Category Archives: Branson Shows

Three must see and do things for your Branson Itinerary

Silver Dollar City's world class coaster, "Wildfire" and its spectacular view of the Ozark Hills and Table Rock Lake.*

BRANSON, Mo. “There is an infinite choice of things to see and do in Branson, Missouri and one of the questions we are asked the most often by first time visitors is, ‘What are the “must” things to see and do?'” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “Obviously that will change with the particular needs or desires of the person asking the question, the season of the year and other factors, but on average, the following three things should certainly be at the top of anyone’s ‘must see and do’ Branson itinerary'”

Silver Dollar City
See a Show
Branson Landing

Silver Dollar City is an 1880s styled theme park that is Branson’s oldest and most popular paid attraction. It has six world class festivals a year, 30 thrilling attractions and rides including its new kids area – “Half Dollar Holler,” 60 unique craft shops craftsmen demonstrating skills in pioneer crafts, great food and much more.

Branson is called, by some, “The live music show capital of the world” and during the season offers a variety and quality of live entertainment that is unequaled in any other travel destination of its size, perhaps any size. With all the shows in Branson there is sure to be a show that will appeal to just about everyone. Johnson points out that the original show on the Branson Strip, “Presleys’ Country Jubilee” is iconic not only for that, but because two of its cast members, drummer Steve Presley and his brother Gary Presley, the show’s comedian, have been performing continuously since it opened on the what is now the “Branson Strip “in 1967 and set a new “record” every time they perform. She points out that it is also one of Branson’s most popular shows and its mixture of music and “action comedy” will entertain the entire family.

Constructed at a cost of about $400 million in 2006, Branson Landing is at the same time, one of Branson’s main attractions and a premier shopping destination. It is located immediately adjacent to historic downtown Branson and the Branson Convention Center, on the shores of beautiful Lake Taneycomo. With its unique promenade construction; 100 specialty retail stores, shops and restaurants; $7.5 million fire, water and light fountain show; board walk and attractions, Branson Landing is a unique part of the Branson experience.

Johnson says that Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, has a staff of over 100 people dedicated to just one thing, helping people plan and have a great Branson experience. BTC would be pleased to have one of their knowledgeable local Branson Vacation Planners assist anyone in planning their Branson vacation at absolutely no charge either by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

* Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City

Branson Up Close and Personal with Doug Gabriel

Doug Gabriel playing his famous "Mufftar."

BRANSON, Mo. Doug Gabriel’s vocal and instrumental talents have been a staple on the Branson show scene since 1985 when he first started performing in Branson. For years he opened for many of the major stars, including Roy Clark himself, at the Roy Clark Celebrity theatre and has been voted the “Male Vocalist,” “Entertainer,” and the “Instrumentalist of the Year.” In 1994, he and his wife Cheryl, also an accomplished vocalist, started their own show. They will be starting their 27th year in Branson and 18th year of their own show when the 2012 edition of the Doug Gabriel Show opens on March 2.

“Branson – Up Close and Personal,” is a service of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and is intended to provide readers with an up close and personal look at a Branson star or personality. The interview with Doug Gabriel uses a “Question and Answer” format with the interviewing being done for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by Gary J. Groman, a 26 year resident of the Branson area, local columnist and free lance writer.

BTC: How long have you been performing in Branson?
DG:  I’ve been in town about 27 years. I started in 1985 with Chisai Childs at the old Starlite Theatre. I also played at Cody Country with the Cody Brothers and played with “Celebrity Sound” at the Roy Clark Celebrity Theatre where we led in for the major stars and Roy Clark who performed at the theatre.

BTC: When did you start your own show?
DG: In 1994 at the Jim Stafford Theatre.

BTC: Last year you moved from the Jim Stafford Theatre to the Music City Center Theatre. What’s one of the most exciting benefits of the move?
DG: The opportunity to do night shows.

BTC: How did you end up coming to Branson?
DG: I came to Branson to check it out and reconnected with Chisai Childs, who we had played for in her theatre in Grapevine, TX, and ended up performing in her show.

BTC: What is your first memory of Branson?
DG: Going to the Bob-O-Links with my grandfather Glenn Gabriel when I was a boy. [Now, these many years and owners later, it is the Clay Cooper Theatre.]

