Gibson Tour Bus Coming to Dick Clarks American Bandstand Theater

The Gibson Guitar tour bus is coming to the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater in Branson and Gibson Guitar would like to extend an invitation to experience it. It’s a chance to sit down and play one of the world’s greatest guitars and view some of the other unique instruments Gibson produced.

Artists from around the world tour on the official Gibson Guitar Tour Buses. From Paul McCartney, Les Paul, Slash, Brian Wilson to Miley Cyrus and Shania Twain. Others who have been aboard include Robert Downing Jr., Tom Brokaw, Morgan Freeman, and George Lucas. The Gibson Guitar Tour bus has been on numerous TV programs including The Regis & Kelly show, CNN News & Extreme Home Makeover. Many artists use this bus throughout the year for music rehearsals and conducting interviews for magazines, radio, and cable TV. Many charities also use the buses to promote their various causes.

Come out and rock out with the Gibson Guitar tour bus on Tuesday November 25 at the Dick Clark Theater in Branson, Missouri on HWY 76!

Moon River Theater Home to New Legendary Entertainers in 2009

Things will be shaking up at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in Branson in 2009.

On Friday afternoon, Williams announced that three new acts will be performing at his venue next season.

Bill Haley’s Original Comets, the Righteous Brothers’ Bill Medley and Paul Revere & the Raiders will take the stage, beginning April 21, 2009.

“I am very pleased and excited to welcome these great entertainers to my theater,” Williams said. “It will be a terrific thing for Branson.”

The Comets will perform 2 p.m. shows from April 21-Aug. 25, and Oct. 1-29. Medley with Paul Revere and the Raiders will perform shows from April 21-Aug. 29; Sept. 1-30; and Oct. 1-24.

At 2 and 7 p.m., from Sept. 1-30, Williams will be performing in the Andy Williams All-Star Variety Show. Williams also announced that his Christmas show will be at 2 and 7 p.m. from Nov. 2-Dec. 7.

Williams told the crowd of more than 150 people that he brought in these acts so he could have some time off.

“I’m an extremely busy man,” he said. “This is going to give me some time to relax and I will also try to finish my autobiography.”

Williams had some of the entertainers address the audience at the Moon River Grille in Branson.
“I am thrilled to death to be here,” Medley said. “We’re very honored to be at the same venue with a great entertainer like (Williams).

“Filling in for (Williams) is a tough job. We love Branson and this is a wonderful opportunity.”

In talking about the Comets, Williams remarked about their age,

“I like to book acts who are older than me,” Williams said. “Actually, they are great entertainers and I will enjoy what they have to share with audiences in Branson.”

The three original Comets include Joey Ambrose, Marshall Lytle and Dick Richards.

“We are so proud to be here,” Ambrose said. “Heck, at our age, we are proud to be anywhere. It’s going to be a lot of fun and we could not be more happy with coming here to share our talents.”

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

September Events in Branson, Missouri

September Calendar of Events for Branson

Southern Gospel Picnic
August 28, 2008 - September 7, 2008
Times: Open daily from10 a.m.-6 p.m. August 30 & 31 open 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Silver Dollar City
The popular Southern Gospel Picnic returns with more glorious gospel music from some of the top names in Southern Gospel music, and a picnic feast of Chicken & Fixin's. See hundreds of performances from the top names in southern gospel music! The heavens will resound with the sweet sounds of your favorite southern gospel groups on stages throughout the park by day. Then Echo Hollow® Amphitheatre will be serenaded with music from the famed Southern Gospel Nights concert series each evening.

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The End of WWII
September 2, 2008
Phone: (417) 337-8387
At 12:00 p.m. to 12:01 p.m. all sirens from police, fireman, ambulance and storm warning systems will sound their sirens to commemorate the Formal Surrender of Japan on 9/2/1945 which brought an end to WWII, the single most defining event of the 20th Century. On that date, the Japanese formally surrendered aboard the Battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Harbor. We ask that those driving do blow your horn, however if you feel that it is necessary please pull over to the side of the road or into a safe area to do so.

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Welk Stars Reunion 2008
September 3, 2008 - September 7, 2008
Location: Welk Resort Theater
Phone: 800-505-WELK

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Orphans Car Show
September 4, 2008 - September 6, 2008
Location: Dick Clark's
Phone: 800-985-3144

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9/11 "Branson Remembers"
September 11, 2008
Times: 8 a.m.
Location: The back parking lot of the Grand Palace under the American High-rise Monument
Phone: (417) 337-8387
A beautiful and moving ceremony will be held in observance of the tragedy which changed the world. For more information contact Steve Weyher.

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National Harvest Festival
September 11, 2008 - October 25, 2008
Times: Open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Closed Mondays & Tuesdays. Closed Sept. 8 - 10.
Location: Silver Dollar City
Phone: 800-475-9370
It's a new name, but the same great festival with two events in one! The Home of American Craftsmanship, Silver Dollar City welcomes over 100 visiting craftsmen, over 400 of the nation's finest musicians, and back by popular demand, our signature stage show Headin' West during the National Harvest Festival.
Salute to the Great American Cowboy - Sept. 11 - 28
Asleep at the Wheel - Echo concert; Cowboy Rex working cowboy show; Working Boot and Saddle Shop; Buck Taylor and Friends/Frisco; Native American Hoop Dancer; Riverfront Playhouse Cowboy acts; Cowboy Craftsmen; BOMH Artists Area; Bluegrass Now Stage.
Guest Celebrities
Dan Haggerty - 9/13; Edward Faulkner - 9/20; Robert Horton - 9/27; Arena Acts; Missouri Mule Jump; Roman Rider; Bureau of Land Management Mustangs
Salute to the American Farmer
John Conlee - Echo concert; John Deere Antique display; Working Farm animal and carpernter shop; Laddie and Timmy appearances; South West Dairy mobile classroom; Steam Engine display; Farmer Timberframe; Touch of Ear-Draft Mule Hitch; Missouri Farm Bureau.
Arena Acts
Border Collie Herding Demos: FFA Show Cattle; SDC Pig Races; Farmer John's / Frisco; Jim Victor - Food Sculptor; Mini Antique tractors; Baker Creek Seed Co; Steve Rogers Barn Collection; Farm related crafts

