Christmas Shows in Branson Available for Limited Time

Christmas is well under way in Branson, Missouri but for a few of the Branson Shows there are only a few more days to catch their Christmas productions. Those that want to catch one of these festive productions need to act quickly, before the New Year arrives and a new show season in Branson begins.

The Baldknobbers Jamboree Christmas Show is available now through December 29. The first half of the show features the best of the 2009 season, while the second half showcases Christmas carols and the yuletide spirit. Broadway’s Spirit of Christmas ends its season December 12, so there are only a few days left to catch this magnificent production. Christmas on the Trail, a cowboy-style Christmas celebration featuring festive music and a delicious chuckwagon dinner, is available through December 31. The Dino Christmas Extravaganza, a very popular and dynamic Branson Christmas show, ends December 12, so visitors will want to hurry to see this festive show.

The Dixie Stampede Christmas Show runs through December 31, but visitors who want to experience this exciting show will need to reserve tickets now, as shows do fill up quickly. The Hamner Barber production Wings of Christmas, a show that features magic and comedy in the first half and a magical Christmas journey in the second half, ends its 2009 season December 13. Miracle of Christmas, Branson’s newest Christmas show, will continue its production through December 30.

A variety of shows will still be available in Branson, though, including visitor favorites Acrobats of China, Haygoods, Legends in Concert, Pierce Arrow, Grand Jubilee, Showboat Branson Belle and the Twelve Irish Tenors. Shows like Country Tonite, the Hughes Brothers and Shoji Tabuchi will be ending their shows December 12 and 13, respectively.

The Branson Christmas season is a busy one for shows, so it is recommended visitors reserve their Branson show tickets in advance. Hurry – before Christmas 2009 is a memory and New Years Eve celebrations are underway.

Shoji Tabuchi Theatre Branson Wins Best Restroom Contest

The Shoji Tabuchi Theatre has been voted the nation’s best restrooms, according to the 8th annual “America’s Best Restroom Contest” presented by Cintas Corporation. The winner was decided by an online ballot.

The 2009 contest attracted a wide variety of nominees ranging from restaurants to hotels to theaters. The top ten finalists that were selected were based on criteria like exceptional hygiene, style and open access to the public.

The Top Ten Results were as follows:

1) Shoji Tabuchi Theater
2) The Tremont Plaza Hotel
3) Radio City Music Hall
4) Zeffirino Ristorante
5) The Drake Hotel
6) Macy’s - Union Square
7) The Tampa Theatre
8) NOVA 535
9) The Fox Theatre
10) Canlis Restaurant

Regarding the results, Tabuchi Theatre manager Michael Frederick stated, “We believe these restrooms are the most elaborate and ornate anywhere. Each restroom represents 1,800 square feet of deliberate, one-of-a-kind elegance.”

Vote for Shoji Tabuchi Theater in America's Best Restroom Awards

The Shoji Tabuchi Theater has been nominated for the title of “America’s Best Restroom.” The field has been narrowed to the TOP TEN, with the Shoji Tabuchi Theater competing amongst the likes of Radio City Music Hall, The Fox Theatre and The Drake Hotel. The restrooms at the Shoji Tabuchi Theater were nominated due to their marble fireplaces, hand-carved mahogany pool table, antiques, lion’s head sinks, leather chairs, stained glass, chandeliers and granite and onyx features.

The Best Restroom Award is presented by Cintas and was created in 2002 to honor businesses across America that place high value on hygiene and exceptional style in their public restrooms. The 2009 winner will receive a plaque of recognition and a coveted place on the America’s Best Restroom “Hall of Fame” section of the program’s Web site.

To vote for the Shoji Tabuchi Theater, click here. Voting is open until July 31, 2009. The winner will be announced in August 2009.

Shoji Tabuchi Celebrates 20 Years in Branson

Shoji Tabuchi is an entertainment staple in Branson, connecting generations of audiences with his superb music skills and grand productions. Shoji opened his Branson Theater 20 years ago, and this summer, he is celebrating his 20th anniversary in Branson with his most spectacular show yet.