BTC: What’s your favorite thing to do in Branson when you are not performing?
DG: We enjoy playing tennis and swimming as a family.

BTC: If you could perform or meet with any entertainer/person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
DG: From a music perspective it would be Elvis because of his music.

BTC: Do you have a “little known” fact about yourself that you think our readers would enjoy?
DG: I’m a worrier.

BTC: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in front of an audience?
DG: When a bat came out during the gospel portion of a road show we were performing and was flying over the audience really getting them excited as they ducked and dodged it as it flew around and swopped down. When we got to the patriotic part of the show I said to the audience, “We should probably sing the “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Well it was funny at the time.

BTC: Do you have an instrumental and vocal number that you believe that your audiences expect you to do?
DG: Yes, “Malaguena” on the acoustical guitar and either “Unchained Melody” or the “American Trilogy.”

BTC: What part of your show do you enjoy performing the most and why?
DG: The first four songs of the show because it gives me the opportunity to form a relationship with the audience and get them involved with the performance.

BTC: Has the featured female vocalist in your show been with you for a while?
DG: She sure has. It’s my lovely wife Cheryl to whom I have been married for 28 years and who has blessed me with three beautiful children, Josh, Jordon and Jasmine who also participate in the show.

BTC: Is the “Mufftar” still in the show.”
DG: Absolutely, where else in the world can people hear a one of a kind sound from a one of a kind instrument made out of a 1969 Ford Thunderbird muffler. It’s amazing to feel the audience respond as they react to the sound coming from a muffler. [The “Mufftar” is a unique instrument made from the muffler of a 1969 Ford Thunderbird muffler by Doug’s dad, Don, when Doug first decided he wanted to play the guitar as a child.]

BTC: What one thing in your show do you want the readers to know about?
DG: While we will continue to do the favorites our audiences expect, which are all top hits, we will expand our musical variety to present other hits that they will readily recognize. There’s not a bad song in the show.

BTC: If I were planning a trip to Branson why should I plan to see your show?
DG: We provide a unique and wonderful entertainment experience that celebrates God, family, friends, life and country through the timeless musical hits of the decades.

BTC: If I were coming with children ages 8 through 15  would you answer be the same and why?
DG: Yes because the material in the show appeals to all ages and those ages 8 through 15 will also relate to the performances of Jasmine and Jordon during the show.

Chances are what “they” love most about Branson is what you will love about Branson

Silver Dollar city's world class coaster, "Wildfire" and its spectacular view of the Ozark Hills and a small portion of Table Rock Lake.

BRANSON, Mo. Recently, in connection with making a video for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, the question, “What do you love most about Branson?,” was asked. When the question was posted on www.1Branson.com, the responses paint a wonderful picture of Branson, what it has to offer and why Branson just might be the ideal place to visit or plan your next vacation.

Originally, I was going to separate the ten representative responses into categories, but in retrospect, their testimony speaks for itself and needs no categorization. Each post is preceded by the poster’s online name in italics:

Suselit… The Patriotism is what I love because I love America and Branson shares my love of God and County. And Branson has the right mix of Excitement and that comfortable feeling you get when you feel at home some place. Live Entertainment! We love attending Shows and Branson has some wonderful Shows!

Irishgirl… My home state is quite beautiful, but there is something magical about the hills there in SW Missouri….especially when the fog/haze comes over them. My second favorite thing will always be Shepherd of the Hills – the story, the play, and the park. The history of the area is fascinating to me.

shis1…The thing that brings us to Branson is the live music, the live Country Music. And the music we love the best is that music we hear at Clay Cooper‘s theatre!

biscuitcreek… Silver Dollar City, the lake, the variety of music available, the history of the area, the hills…

Lynndaof NJ…Branson is more than 1,000 miles from where we live, yet we’ve visited for the past 3 summers and already have reservations for July. We keep coming back because we feel that Branson epitomizes patriotism and basic American family values.

rjw1991A1…I could say a lot about the shows, SDC, the great restaurants, and of course my favorite, and what started it all for me, the trout fishing. But with all that, it’s the general friendliness of the people I met when I’m there. From the resort owners, and staff to the restaurant servers. From shop owners and clerks to ticket sellers and ushers in the shows, and everybody at Silver Dollar City, their friendliness has always come to the forefront and has been sincere.

