Benjamin, left, Abigail, Jonathan, Amy and Timothy Dutton in Finale.

BRANSON, MO, June 17, 2013 — In a review of the Duttons written last year, I said, “It is a show that truly has been designed and produced to have highlights for everyone, adults as well as teens and younger children. Each performance is a celebration of family, one of the finest entertainment experiences available in Branson or anywhere else and is a special sharing of their family with yours. It is a wonderful experience that will be remembered long after the curtain comes down.” Having just seen the 2013 edition of this show on June 18 that opinion has not changed, except to strengthen it.

From the all cast Jukebox Medley opening ,including “Rock Town,” “Can’t Buy Love,” “Rock Around The Clock and the “girls” rendition of “Lollipop” to their signature Finale “”Boil them Cabbage Down,” the Dutton family presents a unique one of a kind Branson entertainment experience. As but one example, just about every fiddle player in Branson does their variation of the fiddle classic “The Orange Blossom Special” and most do it well, but only at the Duttons show will you see two fiddlers of the quality of Amy and Timothy Dutton “duel” it out during their fantastic performance of this number. It is, like so many parts of this show, not only impeccable in its instrumentality, but so entertaining in its method of presentation.

Their classical presentation of Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons Summer Movement” is another example of how the Duttons turn the exceptional into the spectacular. On any day Amy Dutton playing the piece is a beautiful thing to hear by itself, but combined with a guitar prelude of a Hungarian “Csárdás” and the rest of the Dutton family the result is another one of those fabulous moments that can only be experienced at the Duttons show.

Cousin Julio and Jonathan.

Most of the comedy in the show is provided by the interaction of the Dutton’s cousin “Julio,” who looks a lot like his cousin “Benjamin.” In one instance, Julio, who interacts primarily with Jonathan Dutton, wants to audition for the show with his horn act. The discussion and costuming up to the actual playing of the horns will entertain adult and child alike and the actual playing of the horns, in conjunction with Jonathan playing the banjo is one of the most unique and entertaining performances of “Dueling Banjos” most people will ever hear. Later in the show things really “break up” when Julio picks someone from the audience to come up on stage and play the fiddle.

The main Dutton stars are siblings Abigail, Amy, Benjamin, Jonathan and Timothy, Timothy’s wife Judith, along with their parents Sheila and Dean perform the bulk and core of the show, but it is the strategic and choreographed use of some of the Dutton’s 25 grandchildren that help keep children of all ages invested in the show while at the same time delighting adults. It’s a delicate balance, but the Duttons are experts at it and do it so wonderfully.

The solo performance of “Danke Schoen,” by young Master Timothy Dutton and the absolutely spectacular all cast performance of “Count On Me” that ended the first half of the show are but two examples. Young master Dutton’s performance and costuming were spot on and a perfect example of the effort that goes into using the grandchildren in a manner that enhances the overall experience of the audience. The performance of “Count On Me” that ended the first half started out with “four and ended up with the whole family on stage. What an inspirational and fantastic way to end the first half of the show and illustration the one of a kind entertainment that the Duttons provide.

And those are just a few of the many show highlights. From rock and roll to blue grass and country this show has a variety of music that has something for everyone. It’s not the shows content alone however, that makes the show so special. It’s how they present it, with that unique Dutton talent, instrumentality, flair, showmanship and innate ability to instill that warm directly “from our family” to “you and your family” feeling in its audience members, that make this show the unique, special and wonderful Branson entertainment event that it is.

For additional information or tickets for the Duttons show or information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements 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.

Material Connection

Host Jerry Springer, left, encouraging contestent as they play the "Punch A Bunch Game."

BRANSON, MO, June 7, 2013 – Since 1956 the iconic TV game show “The Price Is Right” with its unique and simple format has been giving away millions of dollars in prizes and cash and entertaining TV viewers. Its format differed from the usual question and answer format in that it is based on something that just about everyone can relate to, “shopping” and the “prices” they pay for the items they are shopping for. Now visitors to Branson can experience the thrill, fun, excitement, including the opportunity to win cash and prizes, of “The Price Is Right” at Branson’s most unique show, The Price Is Right Live!

