YOU KNOW. In addition, there’s an appearance from Santa and snow in the auditorium.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Wood advises that there are only a limited number of seats left for the December 5th Legends Cruise With The Stars and recommends making advance reservation as soon as possible. For tickets or information on the exclusive event please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-875-1550.

 

 

The Secret of the Branson shuffle

Haygoods "shuffle" to and Rankins from Clay Cooper" Theatre in 2014..

BRANSON, Mo., November 24, 2013 – The “Branson Shuffle” has been a part of the evolution of Branson’s live entertainment industry ever since the Baldknobbers “started it all” in 1960. Each year, regardless of when announced, between the ending of one season and the beginning of the next, there is a “shuffle” as some shows move from one theatre to another, some shows decide they have made their final Branson curtain call and new shows come to Branson.

Even in the beginning, when there was only one show in Branson, the Baldknobbers Jamboree show, they “shuffled,” moved, through different locations before settling at their current strip location where they have remained since 1968. It’s a natural process that enables shows to move into time slots and locations they want as other shows vacate them for various reasons such as moving to a different location, retirement or the departure of a star of the show or for anyone of a variety of other reasons.

While shows like Presleys’ Country Jubilee and Jim Stafford have not had to dance the Branson Shuffle, the vast majority of shows have. Even shows such as the Acrobats of China, Baldknobbers Jamboree, Clay Coopers Music Express, Hughes Brothers, Legends in Concert, Duttons and Shoji Tabuchi, who have their own theatres, some for many years, moved around in Branson before arriving at their current permanent locations. Other extremely popular Branson shows such as SIX, The Haygoods, Rankins and others who do not have their own theaters have used the Branson Shuffle in achieving their current success.

The Haygoods are an excellent current illustration of how the Branson Shuffle works. Having performed over 6,000 shows for over 8 million people, they have been performing in Branson since 1993 and have performed in a number of Branson venues, including the RFD Theatre for the 2012 and 2013 season, as their career has evolved. Recently it was announced they would be performing at the Clay Cooper Theatre starting in 2014.

Timothy Haygood said that they are making the move because it fits in with their long term plans from both a personal and professional level. He said that they wanted a long term commitment from a theatre, an opportunity to spend more time with their families, to develop their own individual careers and have the flexibility to perform on the road. Too, he could scarcely contain his excitement as he said, “We are thrilled to be working with Clay and Tina Cooper next year and we can’t wait to roll out our show in their theatre!”

Interestingly, as The Haygoods “shuffled” into the Clay Cooper Theatre because it met their needs, the Rankin Brothers, who are currently performing at the theatre with mostly afternoon shows, announced that they would be moving to the Yakov Smirnoff Theatre for the 2014 season. Larry Rankin, the father and Manager of the Rankin Brothers said, “We are excited about performing our seventh season in Branson at the beautiful Yakov Smirnoff Theatre and being able to perform in the evening time slot.”

The end result of the Branson Shuffle is a constant invigoration of anticipation and excitement as Branson shows move into the locations and time slots that they believe will best enable them to develop and entertain Branson visitors and new shows are added to the almost 100 shows that that make Branson the special wonderful entertainment destination it is.

 

Branson Christmas Shows light up Ozark Mountain Christmas

Christmas at Presleys' Country Jubilee..

BRANSON, Mo., November 20, 2013 – “Branson’s live shows are a key element in the wonderful uniqueness of Branson entertainment any time of the year, but especially during Ozark Mountain Christmas,” said Tiffany Isnard, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “From the Christmas shows presented by most of Branson’s resident shows to unique full production Christmas shows it is unlikely that any other travel destination in America offers the variety or number of Christmas shows celebrating the traditional American Christmas that is available in Branson during Ozark Mountain Christmas,” she continued.

Most of Branson’s regular season resident 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 a special Christmas blessing. 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; SIX and many more.

