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.

Memorial Day Weekend marks beginning of Branson’s summer outdoor season

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

“Labor Day Weekend in Branson is the “unofficial” beginning of Branson’s summer outdoor season,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “Branson’s unique blend of natural beauty, live entertainment, lakes, attractions, shopping, Ozarks heritage, and other exciting activities make it the ideal place for families to relax, have fun and make memories that will last for a lifetime not only over the long Labor Day weekend, but anytime.”

What’s a long holiday weekend for most, is the opportunity for Branson to show why it was listed in the Top 25 of the 2012 Travelers’ Choice® Destinations Awards. From its newest and biggest shopping attraction, Branson Landing on its eastern border, to its oldest and most popular paid attraction, the award winning 1880s styled theme park Silver Dollar City to the west, and everything in between, Branson will be bursting with fun filled activities, shows, attractions, water sports, fishing, golfing, hiking and dozens of other activities that makes  it such the premier travel destination.

Branson’s biggest water park, the Polynesian themed “White Water,” with its 13 acres, 7,000 feet of water slides and 2 million gallons of cool wet fun opens for its 2012 season over the Memorial Day Weekend on May 26. From its iconic seven story multiple slide “Kalani Towers” to its “Aloha River at Hula Bay, with over 800 feet of “unexpected twists and turns, fountains, misters, bubblers, geysers, a 30-foot tall tiki water tower and more” it’s easy to see why White Water is called “Mid-America’s Nearby Island Adventure.” And that’s just one of Branson’s many attractions.

All of the attractions that make Branson so much fun, from butterflies to tigers, world class coasters to cruises, championship golf courses to mini golf, zip lines to hiking and so much more will be open. These include the 1880’s styled award winning theme park, Silver Dollar City, with its dozens of rides, shows, and craftsmen which will be celebrating its Bluegrass and BBQ Festival during the Labor Day weekend; the Titanic Museum Attraction, remembering the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic; the National Tiger Sanctuary, the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure and many more.

Main Street Cruise's Landing Princess and Lake Queen viewing Branson Landing's spectacular Water and Fire Show.

For many, Memorial Day Weekend is a time to be out at the Lake. Branson has thousands of miles of shoreline on its three lakes, Table Rock Lake, Bull Shoals Lake and Lake Taneycomo available for boating, swimming and a wide range of other aquatic activities along with some of the finest bass and trout fishing in the nation. Whether one experiences Branson’s lakes in their own boat, a rental boat or aboard one of the cruise boats such Main Street Cruise’s Lake Queen or Landing Princess on Lake Taneycomo or the Showboat Branson Belle on Table Rock Lake, the opportunity to experience the unique and beautiful view of the Ozarks from “out on the lake” should not be missed.

Dog Days at Dogwood Canyon, on Saturday, May 26, is another Memorial Day Weekend outdoor activity that was created “especially for all the great dogs out there!” Throughout the day, various demonstrations will be held “including bird dog demonstrations, Frisbee demonstrations and cattle dog demonstrations” with “dogs ” receiving half price admission and “getting a complimentary logo’d bandana to sport.”

Memorial Day Weekend Fireworks displays will blast off Sunday evening, May 27, at dusk. One display will be at Big Cedar Lodge as part of its Patriotic Picnic and Fireworks event and the other at the Chateau on the Lake as part of its Memorial Day Celebration. The public is invited to both with the best views from Table Rock Lake, the property’s grounds, or in the case of the Chateau on the Lake, the peninsula area located just north of the Table Rock Dam.

“One of the exciting and unique things about Branson is that all of Branson’s outdoor activities are just minutes away from Branson’s great shows, shopping, and everything else Branson has to offer,” said Branson Tourism Center’s Johnson. “Where else could someone be dropped off to go trout fishing and be shopping at a fabulous shopping venue like Branson Landing two minutes later?” she continued.

Johnson said that Memorial Day Weekend is one of Branson’s busiest weekends and suggests advance reservations for shows and lodging to ensure availability and the best seating and accommodations. For additional information on Branson’s Memorial Day Weekend activities or information or tickets for any of Branson’s 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.

Treehouse Condominiums provides spectacular vacation “view”

Even on a cloudy cold early Spring Day the view of Table Rock Lake is spectacular.

BRANSON, Mo., May 2, 2012 — “Along with Silver Dollar City, Table Rock Lake is one of Branson’s biggest attractions,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “In terms of lodging, the Treehouse Condominiums offers not only virtually traffic free access to both, but one of the most spectacular  views of Table Rock Lake and our scenic Ozark Hills.

Tamy Bond, Director of Internet Marketing for Treehouse Condominiums amplifies saying, “We are known for our incredible view of Table Rock Lake from every single unit.” Bond continues, “In addition, we are just one mile and couple of traffic free minutes from Silver Dollar City on Indian Point Road. This easy access permits our guests the convenience of visiting Silver Dollar City while being able to come back to the condo, relax, take a nap or enjoy the lake and go back later in the day. All the live shows, attractions, dining, shopping and excitement and adventure of Branson is, but a short distance, about a ten minute drive away.

In addition to the spectacular view and convenient access to Table Rock Lake, Silver Dollar City and all that Branson offers, Bond stresses that whether it’s a family vacation, reunion, corporate gathering or other event, that the spacious and elegantly appointed 1 – 3 bedroom condominiums of Treehouse provides a  “quiet family getaway place right on the lake that is your home away from home. All you need to do is bring the food; we supply everything else from pots and pans to dishes, blow dryers, linens towels and almost anything else you will need.” Amenities include an Indoor Fitness Center with state of the art gym equipment, an indoor exercise pool, outdoor pool with Gazebo, a walking trail to the lake, two docks, a swimming area at the lake, micro waves, flat panel TVs, DVD-VCR, and much more.