MNtrveler…I like that a small city of about 10,000 permanent residents, with all the friendliness and values of a typical small town, has entertainment, dining and shopping options that you usually only find in cities of over 100,000 people. It is a great place to visit in a beautiful part of the country. Yes, at times I think they need to broaden their offerings, but it is still a GREAT vacation destination.

Zack7777…As MNtraveler has mentioned and I totally agree….It is really awesome to live here in a small town atmosphere and have big city options in a beautiful area of the USA….anything you want is within minutes, lakes, caves, dining, shopping, entertainment of every sort….shows, movies, golf, SDC. And great medical options here and only a few miles to the north….my regrets are I didn’t move here sooner. These last 10 years have been heaven.

ggh…The dogwood, the water, fishing, the fall colors, water skiing, the winding roads, nature, with SDC, shows, music, lights, go karts, and shopping all intertwined. You can enjoy upscale lodging, and restaurants, or enjoy some rustic lodging and comfort foods. There is definitely something for everyone in Branson.

Jalva2…I can name a lot of things I like about Branson, but if I have to pick one, It’s the Ozark landscape. Absolutely beautiful. If I can add a couple more: An outstanding theme park (which is also an outstandingly THEMED park) [Silver Dollar City]; and some of the best hotel prices in the country!

The responses indicate the wonderful experience most who visit have and are reasons why those who haven’t might want to consider doing so,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). For information on all that Branson offers, provided by people who live and work in the Branson area, please feel free to contact BTC by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson Up Close and Personal with Christina Lingo Tabuchi

 

Christina Lingo Tabuchi right after our interview.

BRANSON, Mo. One of Branson’s most popular shows is the Shoji Tabuchi Show which has been entertaining audiences in Branson, in its own theatre, for going on 23 years. Starting out as an eight year old performer, Shoji’s daughter, Christina Lingo Tabuchi, has been singing and dancing with her dad for just about everyone of those years and has developed into an extraordinary singer and dancer who is the shows Vocal Director and Co-Captain of the Dancers. In addition to performing with the Shoji Tabuchi show this very personable young lady is also in the process of developing a solo career.

BTC was fortunate to catch up with her before she left Branson for Nashville, where she resides when not performing or working in Branson. In the “off season” Christina will not only be working on projects for her solo career, but will also be involved with the production, auditioning and costume designing for the show and the buying of merchandise for the theatres gift shop. The Shoji Tabuchi Show will open its 2012 season on April 13th.

“Branson – Up Close and Personal,” is a service of the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, and is intended to provide readers with an up close and personal look at a Branson star or personality. The interview with Christina Lingo Tabuchi (CT) uses a “Question and Answer” format with the interviewing being done for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by Gary J. Groman, a 26 year resident of the Branson area, local columnist and free lance writer.

BTC: At what age did you first start singing and dancing?
CT: I started singing and dancing when I was three and started performing for audiences when I was five. My first non-school performances were on the stage of “Country Music World” when Bill and Janet Daily would let me perform.

BTC: When did you first start performing in the Shoji Tabuchi Show?
CT: In 1989 when we started our own show in the old “auto show” building. [It is the theatre currently located behind the Olive Garden Restaurant.]

BTC: Do you remember the first number you performed?
CT: Oh absolutely. The first song I ever sang on stage in front of people was Loretta Lynn’s “You Ain’t Woman Enough to Take My Man.” For the Shoji Tabuchi Show I believe that the very first song I sang was “Swinging on a Star.”

Christina performing the Carpenter's hit "Merry Christmas Darling."

BTC: What part of this year’s Shoji Tabuchi Show did you personally enjoy performing the most and why?
CT: That’s really hard, but I really had a fun time doing “Undo It” by Carrie Underwood with two of the dancers Cory Hansen and Brandt Brinkley in the regular show. Although I know that anybody who knows me and is going read this will laugh, one of my favorite parts in the Christmas Show was dancing and doing the polka to “Deck the Halls” and “Jingle Bells.”