Backed by a world-class band, Shoji displays his mastery of the fiddle throughout his two-hour show, featuring country tunes like “Orange Blossom Trail,” classic numbers like “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” and even some ‘50s style rock ‘n roll. Shoji also incorporates Broadway hits into his production, complete with detailed sets and high-flying characters. The dancers at the Shoji Tabuchi Show really bring the production together as they glide, trot and swing through their numbers. The entire cast of the show are professional entertainers who deliver solid performances night after night. Shoji recently added a Taiko Drum segment to his show as well. The Taiko Drums are important to Japanese culture and represent the spirit of Japanese people. 25 drums, of varying size, are needed for the segment and is a unique element you won't see anywhere else in Branson.

The Branson Shoji Tabuchi Theater is a sight to see in and of itself and is often called the “Showplace of Branson” due to its decadent décor. It is reminiscent of the Grand Palaces from the 1930’s and is famous for its opulent bathrooms. The ladies room takes its theme from the 1890’s Empire Period and features granite and onyx sinks, stained and jeweled glass, chandeliers and more. The men’s room is no less imposing as it features a marble fireplace, hand-carved billiard table and black lion head sinks. A visit to the Shoji Tabuchi Theater isn’t complete without a trip to his famous restrooms!

Come help Shoji celebrate his 20th year in Branson. Performances are at 3 pm and 7:30 pm, Monday through Saturday, with some Sunday performances. His wife, Dorothy, and daughter, Christina, perform in the show on select dates. Shoji Tabuchi Tickets are on sale now.

Travel Channel Visits Shoji Tabuchi Theater Branson

A unique Branson attraction — restrooms at the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre — will get national exposure this summer.

Last month, the theater was visited by the Travel Channel, which was there to film the restrooms as part of the cable channel’s “Extreme Series.”

When the “extreme bathrooms” concept was decided upon, the Travel Channel’s research team went to work searching for the best bathrooms and discovered the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre.

Jonda Sleppy, Shoji’s executive administrative assistant to the producer, worked directly with the Travel Channel on the production.

Sleppy said the film crew spent a day shooting the extraordinary restrooms.

Sleppy said the cast and film crew had a lot of fun filming the story, and with many productions there are always few good outtakes.

“One of our child cast members shared that being in the ladies restroom was just like being in Cinderella’s bathroom,” she said.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Christmas Cheer Fills the Air at Branson Shows

What do Branson and the North Pole have in common? They both fill people with the Christmas spirit.

The North Pole does it with Santa Claus, elves and reindeer. Branson does it with the almost endless variety of holiday entertainment.

With 53 theaters and 59,757 seats, there is more than enough Christmas music, comedy and lights to even fill the Grinch with holiday cheer.

Here are a few of the area Branson Christmas shows:

•The Hughes Brothers — Head to the Hughes Brothers Theatre in Branson and enjoy the Christmas season with the Hughes Brothers.

These young, energetic and multi-talented brothers celebrate Christmas and the New Year as only they can do. Join Marty, Jason, Ryan and Andy as they combine rich, tight harmonies with dynamic dance numbers and hilarious antics to create a show the whole family will love.

•SIX at the Hughes Brothers Theatre — Celebrate Christmas with SIX. You won’t believe what comes out of the mouths of this vocal band.

The group SIX is made up of six real brothers — Barry, Kevin, Lynn, Jak, Owen and Curtis Knudsen. The group members use their voices to produce all the instrumentation, rhythms and harmonics of the band and vocals.

•Shoji Tabuchi — The Shoji Tabuchi Christmas Show offers a wide variety of entertainment, from classic holiday favorites to contemporary hits. Join Shoji Tabuchi, his wife Dorothy, and their daughter, Christina.

The family plays, sings and dances for the audience. The show is highlighted by the talented violin playing of Shoji Tabuchi. Visitors are guaranteed to get into the holiday spirit.

•Andy Williams — It is definitely “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” at the Andy Williams Christmas Show at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre in Branson.

Williams performs some of the holiday hits that made him a music legend. He is also joined by a strong supporting cast. Dean Church is another of Branson’s finest entertainers. For years Church has brought audiences to their feet with his musical talent and energy.

Bob Anderson is a world class singer, comedian, impressionist and all around entertainer. During the show, he performs his tribute to “The Golden Age of Music.” He will take you on a musical journey with his impressions of “The Rat Pack,” Tony Bennett, Andy Williams, Tom Jones, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, Neil Diamond, and Elvis Presley.

The husband and wife variety dance team of Pasha and Aliona will also entertain you with elegance, humor and unique acrobatic choreography.

These are just a few of the many holiday shows that are sure to have you overflowing with Christmas cheer.

