Category Archives: Branson Shows

Joseph is simply spectacular inspirational entertainment

One of the many spectacular sets in Joseph.

BRANSON, Mo., May 10, 2012 — Simply put, many who have seen Sight and Sound Theatre’s Joseph have the same feelings about the show as did Arlan A, who, along with his wife, attended the show with us recently. He described Joseph as an “Entertaining, spectacular and inspirational production that he recommends highly.” In fact, everyone whom this writer has talked to, who has seen the show since its April Branson Premier has loved it with, as impossible as it seems, many saying they enjoyed it more than “Noah The Musical.” That’s saying a lot!

A word of warning, don’t miss the first 15 minutes of this show, not only is it a dazzling spectacle of action, color and special effects, but it sets the perspective for the whole show. Many know the biblical account of the story of Joseph and will understand that Joseph is a fictional account of factual events with characters and content added to the for entertainment purposes. Joseph, as a show, is a captivating, entertaining spectacular, filled with wonderful music, great sets, live animals, dancing, and humor that tells the timeless story of a man, his dreams, betrayal, faithfulness, love and forgiveness in a manner that the audience gets personally involved with.

Joseph unfolds live on a 26,550 square foot, 300 foot long, wrap around stage filled with dozens of live animals, including Scottish Highlander cattle, camels, donkeys, llama/alpacas, horses, goats, sheep, macaws, trained rats, a Welsh puppy, and a sphinx cat; over 40 professional adult and child actors and, as evidenced by an Egyptian Palace set, spanning the full 300 feet of the stage, that surrounds and towers above the audience, spectacular sets and staging. The scope of the action is expanded even more as the cast along with some animals use the aisles during the performance.

As is the case with the other Sight and Sound Shows, “Noah the Musical” and “The Miracle of Christmas” to say it is a spectacular production almost seems an understatement, but it is.” The show took more than two years to design; involves 70 set pieces including four thirty foot Egyptian statues; 500 costume ensembles with an average of five pieces each and more than 1,500 stationary lights and 74 moving lights. Including Joseph’s coat of many colors, 1,500 costume pieces were created just for Joseph.

The music for Joseph is an original composition written by veteran composer of film and television, Don Harper “whose credits include, among others, “National Treasure” and “National Treasure 2.” From the opening dream sequence to the very end, the show, whether it’s the action, color, story line, dancing, costuming or ability of the characters to get the audience involved holds the interest of young and old alike. Personal favorites would be things as diverse as the absolutely spectacular dream sequence at the very beginning of the show, the performance of the number “How Do I Get A Man Like Joseph” and the development of the relationship between Joseph and his wife Asenath.

The end result is a delightful entertaining story of a man, betrayed by his brothers and others as he remains faithful, follows those dreams, finds love and success in the face of hardship and suffering and realizes his dreams and true happiness through forgiveness. That story, music and the spectacular production of Joseph combines into a unique, spectacular and personal entertainment experience that will hold the rapt interest of both “young and old” and should not be missed. Interestingly, although based on the biblical account of Joseph, the production stands on its own and will be as entertaining to those who have never heard the biblical account of Joseph as it is to those who have.

For additional information or tickets for Joseph or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson Tourism Center to sell three millionth ticket same way it sold its first

BTC founder Lianne Milton with Barry Williams who starred as Greg Brady on the "Brady Bunch" TV series.

BRANSON, Missouri May 1, 2012– The Branson Tourism Center (BTC), is Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning service. BTC is about to do something that no other independent seller of Branson attraction and showtickets has ever done, sell its three millionth ticket!

“Naturally we are excited about selling our three millionth ticket,” said Lianne Milton, the co-owner of BTC. “What is really exciting to me is that the goal is the same as it was when we sold our very first ticket, to ‘provide each customer with a level of service and value that gives them the very best Branson experience possible.'” She credits BTC’s guiding philosophy of “If it matters to you, it matters to me,” in building relationships with its customers, employees and vendors, for making the achievement of that goal possible.

