Showtime in Branson, Missouri: Country, gospel, rock and roll take center stage

With morning shows, afternoon matinees and evening performances, it’s possible to fit in as many as three shows per day and I did that on at least one day during my five-day visit.

There are so many shows to choose from that it can be tough to decide which ones to make a part of your vacation. I went to several different kinds of shows in order to provide input on different options, including ones that appeal to younger audiences and those older audiences would enjoy. The shows I chose are all family friendly and are very entertaining.

Highlights from the six shows I saw include the following:

•The Oak Ridge Boys now have their own theater where they perform throughout the year. The group kicked off the show with “Boys are Back,” which is the theme of their tour. The country group has had hits on the billboard charts for five decades and the show includes some of their biggest successes, including fan-favorite “Elvira.” The two-hour show included gospel, patriotic, romantic and country songs. “It’s great to be back in the Ozark Mountains,” William Lee told the audience. “I feel like singing all night.” The audience loved this and sang along to many of their old-time favorites.

•The World Famous Platters offer a fun show where audience members can dance in front of the stage and in the aisles as some classic Motown and blues are performed. The show includes the classic “Love Train” and audience members join in and wind throughout the auditorium out into the lobby and back to their seats. Even those who don’t join in the love train, jump up and dance at their seats. It’s lots of fun and you will leave the theater with a smile on your face. “If you don’t take anything home from Branson with you, take that it’s OK to have a good time,” band member Eddie Stovall said at a recent show.

•The Haygoods put on a high-energy show featuring seven brothers and one sister who are ages 17 to 33. The Haygoods started out in Branson performing at Silver Dollar City and now have their own show. The Haygoods are all so talented and take turn singing lead as well as playing 20 instruments. Among the highlights of the show were a stringed instrument version of “Amazing Grace” and a few Ireland tunes that is a tribute to their heritage. With a stage that goes out into the center of the audience, you feel as if you are in the center of the action. It makes for a fun night out for the family.

•For classic country hits from stars such as Johnny Cash, Conway Twitty, Porter Waggoner and Dolly Parton, check out Buck Trent’s Country Music Show. Buck, known as “Mr. Banjo,” is a two-time CMA Instrumentalist of the Year winner and a World Premier 5-String Banjo Picker. In addition to some amazing banjo picking, Buck also shares stories of his days performing on the Porter Waggoner Show, where he was a regular for 11 years. He was also a regular on “Hee Haw” and the “Roy Clark Show.” His stories provide a great look back at the earlier days of country music. Buck is very personable and gets smiles from the audience when he gives his famous thumbs up signal and catch-phrase, “Oh Yeah.” The morning show is in its 16th year in Branson and remains a crowd favorite for a few hours of family friendly fun. The show includes vocalist Kenny Parrott, the fiddling duo of Bruce Hoffman and Melody Hart and band members Jonathan Black, Robbie Blackwood and Dave Clark. All are very talented and are featured throughout the show.

•Branson Belle showboat offers a Broadway review by the Showstopper Singers and Band, with the highlight being a medley of 29 top show tunes performed over 10 minutes and including many costumes changes. The show also includes ventriloquist act Todd Oliver. The menu on the Captain’s Row is mahi mahi with shrimp sauce, steak, salad and vegetables and blondie or chocolate cake for dessert. The show is also entertaining and makes for a fun night out on the water in an 1890s style paddleboat. There is some time between the meal and entertainment to go up on deck and enjoy the view as you cruise along the Table Rock Lake.

•Bill Medley has been performing his hits from his years as part of The Righteous Brothers for five years at the Starlite Theater. “I don’t get tired of singing these songs,” he said to kick of a recent show. “I love these songs. They are like my children.” “Unchained Melody and “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling” are among the hits featured in the show. Medley’s daughter, McKenna, performs with him throughout the show. During the second act, Bill, McKenna and the band sit in a semi-circle at the edge of the stage for a more intimate performance. Bill shares stories behind some of the songs, as well as sharing experiences with his good friend, Elvis.

For some live entertainment during the evening and a great meal, stop by Andy Williams Moon River Grill, which offers soup, sandwiches, salads and entrees, including chicken pot pie made with Andy’s mother’s favorite recipe. A great choice is the classic reuben sandwich — corn beef piled high with swiss cheese, sauerkraut and thousand island dressing on marbled rye bread. For dessert, try the red velvet cake with white cream topping. It’s a sweet way to end a great meal. Andy’s personal pop art collection is featured throughout the restaurant, as well as his gold records and photographs from his career. The restaurant is located adjacent to Andy Williams Moon River Theatre.

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION COMING UP

Beginning Nov. 1, Branson will celebrate Ozark Mountain Christmas. As Andy Williams says, “For many visitors to Branson, it is the most beautiful time of the year.”

With lots of star-filled Christmas shows and a glittering array of animated displays, including the one-mile Branson Area Festival of Lights drive-through, a trip to Branson will create wonderful memories and new traditions for your family.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For more information about Branson’s more than 100 live shows, theme park, lakes, golf courses, family attractions, shopping and other activities, go to www.explorebranson.com or call the Branson/Lakes Area Convention and Visitors Bureau at 1-800-214-3661. You can also order a free vacation guide.

Websites for the shows are:
•www.themansiontheatre.com/orb2010/oakridgeboys.html
•www.starlitetheatre.com (the platters)
•www.thehaygoods.com
•www.bucktrent.com
•www.showboatbransonbelle.com
•www.billmedley.com
•www.andywilliams.com