In addition, there are full production Christmas shows including Miracle of Christmas; Hughes Brothers Christmas Show; Christmas in Hollywood; The Andy Williams Christmas Show starring the Osmonds and the Lennon Sisters; Shoji Tabuchi’s Wonder of Christmas Show; The Toy Shoppe; Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas and Dixie Stampede.

Sight and Sounds spectacular production of the Miracle of Christmas uses drama, spectacular sets, music, and dance as it shares the story of the greatest miracle of all time and the true meaning of Christmas. From flying angels, camels, horses and other animals, to wise men, shepherds and action, it is a musical drama taking in the full length of the theatres 300 foot long surround stage. This show is one of the most spectacular things most people will ever experience on a stage in terms of production, grandeur, entertainment and scope. Its amazing ending goes beyond the birth of the Christ Child and explains the precious gift He brought to us all.

Christmas in Hollywood presents Christmas from the perspective of “Hollywood” and some of its amazing Christmas films. From the classic Christmas movie, “White Christmas” and many more, see the classic moments from some of Hollywood’s greatest Christmas movies on the screen as they are brought to life on stage in amazing production full of holiday fun and festive cheer with all of your favorite classic holiday songs, dazzling scenery, gorgeous colorful costuming and the “highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole.”.

Shoji Tabuchi 's "Wonder of Christmas Show "

Shoji Tabuchi’s “Wonder of Christmas” is a great example of just why the Shoji Tabuchi Show has been a Branson standard for over two decades. From toy soldiers, flying angels and spectacular sets and colorful costuming to Christmas and holiday music ranging from the fun and revelry of a “Blue Grass and Big Band Christmas” to the simple elegance of Shoji playing “What Child Is This” and much more it is a 100% Christmas extravaganza in the finest Tabuchi tradition.

The entire theatre is beautifully decorated for Christmas as is the stage, but it doesn’t stop there. Whether it’s the very talented Christina Tabuchi singing a beautiful Christmas love song in front of an elegantly decorated and lit Christmas Tree, the simple set used in the Christmas Chamber Music and Bell Choir segment, the amazing number of costume changes or the elegantly decorated main set, this show sets the bar in terms of Christmas production shows and truly has something in it for every member of the family.

Dixie Stampede – Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, celebrates Christmas as only it can. Oh, it still has its famous four course meal and all the action, excitement and fun of the “north” and “south” competition it is known for and its renowned equestrian acts, but with a special Christmas flavor. The servers change from the military type “north” and “south” uniforms into the “elf” uniforms as the “north” and “south” pole elfs compete against each other. In addition to other spectacular surprises this Christmas celebration includes a dramatic live Nativity Scene which shares the true meaning of Christmas in a spectacular fashion as it descends amid inspiring music, soaring angels, animals, the three kings riding their camels and spectacular pageantry. This is truly a one of a kind Christmas show that will delight and hold the interest of every member of the family throughout the whole show.

Tony Orlando is a perennial Christmas favorite in Branson, but this year will be his final Branson performances of his Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas Show with his last performance on November 28. From a musical perspective the show includes some of his greatest hits such as “Candida”, “Knock Three Times,” “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” and “Sweet Gypsy Rose” and sings many of the songs that have become part of the fabric of Christmas in America. In addition, Tony, his band and cast tell the story of Tony’s first Christmas in the Ozarks and the special visitor he met as the show celebrates all that is great about the Christmas season.

Legends in Concert celebrates Christmas in a special unique way. Each of their “guest stars” Stevie Wonder, Cher, Alan Jackson, The Blues Brothers, and Elvis will perform one of their top Christmas numbers during their set. The expanded all cast Finale is an exciting spectacular celebration of Christmas.

For additional information or tickets for any of the shows mentioned in this article or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

 

ELVIS LIVES performs 2014 Branson limited engagement

Dean Z winner of 2013 "Ultimate Elvis Contest.".