“To us, it’s not just three million tickets, it is what those tickets represent in terms of individuals and families having a great time in Branson creating memories that will last a lifetime,” she continued. Milton is quick to credit BTC’s success to the mutual commitment of its employees and the vendors it deals with in providing its customers the very best Branson experience possible, one ticket at a time and one day at a time. She believes that the relationships BTC has built up with Branson’s shows, attractions and lodging facilities enables them to work together to provide BTC’s customers the best combination of lodging and show seat choices, customer service and value available anywhere.

Branson Tourism Center’s “flag ship” product – a free personal, no service charge, concierge type service – is designed to insure that a great Branson experience starts during the initial stages of getting information and planning a Branson vacation. All anyone interested in getting information on Branson has to do is call, toll free, 1-800-875-1550, between the hours of 8:00  AM and 9:30 PM, seven days a week* and talk with one of BTC’s full service vacation planners.

Each vacation planner lives and works in the Branson area, and is personally knowledgeable about all that is going on in Branson. In addition to saving prospective Branson visitors valuable time by answering questions about Branson, helping plan a Branson Vacation and assisting with the purchase of tickets and lodging; the vacation planners have information on how to save money on a Branson vacation through the bundling of show and attraction tickets, discount specials, gas discounts, and other specials and incentives.

For the convenience of those wanting “online” information on Branson, BTC operates two web sites. Its site www.BransonTourismCenter.com, supports the personal concierge service while www.BransonOnTheWeb.com, is offered as a service for those customers who want to make their own travel arrangements on the internet.

Milton emphasizes that regardless of the method used, whether purchasing tickets or lodging on line or by phone, customers get the same prices, benefits, and personalized customer service which has enabled Branson Tourism Center to sell three million tickets.

*BTC is closed on Christmas Day and operates from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM during the month of January.

Capsule reviews of Branson’s Acrobats of China, Oh What a Night and Tony Roi

"Oh What Night," from the audience.

BRANSON, Mo (04/30/12)  Branson Missouri has been called the “live music show capital of the world,” and for good reason. On a daily basis it offers a quality and breadth of live entertainment that is unequaled in any other city of its size.

Below, listed in alphabetical order by show name, are some short personal reviews from people who have actually seen the shows recently. They provide a unique current perspective and are presented as posted on the Show Forum of www.1Branson.com.

The link from the name of each show will provide a description of the show, pictures, schedules, and pricing and is powered by the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. The name, entry, to the left of each comment, in Bold, is the screen name of the poster.

The Acrobats of China

DalmationDad on 04/29/12 – Took this show in last night and it was two well spent hours. This production is fabulous.
We had last seem the show about two years ago so we were hoping there would be a few changes, although I would not [have] minded if it was the same as before.

I would say every act has been changed to some extent whether it be sets, costuming, or choreography. Some acts were brand new, and a couple of segments are gone. Bottom line, if you have not been back for awhile, go see the new stuff.

Show Gal on 4/30/12 – I thoroughly enjoy “The Acrobats Of China” also. It is absolutely amazing what they can do. Some of the balancing they do, would be difficult to do just standing on the stage but, when they do it whirling around in the air, it is simply fantastic.

Oh What A Night! A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

lkb5271 on 4/22/13 – This show is so good…we were in the audience on Friday evening. The guys gave it their all to keep everybody entertained. A high school choir from Minnesota was there to add to the excitement, some were even dancing in the aisles…you thought you were at a Four Seasons Concert in the 60’s …There were 4 of us and we all thought it would be a show worth seeing again.

https://www.bransontourismcenter.com/shows/info/oh-what-a-night-a-musical-tribute-to-frankie-valli-the-four-seasons

Tony Roi’s Elvis and More

deb0704 on 4/23/12 You do not want to miss Tony’s show. It is so awesome!! We first started going to see him because we are such huge Elvis fans, and found that he is better than anyone else we have ever seen or heard. But since then, we just enjoy hearing his voice, whether it’s his own songs that he wrote, or if it’s someone else’s. Tony has a beautiful voice, and can sing anything. Country, blues, gospel, rock and roll…You name it. He is such a great entertainer!!

He, the band, and the Angel singers blend so well together, and they have so much fun!! There is not a dull moment in the whole entire show!! You can have your picture taken with him up on stage, then after the show he will come out and autograph it. He is so generous and caring with everyone, and never rushes anyone. Go see Tony Roi..Elvis and More, at the Caravelle Theatre. You will not be disappointed!!