BTC: What is your first memory of Branson?
CT: It’s funny because when you say that, instantaneously, I think of Shepherd of the Hills [Expressway] being a dirt road and the charcoal plant.

BTC: What do you like to do most in Branson when you are not performing?
CT: I’m kind of a homebody. I just enjoy resting and relaxing with family and friends

BTC: What do you like best about performing in Branson?
CT: My family’s here. It can’t get any better than that. I’ve always loved hanging out with my parents so it’s just been a dream for me. Another thing I love is the great family atmosphere of Branson. It is a great place to visit and a great place to live.

BTC: If you could perform or meet with any one entertainer/person (living or deceased) who would it be and why?
CT: I don’t know. How I am supposed to pick between George Jones and Dolly Parton.

BTC: Let’s take them both.
CT: George Jones was a favorite of my “Nanny,” my mom’s mom. That’s who she listened to and pretty much what I was raised on. I just think he’s amazing. And Dolly Parton is just amazing. She’s an entertainer, entrepreneur, writes her own music, plays guitar, has a great sense of humor, acts and is involved with the whole range of entertainment. I just respect her a lot.

BTC: In your career, of all the performances you have been in, no matter how big or small, which one personally meant the most to you and why?

CT: You know, it kind of makes me a little teary, but it was when me, mom and dad were all three doing the show together. Take any one of those.

BTC:  Do you have a favorite hobby or activity and what is it?
CT: I seriously love just hanging around with my family, friends and dogs.

BTC: What kind of dogs?
CT: Rescued mutts. I have a little wired hair terrier, his name is “Gus” and little poodle, schnauzer terrier mix and her name is “Petunia.”

BTC: Do you have a “little known” fact about yourself that you think our readers would enjoy?
CT: I am obsessed with cup cakes.

BTC: What is the funniest thing that has happened to you in front of an audience?
CT: Oh, good grief. One that sticks out was during our first year of shows when I was about eight years old. While dad was playing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” I came out from behind a little “Candy Land” house that was wheeled out and sang with him. This one day, I got the hiccups and had them all during the song. The audience was laughing during the whole song. I remember thinking, “Oh, they’re laughing at me” and they said, “No they’re laughing because it’s cute and you have the hiccups and can’t get rid of them.”

BTC: What is your favorite genre of music?
CT: I can’t pick just one. I love all types of music.

BTC: In addition to being a performer in the Shoji Tabuchi Show, what other duties do you perform in connection with the show?
CT: I am the Vocal Director for the theatre, the Co Captain of the Dancers and am involved with some of the costume designing, back stage management and the buying of merchandise for the gift shop. In addition, I hold the auditions for singers and dancers for the show.

BTC: Are there any special projects you have on tap for next year that you would like to share with our readers?
CT: I have a new album that will be released next year and will be available when we start our 2012 season on April 13th. I am also working on two other albums, a duet album with friends and a Christmas album.

BTC: Are you on Facebook andhttp://ww Twitter?
CT: I sure am. www.facebook.com/pages/Christina-Lingo/75740939185 and www.twitter.com/ChristinaLingo

BTC: Anything else you want our readers to know?
CT: Plan to come and see our show next year, you’ll have a great time and there’s something for everybody.

BTC: Can you give us a hint of what will be in the show next year?
CT: We haven’t had our production meetings for next year yet, but I guarantee that it will be a great show!

 

Branson is a unique “gift,” at Christmas or any time

Branson's Titanic Museum always an exciting voyage back into history is even more so during 2012 as the 100th anniversary of its sinking is remembered.

When one thinks of Branson, Missouri many things instantly come to mind, fun, excitement, variety and value to name a few. The word “gift” might not often come to mind, but at this special time of the year describing what Branson represents as a “gift” might be totally appropriate.

Particularly at this time of the year, when the word “gift” is used people think of Christmas presents, but as the term is used in this article a “gift” is “a notable capacity, talent, or endowment.” Branson is notably endowed with the natural beauty of the Ozarks, three pristine lakes, spectacular shopping, more than 100 shows filled with some of the most talented performers anywhere and a variety of exciting fun filled attractions unmatched anywhere.