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Sleds in September – A Custom Car & Rod Event
September 12, 2008 - September 14, 2008
Location: Dick Clark's
Phone: (417) 332-1960, (877) 588-1957

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Compton Ridge Fiddlers Convention
September 13, 2008 - September 14, 2008
Location: Compton Ridge Campground
Phone: 800-233-8648
Come and enjoy 3 days of fiddling jam sessions and concerts. Also join the fish fry and pig roast.

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The 35th Annual Autumn Daze Craft Festival
September 18, 2008 - September 21, 2008
Times: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Location: Downtown Branson
Phone: 888-322-2786
Admission: FREE
The 35th Annual Autumn Daze Craft Festival will be held in the heart of downtown featuring more than 150 crafters.

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Annual Fall Flea Market & Craft Show
September 20, 2008
http://rockawaybeachchamber.com
Location: Rockaway Beach
Phone: 800-798-0178

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AREA '57 CRUISE IN & Drive-In Movie Night
September 20, 2008
Location: Dick Clark's
Phone: (417) 332-1960, (877) 588-1957

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Branson Fun Fest
September 20, 2008
Times: 9 a.m. - dusk when movie begins
Location: Dick Clark's Area 57
Phone: 417-779-5374
Come for a fun day for the whole family starting with a great breakfast interwoven with live music. Each hour there will be a drawing of gifts plus many types of prizes and contests. There will be carnival games for all ages and many types of craft and merchant vendors. A silent auction will be going on throughout the day and some items will be able to be bid on online. The event will end with a music jam fest and an outdoor movie. Check our website to keep up to date with what is going on or to register your car or cycle or to sign up as a vendor.

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POW-MIA Day "Silent March"
September 20, 2008
Times: 9 a.m.
Location: Whelchel Funeral Chapel parking lot, 310 S. Commercial, Branson
Phone: (417) 337-8387
The "Silent March" will proceed down Commercial to Main St. taking Main St. down to the Town Square at the Branson Landing where a short commemorative service will be held for those who have not returned from WWII, Korea, Vietnam or Desert Storm. "Help bring them home." For more information contact Tom Goldsworthy.

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Missouri Master Gardener’s State Conference
September 26, 2008 - September 29, 2008
For admission information and to register: http://www.momg08.org/
Location: Branson Convention Center
Learn the gardening secrets of the Ozark Mountains. Enjoy a variety of educational sessions, guest speakers and garden tours.

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Stray Kat ROCK IT Custom / Lead Sled Car Show
September 26, 2008 - September 28, 2008
Location: Dick Clark's
Phone: 800-985-3144

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AREA '57 CRUISE IN & Drive-In Movie Night
September 27, 2008
Location: Dick Clark's
Phone: (417) 332-1960, (877) 588-1957

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Hollister Grape and Fall Festival
September 27, 2008
Location: Historical Downing Street in Hollister
Come and enjoy food, stage entertainment, crafts, and lots of fun activities in beautiful historic Hollister. Great for the whole family!

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John Daly’s Lion’s Heart Invitational Golf Tournament
September 30, 2008 - October 1, 2008
Email: Lionsheart@murderrockgolf.com
Phone: (417) 334-7818 ext. 104
John Daly’s Lion’s Heart Invitational Golf Tournament has moved to the new course that bears the founder’s name. The fall tournament and concert will be held at John Daly’s Murder Rock Golf and Country Club, located within the acclaimed Branson Creek Residential Community. This celebrity filled event moves from Tunica to its new home and promises to become one of the area’s most popular and talked about events. Jan Stevenson, Marshall Faulk and Kevin Costner will be in attendance. This event is one of the biggest fundraisers for the Ozark Mountain Family YMCA, and contributes to an annual donation to the John Daly Foundation. Sponsorships and players are now being accepted!