Few April showers leave Branson a “whirlwind” of fun, excitement and adventure

Branson Scenic Railway returning to the station on Apr. 19 with the Branson Convention Center and Hilton Hotel in back ground.

BRANSON, Mo (4/21/12) “Our ‘Branson Vacation Planners,’ each of whom proudly lives and works in the Branson area, are extremely knowledgeable about all that is going on in Branson and, on a weekly basis, answer dozens of questions about all the fun and excitement it offers as they help potential visitors plan their trip to Branson,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “One of the topics of a number of those questions relates to the tornado Branson experienced earlier in the year,” she continued, saying that the following are typical of the questions asked. “Is there much damage left from the tornado?” “I am bringing my family to Branson later this year. I know it got hit by the tornado. Is everything open and is the strip ok?” ” How is rebuilding coming along, i.e. Branson Landing?”

In terms of the tourism aspect of those question, a general answer would be to point out that Branson’s Mayor, Raeanne Presley, was absolutely right when, on the day of the tornado, she said that the vast majority of Branson’s major attractions, shows and other activities, that millions of visitors come to Branson every year to enjoy, were not damaged. As this is being written, Branson Landing and all of Branson’s major shopping venues are 100 percent open as are all of Branson’s major attractions and other activities. Although two of the “Branson Strip” theaters damaged are still under repair, the vast majority of Branson’s shows are performing as usual.

During the early morning hours of February 29, the Branson area was hit by an EF-2 Tornado severely damaging some of its businesses and residences as its “touchdowns” skipped from place to place as it passed through Branson. However, national and regional media reports to the contrary, and without minimizing the effect of the tornado on those directly impacted, there were limited injuries and no fatalities. The vast majority of businesses and residences were not damaged as was the case with Branson’s tourism infrastructure; its lakes, shopping, lodging, shows, attractions and other tourist activities, receiving no, or extremely minimal, damage.

Branson’s 2012 season kicked off as scheduled. Starting with the hosting of an estimated 16,000 to 20,000 people who attended the 21st NAIA Division II Men’s Basketball Championships at the College of the Ozarks about a week after the storm; the opening of Silver Dollar City, currently conducting the country’s largest international festival, World-Fest, as it joined the vast majority of Branson’s other attractions, such as the Titanic Museum Attraction, that were already open and the blossoming of Branson’s 2012 show scene as the majority of its live shows opened, Branson has been a whirlwind of fun, excitement and adventure. Add in  Branson Centennial activities; championship fishing events; shoppers enjoying the shopping experiences provided by Branson Landing, Historic Downtown Branson, the Tanger Mall and Branson’s many specialty shops and it becomes apparent that Branson is providing visitors with the same great magical exciting experience it always has.

Will visitors see damage from the storm, “Absolutely, but it will be a parcel here and a parcel there not the complete devastation of Joplin. The picture of the Branson Convention Center Hilton, with its blown out windows, became an iconic picture of the tornado, but historic downtown Branson, Branson Landing and the Branson Scenic Railway, virtually in its shadow, are open for business. Bill Derbins, General Manager of the Branson Hilton Hotels and the Branson Convention Center, said that although the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel will be closed until October 1, that, even as its repairs continue, the Branson Convention Center is open for business with the Branson Car Auction being conducted there on April 20 and 21.

With the reopening of “Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre” last week and the resumption of performances by the “Legends in Concert” and “The Bretts” only two of Branson’s theatres remain closed because of storm damage. Timothy Haygood, spokesmen for the Americana Theatre said that the “remodeling” of the theatre is going well and that they expect to reopen no later than the end of May. Haygood also said that the theatres shows, “Cassandre Haygood and Friends,” “Joseph Hall Elvis Rock N Remember Tribute,” “The 3 Red Neck Tenors” and “Todd Oliver and Friends” are ready to go as soon as it opens.

The Branson Variety Theatre, home of “Hooray for Hollywood,” “Shake Rattle & Roll,” “Tribute to The Four Seasons and The Beach Boys,” “The Twelve Irish Tenors” and “Christmas in Hollywood” was the first theatre hit by the storm and the one it affected the most. Information received from the theatre indicates that it will not reopen prior to September 1.