Information courtesy of Branson Daily News

Branson Christmas Show Schedule for 2008 a Singing Success

Christmas Season in Branson combines holiday traditions with new festive events to create a holiday atmosphere full of cheer. The entire town of Branson becomes transformed into a winter wonderland during the Christmas season, twinkling with the shine of millions of lights heralding in the season that means so much to so many. One of the great things about Christmas in Branson are the fantastic holiday shows. Branson Christmas Shows offer a variety of Christmas music - from traditional carols to cowboy Christmas songs – so your ticket to holiday fun is just a click away with ReserveBranson.com.

Mr. Christmas, who is no other than Andy Williams, helps Branson bring Christmas home with his wonderful Andy Williams Christmas show, which features Christmas standards, Andy’s legendary hits and a wholesome message for the whole family. Another legendary entertainer, Bobby Vinton, returns to Branson for the 2008 Christmas season. Performing at the Mansion America Theater, Vinton’s show will feature the Glenn Miller Orchestra and all of Vinton’s classic hits, like “Blue Velvet.” Broadway’s Spirit of Christmas is an energetic production focused on the fun of the holiday. The show takes guests on a magical sleigh ride adventure that showcases holiday hits, extravagant costumes and sets, and the charismatic Osmond Brothers (Jimmy, Jay & Wayne).

Two of Branson’s top guest performers during the Christmas season include Daniel O’Donnell and Dino. Daniel O’ Donnell, an acclaimed Irish musician who has appeared on special PBS productions, will appear in Branson for two nights only, November 21st & 24th. The Dino Christmas show is an incredible production featuring Dino Kartsonakis and his fantastic piano-playing skills. His wife, Cheryl, also joins him for the show, as do professional dancers, a dazzling light show and a dash of Hollywood glamour to put this production over the top.

Shoji Tabuchi, Branson’s Ultimate Showman, presents an incredible Christmas production at this aptly named Shoji Tabuchi Theater, complete with holiday music, North Pole sets, and snow! I viewed a small snippet of the Christmas show during a regular season Shoji Tabuchi show and it certainly left me wanting more. Tony Orlando & The Lennon Sisters will also be making a special Branson appearance, performing at the Welk Resort throughout the holiday season. Their Christmas Celebration will include the Lennon Sisters’ hits, Orlando’s famous classics and Christmas carols that the whole family can enjoy. The Hamner Barber Wings of Christmas production combines holiday laughter, magical illusions and old-fashioned Christmas memories for a show that makes every audience member feel like a kid again.

The Duttons Christmas show is all-new this 2008 Christmas season, and with the help of Hollywood special effects artist Rick Josephson, it promises to be the biggest and best Christmas production they’ve offered to Branson visitors yet. The Dixie Stampede Christmas Show is promising a stellar production that truly is fun for those of all ages. A friendly rivalry between the North & South poles gives visitors something to cheer for, while the holiday music and beautiful costumes transports guests to a Christmas scene they won’t soon forget. Plus, the show also serves up a delicious feast of holiday trimmings, with biscuits and soup that are out of this world. Christmas on the Trail is a traditional holiday show, located at the Shepherd of the Hills complex, that serves up festive holiday fun with carol sing-a-longs, a chuckwagon dinner, Trail of Lights admission, and a trip up Branson’s biggest Christmas tree, the 230 ft. Inspiration Tower, where you can have a birds-eye view of all of Branson’s lights. The Sons of the Pioneers are also offering a special Holiday Matinee during the months of November & December at the Shepherd of the Hills complex.

For many Branson visitors, a holiday excursion isn’t complete without a holiday tour of lights. The Trail of Lights event at Shepherd of the Hills winds its way through 160 acres of glowing lights, 3-D animation and holiday music creating a spectacular display of holiday cheer. A trip up Inspiration Tower is also included with the price of admission. The Ride the Ducks are also presenting a Holiday Light Tour. From November 3 – December 14 the Ride the Ducks Holiday Light Tour will take guests on a 60 minute tour of Branson’s Best light displays. Plus, the Ducks are closed-in and heated for the holiday season, so you can enjoy the lights while staying warm and toasty!

Join Branson, Missouri for an unforgettable Christmas season. With wonderful Branson Christmas Shows and beautiful holiday light displays, the spirit of the season has found a home in this Midwest Mecca.