Information courtesy of Branson Chamber of Commerce

Branson Calendar of Events for August

National Kids Fest
June 7, 2008 - August 10, 2008
Times: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: Silver Dollar City
Kids' Fest presents an all-new show: The Magic of Peter Gossamer, Circus of the Century on Ice, a circus-themed show with a cool twist for summer - playful animals and clowns on ice. Also a Kid Concoctions creativity center where kids can make their own Gooey Gunk or Splongee Balls, or learn to make a volcano, from the acclaimed Kid Concoctions books and television show.
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First Saturday Night Art Walk
August 2, 2008
Times: 4-9pm
Location: Downtown Branson
Phone: (417) 335-5088
Here's a chance for locals and vistors alike to discover one of a kind finds by artists in downtown studios, galleries and stores. Be sure to bring your walking shoes, then follow the map to visit all displays throughout downtown. Art walk maps available at Euro Cafe & Creamery and Premier Gallery to help guide you through the downtown area and ensure you don't miss any of the unique art displays.
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AREA '57 CRUISE IN & Drive-In Movie Night
August 2, 2008
Location: Dick Clark's American Bandstand Complex
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12th Annual Shepherd Summer Cruise
August 9, 2008
Times: 11:15pm - 11:45pm
Location: The corner of Gretna Road and Hwy 76
Phone: (417) 334-9500
Admission: Free
The Titanic Museum Attraction presents a Shepherd Summer Cruise, entertainment special featuring the famous Liverpool Legends. One of the prime, parade observation locations will be from the Titanic Museum Attraction’s parking lot. All are welcome to watch the passing parade and to enjoy a pre-parade Beatles Concert featuring The Liverpool Legends, live, on Titanic’s Bow.
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Branson Summer Cruise In & Drive-In Movie Night
August 9, 2008
Location: Dick Clark's American Bandstand Complex
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WORST FILMS EVER – Film Festival
August 15, 2008 - August 16, 2008
Location: Dick Clark's American Bandstand Complex
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Branson Area Business Expo
August 21, 2008
Times: 12 - 6 p.m.
Email: ljohnson@bransoncvb.com
Location: Hilton Branson Convention Center
Phone: 417-334-4084 ext 314
Admission: Free
FREE Workshop "Retaining Talent" provided by Ozark Technical College 2-3pm
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20th annual Downtown Branson Fiddle Festival
August 23, 2008
Times: Music begins at 10 am
Location: Downtown Branson
Phone: 417-334-1548
Admission: Free
Featuring a Celebrity Pie Contest and—for the first time—free admission to all performances!
This year, there will be performances throughout the day on street corners in historic downtown Branson along with sidewalk sales and traditional Main Street shopping. Just down the street, Branson Landing's Town Square will be the site for the competition.Competition will be in five divisions: ages nine and younger, age 10 through 16, age 60 and older, an open category for any age and the new "Cross Tuning” category. More than $4,000 in cash and prizes will be awarded.
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Southern Gospel Picnic
August 28, 2008 - September 7, 2008
Times: Open daily from10 a.m.-6 p.m. August 30 & 31 open 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Location: Silver Dollar City
Phone: 800-475-9370
The popular Southern Gospel Picnic returns with more glorious gospel music from some of the top names in Southern Gospel music, and a picnic feast of Chicken & Fixin's. See hundreds of performances from the top names in southern gospel music! The heavens will resound with the sweet sounds of your favorite southern gospel groups on stages throughout the park by day. Then Echo Hollow® Amphitheatre will be serenaded with music from the famed Southern Gospel Nights concert series each evening.
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Greater Ozarks Pontiac Club Regional Car Show
August 30, 2008
Location: Dick Clark's American Bandstand Complex