For those asking the question, “Why should I plan to visit or vacation in Branson?” the answer is simple. For the same reason that you would have come to Branson before the tornado, to enjoy the unique exciting experience that only Branson can provide.” For the latest tornado updates 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 by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

A history making weekend of Branson fun and excitement

Shohi Tabuchi and his daughter Christina are just two of the many Branson stars, present and past, scheduled to perform in "Branson's Birthday Spectacular - The Show of the Century.

Branson, Mo (4/12/12) “This weekend will truly be a weekend to remember,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “She emphasizes that not only is it the first weekend of Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest, but it is the time that Branson will remember the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the R.M.S. Titanic and Branson’s Centennial with separate history making once in a lifetime events.

Running from April 12 through May 6, Silver Dollar City’s World-Fest, America’s largest international festival, provides a unique opportunity for visitors to Branson and Silver Dollar City to experience the heritage, excitement, culture, dancing and music of countries throughout the world right in the midst of the beautiful Ozarks during one of its most beautiful times of the year. And World-Fest is in addition to all the fun and excitement the award winning 1880s styled theme park provides on a daily  basis. This includes 30 rides and attractions from “Wildfire,” a world class multi-looping roller coaster that reaches speeds up to 66 miles per hour to the park’s new $1 million “Half Dollar Holler” designed for kids through age 7; dozens of demonstrating craftsmen; some of the best entertainment and live shows available in Branson and much more all seamlessly integrated into the natural wonder of the Ozarks.

Titanic Museum Attraction hosts a special once in a lifetime experience in remembrance the 100th anniversary of the Titanic's sinking.

This weekend will be the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the “R.M.S. Titanic.” While on her maiden voyage she hit an iceberg at about “11:40 p.m. on April 14, 1912 and sank into the depths of the frigid North Atlantic, and into the pages of history, at approximately 2:20 a.m. on April 15, 1912.”

On April 14, the 100th Anniversary of when the Titanic struck the iceberg initiating the tragic sequence of events that would soon lead to her sinking, visitors to the Branson Titanic Museum Attraction will have a unique and once in a lifetime opportunity to become a part of history as the museum hosts a unique special day of tributes, musical performances, historic ceremonies and appearances by actual descendants of the Titanic’s passengers;  the lighting of the “Titanic Eternal Flame” and the launching of “distress fire rockets” to bring the event to a “solemn end.” One of the highlights of the ceremony will be the presentation of “A Night to Remember: An Original Musical Tribute to Titanic” with the participation of the Springfield Symphony and massed combined choirs.

The celebration of Branson’s Centennial offers Branson visitors yet another opportunity to experience a once in a lifetime event on April 15 with a one time performance of the show Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century. Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson said, “It might very well be the most unique and entertaining show ever presented in Branson.” Bill Lennon, the show’s producer concurred adding, “It’s a show that will be full of history, nostalgia and entertainment, but most of all fun. After all, it’s a birthday celebration!” He said that, “from the show’s original overture, incorporating 100 years of Branson history and music, to its historical elements, entertainers and the way it is all woven together, it is truly a once in a hundred year event of special significance.”

Johnson offers the services of the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, to answer any questions about, or provide ticketing to, any of the events or attractions mentioned in this article by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Bretts experience a “whirlwind” of 2012 excitement

The Bretts Brydon, left, Briahna, Tom, Andrea and Garon who will be joining the show later in the year.

BRANSON, Mo. (April 9, 2012) You know it’s not going to be your typical “leap year” day when you get a call from the theatre your show is in, at about 3:45 AM telling you it has been hit by a tornado. That’s the way the Brett family started their day on the morning of February 29 and something that they, along with the Legends in Concert Show and the staff of the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre has been dealing with, on a daily basis, since.

During an interview with Brydon Brett on March 29, he said that checking on and taking care of church member’s needs and the necessary emergency administrative actions in connection with their show delayed their actual arrival at the theatre until about 10:00 AM. Brydon said, “Viewing the situation at the theatre for the first time was so emotional. Knowing how much work had been put into the brand new stage and that Legends had just opened for the 2012 season, just made you want to cry.” He went on to share that the impact them personally was compounded because they were leaving the very next day to tour Illinois and Pennsylvania.

