“A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country,” in Branson, Missouri might just be the most unusual country music show that most people have ever seen. We’ll get to the music shortly, but how many people have ever been to a country music show where the music has been accompanied by 36,000 gallons of water going 45 feet high in the air? This writer would wager not many.
Cody Dooley performing John Conlee's "Rose Colored Glasses."
The show is presented in the “Amazing Waltzing Waters Theatre.” It combines the performance of the show’s star, singer and impressionist, Cody Dooley, with beautiful music, colored lights, and the movement of 36,000 gallons of water in a synchronized display that it absolutely amazing.
Kevin Curtis, the owner of Waltzing Waters said its 36,000 gallons of water and 502 fountains can make over 42,000 different controlled movements sending water up to 45 feet into the air amidst a combination of colors. The show’s music is programmed and choreographed with the fountains and lighting to produce a unique and spectacular light show. In addition to the beauty of the fountains it is amazing to see Cody Dooley perform live and interact with the audience knowing that the fountains are moving on to the next number even if he isn’t. The timing and coordination was wonderful and the 45 minute show went off without a hitch.
As beautiful and marvelous as the water show is, it is the singing and impressions of Cody Dooley that add the country to this show and let there be no doubt about it, this show is a pure country trip down memory lane with one hit after another. Newlyweds Mr. & Mrs. Mark Johnson spent part of their honeymoon at the show. Mark said, “I loved the show” and both said they would recommend it to any country music fan.
Dooley is an excellent singer and an impressionist and does a great job of keeping the show interesting and entertaining. He has been performing at various venues in Branson over the last 10 years and has worked with artists such as Willie Nelson and John Conlee. He introduces each song with its title, the year it was recorded and the artist and, with most, a short note of interest about the song all of which adds to the overall enjoyment of the show.
The shows repertoire is a trip down the memory lane of country music’s greatest hits and artists. From “Ring of Fire,” by Johnny Cash to Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe” and Don Gibson’s “Oh, Lonesome Me,” it’s 45 minutes of one country hit after another. This writers two favorite numbers were Dooley’s presentation of Charlie Pride’s “You’ve Got to Kiss An Angel Good Morning” and his presentation of the Willie Nelson/Waylon Jennings “duet” of “She’s a Good Hearted Woman.” How does someone sing a duet with themselves? In Dooley’s case, in a very entertaining way.
In addition, to the “A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country,” performed at 3 and 6 p.m., the “Amazing Waltzing Waters Theatre” offers its choreographed water and light shows every hour on the hour from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For additional information or tickets for Cody Dooley and the “A Country Legacy – Fountains of Country” show 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.