Information courtesy of Branson Chamber of Commerce

July Events in Branson

July Events in Branson

Laura Ingalls Wilder: Across the Prairie Museum Exhibit
June 3, 2008 - August 30, 2008
Location: American Presidents Museum is located in the Old Majestic Steakhouse Bldg at 2849 Gretna
Created by the Laura Ingalls Wilder Museum, this panel exhibit will be combined with Pioneer Life, an exhibit and activity program taking visitors through a day in the life of a pioneer.
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National Kids Fest
June 7, 2008 - August 10, 2008
Times: Open daily from 9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Location: Silver Dollar City
Kids' Fest presents an all-new show: The Magic of Peter Gossamer, Circus of the Century on Ice, a circus-themed show with a cool twist for summer - playful animals and clowns on ice. Also a Kid Concoctions creativity center where kids can make their own Gooey Gunk or Splongee Balls, or learn to make a volcano, from the acclaimed Kid Concoctions books and television show.
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Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest
July 2, 2008
Times: 7:00 pm
Location: Legends in Concert Theater
Admission: $20 for preferred seating and $15 for general admission seating
Judges will look for the “best representation of the Elvis legacy” in talent, appearance, performance, stage presence, and overall tribute to Elvis in naming the "2008 Elvis Tribute Artist of the Year."
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Branson Landing's 1st Annual Liberty Light Up
July 3, 2008
Location: Branson Landing
Activities all day, with a concert by Bucky & the Boys at 7:30 p.m. followed by fireworks at dark.
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Summer Sale at Factory Merchants Branson
July 3, 2008 - July 7, 2008
Location: Factory Merchants Branson
Phone: (417) 335-4041
Join us for wonderful savings at the 4th of July summer sale! Stock up on savings at the annual sidewalk sale, just look for the red roofs.
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11th Annual I LOVE AMERICA Celebration
July 4, 2008
Times: Gates open at 11:00
Location: 65 & Division
Sponsored by James River Assembly
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Annual Fourth of July Celebration
July 4, 2008
Location: Rockaway Beach
Phone: 800-798-0178
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Big Cedar Lodge Fireworks Display
July 4, 2008
Times: Begins at Dark
Location: Big Cedar Lodge
Phone: (417) 335-2777
Admission: Free
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Fireburst Fourth of July Fireworks Show
July 4, 2008
Location: Kimberling City, MO
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Fireworks Display & BBQ
July 4, 2008
Times: BBQ begins at 4:00 p.m.
Location: Flat Creek Resort, Cape Fair
Phone: (417) 538-2222
Join us for food and fun!
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Hollister's 55th Annual 4th of July Celebration
July 4, 2008
Times: Fireworks begin at dark
Location: Old Hollister Elementary School
Longest running fireworks display in Taney County.
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Shell Knob 33rd Annual Fire & Thunder Fireworks
July 4, 2008
Location: Shell Knob
Phone: (417) 858-3300
Sponsored by Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce. (In case of rain, will be rescheduled for July 5th)
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Spirit of 76
July 4, 2008
Times: 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Location: 4 area Branson parks, Alexander, Cantwell, Murphy, and Stockstill
Phone: (417) 337-8387
Show your patriotism on Independence Day by wearing Red, White and Blue and join us. Get Free Ice cream and a free flag! For more information contact Steve Weyher.
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AREA '57 CRUISE IN & Drive-In Movie Night
July 5, 2008
Location: Dick Clark's
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Chateau on the Lake Fireworks Display
July 5, 2008
Times: Begins at Dark
Location: Chateau on the Lake
Fireburst Flotilla on Table Rock Lake
July 5, 2008 Add to Itinerary
Location: Pt. 6 Cow Creek to KC Bridge
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Ozarks Fun Run F-100 Truck Show
July 11, 2008 - July 13, 2008
http://www.dickclarksabbranson.com/area57/
Location: Dick Clark's
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American Kids Inc. National Finals
July 14, 2008 - July 18, 2008 Add to Itinerary
Location: The Baldknobbers Theater
Phone: 417-337-8964
The nation's only little league of entertainers hosts its membership competition & grand finale event. Grand prize of $1,000 in cash to be awarded to a top finalist in addition to age & category prizes.
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National Day of Atomic Remembrance
July 16, 2008
Times: 11:30 a.m.
Location: God and Country Inspiration Garden
Phone: (417) 337-8387
The 62nd anniversary of the first atomic explosion and all veterans who were exposed to radiation in the line of military duty will be recognized during the National Atomic Veterans Day of Remembrance Observance. Navy Retired Lieutenant David Combs will present a special message during the observance. President George W. Bush declared July 16th as a National day for all military groups and veterans associated with the nuclear programs. For more information contact Dawn Easton.
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AREA '57 CRUISE IN & Drive-In Movie Night
July 19, 2008
Location: Dick Clark's
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Gateway Chevy HHR
July 25, 2008 - July 27, 2008
Location: Dick Clark's
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2008 HHRitage Nationals Benefit Show & Shine!
July 26, 2008
Times: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Location: Dick Clark’s Area 57
Phone: (417) 332-1960
Admission: FREE
Enjoy an afternoon of fun at Dick Clark’s Area 57. Chevy HHR car owners will compete in variety of show categories from stock to wild custom. This will be a great time for all car enthusiasts. (Proceeds benefit the Children’s Miracle Network)
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Korean War Armistice Day
July 26, 2008
Times: 10 a.m.
Location: Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery
Phone: (417) 337-8387, (417) 546-3150
The Harry S. Truman Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association will host a memorial ceremony marking the end of "The Forgotten War," remembering veterans who returned and those who did not. For more information contact Sean Murray.
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Living Green & Loving It! Summit & Expo 2008
July 26, 2008
Times: 9 AM – 6 PM
Location: Tri-Lakes Center
Phone: 417-739-2185
Admission: $8.00 Adults / $6.00 Local Residents & 12 & Under Free.
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Muscle Car Show
July 26, 2008
Location: Dick Clark's
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Crown Victoria Association National Convention
July 27, 2008 - August 2, 2008
Location: Branson Hilton Convention Center
Phone: (620) 256-6630
For more information please contact J. Scott Love, Treasurer.

Information courtesy of Branson Chamber of Commerce

Area '57 Events for June at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater

Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater in Branson, Missouri is home to several great shows, including the Original Stars of American Bandstand. Their ’57 Heaven Auto and Lifestyle Exhibit also features cars and fun activities for the family.

In addition, they also have AREA ’57, which is an open 5.5 acre outdoor event facility with a 40 x 50 stage that is the perfect venue to host car shows, motorcycle rallies, concerts, and special events. AREA ’57 is situated within the 26-acre Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater Complex Situated between the 970-seat Theater and our 300-room Ramada hotel all located on Highway 76 in Branson, Missouri.AREA ‘57 is also home to the monthly "Cruise-Ins & Drive-Ins" which feature the best in classic and custom cars and vintage B Movies that the drive-ins of yesterday made famous!

Here is the line-up for June:

June 20-22 - 9th Annual Route 66 MOPAR Car Club - MOPAR's in Branson Car Show

June 21 – AREA ’57 CRUISE IN & Drive-In Movie Night: Featured movie: Vanishing Point

June 27 - AREA '57 CRUISE IN & Drive-In Movie Night: Featured movie: Star Wars

June 28 - Drive-In Movie - Gears, Grease and Guitars! MIDWEST PREMIER PARTY

Noah The Musical Brings Bible Story to Life in Branson

Curly the Camel experienced a momentary bout of stage fright, and Scrappy the Goat lived up to his cantankerous reputation.

And it rained. And rained. And rained.

But the rain, along with thunder and lightning and the unexpected antics of about 100 live animals, is among the reasons “Noah — the Musical” has visitors to Branson tapping their toes and applauding a new level of entertainment in a city where nearly 100 shows of all formats already fill stages day and night.