He said that the damage people saw outside the building was just a small part of the challenges the theatre has faced and that getting the theatre up and running was a major undertaking. “I can’t tell you how grateful we are to the management and staff of the theatre and the team that was brought together. They have been unbelievable , from the very first day, working virtually around the clock to get the theatre open again as soon as possible,” he continued.

Brydon said that  being without the theatre has presented some challenges as they put the finishing touches on their new 2012 show, but they are ready for their April 16 opening and are really excited about this season. He shared that the Branson tornado will be the basis of a new unique, exciting and emotional interactive segment in the show featuring a new song that his mom, Andrea, has written called “I Will Stand.” The beautiful country ballad had its geneses during the Joplin Tornado and was completed after the Branson storm.

On April 6, the Dick Clark’s American Band Stand theatre officially announced that the theatre would be open by April 14 for the resumption of shows by the “celebrated tribute artist production Legends in Concert, who resume their six day a week schedule through the rest of the year.” The Bretts show opens April 16. “That’s great news, not only for the Dick Clark’s Bandstand Theatre, the Legends in Concert and The Bretts show, but for Branson visitors too,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center.

Legends in Concert resumes 2012 season as Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theatre reopens

With roof work complete, workers are now working on the final phases of the restoriation of "Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theatre."

BRANSON, Mo – (April 6, 2012) “That’s great news, not only for the Dick Clark’s Bandstand Theatre, the Legends in Concert and Brett Family Show, but for Branson visitors too,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. Johnson’s comments were in response to an announcement by the theatre earlier this week that “with roof repairs now complete, the restoration” of the theatre from the impact of the February tornado can proceed to its final phase.

The “celebrated tribute artist production Legends in Concert will resume its 2012 season schedule on April 14 performing six days a week through the end of the year. The Bretts, who also perform at the theatre will open their 2012 season, as scheduled, on April 16.

Jeannie Horton, General Manager for Legends in Concert expressed her delight that the completion of the repairs is just about done and how excited she is that the “state of the art facility, that millions of our fans have always enjoyed during their visits to Branson,” will again be available for them to experience. “The repair team has been amazing, working rapidly and diligently,” she continued.

Horton said that the pleasure of working closely with the theater’s owner, Jim D. Morris and Jerry Carroll, his general manager to assure “that the theater will be better than ever, has certainly taken away much of the sting from the tornado’s fury.” Morris said he is “grateful for the dedication of those working on the repairs to reopen the theater so quickly.” He went on to say how thrilled he was that “our Highway 76 and Fall Creek complex, including the Ramada Hotel, Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, featuring Legends in Concert, and all its activities, the Midtown said Cafe, and the brand new REEL CARS Automobile Museum under the theater, will all be open and working together in harmony in less than two weeks.”

The theatre is holding “a gala fundraising event, benefiting victims of the tornado, which will be held at the theater on April 20″ featuring an 8pm performance by Legends in Concert and special guest performers soon to be announced.” In announcing his support of the event Morris said, “We are pleased knowing that the fundraising will benefit the portion of the Branson community that was most adversely affected by the tornado.”

For additional information or tickets for the “Legends in Concert,” “The Bretts” or 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 either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Limited engagements add even more choice and excitement to Branson show scene

Oak Ridge Boys

BRANSON, Mo.  “It’s hard to imagine that any other city anywhere near the size of Branson could offer it visitors the number and variety of live entertainment shows that Branson does, “said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “On a day to day basis, ‘The Official Branson.Com Show Schedule,’ powered by the Branson Tourism Center, shows a schedule of regularly scheduled shows encompassing just about every genre of music and type of live entertainment show from comedy, to magic, outdoor drama, biblical spectaculars and much more,” she continued.

In addition to Branson’s regularly scheduled shows there are a number of national stars and other acts or shows that perform limited engagements in Branson throughout the year. When factored in with Branson’s regularly scheduled shows it’s easy to see why some call Branson, “The live music show capital of the world.”While subject to change, the following list of limited engagement shows, sorted by starting date, is provided. If, as is the case with many, there is only one date shown, the performance is a one day limited engagement.

