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.

Pierce Arrow, Luke, left, Gary, Scott and Tim.

BRANSON, Mo. Either Jarrett Dougherty’s comedy or the great singing of Pierce Arrow alone is worth the price of the ticket, but put them both together with the singing of Desta and C.C. and you have one of the funniest and most musically filled entertainment values in Branson. From beginning to end it is easy to see why Pierce Arrow is one of the hottest shows in Branson.

During Ozark Mountain Christmas the show features their favorite comedy routines and music from their 2011 “regular season show” during the first half of the show. The second half of the show dedicated to Christmas.

From a comedy perspective, in this writer’s opinion, the ads for the show saying, “You want funny, we got funny” should read, “You want funny, we got very funny.” Whether he is “Floyd the Flusher” or his cousin “Chip,” Jarrett Dougherty is one of the funniest and most entertaining comedians in Branson and with the assistance of his straight man, Bobby Blackburn, who is also the band director will have you laughing consistently during the show.

Jarrett Dougherty a.k.a. "Floyd the Plumber" explaining origin of "Ring of Fire."

Dougherty’s comedy is artfully woven into the show throughout. Among other things, you will laugh your way through one of the funniest doctors visits you’ll ever hear about and learn new things such as when a man can never be considered as a complete failure and the “real” history behind how the Johnny Cash hit, “Ring of Fire” was written, but above all you will laugh, laugh and laugh some more.

The vocalist and instrumentalists of the Pierce Arrow show are the type of entertainers that add the meaning to the reason some people call Branson the “live music show capital of the world.” The “Pierce Arrow Band,” consisting of Bobby Blackburn, guitar; Colt Straub, piano; Randy McConnell, bass and Will Henderson, Drums did an excellent job.

The quartet “Pierce Arrow is composed of Luke Menard, its newest member; Gary Korebia; Tim Storms and Scott Fraker. From their opening number “Listen to the Music” to their last number “American Soldier,” whether singing individually as a featured singer or as a group, it is easy to understand why “Pierce Arrow” is one of Branson’s most popular singing groups. From among many memorable numbers this writer particularly enjoyed their version of “Southern Born” from their regular season show and “Thank God for Kids,” featuring Scott Fraker and “Mary Did You Know,” by Gary Korebia from the Christmas show.

Desta singing "Piece of My Heart."

The featured female vocalist is Desta who, among others, did a wonderful job on “Piece of My Heart.” Young Miss C. C. Day, a Branson Junior High School student did a nice job on the Taylor Swift song “Our Song.” Desta and C.C. really got the audience rocking with their duet of the “Jingle Bell Rock” during the Christmas portion of the show.

The shows closing patriotic segment was powerful in terms of its message and its presentation. The combination of Jarrett Dougherty’s narrative about an American Soldier and Pierce Arrow’s powerful and exciting performance of the song “American Soldier” was a beautiful ending to a great show.

This writer saw the afternoon show, but it should be pointed out that Pierce Arrow also performs an evening show which, although it has the same cast, is an entirely different show with different music and comedy. If you love great singing and music and want to laugh until you hurt don’t miss the Pierce Arrow Show.

For additional information or tickets for Pierce Arrow 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. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

One of the spectacular sets from The Legend of Kung Fu.

BRANSON, Mo. “Some might wonder what two shows from China could possibly have to do with Ozark Mountain Christmas,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. “At first blush, the answer might appear to be ‘Nothing’ because China does not celebrate the traditional American Christmas, but in reality,” she continues, “if the shows are the Acrobats of China or The Legend of Kung-Fu, the answer is, ‘Quite a bit.”

Johnson points out that while these shows do not celebrate the traditional American Christmas they celebrate and share the heritage and culture of China and offer Branson visitors yet another colorful, exciting and unique way to have fun in Branson during Ozark Mountain Christmas. These two shows, although similar in terms of being presented by some of the most skilled and amazing performers appearing on any Branson stage; excitement; pageantry; color and almost unbelievable choreography, each provide a unique and wonderfully different entertainment experience filled with action, color, skill, precision and presenting two entirely different aspects of China.

“The Legend of Kung Fu” is a beautiful, spectacular and colorful production telling the story about a very young boy who is dropped off at the temple by his mother and turned over to the “Master” for an apprenticeship as a monk while learning the art and culture of Kung Fu. It is a simple yet complex story from not only the aspect of the young boy, but his mother and the Master. It is a story told through spectacular sets, costuming, beautiful choreography and the artistic and skillful manner in which the cast performs.

The synchronized unicyclists are just one of the many exciting and colorful acts in the Acrobats of China.

While the “The Legend of Kung Fu” follows a story line and is based on the art and practice of Kung-Fu, “The Acrobats of China” is more of a “Chinese circus” atmosphere and has no story line. It is a circus without a Ringmaster that flows seamlessly from one amazing act to another. In a recent review of “The Acrobats of China” this writer again said, “The elegance, skill, grace and precision of the performers in each act is simply amazing. Couple that with excellent production, absolutely elegant costuming, and the choreographed and flawless presentation as each act seamlessly transitions into the next.”