Where else can a person go in this country where, less than 10 minutes away from a 45,000 plus acre lake, Table Rock Lake, they can be sitting in a theatre seat watching one of Branson’s numerous live shows? Is there a another place where a family can share a “voyage” aboard a half scale replica of the R.M.S. Titanic at the Titanic Museum Attraction during the day and enjoy a wonderful cruise on Table Rock Lake, dinner and great entertainment aboard the magnificent Branson Belle?

Is there another place in America where an attraction such as the 1880’s theme park, Silver Dollar City, Branson’s largest and most popular attraction and its dozens of exciting rides, shows, demonstrating craftsmen, has been built over a Natural National Landmark such as “Marvel Cave?” One has to wonder how many theme parks anywhere have been integrated into the natural environment surrounding them as Silver Dollar City has to become a virtual part of the Ozark Mountains surrounding it and whose history, crafts and culture it preserves and shares with the world?

Is there anywhere else that has the variety of attractions that Branson has? From the World’s Largest Toy Museum and the Ralph Foster Museum at the College of the Ozarks, called the “Smithsonian of the Ozarks” to the Veterans Memorial Museum, the Hollywood Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and many other activities; Branson’s attractions provide an opportunity for fun and excitement that would be notable anywhere.

In the snow of winter or the heat of summer, Dick's 5 & 10, in historic downtown Branson, is just one example of the unique shopping Branson has to offer.

Branson is a shopping Mecca for shoppers endowed with one of the most varied shopping experiences available anywhere. From hand crafted items in Silver Dollar City and many of Branson’s other specialty shop to two major outlet malls, Dicks 5 & 10 in historic downtown Branson and the $150 million Branson Landing, Branson offers a unique shopping experience not available anywhere else.

As notable and exciting as everything Branson has to offer is, what really makes the gift of Branson special is the spirit of its people as they present the gift of Branson to its visitors. At a recent employee gathering, Lianne Milton, the co-owner of Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services, might just have summed up that spirit as well as it can be when she said, “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me.” That’s the icing on the cake in terms of the gift that Branson gives its guests because to each of its millions of annual visitors, it says, “If it’s important to you, it’s important to me” and does its best to make it so.

Why come to Branson during the “off season?”

Tthe Hollywood Wax Museum is just one of the many year round attractions in Branson.

BRANSON, Mo. The question is often asked, “Why should I come to Branson during the off season?” Having lived in the Branson area for the major part of 25 years this writer feels safe in answering that question by saying, “For the same reason you’d come during the season, to have fun and enjoy a great Branson experience.”

The experience one will enjoy during the off season will be different from a couple of perspectives. First, the vast majority of Branson’s live shows will be closed during January and most of February, but great shows such as the Grand Jubilee, Hughes Brothers, and others will be available with more gradually opening in February and subsequent months.

In terms of attractions, although Branson’s biggest and most popular attraction the 1880’s theme park Silver Dollar City will be not open until March 15, the vast majority of Branson’s attractions are not weather dependent and will be open. These include attractions such as Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Hollywood Wax Museum, the Castle of Chaos, the Titanic Museum Attraction and many others. Regardless of the weather there will be an exciting fun filled activity for your family to share together that is only minutes away from wherever you are staying in Branson.

It is going to be a very special year at the Titanic Museum Attraction as they remember the 100th anniversary of the great ships sinking with many special events. In addition, they will host the 2012 National Ice Carving Association’s U.S. Nationals on February 4-5 with the carvers competing for an opportunity “to end up in the city of Sochi, Russia, the host city for the XXII Olympic Winter Games, in 2014.

From an outdoor perspective there is everything from trout fishing on Lake Taneycomo, bass fishing on Table Rock Lake, to walking, hiking, biking, seeing the eagles or experiencing the National Tiger Sanctuary. Have young children and want a great photo opportunity with them having a blast, then take them down to “Branson’s Unofficial Duck Feeding Area” at Scotty’s Dock and let them feed the ducks and geese that congregate there. Just a leisurely walk along the Branson Landing’s Boardwalk is a unique and wonderful experience to share together.