Dino & Cheryl in Concert, 4-11
Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century, 4-15
Oak Ridge Boys, 4-17 through 4-19
Sawyer Brown, 4-20
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest, 4-21
See The World in Branson, 4-25 and 4-26
Heaven or Hell Conference, 4-26 through 4-28

Sawyer Brown

Dudu Fisher, 5-1 through 5-20
Ray Price and BJ Thomas, 5-5
Dino & Cheryl in Concert, 5-7 through 5-16
John Conlee & Bobby Bare, 5-12
Ronnie Milsap, 6-2
The Thorn, 6-2 through 6-16
Oak Ridge Boys, 6-12 through 6-14
Veggi Tales, 6-20 through 7-7
Merle Haggard, 6-23
A Festival of Praise, 7-2
Three Dog Night, 7-14
Neal McCoy, 7-19
Neal McCoy, 8-24 and 8-25

Veggi Tales

Air Supply and Maxine Nightingale, 9-15
Oak Ridge Boys, 9-18 through 9-20
Bill Anderson – A Night With A Legend, 9-21
Neal McCoy, 9-21 and 9-22
Restless Heart, 9-22
Teen Idols, 9-29
Dudu Fisher, 10-1 through 10-21
Neal McCoy, 10-5
Don Williams, 10-6
Oak Ridge Boys, 10-9 through 10-25
George Jones, 10-12
Bill Cosby, 10-13
David Frizzell & Shelly West, 10-13
Down From His Glory, 10-16 through 10-18
Lone Star, 10-18
Marty Stuart, 10-19 and 10-20

George Jones

Sawyer Brown, 10-19
Tim Conway and Friends, 10-19 and 10-20
Jim Ed Brown & Helen Cornelius, 10-20
Midwest Country Stars, 10-26
Janie Frickie, 10-27
Gatlin Brothers & Debby Boone Together,11-1 through 12-8
Oak Ridge Boys, 11-1 through 11-15
Daniel O’Donnell, 11-2 through 12-8
Tim Zimmerman and The Kings Brass, 11-6 through 11-16
George Jones, 11-9
Crystal Gayle, 11-10
Neal McCoy, 11-10
Tim Conway and Friends, 11-10 and 11-11
Mollie B Christmas Show, 11-11 and 11-12
Johnny Mathis Christmas Show, 11-16 and 11-17
Neal McCoy, 11-16, and 11-17
Classic Country Super Show, 11-23

Branson Tourism Center’s Milton also points out that additional information, specific scheduling information, prices and tickets for each of these limited engagement shows, as well as Branson’s regularly scheduled shows, can be obtained through 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.

Branson’s Centennial Concert just might be “The Branson Show of the Century!”

Presleys' Country Jubilee comedian "Herkimer," Gary Presley, in the red shirt and drummer, Steve Presley, have been performing on a continuous basis since the show first opened on the Branson Strip in 1967.

BRANSON, Mo. “Although there will be other special events in connection with Branson’s Centennial celebration, the show billed as ‘Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century’ will truly be one of the most popular highlights of the Centennial,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “It might very well be the most unique and entertaining show ever presented in Branson,” she added.

Bill Lennon, the show’s producer concurred adding, “It’s a show that will be full of history, nostalgia and entertainment, but most of all fun. After all, it’s a birthday celebration!” From the show’s original overture, incorporating 100 years of Branson history and music, to its historical elements, entertainers and the way it is all woven together, it is truly a once in a hundred year event of special significance.

There will be some special and unique performances. How often have the Baldknobbers Jamboree, acknowledged as Branson’s first show, and the Presleys’ Country Jubilee, Branson’s first show on the Branson Strip, performed together? How about a jam session with Jim Stafford and Ronnie Prophet and perhaps another special guest performer? Is there a possibility that the “Foggy River Boys” might be singing with “New South?” The unique possibilities and potential surprises for this once in a lifetime show are as endless as they are exciting.

Shoji Tabuchi and his daughter Christina are just two of the many Branson stars, present and past, scheduled to perform in the show.