“The whole auditorium gasped when they raised the curtain on the second act,” said Melissa Pulis of Springfield, who saw the show with her 5-year-old son, Collin, soon after it opened in late May. “He kept saying ‘I’m in the middle of the ark,’ and it really felt like we were.”

The larger-than-life musical indeed places spectators in the middle of the action. When the animals board the ark two by two they prance down the aisles right through the audience. The 300-foot-long stage wraps around the seats on three sides.

If that weren’t enough, the distinct aroma of live animals, the swaying of the boat as flood waters lift it from the ground and the powerful dialogue of Noah’s distressed family as the world disappears before them help create a dramatic presentation rarely seen in Branson.

“The Branson audience is used to a musical performance of about 90 minutes, so it’s going to be interesting to see people react to more of a Broadway-style, big theater production,” said Bonnie Bosso, vice president of production for the show, which runs about 2 1/2 hours.

“This show is not just unique to Branson but really unique to the country in terms of its scope and its message,” she said.

Long before guests get their first whiff of hay or hear the first strains of the prerecorded orchestra, they know something is different about this theater and show. On the north side of Branson on a hill distant from the Missouri 76 melee, the three domes of the Sight & Sound Theatre tower above the city, creating an image some locals have called “Little Jerusalem.”
The Sight & Sound Theatre company, based in Strasburg, Pa., is often referred to as “the Christian Broadway” by theater critics and fans. The name Sight & Sound refers to the parables Jesus used to spread his message. It is the company’s first permanent theater outside Pennsylvania.

“The stories are written with all people and all ages in mind,” founder Glenn Eshelman said. “We most certainly appeal to the Judeo-Christian audience, but people from all religions and from all over the world have experienced the show — possibly attracted to the epic proportions and quality of the shows.”

The new theater is Branson’s 53rd and the first since Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater opened in 2005.

Physically, at least, no other building in Branson measures up to Sight & Sound. At 339,000 square feet, it is the largest building in the community, more than 100,000 square feet larger than the Branson Convention Center, which opened in September 2007. With 3,811 seats, the 15-year-old Grand Palace offers more seating than Sight & Sound’s 2,085 seats, but Sight & Sound’s structure also includes office space and construction workshops.

The stage also is the biggest in Missouri. Its 40-foot-tall sets are comparable to those of New York’s Metropolitan Opera House, and its 300-foot-long stage is bigger than the one at Radio City Music Hall.

Tom Fish, the architect and project manager during construction, compares it with the Grand Hall of Kansas City’s Union Station, which has a 95-foot-high ceiling and 72,930 total square feet. Fish was a consultant to one of the architectural firms involved with the train station’s renovation and is now director of operations at Sight & Sound.

“The biggest issue we had to deal with was a ventilation system necessary for so many animals in house,” he said. “Designing a green room for the animals was a career first for me. In fact, I’m not sure it’s ever been done in this country.”

Below the massive auditorium and stage is a 35,000-square-foot housing and training facility for a collection of animals almost as diverse as the one in the Bible story of Noah. Camels, llamas, alpacas, pigs, cows, donkeys, zebras and a panoply of birds receive the attention and pampering one might expect for the stars of a major theatrical production. The soundtrack from “Noah” gently fills the animals’ living quarters 24 hours a day. Fresh hay fills their stalls each day. The animals receive recreation in an adjacent five-acre pasture. And although they don’t require makeup, the animals are each brushed and groomed every day before their performance.

In some ways the Branson version of “Noah” even one-ups the Bible story. The version in Genesis requires two of each species; the Branson production requires three. Although the animals enter the ark two by two, a third “understudy” is waiting in the wings.

The collection is missing one species that had been written into the script. A pair of skunks, meant to provide a lighthearted moment as Noah holds his nose at their passing, were eliminated by Branson ordinances.

“Apparently the city of Branson is afraid that the skunks would procreate within the city limits,” Bosso said.

Branson didn’t excise all the humor from the show. In a scene not clearly referenced in Genesis, Noah climbs from one story to the next in the ark, checking on the animals. When his wife calls him to dinner, instead of going back down four flights of stairs, Noah simply slides down a fire pole.

One challenge for actors was adapting to so many live critters in the spotlight. At auditions, which were held in about a dozen places across the country beginning last December, the actors were asked about any allergies to or fears of animals. Rehearsals included bonding time between the animals and the 45 actors. Watch closely as a St. Bernard puppy puts its head on Noah’s lap and you’ll see Noah discreetly reward the dog with a treat.

Actress Candida Arvizu, 34, who moved to Branson from New York in 1995, plays three roles — a belly dancer, an ark worker and Havah, a friend of Noah’s family. It is her responsibility to get the pigs, rabbits and pigeons on board the ark.

“The animals certainly keep things lively,” Arvizu said. “I try to help my friend manage the goats because they are so anxious to get on board and be rewarded with a treat that it’s like water skiing down the aisle just holding onto their ropes.”

Despite highly technical production values that include fireworks, nearly 200 animatronic animals and a laser light show, among the most important pieces of equipment are a broom, a shovel and an invention nicknamed the “poo-boni.” Just as a Zamboni is used to clean up and freshen the surface on ice rinks, the poo-boni cleans up the droppings occasionally left by the animals in the public areas of the theater.

“We try to feed and exercise the animals on a very strict schedule so as to minimize their deposits, but we anticipate accidents to happen and the audience to play along with it,” Fish said.

The Sight & Sound Theatre has been in the works for nearly five years. In addition to the hundreds of temporary jobs created during construction, the theater employs 250 people full time, including some who have moved to Branson to be part of the show.