Those attending the show who want to appear on stage and participate in the show or be eligible to win prizes fill in a simple two question form, well three, “First Name,” “Second Name” and “Date of Birth” as they receive their “Price Is Right Live Name Tag” prior to going into the theatres auditorium and no later than 7:45 PM. While waiting for the actual start of the show, the audience is entertained with clips about the TV version showing on large screens on either side of the auditorium.

When we attended the night of June 5, the shows announcer, Andy Taylor, got the audience’s adrenalin going as he prepped it for the start of the show. He greeted and entertained everyone, as he also explained some of the rules and how the process worked if you we called to “Come On Down” and infused it with a bit of his own energy and enthusiasm as he got them ready to greet the shows show’s host, Jerry Springer.

Some might wonder about “Jerry Springer” and “Branson” as being opposites, when in actuality nothing else could be further from the truth. He does mention his TV show in passing, but if this writer was going to pick one word to describe the relationship Jerry Springer has with the audience and the contestants it would be “endearing.” He is warm and witty while putting the contestants at ease and moving the show along from game to game in an entertaining, natural and unscripted manner.

Just like on the TV show, the announcer invites audience members to “Come On Down” to the front where they compete against each other by guessing the price of an item. The one who comes the closest to the actual price without going over gets to go up on stage with Springer and compete for cash and prizes playing one of the shows actual games, such as “Plinko,” “Punch A Bunch” “Cliff Hangers,” “The Clock Game,” and others.

One neat feature that is different from the TV show is that the selection for the contestants to compete in “Show Case Showdown” at the end of the show is open to everyone who has registered to be a contestant on the show and had nothing to do with whether or not a person has competed in the show or won anything up to that point. Just like on the TV version, each prices their own Showcase competing for a chance to win its prizes and, during this show a car. Another difference between the TV and Live show is that in between each game the announcer reads off the names of five instant winners who, after the show, have the opportunity to come on stage, spin the big wheel and pose for pictures with the shows cast.

In an earlier interview with this writer Springer was asked, “What do you like most about hosting the show?” He said, “The joy of the show for me is discovering and exploring the personalities of the contestants on the show. To me the game is secondary. What I enjoy most is just interacting with regular folks and having a good time.” He said that people should come to the show “to maybe win some prizes, but mostly to simply have fun and spend time laughing and having a good time.” After experiencing the show earlier this week, all this writer can say is “Ditto.”

For additional information on The Price Is Right Live show please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.

Material Connection

In addition to the other "stars" performing "The Blues Brothers," along with "Elvis" are in every Branson Legends in Concert show.

BRANSON, MO, June 5, 2013 – “On a daily basis, Branson’s theatres offer a variety of live musical entertainment shows that is unmatched by any tourist destination in terms of the number, variety and quality offered on a daily basis,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of the many types of shows Branson offers is the ‘Tribute Show.’ In a general musical context that would, at a minimum, involve honoring a legendary singer, instrumentalist or music group by performing their hit music and, in many cases, the incorporation of their looks and mannerisms,” she continued.

While realizing that Branson has a number of excellent tribute shows, let’s take a look at five that represent the breadth and quality of the Branson shows that are tribute based and present and honor tmusical entertainment legends on a daily basis:

LEGENDS IN CONCERT

In terms of “tribute” shows, whether in Branson or anywhere else saying that the Legends in ConcertShow is just another tribute show is like saying the ‘Kentucky Derby’ is just another horse race. With shows in Branson, Las Vegas and many other venues Legends in Concert sets the bar for tribute shows with its celebrity impersonators going far beyond just a musical tribute and recreating legendary superstar performers and their performances. Each recreation is a wonderful artistic performance incorporating the voice, mannerisms and looks of the star being recreated. When the quality and variety of the legendary acts in each show is combined with a cast of dancers and backup singers, a great live band, marvelous production and choreography the result is no less than a “legendary” entertainment experience.