Kitchen area.

Tim Chancellor, a Sales Agent for  Caldwell Banker said, “All the units at Treehouse Condominiums are individually owned. Those available to nightly rental are managed by Treehouse Condominiums.” He was extremely excited about the completion of Treehouse’s new Building 14 at the top of the property which offers eco-friendly high-efficiency geothermal heating and cooling systems, high-quality, energy-efficient appliances, windows, and doors, is sound and fire-proof with roomy parking garages located in the lower levels. It also contains the exercise room and indoor exercise pool, which is open to all Treehouse guests. Although there is an unobstructed view of Table Lake from every condominium at Treehouse, the view from the new building is extraordinary.

Branson Tourism Center’s Tammy Johnson said, “The Treehouse Condominiums offer a wide variety of unit sizes and styles to meet every need. It is an excellent lodging choice in terms of its combination of value, quality of its units, amenities, view of Table Rock Lake from every unit and easy access to Silver Dollar City.” For more information on the Treehouse Condominiums Branson’s shows and attractions please feel free to 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.

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!!

Track Family Fun Parks Gift of Hope Benefit this Saturday

Gift of Hope benefit.

BRANSON, Mo (04/25/12) The Track Family Fun Park #3, located at 2505 W. Hwy 76, Branson, directly across Highway 76 from the Andy Williams Moon River Grill, will host a benefit  for the Gift of Hope and its Backpack Club and Christmas Share programs on Saturday, April 28, 2012 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Those attending will enjoy reduced rates with “$5.00 per 1 pass ride including Classic go-karts, bumper boats and mini golf.

The Gift of Hope’s mission is “Providing essentials and pathways to independence for Taney County Families.” One of the ways it does that is through “The Backpack Club” which provides a backpack of nutritious food for children who have shown signs of hunger outside of the school meal program.  Children receive the food each weekend during the school year. The Christmas Share program will provide customized assistance to approximately 30 families in need during the winter months.

“Branson visitors as well as locals can have a great afternoon of fun, save money and help a great cause,” said Stephanie Milton, Director of Marketing for the Branson Tourism Center. For information on the Benefit or the Gift of Hope please call 417-546-8062.For information on the Benefit or the Gift of Hope please call 417-546-8062.

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.

Central Pro-Am Associations Pro Champion to win $40,000 Ranger-Mercury Package

The CPAA Pro Champion will win a $40K Ranger, Mercury Motor and Trailer Package.

BRANSON, Mo (April 7, 2012)  “Even at this point, it’s the best opportunity most fishermen are going have to win a Ranger Bass Boat,”  said Jim Thompson, the owner of the Central Pro-Am Association (CPAA). Thompson was referring to the fact that the winner of the CPAA’s Pro Division, at the end of its seven tournament series will, in addition to the prize money won for each tournament and being the CPAA Champion, also wins a 19 foot Ranger Bass Boat, 200 horse power Mercury Engine and trailer package valued at over $40,000.00.”

To be eligible to win the Ranger, the fisherman must be a member of the CPAA and have fished five out the seven of the 2012 CPAA Pro-Am Tournaments, all of which are being held on Table Rock Lake. Thompson said, “Although two of the seven tournaments have already been held, fisherman who fish all of the remaining five CPAA Pro-Am Tournaments, the first of which will be held next Saturday, April 21 out of Mill Creek on Table Rock Lake, are eligible to win the boat. The other four tournaments will be held on May 5, June 9, June 30 and September 15.

Thompson mentions that out that the total Championship scores for the 50 fishermen who fished the first two events range from a low of 25 to the high of 376.09. When asked if someone who started fishing next week could win the tournament Thompson chuckled and said, “Absolutely, this is after all bass fishing and anything can happen.” He clarified by explaining how the scoring system works.

There are three types of points, “Show Up,” “Weight” and “Placement.” Every fisherman in the tournament gets 25 Show Up Points just for showing up and fishing. The second element of the score is Weight Points, the total weight of the fish each weighs in. Placement Points are awarded based on the placement of the fisherman in the tournament with 150 points for First Place and a one point reduction for each place under that, i.e. 2nd Place 149, 3rd 148 etc. Fishermen must weigh in at least one qualifying fish to get any Placement Points.

Thompson points out that it’s every bit a possibility that a fisherman starting next weekend could win the Championship and the Ranger Mercury Boat Package. If the new fisherman caught 15.50 pounds and placed 15th in the tournament their score would be 25 Show Up Points, 15.50 Weight Points, and 135 Placement Points for a total of 175.50 Championship Points “With five tournaments to go and fishing being the sport that it is, although obviously the person with a 376.09 point lead at this point has an advantage, anything can, and probably will, happen.

The Championship and competition for the boat package is in addition to, based on 60 boats per tournament, up to $2,000 in the prize money that can be won at each of the five tournaments. The winner of each of the individual CPAA Tournaments in the series is based strictly on the total weight of the qualifying fish caught and weighed in. The total weight for each tournament is included in the Weight Points awarded towards the Championship and the Placement within each tournament based on that weight determines the number of Placement Points awarded.

Anyone wanting to enter next week’s tournament or more information on the CPAA can do so in person at the CPAA Office, located in the at 220 Branson Hills Parkway, Ste B, on the east end of the same building that Branson 1st Stop and the Branson Tourism Center are located in or by calling 417-335-5075.