“This is a destination, not just an experience within the destination of Branson,” Bosso said.
Getting there

“Noah” is performed at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday at the Sight & Sound Theatre, 1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expressway. If you’re taking children to see the show, ask for seats on the center aisle for the best view of the animals.

Backstage tours of the Sight & Sound Theatre begin June 21. The cost will be $9 per person.

•Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, which opened in 2005 at 1600 W. Missouri 76, has added a five-acre outdoor events arena called Area 57, ideal for car and motorcycle shows. Each weekend Area 57 screens drive-in movies from the 1950s. Bring a lawn chair or blanket to throw on the ground.

•Titanic: The World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction, 3235 W. Missouri 76, open since 2006, has remodeled the upstairs first class dining room to incorporate memorabilia from the 1997 blockbuster movie “Titanic.” It includes wardrobe items worn by Kate Winslet and Kathy Bates, plus a diamond and sapphire necklace similar to “The Heart of the Ocean” that appeared in the movie.

•Celebration City, 1338 Missouri 376, an amusement park affiliated with Silver Dollar City, has a new water ride called Roaring Falls. Splashing through a simulated Amazon forest, the raft carrying you and your friends drops 50 feet to raging rapids below.

SIGHT & SOUND Sight & Sound Theatres was founded in 1975 by Glenn and Shirley Eshelman of Lancaster County, Pa., and entertains more than 800,000 guests a year at two theaters there.

“Noah — the Musical” debuted there in 1995. It is scheduled to continue in Branson through 2009. It will be replaced by another Bible story production by Sight & Sound. Among those are “In the Beginning,” “Behold the Lamb,” “Abraham and Sarah — a Journey of Love,” “Ruth,” “Daniel — a Dream, a Den, a Deliverer” and “Psalms of David.”

BY THE NUMBERS: ‘NOAH — THE MUSICAL’
•11: Number of pieces in the interior of the ark that weigh more than 100,000 pounds.
•60: Loads of laundry done each week for the show.
•70: Surround-sound speakers in the auditorium.
•75: Wigs worn by cast members.
•300: Feet in the length of the wraparound stage.
•375: Costumes worn by cast members.
•2,000: Number of lighting instruments used in “Noah,” producing 2 million watts of light.
•2,085: Seats in the theater.
•26,550: Square feet in the stage area, including two side stages.
•339,000: Square feet in the Sight & Sound facility.

Information courtesy of The Kansas City Star

Branson, Missouri Gears Up For Another Successful Season

"Stick to what you know" could be the motto for Branson this year as the Ozark resort town focuses on its wholesome country, pop music and family entertainment roots, plus recent upgrades in shopping and hotels, to ride out the national economic downturn.

Branson tourism leaders are hopeful they can continue a track record of outperforming the national industry, projecting between 2 and 3% more visitors than last year's 8.4 million. That would be just at or above the Travel Industry Association's forecast of 2% growth in leisure travel nationally.

"We are promoting our values and our value," Dan Lennon, vice president of the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, said. "We want people to think about Branson as great place to bring families together."

Branson officials say costs for tourists there are below national averages. The average daily hotel rate is $75.90, compared with a national tab of $103, according to industry research group Smith Travel. The average show ticket in Branson is $29, while Las Vegas shows currently average $130 to $150 per ticket.

During the 2001 recession, Branson saw a 1.4% decline in tourists, but it rebounded in 2002 with 3.5% growth as people stayed closer to home following the Sept. 11 attacks. In the past two years, Branson's numbers grew 14%, while the national figure was 3%.

Tourism expert Steve Morse says Branson stands a good chance of meeting its growth goals this year because many Americans will pick destinations they can drive to rather than fly. With jet fuel even more expensive than gas, airlines have raised fares and cut back on capacity.

"The drive-to destinations will do better than the fly-to ones like Orlando," said Morse, an economist and director of the Tourism Institute at the University of Tennessee.

The two biggest new attractions in Branson this year fit the template of wholesome family fun.
One is a huge new theater with a wraparound stage the size of five basketball courts that will open May 24 for the debut of Noah — The Musical, based on the Biblical story. The $65 million, 2,085-seat Branson theater is the first new location for Lancaster County, Pa.-based Sight & Sound Theaters, which bills itself as "the Christian Broadway."

The family owned theater company specializes in bringing Gospel epics to the stage with massive sets, glossy production values, dozens of actors, and in the case of Noah, 100 live animals and 200 animatronic animals.

Another major newcomer is the $2-million Roaring Falls water ride, which drops visitors five stories. It's part of an expansion at Celebration City theme park.

Morse said Branson and other destinations will likely also profit from tax rebate checks that are the centerpiece of President Bush's $168 billion rescue package for a wobbly economy. The rebates will put up to $1,800 in the wallets of a couple with two kids in the coming weeks.
And higher gas prices mean that people will want to drive to places closer to home.

"When gas prices go up, people in the Midwest say, 'Let's go to Branson instead of Galveston, Texas, or the Gulf,'" Morse said.

That fits Branson's pattern of visitation. About 60% of visitors typically come from more than 300 miles, with an additional 28% from between 100 and 300 miles and 12% from the local area, city officials say.

The resort town is targeting its advertising in smaller Midwestern cities this year to net those vacationers who want to travel no more than a day's drive.