The Legends in Concert show pays tributes to many musical entertainment legends both living and deceased. It brings in new celebrity impersonators at least four times a year in addition to The Blues Brothers and Elvis who perform throughout the entire season. So far this year Jerry Lee Lewis, Diana Ross, and Brooks & Dunn have performed. Celine Dion, The Temptations, Johnny Cash are performing through September 3; Buddy Holly, Whitney Houston, Johnny Cash from September 5 through October 31 and Stevie Wonder, Cher and Alan Jackson through December 31.

DANCING QUEEN ABBA’S GREATEST HITS

Dancing Queen pays a musical tribute to the Swedish pop group, ABBA. Touring since 2009 in places such as Monaco, Las Vegas, Reno & Niagara, Dancing Queen is now proud to call Branson its home paying tribute to ABBA with “a sparkling show stopping musical extravaganza. This musical spectacular features singers and dancers performing ABBA favorites such as “Dancing Queen,” “Waterloo” and “The Winner Takes All” as well as other ABBA era 70’s classics like “YMCA” and “In The Navy;” an upbeat medley including “Respect” & “Mustang Sally” and a rip-roaring Motown section featuring, among others, “Dancing in the Streets,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” and “Shout”.

LIVERPOOL LEGENDS

The 2013 tribute performance of the Liverpool Legends titled “The Complete Beatles Experience!” is an all new full production Beatles extravaganza spanning the entire musical career of The Beatles including the “solo” years. The Liver Pool Legends is the only Beatles tribute band that was handpicked and received the tutelage and guidance of Louise Harrison, the sister of original Beatle George Harrison. Every detail from the Liverpool Legends music, mannerisms and performance including costumes, vintage instruments and special effects are as close to a performance of the original Beatles as one is ever likely to see.

Joseph Hall performing his recreation of "Elvis" as only he can.

JOSEPH HALL ELVIS ROCK N REMEMBER TRIBUTE

How good is Joseph Hall’s tribute to Elvis? When he appeared on “NBC’s America’s Got Talent,” Piers Morgan said, “Elvis is back in the building.” It’s a refrain that many of those who have seen his Branson show are echoing.

It makes no difference whether it’s the “black leather” era of “I’m All Shook Up” to the “white jump suit” era of “An American Trilogy” or anything in between; Halls Elvis recreation tribute is a one of a kind performance in terms of sound, mannerisms, looks and costuming. One person, who has been an avid Elvis fan since 1962 and personally saw ten live Elvis Concerts said, “He is the best that I have seen. It’s like watching Elvis.”

RANKIN BROTHERS CLASSIC MUSIC REVUE

The Rankin Brothers Classic Music Revue is a musical tribute show to the music of the 50’s through the 90’s and the legendary stars who performed it. Its tribute is a unique combination of the musical and characterization  and “replication” of those who performed it. Although, if you closed your eyes and just listened to many of the songs being performed you would swear that you were hearing the original artists; the show is not a “recreation” show in the format of Legends of Concert.

It is more a “replication” of the classic songs “the way you remember hearing them.” There are many who had the opportunity to hear the performers and groups being honored during the show in “real-time” during the height of their careers who can attest to the fact that it is that and much more. In many of the performances during the show that sound is enhanced by the “appearance” of the performer themselves such as, among others, “Sonny and Cher,” “Elvis,” “Buddy Holly,” and many more which adds variety, excitement and, in some cases, a little comedy to the tribute.

For additional information or tickets on the tribute shows mentioned in this article or Branson’s other tribute shows 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 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Material Connection

Shoji Tabuchi performing "How Great Thou Art."

BRANSON, MO, June 3, 2013 – There’s a reason the Shoji Tabuchi Show is going into his 25^th season of performing in Branson. Simply put, it’s because Shoji Tabuchi is a master at his craft, loves what he does, relates to his audience not only on a musical, but personal level, surrounds himself with some of the best musicians, singers and dancers in Branson and stars in a unique, colorful and exciting one of kind entertainment production.

