30,000 pound boat “sails” the stage and breaks up during storm.
When I went to see Jonah at the Sight and Sound Theatre in Branson as it premiered last year I did so in the context of having seen all of the spectacular Sight and Sound Branson shows, “Noah, the Musical,” “Miracle of Christmas,” and “Joseph.” I expected to see a show with great music, vocals, spectacular sets and costuming presented as only Sight and Sound can do it. Well, I got what I expected and, in terms of what most people think about what swallowed “Jonah” a “whale” of lot more.”
Recently, Annette Wood, the Director of Sales and Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, reminded me that although Jonah’s Branson premier was just a year ago that time is running out for Branson visitors to see it because it will be replaced by another production, “Moses” next year. If you have not seen this fantastic show here are a few reasons why we believe that you should consider seeing it and sharing it with your family before it leaves Branson:
1. The whole family can enjoy it together: All Branson shows are family friendly in terms of content, but some are more kid friendly, in terms of their content being able to hold their interest throughout the majority of the show. Still fewer can entertain children of different ages and adults simultaneously and at entertainment level they all enjoy. Jonah does.
2. Spectacular Props and Sets: Sight and Sound is known for their spectacular props and sets and as great as they have been in their other Sight and Sound Branson productions, in Jonah they are just about unbelievable. One example is the ship from which Jonah is thrown into the sea; took two years to build and weighs 30,000 pounds.
3. Action and Special Effects: Sight and Sound are experts at filling their 300 foot surround sound stage with music, action, dancing, drama and special effects melded into magnificent productions. The action scenes of the ship breaking up; Jonah flying through the air, particularly as he departs the belly of the great “fish;” the set of Jonah in the belly of the fish and the underwater scene with the great “fish” are simply magnificent and something no one has ever come close to seeing on a Branson stage.
4. The Magnificent Underwater Segment: As Jonah is thrown into the sea by the crew of the ship and sinks into the ocean depths, the audience is literally “immersed,” in a spectacular underwater environment as beautiful fish swim by, Jelly Fish float about and the great “fish” comes out of the darkness and swims slowly and gracefully out over the audience through a beautiful underwater world and then, returns to swallow Jonah. Parents need not worry, the actual swallowing of Jonah by the “fish” is not seen. One minute the fish is swimming toward him and the next, there is a set with Jonah in the belly of the fish. Jonah’s exit from the belly of the fish was a “high flying” experience that delighted the audience.
5. An Epic Biblical Story Spectacularly Brought to Life: Jonah has it all, drama; original music produced specifically for the show and performed by the Prague Symphony Orchestra; great vocals sung live on stage by the shows cast; dancing; 30 live animals ; colorful costuming and great sound, special effects and lighting and simply spectacular sets. That said however, it is the energy and talent of the shows cast of 41 performers that brings the epic bible story of Jonah, and how he tried to run from what he knew God wanted him to do, to life in a very special, inspirational and entertaining way.
In a nutshell, Jonah is unlike anything that most people will every see live on stage, a pure joy to experience and something is that every member of the family can enjoy together and remember for a lifetime. Jonah will be performed through December 29, 2015.
For additional information or tickets for Jonah please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.