Speaking of Branson Landing brings to mind Branson’s fabulous shopping which is always in season. From Branson’s major Malls such as Tanger Outlets and Branson Landing to its specialty shops and shopping attractions such as “Dick’s 5 & 10,” Branson provides a shopping experience that is as unique as it is unparalleled and is never “out of season.” While avoiding the in season crowds you just might get some of the best values of the year.

Branson’s is noted for the variety, quality and value of its lodging. From lakeside condos and cabins to quaint B&Bs, resorts with inside water parks and many others, there is a lodging choice for every budget and need with many offering complimentary breakfast.

In Branson, fun, excitement, value and family are always in season. Branson’s off season offers an opportunity to enjoy these things without the pressures of crowds and traffic that are common during the season. “In season” or “out of season” Branson offers a unique unparalleled experience and great value and the opportunity to create memories that could last a life time.

Usher in the New Year in Branson Missouri

Pierce Arrow is just one of the many Branson shows that will be holding special New Year's Eve Shows.

“What better place than Branson, Missouri for families to say, ‘Goodbye’ to the old year and welcome in the New Year?” asked Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. “When it comes to family entertainment and fun there is no place like Branson and from the morning of New Year’s Eve, December 31, to the traditional New Year’s Eve celebration at midnight, there are numerous interesting and exciting ways for families to celebrate the occasion together,” she continued.

As would be expected in the place called “The live music show capital of the world,” Branson will offer a variety of exciting live shows.. The Official Branson.Com Show Schedule, powered by the Branson Tourism Center, indicates that the following shows, sorted alphabetically by time, will be open on December 31. In addition, if a show has indicated they are doing something special to celebrate New Year’s Eve the words “New Year’s Eve Show” follows the shows name. Click here for information on the specifics of each show’s celebration.

10:00 AM

Amazing Pets
The Lennon Morning Show

2:00 PM

Hank Williams Revisited

3:00 PM

Acrobats of China
Comedy Jamboree

3:30 PM
Miracle of Christmas

5:00 PM

Circle B Supper Show
The Rat Pack – Live and Swingin’

5:15 PM

Christmas on the Trail

5:30 PM

Dixie Stampede

7:30 PM

Comedy Hypnosis Dinner Show New Year’s Eve

8:00 PM

Clay Cooper’s New Year’s Eve
Jukebox Journey

9:00 PM

Acrobats of China New Year’s Eve
Doug Gabriel New Year’s Eve
Grand Jubilee New Year’s Eve
Hamner Barber New Year’s Eve
Haygoods New Year’s Eve
Jim Stafford New Year’s Eve
Kirby VanBurch New Year’s Eve
Pierce Arrow New Year’s Eve

9:30 PM

Legends in Concert New Year’s Eve

The Titanic Museum Attraction is just one of many Branson Attractions that will be open for Branson visitors to enjoy.

Although Silver Dollar City will be closed for the season, from the magnificent Titanic Museum, to ziplines, and so much more, the vast majority of Branson’s attractions will also be open over New Year’s weekend. The Titanic, always interesting, fresh and exciting is even more so as it remembers the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the great ship.

Other highlights would include the areas two major drive through Christmas Lighting displays and their millions of glittering lights, the Branson Area Festival of Lights and Shepherd of the Hill’s Trail of Lights. One of Branson’s most unique Christmas events is “White Flight,” at the Butterfly and Rainforest Adventure, with thousands of white butterflies, live statute art and much more. The ships of Branson Landing Cruise Lines, the “Lake Queen” and the “Lake Princess” will be sailing throughout the day and also have special New Year’s Eve cruises.

What would it be like without the famous shopping for which Branson is noted? Well no one will have to find out because Branson’s major retail centers and many of its specialty shops will be open. Branson Landing will be open from 11 AM to 7 PM on both December 31 and January 1; Tanger Outlets from 9 AM to 6 PM on December 31 and from 10 AM to 7:00 PM on January 1 and the Factory Merchant Mall, the Red Roof Mall, is open from 9 AM to 6 PM on December 31 and from 10 AM to 7:00 PM on January 1.