Now I expected something special for Shoji’s 25^th year, but was just blown away as the show, to paraphrase a page from “Star Trek,” “Goes boldly where no Shoji Tabuchi show has gone before.” Oh, it still features the amazing fiddle and violin playing of its star, great production, costuming, sound and lighting and a variety of music that covers everything from polkas, country, gospel, rock and roll to bluegrass, Texas Swing and more, but the 25^th anniversary show, with about 90% of the show new, presents it in a fresh and almost evolutionary manner that makes an already great and unique entertainment experience even more so. My wife Lois, who has seen a number of Shoji Tabuchi shows since 1986, said, “This is the best one yet.”

The show’s first two “sets” established the tenor for the variety, quality and pace of the great entertainment that would follow throughout the show. Its opening set, with the full singing and dancing cast is, from costuming to its music, including “Thriller” and “Smooth Criminal,” themed on Michael Jackson. As Shoji Tabuchi is introduced and raises onto the stage, the production immediately and smoothly transitions into Shoji and the band playing a jazz segment including “Sweet Georgia Brown,” and “Tiger Rag,” a fiddle standard “Draggin’ The Bow,” and it’s a “It’s A Wonderful World.”

Whole cast number of "Gangnam Style" shows a whole different side of Shoji.

Then, as happens periodically throughout the entire show, the stage bursts into a flurry of color and action as the singers and dancers join Shoji and the band in a production number of Charlie Daniels classic “Boogie Woogie Fiddle Country Blues” featuring Shoji on the fiddle and Darrel Blevins on the guitar. The set was closed out by Shoji and Darrel doing a duet of the Brad Paisley song “Nervous Breakdown,” which was one of this writer’s favorite numbers in the show.

Realizing that my “favorite” numbers might not be yours, is very subjective and are selected from many other outstanding performances during the show, I typically mention a few from each show. In addition to “Nervous Breakdown,” Shoji’s solo performance of “How Great Thou Art” was as magnificent as it was inspirational; Christina Tabuchi’s poignant performance of “Not A Day Goes By” was simply beautiful; Allie Hutsell’s passionate and powerful rendition of “Ain’t No Grave” blew my socks off; the duet of Shoji and Sharlyn Smith on the mandolin, playing “Young Joe Clark,” Shoji’s version of mountain folk song “Old Joe Clark” had a special appeal and the all cast performance of South Korean rapper PSY’s “Gangnam Style,” including a “side” of Shoji we’ve never seen before, just cracked me up.”

The fiddle and violin playing of Shoji Tabuchi is legendary and needs no embellishment from this writer. From “Gangnam Style,” to classical, gospel to rock and roll, blue grass to Texas swing; whether it’s the “Orange Blossom Special” or “Danny Boy” a violin or fiddle, when Shoji Tabuchi plays it is a unique one of kind performance that will not soon be forgotten.

Christina Tabuchi performing "Not A Day Goes By."

The lead female vocalist, is his daughter, Christina Lingo Tabuchi, who is also the show’s co-dance captain. In addition to her performance of “Not A Day Goes By” mentioned above, she uses her considerable vocal talents on a variety of numbers throughout the show from covers such as Adele’s “Rollin In The Deep” and Bruno Mars “Locked Out Of Heaven” to Linda Ronstadt’s “The Only Mama That’ll Walk The Line” and others. Her duet performance with Shoji of one of her original songs, “Livin’ In Fear” from her album “The Originals,” was beautiful and touching.

An integral part of the overall experience of this show is the instrumentality and skill of the shows band and the vocal and dancing talents of its dancers and singers, all of which have been artfully woven and choreographed into this wonderfully entertaining production under the guidance of the show’s producer, Dorothy Tabuchi. The dancers and singers are Norvin Breeck, co-dance captain; Alicia Winking; Jonny Laughlin; Jeremy Sterling; Jere Holt; Allie Hutsell and Sharlyn Smith who is also an accomplished mandolin player. The band consists of Carl Hose, trombone and band leader; Mike Carrol, saxophone; William Green; percussion; Gregg Gray, piano, John Anderson, drums; Michael Waggoner, bass and Darrel Blevins, guitar.