BRANSON, Mo., November 15, 2013 – Branson visitors, especially fans of “The King,” will be getting a special opportunity to experience ELVIS LIVES when it performs its limited Branson engagement February 7 – 18, 2014. Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center says that the show provides Elvis fans with an unparalleled opportunity to take “an unforgettable multi-media live musical journey across Elvis’ life” and that, appropriately, the dates it will be in Branson cover the Valentine’s Day weekend.

The show will feature finalists from the Elvis Presley Enterprises (EPE) worldwide “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest” with each finalist’s performance representing Elvis during a different stage in his career. “Dean Z,” the winner of EPE’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest for 2013, who is also “Branson Legends in Concert’s” resident Elvis, will play tribute to the 1950’s era and three other finalists will pay tribute to three other stages of Elvis’ career the 1960s, movies and the concert years. They will be joined by a “a live band, back-up singers and dancers, an Ann-Margret tribute artist, as well as an unforgettable multi-media presentation including iconic media and imagery made available from the Graceland archives.”

Brian Brigner, Chief Operating Officer of On Stage Touring, one of the partners in the production, said ELVIS LIVES is the “complete musical package” and that “The partnership between On Stage Touring and EPE provides the only authentic touring showcase of Elvis tribute artists for fans who want to experience the music and live performance charisma of one of the most popular recording artists in history.” For additional information or tickets for ELVIS LIVES please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550. 

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.

Behind the Curtain – Branson personalities share a Tony Orlando moment

Mickey Gilley and Tony Orlando sharing some memories at the event.

When Main Street Lake Cruises’ 100 foot luxury yacht the “Landing Princess” left her moorings at the Main Street Marina on the evening of November 10 it was on a special cruise to honor Tony Orlando and his service to Branson and Veterans. It was an evening filled with elegant dining, fellowship and memories of Tony’s 20 years in Branson.

While on the cruise, and exclusively for this “Behind the Curtain” article, various friends and associates of Tony were asked, “impromptu,” to share one moment in their association with Tony that stood out in their minds. The underlined portion following the bold type names is a summary of that moment followed by a more complete explanation:

Jack Herschend – He kissed me. I have lived here for 63 years and never have I met a man like Tony Orlando. The first time I met him he gave me a great big hug and kissed me on the cheek and you know, in the normal course of events, we men from the Ozarks don’t know how to deal with men kissing us on the cheek. He’s still kissing folks on the cheek and it comes from his heart. He is a heart driven guy, the most loving man I have ever known. (Co-owner of Silver Dollar City.)

Chris Cathcart – His graciousness. We were doing the “Santa and Me Show” which has a scene in it in Tony’s living room that involves a sofa that Tony and Santa sit on for a major part of the act. Between acts, somehow the sofa had not been placed on the stage. Tony comes down the stairs and Santa comes from the wings with neither realizing the couch wasn’t there until they went to sit down. Tony realizing that the couch wasn’t there said, “Well my couch used to be here.” We rushed around and got the couch out there and Tony used the situation to adlib a funny thing out of it and entertain the audience. After the show when he came off stage, I apologized to him because it was a mistake that could have ruined the flow of a major part of the show, but Tony, being the gracious man he is smiled and said”It’s fine, I never sweat the big stuff, it just happens, mistakes happen.” (Branson entertainer who performed with Tony.

Kathy Lennon – The first time we sang the “Christmas Song.” As we, the Lennon Sisters, sang the “Christmas Song” with Tony at the Welk Theatre for the first time we just looked at each other and there were tears in everyone’s eyes as a special instant bonding took place right there on the stage. We worked with him for three years and he was and is nothing but family to us.

Steve Presley – Tony’s first Veteran’s show. I went to the very first Veterans show Tony did at the Yellow Ribbon Theatre. What Tony has done for Branson and for the Veterans over the last 20 years has been amazing. (Founding member of Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the first show on the Branson strip.)