That’s even more so when performances by the incredible Shoji Tabuchi and his daughter Christina; the Lennon Sisters; Yakov Smirnoff and a host of other Branson entertainers including “local songstress and portrayer of Aretha Franklin at the Legends in Concert, Nedgra Culp…; The Haygoods; Roy Rogers, Jr. and the High Riders; a special pre-show welcome from noted ventriloquist Jim Barber; a Happy Birthday sing-along with ‘Marilyn Monroe’, who also appears at Legends in Concert” and other surprises are factored in. It is easily one of most star studded shows Branson has seen in its 100 year existence.

To add to the enjoyment and fun, the live performances, Carrie April Tillis will act as the mistress of ceremonies and there will be a live 11 piece house band. Other special events and surprises will be incorporated into the show highlighted by an interactive performance of historical pictures and videos, music and a live narration presented by an “Original Ozark’s Mountain Gem,” Greg Pyron.

“In a sense, it has taken 100 years for this show to come to fruition and it’s not something most of us will see again in our lifetimes,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson. She points out that there will only be one performance of this show, starting at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday April 15, tickets are selling fast and suggests that those wanting tickets get them as soon as possible. She expects large crowds in Branson that weekend because of the combination of Silver Dollar City’s WorldFest and the Titanic Museum Attraction’s “A Night to Remember” on April 14 in addition to Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century and all the fun and excitement Branson offers on a regular basis. For additional information or tickets for any of Branson’s shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center either by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

“Speech, Song and Celebration” to start Branson Centennial

Branson Centennial Logo

BRANSON, Mo. It is not an April fool’s joke, the City of Branson was incorporated as a city on April 1, 1912 and will be celebrating “100 years of Heritage, Harmony, and Hospitality” with special events throughout 2012, starting with the kick off of its “Centennial Celebration” (Centennial) on April 1, 2012. Although many events will be tied into the Centennial such as the Titanic Museum Attraction’s, “A Night to Remember” on April 14, the “The 52nd Annual Plumb Nellie Days” May 17-19 and others; the primary Centennial events will be the “Centennial History Museum Grand Opening and Celebration,” in Historic Downtown Branson on Sunday, April 1; “Branson’s Birthday Spectacular – The Show of the Century,” on Sunday April 15 and “Branson’s 100th Fest and Street Dance,” at a place TBD, on Saturday, July 7.

The first official event of the Centennial will be the “Centennial History Museum Grand Opening and Celebration,” which will be held at the Museum, located at the corner of Main Street and Veterans Boulevard, Business Highway 65, in the heart of Historic Downtown Branson, on Sunday, April 1, with the actual ceremony starting at 2:00 p.m. The short ceremony will include “a blessing of the crowd by Bob Hubbard, the National Anthem, performed by renowned tenor George Dyer, and a Color Guard presentation by local Veterans will set the tone for an earnest, but uplifting celebration for its citizens. Celebrity Ventriloquist Jim Barber will serve as Emcee, and featured Speakers in addition to Mayor Presley include Museum Supporter Leon Combs and Katie Danner, Department of Missouri Tourism.”

After the ceremony the crowd can follow a Dixieland band into Historic Downtown Branson for more music, fun and festivities until 5pm. This will include an afternoon of street musicians, walking tours, and story tellers and other entertainment.

The Branson Centennial Museum will remain open throughout 1912 and is made possible through the combined efforts of “The Downtown Branson Main Street Association,” The White River Valley Historical Society, the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (BLACC) and the City of Branson. It will be located at 101 Veterans Boulevard in a building formerly housing the Morris Oil Company and donated for the Centennial by Jim D. Morris, philanthropist and local merchant.

Some of the Museums initial exhibits are planned to include “Early Branson, prior to its 1912 incorporation,” “The White River,” “The Roots of Tourism” “School Days” and others. With its prime visibility, visitors and locals alike will find the museum attractive and engaging. To keep the exhibits fresh, interesting and exciting many will be rotated “on a six-eight week basis.”

Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, said, “The Centennial Celebration activities and events will be another unique and exciting thing for Branson visitors to experience in Branson during 2012.” For additional information on Branson’s Centennial Celebration or for information or tickets 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 either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.