During an interview earlier this year, Dorothy Tabuchi said that one of the most important things in producing the show was, “Giving our customers a WOW experience, something they will never forget. I want the new people coming to the show for the first time to say, ‘This is the best show I’ve ever seen.’ I want the people who are returning to say, ‘I did not think it could get any better, but it just did.’ Well, both my wife and I have seen the Shoji Tabuchi Show before and all we can say is, “We did not think it could get any better, but it just did.” Don’t miss this sparkling 25^th Anniversary Branson entertainment gem.

Material Connection

Jerry Springer initial 2013 host of "The "Price Is Right Live" in Branson .

BRANSON, MO, May 23, 2013 — When The Price Is Right Live starts its 2013 season in Branson, tomorrow, its initial host will be well known TV star and personality Jerry Springer. Earlier in the week this writer had the opportunity to interview Springer (JS), on behalf of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, about his hosting of the show, his first trip to Branson and other items.

BTC – Have you been to Branson before?
JS – No.

BTC – Never having been to Branson, what is your perception of Branson?
JS – Middle America, family values and good time entertainment without all the craziness of the extremes of pop culture.

BTC – When did you first hear of “Branson?”
JS – Years ago from Andy Williams and more recently when I was hosting “Americas Got Talent” and the Duttons, from Branson, appeared on the show.

BTC – Will your time in Branson be part work and some play?
JS – Definitely. I am really looking forward to experiencing Branson and I’m not just telling you that for an interview.

BTC – What is the number one thing on your Branson Bucket List?
JS – I love live entertainment so my number one thing to do will be to see some of its live shows.

BTC – How long have you been the guest host on the “Price Is Right Live?”
JS – I have been working with “Freemantle Media” for a few years doing their live shows for “America’s Got Talent,” “Price is Right,” “Family Feud” and “Let’s Make A Deal.” I have been doing the “Price Is Right Live” show for about two years.

BTC – What do you like most about hosting the show?
JS – The chance to interact and joke around with the contestants. To me the game is secondary. What I enjoy most is just interacting with regular folks and having a good time.

BTC – Why should people come and see the Price Is Right Live Show in Branson?
JS – To maybe win some prizes, but mostly to simply have fun and spend time laughing and having a good time.

BTC – Is there a constant highlight for you that happens during each show?
JS – The joy of the show for me is discovering and exploring the personalities of the contestants on the show.

BTC – Why do you feel that the “Price Is Right” has been such an iconic show for so long?
JS – It’s easy for the shows viewers to become instantly involved. Unlike some other shows, they don’t have to be an expert in a particular area because the shows results hinge on the prices of items that most of the show’s viewers either shop for or are familiar with. If you think about the show it might have been one of TV’s first reality shows “staring” everyday folks providing entertainment on TV based on the reality of something that they do in their everyday life, “shopping.”

BTC – In your career you have done many things from running for governor to hosting radio and TV shows. Of it all, if you were going to pick one that meant the most to you what would it be?
JS –What I do now is fun, but in terms of significance and doing something that impacted on people’s lives, being the Mayor of Cincinnati was the best job I ever had. [Springer was elected by the City Council and served a one year term as Cincinnati’s mayor starting in 1977.]

For additional information or tickets for The Price Is Right Live Show or for information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by calling 1-800-785-1550 or through its website, www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Celine Dion as portrayed by Legends in Concert Tribute Star Brigitte Valdez aboard "Branson's Titanic."

BRANSON, MO, May 17, 2013 — Congratulations to ‘Legends in Concert’ as it celebrates its 30^th year of their unique tribute recreations of legendary superstar performers incorporating the voice, mannerisms and looks of the star being recreated into a unique entertainment experience.” Johnson’s congratulations came in conjunction with the Branson’s Legends in Concert announcing their all new summer lineup.

“Beginning May 23^rd, see tribute performances to Celine Dion, The Temptations, Johnny Cash, The Blues Brothers™ and Elvis Presley. This incredible cast, backed by the beautiful Legends dancers and fabulous Legends band, is sure to rock the house at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater!  Experience country classics from the ‘Man in Black’, Johnny Cash; hear the beautiful voice of Celine Dion performing hits such as the theme song from Titanic; listen to your favorite Motown hits by the incomparable Temptations and, of course, no Legends show would be complete without the crazy antics of The Blues Brothers™; and the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley!”