Larry Milton – He introduced me to the term “Visual Pollution.” During one of my first meetings with Tony he used the term “Visual Pollution” to describe how the billboards leading into Branson cover up the natural beauty of the Ozarks. (Co-owner of the Branson Tourism Center, Branson.Com and Main Street Lake Cruises with his wife Lianne.)

Ross Summers – His willingness to do whatever he could to help Branson. We do a show at the American Bus Association Convention to support a charity. About three years ago the charity was the “Yellow Ribbon Fund” and we thought it would be great if Tony could do the show. I went to Tony and before I could even tell him what we needed he said, “The answer is’ Yes,’ what can I do for you?” (CEO Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce & CVB)

Mickey Gilley – He mesmerized me. The first time I saw him perform the “Santa and Me Show” I was memorized. (Country Super, star as he was departing the boat before departure to go do a show.)

Susan Smith – His ornate ability to make everyone the star. I have worked with him for many years and he has an unselfishness about him and a willingness to give others the credit and make them feel like they are the most special individuals in the world.

Although Tony will continue to live in Branson this will be his last year performing in Branson. Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas show will be have its final performance in Branson on November 18.

 

Hat at auction reunites two Navy Veterans after 61 years

 

USS Taussig shipmates Waynolin Wood, left, and Darrell Mann are reunited during Branson's Veteran's Week after 61 years.

BRANSON, Mo., November 10, 2013 – Branson’s Veterans Week is a time for Veterans to relax, have fun, be honored and there might very well be hundreds of individuals being reunited with someone they haven’t seen in decades. It is highly unlikely however, that many such reunions will reunite two shipmates who served together for four years, have been separated for 61 years and are together this week as the result of a hat and a chance meeting at an auction.

When Eric Prey, a Vacation Planning Specialist for the Branson Tourism Center, first mentioned that one of his customers, Gene Gummersheimer, was coming to Branson with a small group of crewmembers that had served on the USS Taussig, he explained that among those crew members were two who had not seen each other in 61 years. Beyond the 61 years the story of how the reunion occurred defies all odds indicating that it was destiny’s plan for these old shipmates to meet again.

2nd Class Pipefitter Waynolin Wood and 3rd Class Engineman Darrell Mann served together aboard the USS Taussig DD 746, a destroyer with 20 Battle Stars, from 1948 until 1952 and two tours in Korean waters during the Korean War. In 1952 Wood left the Navy and Mann made the Navy his career serving for 20 years.

About three years ago, Gene Gummersheimer, who served aboard the Taussing ten years after Wood and Mann had left, was at an auction wearing a USS Taussig hat and a woman, Sandy Wood, came up and told him that her husband had also served on the Taussig. They exchanged contact information and Gummersheimer called Wood and sent him a roster with the contact information of the crew members that were still alive. Wood saw Mann’s name and the result, thanks to the efforts of Gummersheimer, was the reunion in Branson this week of Mann from Connecticut and Wood from Illinois after a 61 year separation.

There’s probably a lot that could be written, but the words of Wood himself seem especially appropriate when he said, “This has been one of the most enjoyable weeks of my life.”

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

 

An Old Time Christmas – centerpiece of Ozark Mountain Christmas

The iconic City Square with its five story Christmas Tree and the "Gifts of Christmas Holiday of Lights" parade passing through.

BRANSON, Mo., November 1, 2013 – “It’s certainly no understatement to point out that Silver Dollar City’s spectacular An Old Time Christmas Festival is the centerpiece of the Branson area wide celebration of Ozark Mountain Christmas,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Running from November 2 through December 30, it has been recognized nationally as one of the Nation’s best Christmas celebrations by The Travel Channel, Good Morning America, USA Today and many others.”