Simply put, whether during Ozark Mountain Christmas or any other time of the year, there are no shows in Branson with more costuming, action, color, pageantry, precision, skill, grace, beauty, elegance and action throughout their entirety than in either the The Legend of Kung Fu or The Acrobats of China. For additional information or tickets for either of these shows 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. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

“Ozark Mountain Christmas or any other time of the year, Branson’s live shows are one of the primary elements that makes Branson the unique wonderful travel destination that it is,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center. During Ozark Mountain Christmas there are a number of shows that are primarily Christmas productions and only available during that time.” she continued.

Some of the more popular of these “full” production Christmas shows are:

One of the many moments Shoji Tabuchi's Wonder of Christmas that the whole family will enjoy.

Shoji Tabuchi’s Wonder of Christmas – Long known, for not only the musical talent they bring to the stage, but the spectacular production show surrounding that talent, Shoji Tabuchi’s “Wonder of Christmas” is yet another example of just why that is so. From toy soldiers, flying angels and spectacular sets and colorful costuming to Christmas and holiday music ranging from the fun and revelry of a “Cajun Christmas” to the simple elegance of Shoji playing “Silent Night,” this show is a Christmas extravaganza in the finest Tabuchi Tradition.

The entire theatre is beautifully decorated for Christmas as is the stage, but it doesn’t stop there. Whether it’s the very talented Christina Tabuchi singing a beautiful Christmas love song in front of an elegantly decorated and lit Christmas Tree, the simple set used in the Christmas Chamber Music and Bell Choir segment, the amazing number of costume changes or the elegantly decorated main set, this show sets the bar in terms of Christmas production shows and truly has something in it for every member of the family.

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

Miracle of Christmas – Sight and Sound’s spectacular Branson production The Miracle of Christmas uses drama, spectacular sets, music, and dance as it shares the story of the greatest miracle of all time and the true meaning of Christmas. From flying angels, camels, horses and other animals, to wise men, shepherds and action, it is a musical drama taking in the full length of the theatres 300 foot long surround stage. This show is one of the most spectacular things most people will ever experience on a stage in terms of production, grandeur, entertainment and scope. It’s amazing ending goes beyond the birth of the Christ Child and explains the precious gift He brought to us all. The Miracle of Christmas will be performing thorough December 31.

Andy Williams Christmas – Even though Andy is not performing as a regular part of the show, his influence on everything involved with the show from the costuming, sets, music, talent, choreography and spirit is obvious and for good reason; he conceived and produced the show. From the orchestras spectacular opening Christmas medley to the shows last number, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” this show is an exciting and beautiful testimony as to why that it so.

The show is a virtual Christmas Tree decorated with a variety of stars and an extremely talented cast of musicians, dancers and singers. Whether it’s a production number amidst a wintery skating scene, the simply beautiful job of singing “Silent Night” by Mike Cathcart or the performances of the shows other stars Bob Anderson, the “Lennon Sisters,” the “Lennon Brothers and Gail,” quick change artists and Adagio Dance Team, “Pasha & Aliona,” the fiddling of Dean or the singing of the Warnocks the result is a one of a kind Christmas show that should not be missed. The Andy Williams Christmas show will be performing through December 10.

Hollywood’s Christmas Spectacular – Created by the same Directors who created the Branson favorite “Spirit of Christmas” Hollywood’s Christmas Spectacular presents Christmas from the perspective of “Hollywood” and some of its amazing Christmas films. From the classic Christmas movie, “White Christmas” and many more, see the classic moments from some of Hollywood’s greatest Christmas movies on the screen as they are brought to life on stage by some of the best singers and dancers in Branson as they present the town’s “number one all-singing, all-dancing Hollywood Christmas Show.

It’s an amazing and unique Christmas experience for the whole family that is full of holiday fun and festive cheer with all of your favorite classic holiday songs, dazzling scenery, gorgeous colorful costuming and the “highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole.” Hollywood’s Christmas Spectacular will be performing through December 10.

Dixie Stampede – Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede, celebrates Christmas as only it can. Oh, it still has its famous four course meal and all the action, excitement and fun of the “north” and “south” competition it is known for and its renowned equestrian acts, but with a special Christmas flavor. The servers change from the military type “north” and “south” uniforms into the “elf” uniforms as the “north” and “south” pole elfs compete against each other.

John Richardson, the Director of Marketing for Dixie Stamped said that its Christmas celebration includes a dramatic live Nativity Scene which shares the true meaning of Christmas in a spectacular fashion as it descends amid inspiring music, soaring angels, animals, the three kings riding their camels and spectacular pageantry. He also points out that their guests just love the “Magic of Toys” segment, set to the music of the “Nutcracker Suite” as the Sugar Plum Fairy soars from on high in a dazzling aerial performance magically bringing all the toys to life. This is truly a one of a kind Christmas show that will delight and hold the interest of every member of the family thoughout the whole show.

Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas Show – Tony Orlando is a perennial Christmas favorite in Branson, but this year he is doing a new full production extravaganza “Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas Show” from November 1 through December 9. From a musical perspective the show includes some his greatest hits such as “Candida”, “Knock Three Times,” “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” and “Sweet Gypsy Rose” and sings many of the songs that have become part of the fabric of Christmas in America. In addition, Tony, his band and cast tell the story of Tony’s first Christmas in the Ozarks and the special visitor he met as the show celebrates all that is great about the holiday season, and where Santa honors the true meaning of Christmas.

For additional information or tickets for any of the shows mentioned in this article 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. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

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

To many people Christmas just wouldn’t be Christmas in Branson without the “Andy Williams Christmas Show” and there was some concern that there would be no show because of Andy’s illness. Be concerned no longer. I saw the Andy Williams Christmas Show on its opening night and, even though Andy is not performing as a regular part of the show, his influence on everything involved with the show from the costuming, sets, music, talent, choreography and spirit is obvious and for good reason; he conceived and produced the show.

From the bands opening number to the shows last number, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” this show is an exciting and beautiful testimony as to why that it so. Here it is, the day after Halloween and I am attending the Andy Williams Christmas Show wondering how to make the transition into feeling the Christmas spirit.

It was a gradual thing, starting with the sound of Andy singing Christmas carols as I walked up to the theatre entrance. It really kicked up a few notches when I stepped into the lobby and was transported into the “Christmas Winter Wonderland” created by Andy and his team. They really did a terrific job! If you would like to see a Face Book Album with pictures of this “Christmas Winter Wonderland” please click here.

One of the shows colorful and exciting production numbers featuring who else, but Santa Claus.

At this point, I’m starting to feel that Christmas Spirit and then it happened; the curtain went up and the show’s band filled the theatre with the glorious sound of Christmas surrounded by the beautifully decorated Christmas set. That was followed by a wonderful production number, amid a winter wonderland, as the shows singers and dancers brought the scene to life with their costuming, dancing and singing including, who else, but Santa Claus. From then on, at least for me, it was impossible not to feel the Christmas spirit.

The show is a virtual Christmas Tree decorated with a variety of stars and an extremely talented cast of musicians, dancers and singers. Bob Anderson, does a masterful job as “Master of Ceremonies,” as well as providing a “lite” touch of humor, without changing the spirit or flow of the show; singing and impressions. This is one talented entertainer. When you see and hear him impersonate Dean Martin, Sammie Davis Jr., Tony Bennett, Johnny Mathis and even Andy Williams, while performing “Winter Wonderland,” you will appreciate why he has been called, “The best singing impressionist in America.”

Another of the shows stars are “Lennon Sisters”, celebrating their 55th year in show business with one of their busiest years yet. Not only are they performing their own Christmas show, Christmas with the Lennon Sisters at 2 p.m. each day at the theatre, but they are also performing in the Andy Williams Christmas Show in the evening. Kathy, Janet and Mimi sing a variety of numbers, Christmas and otherwise, with that beautiful natural familial harmony that has made The Lennon Sister so special to so many for so long. Their rendition of “The Star Carol,” is a special Christmas blessing sung as only they can sing it.

The Christmas Tree that is the Andy Williams Christmas Show also sparkles with stars such as the “Lennon Brothers and Gail,” who added their big band swing style to a number of Christmas songs. Their rendition, and the message of, “May Every Day Be Christmas” particularly resonated with this writer. When talking about the shows quick change artists and Adagio Dance Team, “Pasha & Aliona ,” Andy Williams said, ““Pasha and Aliona are just great, and people go NUTS over their dancing and quick changes! I can’t figure out how they do it!” Even as I sat  there watching their quick changes seamlessly interwoven into the grace and beauty of their performance this writer would second Andy’s statement by saying, “I saw it, was amazed by it, but I don’t know how they do it either.”

The "Cookie Bear" dancing in a colorful scene with the "cookies."

Other stars on the shows Christmas Tree include the beautiful harmonies of the “Warnocks,” in numbers such as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” and Dean Church playing the fiddle. His rendition of “What Child Is This” was a delightful introduction to his performance. The cast of Oh What A Night, A Musical Tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons which performs a morning show at the theatre, did a wonderful job with this writers favorites being “The Christmas Song” and their rousing performance of “Jingle Bells” complete with dancing reindeer. Oh and did I mention, that there is a special appearance by the “Cookie Bear” who actually dances with the “cookies” which it so eagerly seeks.

There are two moments however, had a special impact on this writer’s heart. The first was the video of a younger Andy Williams singing “I’ll Be Home For Christmas,” as he shares himself and his family with us at Christmas. The second was the sound of Mr. Williams voice reading the words of “One Solitary Life” in combination with Mike Cathcart’s spectacular, mesmerizing and poignant rendition of “Silent Night.” As his singing touches your heart, it is easy to understand why Andy said, “Mike Cathcart is the best singer I know!”

As is the case with decorations on any Christmas Tree, it is the totality of all the decorations that make it what it is. That is the case with the Andy Williams Christmas Show. It is the combination of the spectacular orchestra; energetic and talented singers and dancers; beautiful sets and costuming all choreographed together, not only to interact with each other, but the talents of the guest stars appearing with them, that results in a one of kind Christmas show that should not be missed.

For additional information or tickets for the Andy Williams Christmas Show 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 BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.