Johnson points out that over the last 30 years “Legends in Concert,” has been “widely recognized in the entertainment industry as the original celebrity tribute show…has not only performed throughout the United States, but traveled to 15 countries on 5 continents, entertaining more than 25 million fans. It currently operates numerous fixed-based, touring, limited-term and private engagements of ‘Legends’ throughout the world. In addition to Las Vegas, ‘Legends’ is presented year-round in numerous cities including Myrtle Beach, S.C., Atlantic City, N.J., Foxwoods, CT; Waikiki, HI” and of course Branson, MO.

For tickets or additional information on Legends in Concert or for any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements 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.

Rankin Brothers, Matt, left and Mark performing "The Anchor Holds."

BRANSON, MO, May 14, 2013 – In a previous review of this show I said, “One does not just ‘see’ the Rankin Brothers Show they experience it and what a wonderful experience it is. From beginning to end it is a wonderful musical journey through the classic music hits and super stars of the 50s through the 90s. It will bring back memories to those who actually heard the music in real time and create new memories for a generation that was not even born when this timeless music was first performed.” Those words were true when I wrote them for the first time and, after seeing the show the evening of May 10, all I can say is “Ditto!.”

From their full cast opening number of Neil Diamond’s 1966 hit “Cherry, Cherry” to their finale, Chuck Berry’s 1958 rock and roll hit, “Johnny B. Goode” the Rankin Brothers Classic Music Revue is a non-stop musical entertainment extravaganza presented by some of the most talented, energetic and “audience personable” vocalists and instrumentalists in Branson. And it’s more than just talent; during the two plus hours that the show runs, as the cast performs over 50 numbers, it is obvious to the audience that they love not only doing what they do, but the music they are performing. It was interesting to watch the audience reaction as people who were not even born when many of these songs were popular seem to “catch” and share the excitement, fun and emotion of Mark, Matt and the rest of the cast. It makes for a very special, fun filled and entertaining experience.

Matt Rankin performing during Buddy Holly medley.

Although, if you closed your eyes and just listened to many of the songs being performed you would swear that you were hearing the original artists, the show is not a “recreation” show like the “Legends of Concert.” It is more a “replication” of the classic songs “the way you remember hearing them.” As one who heard a number of these performers and groups “real-time” during the height of their careers, I can attest to the fact that it is that and much more. And it gets better because in a number of songs, quite a few as a matter of fact, that sound is enhanced by the “appearance” of the performer themselves such as, among others, “Sonny and Cher,” Mark Rankin and Lori Kelley; “Elvis,” Mark Rankin; “Buddy Holly,” Matt Rankin and many more which adds variety, excitement and, in some cases, a little comedy to an already excellent show

The set, costuming and the use of full screen videos in the background and on the sides all add to the overall entertainment experience, but it is the musical performances that touch the heart and provide the wonderful memories and experience that is the Rankin Brothers show. The show’s stars, Matt and Mark Rankin are two of the most talented vocalists and guitar players in Branson both on their own and from a “replication” stand point. Whether it’s a duet performance of the inspirational “The Anchor Holds;” Matt’s performance of “Buddy Holly,” Mark’s tribute to “Elvis Presley” based on his “Aloha From Hawaii” concert or any of the dozens of other numbers they perform it is easy to see why they have won so many Branson awards and are so popular with their fans.

The casts two female vocalists, the very beautiful and talented Lori Kelly and Amy Cofer make up the “Rankinettes” who are not only the backup singers on the majority of the numbers, but perform solos throughout the show. They sing as beautifully as they are beautiful and their voices and infectious energy makes an already wonderful entertainment experience even more so. Add to that a live band composed of Cody Titus, Keys; Jim Murphy, Saxophone and Keys; Mitch Keirsey, Lead Guitar; Paul Stephans, Bass and Harmonica and Jeremy Castaldo, Drums and things just keep getting better.

Full vocal cast performing a beautiful renditon of "Shenandoah," with Lori Kelly, left, Matt Rankin, Mark Rankin and Amy Coffer.