 

The award winning 1880s styled theme park turns into a glittering winter wonderland amid no less than 5 million sparkling lights and 1,000 decorated Christmas trees throughout the park. Of those, 1 million decorate the streets and cover the “40-foot-tall trees on the Town Square as part of the spectacular light & sound show, Christmas on Main Street.” This show features the 5 -Story Special Effects Christmas Tree, with 350,000 energy-saving lights synchronized with music and to the lights decorating buildings around the square, down to one-hundredth of a second which can result in a phenomenal 6,000 light changes per minute. When the twice nightly 100,000 light Gifts of Christmas Holiday Light Parade with 18 costumed characters and eight lighted musical floats is added the result is a unique and beautiful experience that will provide Christmas memories for a lifetime.

Scene from Dickens "Christmas Carol."

An Old Time Christmas also features a number of unique, exciting and entertaining shows. These include an original Silver Dollar musical production of It’s a Wonderful Life, adapted from the inspirational Frank Capra Christmas classic; the “acclaimed Broadway-style production A Dickens’ Christmas Carol, an original musical adaptation of the famous classic by Charles Dickens, with elaborate sets and visual effects, flying spirits, vanishing ghosts, revolving scenery and pyrotechnic special effects; the interactive musical show Frosty where kids help bring the legendary snowman to life, a musical Living Nativity, and the comedy Frontier Fa-la-la Follies’ in the Silver Dollar Saloon.”

Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson points out that, as is the case with all of Silver Dollar City’s world class festivals, the special events, shows and activities associated with An Old Time Christmas are in addition to everything else the award winning theme park offers. This includes craft demonstrations; some of the most unique shopping available anywhere in Branson; a full selection of “holiday food from a Prime Rib Buffet to a traditional turkey & dressing feast and making your own S’Mores, Apple Dumplings and Hot Wassail” and, weather permitting, rides including its new world class wood coaster Outlaw Run, named Best New Ride of 2013. Always thrilling, riding them after dark provides a special unique experience especially with millions of lights sparkling below.

Johnson reminds potential Branson visitors that Christmas is the busiest time of the year in Branson and suggests advance reservations for shows and lodging. She also points out that when you purchase your Silver Dollar City Ticket through Branson Tourism Center you get two days admission to the park for the price of one day. For additional information on either Ozark Mountain Christmas or Silver Dollar City’s An Ole Time Christmas. Please feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), through their toll free number, 1-800-785-1500 from 7 AM to 9 PM every day of the year, except Christmas Day, to talk with one of their trained, Branson Based, Vacation Travel Planners.

 

Tony Orlando’s Final Branson Christmas Season

Tony Orlando in dressing room during a 2010 interview celebrating his 50th year of performing.

BRANSON, Mo., October 28, 2013 – “This is a last chance for Branson visitors to see Tony Orlando perform his inspiring Christmas show, The Great American Christmas in Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “His limited engagement Branson performances of the show from November 5 through November 28 will conclude 20 years of performing the show in Branson as Tony has announced he will be taking the show on the road starting in 2014,” she continued.

“Tony will sing all of your holiday favorites and will also include his greatest hits from over 50 years in show business; ‘Candida’, ‘Knock Three Times’, ‘Tie a Yellow Ribbon’, ‘Sweet Gypsy Rose’ and more. Then, Santa pays a visit and Tony and Santa honor the true meaning of Christmas. It’s a Branson must see and a perennial family favorite!”

In announcing his final Branson Christmas season He said, “Branson is my home and I love being part of the community. After 20 years, I just feel it is time to take The Great American Christmas Show out to America.” In addition he “will continue his touring schedule with appearances at Performing Arts Centers and Casinos throughout the USA and Canada.” Dathan Atchison, General Manager of Welk Resort Branson said, “We are so excited and proud to have had such a legendary entertainer in our theatre for Christmas. There is no one like Tony!”

“In 1973, he recorded “Tie A Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Ole Oak Tree.” The song was number one for the year, became Orlando’s theme song and grew into an American anthem of hope and homecoming, reunion and renewal. November 11th at 2pm, Tony will also host his 20th Yellow Ribbon Salute To Veterans, a star studded salute, free to all military past and present.”

For additional information on Tony Orlando’s The Great American Christmas 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 by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com .