It is pulling dollars it used in the big metro markets of Chicago and Dallas last year to advertise instead in cities such as Omaha and Lincoln, Neb., Paducah, Ky., Champaign, Ill., and Des Moines, said Branson Lakes Area Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer Ross Summers.

Peter Herschend, co-founder of the Herschend Family Entertainment company that owns major Branson attractions, including Celebration City, said the focus this year is on the things that have worked for Branson in the past.

"It is not only the theaters. It is the Ozarks, which make Branson unique, the lakes, and the world-class attractions," Herschend said.

He also mentioned a recent addition: Branson Landing, an outdoor pedestrian shopping center on Lake Taneycomo that opened two years ago with its own Hilton hotel and across the street from a new Hilton convention center.

"Strolling around Branson Landing, not just the shopping, is turning into a major attraction," Herschend said.

The Landing has a lakefront walkway, a water and fire fountain, waterfront restaurants and stores from Victoria's Secret to Bass Pro Shops, where you can buy hunting and fishing gear and boats.

The Landing was among the additions in the past few years aimed at drawing more families and baby boomers on top of a traditional clientele that came looking for country music. Newer shows featured more pop music, including the Beatles tribute band Liverpool Legends and Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater.

Information courtesy of USA Today

Branson, Missouri Goes Upscale

Nearly everyone who's a regular visitor has an I-remember-Branson-when story. Here is Bob Allen's version: "When I first came down here, the only things in Branson were the Presleys, Silver Dollar City and bait shops."

Branson started as an Ozark fishing hole, with the Presley family setting up a metal building on Highway 76 in 1967 to provide wholesome entertainment for the sportsmen who used the man-made lakes. That simple start multiplied into some 50 theaters, earning Branson the title of America's live music capital. The evolution is continuing today, and Allen is a part of it.

Allen grew up in Springfield, Mo., where he was friends with Payne Stewart, the pro golfer who died in a plane accident in 1999 at the age of 42. Now, Allen is the club pro for Branson Hills Golf Co., which is putting the finishing touches on the Payne Stewart Golf Club, a tribute to his friend.

"Each hole of the course tells a story about Payne's experience on the tour," Allen said. "The golf course is $27 million, with five sets of tees from 7,400 yards. We can host national events, everything from Tiger to little tigers."

He led the way through the clubhouse, which has dark wood paneling, an outdoor pool and an area that will display memorabilia, including trophies won by Stewart and pairs of his signature gold-toe golf shoes. Everything in the clubhouse will be linen, crystal and silver — "no paper plates and Styrofoam cups," Allen said. "It's all going to be tip-top, Payne would be proud."

The public golf course will be the 12th in the Branson area — joining John Daly's Murder Rock as the latest additions — and cements Branson's role as a golf destination.

Add the upscale shopping at the new Branson Landing, the growing retirement and second-home community, and the recently opened convention center and second Hilton Hotel, and it's easy to see why Branson's backers say it has turned the corner in attracting the boomers needed to fill the vacancies left by fading World War II-era veterans and their spouses.

While the housing industry in other parts of the United States is ailing, Branson's market is holding its own during the national slowdown, said C. Craig Richards, president of Ozark Mountain Bank. "There's a lot of interest from people outside the area who see real estate in Branson as a good buy," Richards said. "The cost of construction is lower, as is the cost of land. People from California or Florida can sell their home there and buy three or four times the home for the money in Branson. We've got a good school system, good health service. That attracts people who are retirees but also families who want to get away from the big city. There's a strong feeling of family values in the area, probably tied to strong Christian beliefs."

The only downside, for Richards, is increased competition. "We've had five new banks in the last 10 years," he said. "They see the same numbers we do as far as commercial development and new home sales. In 1998, there were two homes that sold for over $350,000. Last year, there were more than 30."

And don't forget the new full-size airport scheduled to open next spring, said Dan Lennon, vice president of the Chamber of Commerce. "As soon as you get outside an eight-hour drive to Branson, some people perceive it's difficult to give up a day to get here," Lennon said. "With the new airport, it starts to be more practical for people to fly in. With those further out markets, Branson becomes a weekend getaway."

Branson's annual visitation grew 5.2 percent to 8.39 million last year, Lennon said. Over the last two years, total growth was 14 percent while the rest of the national tourism market was seeing 2 percent annual increases. How those numbers will shake out this year, in the face of high fuel prices and a sluggish economy, was an unknown, he added. Lennon emphasized that the culture that Branson was known for is alive and well. You can still find cornpone humor at the Presleys and Baldknobbers shows, motels still offer "2 for $32.95" in the off-season, go-kart tracks and water slides still line Highway 76, and traffic this summer will crawl as the commercial strip fills with gawkers.

But now you can shop for fancy undies at the Victoria's Secret at Branson Landing, or try out a new boat at the Bass Pro Shop dock on Lake Taneycomo. "The thing that brought the people in the 60s and 70s — the Ozark Mountain experience — that still happens, we've just added these higher amenities," he said. "Fifteen years ago, you'd have the Lawrence Welks. With the boomers, you have Dick Clark, the Acrobats of China, the Liverpool Legends."

The best known side of the town, the live music shows, also has a new player this season. The $65 million Sight and Sound Theater Branson will open May 24 with a stage area of 26,550 square feet, the equivalent of more that five basketball courts. The stage, largest in North America, is 300 feet long and wraps around three sides of the 2,085 seats, giving the audience the feeling of being inside an ark, with all the animals, for a production of "Noah — The Musical."