“From shows to attractions, great shopping, cruises and so much more, Branson is the ideal place for families to celebrate New Year’s together,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Milton. She also advises that weather and other factors could cause schedule changes etc and offers the services of the Branson Tourism Center in answering any questions anyone might have about any of the activities mentioned in this article or for assistance with tickets or lodging arrangements. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Branson’s shows and value make it the “real deal” all the time

One of the colorful and exciting production numbers from the Andy Williams Christmas Show.

“It’s exciting because that’s the way a lot of people feel about Branson after they have visited it for the first time,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Milton was referring to an article written by Patti Nickell, Contributing Travel Writer for the Lexington, Herald Leader entitled Branson, Mo.: a great trip for the holidays or any other time appearing on line at Kentucky.Com on December 4.

The article started off with a confession that many people who have never been to Branson might be able to relate to. While acknowledging that Branson has eight million visitors, a year the writer said, “I had never particularly wanted to go to Branson, Mo. It always seemed like a veritable kitsch soup whose ingredients were tour buses, tacky attractions and souvenirs and pseudo-folksiness.”

After her “inaugural” four day visit to Branson in mid-November, during Ozark Mountain Christmas however, the writer wrote, “I have another confession: I was wrong. This small community in the heart of the Ozark Mountains, just north of the Arkansas state line, is the real deal.”

During her visit she experienced the Branson first hand, going to eight shows and An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City. She saw a wide variety of Branson’s shows and described them as “being nothing short of spectacular.”

The breadth of the shows she experienced covered the gamut of “A Dickens Christmas Carol” at Silver Dollar City’s “An Ole Time Christmas,” which she stated couldn’t “have been better staged in London or New York” to “The Twelve Irish Tenors” described as her favorite because of their mesmerizing talent and “rendition of the aria ‘Nessun dorma’ from Puccini’s opera ‘Turandot,'” which “alone was worth the price of admission.” The article described other Branson shows she saw during her trip including, the “Andy Williams Christmas Show,” “The Legend of Kung Fu,” “The Brett Family” and “Oh What A Night! A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons.”

The article emphasizes the value of Branson’s show pricing pointing out that Branson’s prices are about a third of what shows in Las Vegas and New York would cost. It said they “are, in fact, a major reason to come to Branson.”

Milton said that the experience described in the article, from the quality and value of Branson’s shows to the way people feel about Branson after they have visited for the first time is what has made Branson such an exciting and successful travel destination. “In terms of family entertainment, value and excitement, Branson Missouri is the ‘real deal,'” she continued.

 

Last 2011 Call for some of Branson’s most popular shows

Musical cast of Presleys' Country Jubilee at the opening of Christmas Show.

The fun, color and excitement of the attractions, Christmas Lighting displays, shopping, and many other activities continues until December 31. Although some of Branson’s most popular shows will be performing through December 31, 60 Branson  shows will be ending their 2011 seasons by December 17. Although subject to change, as of December 3, the Official Branson.Com Show Schedule, powered by the Branson Tourism Center, shows that this will include, but not be limited to the following shows, listed alphabetically by date of their final 2011 performance:

December 5

Buck Trent

December 6

Duttons

The World Famous Platters Review

December 7

Barbara Fairchild

Gatlin Brothers & Debby Boone Together

Neal McCoy

Osmonds

SIX during Jaks reading of the "Night Before Christmas." When they interact with him as he reads the result is the funniest reading of the story most people have ever heard.

December 8

Joey Riley Comedy & Music Review

Ralph Kuster’s Christmas in Branson

ROCKIT!

Roy Rogers Jr. Show

The Tweeds

December 9

Alabama Revival

Angels of Country Music

Down Home Country

Eagles Tribute

Fountains of Faith

Mike Walker

The Cats Pajamas

Tony Orlando Christmas

The fabulous Lennon Sisters performing their beautiful rendition of "The Star Carol."