If I were to pick some of my favorite numbers from among the many in the show, I would have to start with the all cast presentation of the American folk classic, “Shenandoah;” it was simply beautiful. On an individual basis Matt’s performance of “Peggy Sue” during his Buddy Holly Tribute brought back some wonderful memories and Marks performance of “My Way” during the “Elvis Presley Tribute” was wonderfully done. Lori Kelly did a great job with the Bette Midler song, “The Rose” as did Amy Cofer with the Chordettes 1958 hit “Lollipop.” The inspirational and emotional performance of the “The Anchor Holds” by Mark and Matt has become a signature number for the Rankin Brother’s and, once you have experienced their powerful and heartfelt performance of the song you will know why.

I can think of no better way to end a review on this show than by echoing the words of one person who saw the show recently and said, “Simply put, their show was great before, but even better this year. Way to go, Rankin Brothers and Rankinettes!” Yes indeed, “Way to Go,” what a great show.

For additional information or tickets for the Rankin Brothers Show or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities 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.

Material Connection

Presleys' Country Jubilee comedian "Herkimer," Gary Presley, in the red shirt and his son "Cecil," Eric Presley with the white shirt and red tie, during one of their routines.

BRANSON, MO, May 11, 2013 – Ever since 1991 when the CBS Prime Time news show “60 minutes” called Branson “The live music capital of the entire universe” Branson’s reputation for the quality, quantity and variety of its music shows has blossomed and grown. Along with its music shows however Branson offers a variety of other types of shows such as the skill and grace of the Acrobats of China, the world class magic and ventriloquism of the Hamner and Barber Varity Show or the fun and excitement of a game show like the Price Is Right Live to mention a few.

Ever since the Baldknobbers “started it all,” comedy has been a part of most Branson shows. The paradigm established by the Branson earliest pioneer shows, the Baldknobbers Jamboree and Presleys’ Country Music Jubilee, of having heavy coordinated musical and comedy elements throughout the show, has served Branson shows well.

Branson is full of great comedians and has even more who come in for limited engagement throughout the year. However, for this article we are going to take a look at the different comedy styles from two Branson shows that not only follow that paradigm, but have hilarious comedians who are masters of their craft. In addition, although both shows remain true to their country roots they offer a variety of music presented by some of the best vocalists in Branson, live bands and are open for the full Branson season.

Gary Presley, or “Herkimer” as he is known on stage, from Presleys’ Country Jubilee helped establish the paradigm and has been entertaining Branson audiences ever since the Presleys’ opened the first theatre on what is now known as “The Branson Strip in 1967. His combination of Ozark hillbilly dress and humor delivered in the form of one liners, jokes and comedy skits with some great props, special effects and working current events and interests into his routines has made him one of Branson’s funniest men for decades. Factor in the extremely funny antics of his son, Erik, “Cecil” on stage, and some of his action routines and you have a creative comedy duo that keeps their audience laughing and wondering about what they will come up with next.

Straight man, Bobby Blackburn, and Animal Control Officer Ray Bees a.k.a. Jarrett Dougherty

Jarrett Dougherty of the Pierce Arrow Show, is another very funny man who will have you laughing from the beginning to the end of the show with his comedy. His style is one of using different characters in his comedy and wow, is he good at it. “This year Dougherty starts the show with a new character, the funniest Animal Control Officer you will ever meet, Ray Bees who is in search of a snake that has escaped from the new Promised Land Zoo being built just east of the theatre. From there, the laughs just keep coming as he makes just about the whole cast, with special emphasis on Band Leader Bobby Blackburn, “his straight man,” as his hilarious comedic journey, among other places, takes the audience to the bible, the demise of the snake and the most beautiful, funny and unforgettable version of the Nat King Cole classic “Unforgettable” you will ever experience.”

This writer has sat in the audience at both of these shows and observed the reaction of children in the audience. They seem to be having love these guys and the color and variety that add to the musical element of the show as they laugh along with their parents at their antics and humor.

For additional information on any of the shows mentioned in this article or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements 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.

Material Connection