Sight & Sound Theatres is the nation's largest professional Christian theater company. Its headquarters theater in Lancaster County, Pa., is one of the most-attended live theaters on the East Coast with an annual audience of more than 800,000. Founded in 1976 by Glenn and Shirley Eshelman, the company produces epic biblical stories. Some 100 live animals, 200 "animatronic" animals and 45 human actors will be used in Branson to tell the story of the journey of Noah and his family.

"It's sometimes called Christian Broadway in Pennsylvania," said Joan Chowning, who ushered me into the theater where trainers were working with the live animals. "The employees all profess to be Christians. But we welcome the unchurched, as well as the churched, at our theaters."

Admission for both is $49 an adult, $25 for a teen and $15 for children.

As Allen, the golf pro, mentioned, Silver Dollar City has been around since the beginning. But it also continues to evolve, from a re-created Ozark mining town built above Marvel Cave and featuring arts and crafts, to a quality theme park in a landscaped setting with rides and a full schedule of live entertainment.

The biggest new attraction this season is at Silver Dollar City's sister park, Celebration City, where Roaring Falls, a $2 million water adventure, makes its debut this spring. General manager John Fitzgibbons gave a blow-by-blow description of the new ride: "Twenty passengers go up five stories in a boat, which falls in a 55-degree drop, ending with a splash that gets everybody in the boat, and everybody on the land nearby, wet. It has an Amazon theme, with crocodiles and hippos and fossilized rocks. There'll be fog and a mister going, and Amazon noises."

Celebration City, which is entering its sixth season, now has some 30 rides and attractions, including three roller coasters and a Ferris wheel. The park closes each evening with "Ignite the Night," which uses three projectors to display images on a water curtain, along with lasers and fireworks and music.

"We have a 50-foot Elvis walking on water and singing," Fitzgibbons said. "There's a dance party on the Great Lawn. We get kids, parents and grandparents up and dancing."

Silver Dollar City, which is a short ride away from Celebration City, also has a full schedule of events with World-Fest, April 3-May 4; Bluegrass & BBQ, May 10-June 1; National Kids Fest, June 7-Aug. 10; Southern Gospel Picnic, Aug. 28-Sept. 7; National Harvest Festival, Sept. 11-Oct. 25; and An Old Time Christmas, Nov. 1-Dec. 30.

Lisa Rau, spokeswoman for Silver Dollar City, said the park uses continuing feedback from customers to update attractions and facilities. "The bottom line is: We are not the boss, the guests are the boss and mostly Mom," Rauh said. "Roaring Falls is exactly what they wanted. A big, get wet, whole family, thrill ride."

Information courtesy of St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The Other Spring Break is in Branson, Missouri

Spring Break is a great time to bring your family to Branson and enjoy one of the best times of the year at this premier vacation destination in the Ozark Mountains. Moms, Dads and kids will love to spend time together at the indoor water park located at Grand Country Inn, take in a giant-screen production at IMAX, get a chance to race each other at The Track on Go-Karts, play a round at 300+ holes of Mini Golf, Ride the Ducks on a fun, scenic tour of the lake, board the TITANIC -- World's Largest Museum Attraction, see the New Shanghai Circus Acrobats of China or visit the The Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Adventure, where you can walk among 1,000 live tropical butterflies from around the world. And don't forget to visit the caves -- Talking Rocks Cavern, Cosmic Cavern and Fantastic Caverns -- all good places to go during a spring shower!

Many of Branson's live performance venues introduce their new acts and new shows in the spring of each year, and 2008 offers an unprecedented variety of music, comedy, magic, acrobats, Broadway-style production shows and more. And if you are into golf, the area's newest course, Murder Rock Golf and Country Club, is ready for play. You can take your family for a hike along an Ozarks nature trail, or take a boat out on the lake and enjoy some of the best fishing this time of the year on Table Rock Lake, especially for lunker bass.

The award-winning theme park, Silver Dollar City, has Spring Break Days that run Thursdays through Sundays, March 20 -30, except Saturday, March 29. The park offers rides, attractions, crafts and entertainment. Hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day (except Sunday, March 30 when the park opens at 9:00 a.m.), with a line-up of entertainment for kids and families wanting to make the most of spring break. The park will host singing groups from The Branson Brothers to the Sons of the Silver Dollar along with an interactive science show.

Silver Dollar City kicks off its biggest festival year ever on April 3 with World-Fest presenting an Irish Celebration with an all-new Irish production show, Feet of Fire, featuring a full cast of singers, dancers and musicians plus authentic fire dancing. Hundreds of performances from around the world celebrate the cultures and heritage of exotic lands.

Once a year, Branson packs a little bit of everything it has to offer into five fun-filled days with eight shows featuring world-class performers, local arts and culture, free shows in the Great American Entertainment tent and authentic Branson fare. BransonFest welcomes spring each year with a virtual smorgasbord of everything this amazing tourist destination has to offer -- and all in one location! Celebrating its 16th year, BransonFest 2008 is set for April 8-12 at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater complex.

The Showboat Branson Belle launches its season March 14, with cruises on select days in March. Headlined by ventriloquist Todd Oliver and his trio of live talking dogs, Branson's premier lake experience includes a 3-course dinner, a cruise on Table Rock Lake and a world-class production show, in the 700-seat theater aboard the paddlewheeler. Cruises begin March 14 and run Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays through March, with cruises at noon and 4 p.m., except March 24.

Information courtesy of Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Convention and Visitors Bureau