December 10

#1 Hit of the 60’s

3 Red Neck Tenors

A Tribute to John Denver

Andy Williams Christmas Show

Bill Chrastil, The Many Performances of

Brett Family

Cat’s Pajamas – Vocal Band

Christmas with the Lennon Sisters

George Strait Tribute

Hollywood’s Christmas Spectacular

Jim Owen

Legend of Kung Fu

Paul Harris Live

Rankin Brothers

Red Skelton – A Tribute by Tom Mullica

Shake Rattle & Roll

Statler Brothers Revisited

December 11

Chubby Checker

Ozark Mountain Jubilee

Shoji Tabuchi

Sunday Gospel Jubilee

Yakov

Yakov’s Dinner Adventure

December 13

Mickey Gilley

December 15

A Tribute to Marty Robbins

December 16

Cassandre’ The Voice of an Angel

December 17

A Neil Diamond Tribute
Hughes Brothers
Motown Downtown
Presleys’ Country Jubilee
SIX
The Hughes Brothers
Twelve Irish Tenors

In view of the limited time frame in which to see some of these shows and the fact that it is the busiest time of the year in Branson, it would be advisable for anyone wanting to see any of these shows to consider making advanced reservations,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. She also points out that a number of Branson’s most popular shows will remain open, albeit on a reduced schedule, through December 31,” For the latest information, schedules, and ticketing for the shows mentioned in this article, as well as those that will remain open through December 31, Johnson recommends calling the Branson Tourism Center, toll free at 1-800-785-1550.

 

“Miracle of Christmas” – a special gift of the true meaning of Christmas

The spectacle and wonder of the Sight and Sound's "Miracle of Christmas."

“During Ozark Mountain Christmas, there is no better destination city in America to experience the traditional American Christmas spirit than in Branson, Missouri. That thought was reinforced in a spectacular, entertaining and inspirational way when this writer saw the “Miracle of Christmas,” at the Sight and Sound theatre. With spectacular sets, music, dance and drama, it tells the inspirational story of the greatest miracle of all, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

The show tells the biblical account of the birth of Jesus and the events leading up to it, adding drama and characters to the for enhanced entertainment value and explore the human side of the birth of Jesus. It is a wonderfully told and presented fictional account of the factual events reported in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke conveying the true” reason for the season.”

It’s really neat to see this entertainment spectacular, about God’s promise to send a Savior, develop. It shows how He fulfilled that promise through Mary and Joseph and shares the human aspect of His plan as He uses the faithfulness of a simple couple from Nazareth to bring His Son into the world.

It doesn’t take too long to see the spectacle, color and production involved with this show as, from its very beginning, the audience is swept into a betrothal ceremony displaying the first of the shows spectacular sets, a large two story edifice surrounding a court yard in the center of Nazareth. It takes up the entire center of the 20,000 square foot 300 foot long wrap around stage. The talent of the cast is immediately apparent as Mary and Joseph sing of their love for each other and the cast joins together in a beautiful and lively celebratory dance.

The Miracle of Christmas ends “with flying angels and magnificent music, camels and wise men and shepherds at the manger honoring the Son of God after his birth. It is one of the most spectacular things most people will ever experience on a stage in terms of production, grandeur, entertainment, and sensory appeal. It is truly an amazing ending for a wonderful experience about what the celebration of Christmas really is all about.

“In between, there is a musical drama about the times, what type of Savior some were expecting, the oppression of not only Roman rule, but King Herod, and the strictness of Jewish law and custom. However, it is the personal glimpse into the lives and relationships of the biblical characters associated with the birth of Jesus such as Simeon, Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph which creates the drama and, even within the context of a story that everyone knows the outcome, suspense. The personal turmoil that Mary and Joseph, their families, and community had to work through because of the miraculous pregnancy of Mary and the faith and perseverance that it took to get from the betrothal ceremony in Nazareth to the birth of Jesus in a manager in Bethlehem is in itself a miracle.

“It is a modern production miracle that the cast members; animals, from camels to horses, riders and more; flying angels coming down from on high and the effort necessary to change the spectacular sets used, come together in a production that flows as smoothly and enjoyably as this show. Combine that, with the talent of the cast, both dramatically and musically, lavish costuming and the story of the greatest gift this world has ever received and the “Miracle of Christmas” is not only an exciting entertainment spectacle, but a Christmas blessing for those who know Jesus as their Lord and Savior as well as those who do not.”

For additional information on the “Miracle of Christmas” please call the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.