Branson, Missouri is the Place to Be for Summer Fun

The summer season is in full swing in Branson, Missouri, evident by the full line-up of entertainment, activities and perfect Branson summer weather. During the tough economic times many families are facing, Branson is reaching out to let visitors know they are not only visitor friendly but budget friendly as well. The great thing about Branson is there are a lot of sights to see and outdoor fun to pursue that is completely free! Now, there’s one word that’s music to everyone’s ears. Branson is also being proactive about helping visitors save money by offering stimulus check incentives, gas buster cards and other discounts throughout the area.

With the discounts available for visitors to Branson, guests can concentrate on the activities available in town and plan a great getaway trip. As always, Branson’s Silver Dollar City is a hot spot for families. This year, going to Silver Dollar City is even easier with the money-saving Silver Dollar City packages available. Plus, you can also get two days for the price of one at Silver Dollar City on ReserveBranson.com.

There are plenty of other exciting things happening in Branson this summer, including a variety of entertaining shows featuring everything from country music to rock ‘n roll. Branson, Missouri show schedules are filled with a multitude of performers and show times so it’s possible to see up to 3 shows a day if you’d like. Branson shows like Shoji Tabuchi, Dixie Stampede, Baldknobbers, Andy Williams, Showboat Branson Belle and Noah – The Musical sell out quickly, so making advanced reservations are recommended.

Attractions in Branson also provide a great way to pass those summer days. Many families venture to Celebration City after spending time at Silver Dollar City. Celebration City is the place to be after dark. The carnival-like atmosphere, coupled with rides, delicious food and an end-of-the-night fireworks show is a definite family pleaser. Ride the Ducks, a land and water cruise, is another Branson tradition popular with visitors. And, The Track is always a visitor favorite. With an unlimited Track Go-Card, the amount of fun you have is up to you!

When you travel to Branson, Missouri you’ll be happy to find a variety of lodging options available. There are discount Branson hotels, pet friendly Branson hotels and hotels in Branson with Internet Access, which means every option you might be searching for is here.

This summer, treat yourself to a vacation...Branson style!

Branson Celebrates the Holidays

Christmas in the Ozarks has become big business for Branson. The southwest Missouri town of 7,435 welcomes the holiday season with dancing Santas, reindeer, penguins and millions of twinkling lights.

Twenty years ago, Branson nearly shut down after Halloween until the spring season. But now, November and December are Branson's second busiest period — exceeded only in numbers of visitors by the summer onslaught of families with kids interested in miniature golf, bumper cars and boats, go-karts and swimming in the area's three lakes.

Branson's older visitors are often the town's best customers during the holidays. On a recent Friday night, 24 buses (or coaches, as insiders refer to them) sat outside fiddler Shoji Tabuchi's show.

Another favorite — singer Andy Williams — sings about Christmas being "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year." He'll celebrate his 80th birthday on Dec. 3 with 4,000 of his closest friends in two shows he'll be doing that day at his Moon River Theatre.

And a few other acts include:

— Singer-comedian Jim Stafford gives audience members a reason to ho-ho-ho as he dons a Santa suit each night at his show.

— Fiddler Shoji Tabuchi, who performs holiday tunes, is often surrounded by 7-foot tall reindeer standing on their hind legs. The reindeer return later wearing hula skirts and coconut bras to do another dance with Tabuchi, who wears an aqua blue jacket emblazoned with sequined pineapples.

— Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff is backed up by Frosty the Snowman, Santa and a Russian dance troupe.

— Country's Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers, Lawrence Welk's Lennon Sisters, "Mr. Banjo" Buck Trent and Mel Tillis spend much of the holidays entertaining busloads of tourists and those who "drive on their own" to Branson. Many of the big-name shows will shut down by Dec. 15 until the spring season begins in early April.

SILVER DOLLAR CHRISTMAS

By far the biggest Christmas spectacular is "An Old Time Christmas" at Silver Dollar City, which switched this year to more energy-efficient lights, cutting its energy usage to 20 percent of what it was a year ago, explained Brad Thomas, park general manager.

This year, the park's Main Street features a five-story special effects Christmas tree covered with 300,000 lights that glow and flash in unison to music that begins at 5:30 p.m. and continues every 15 minutes after that. More than 450,000 lights adorn the surrounding 10 storefronts and 250 cut pine trees. A Gifts of Christmas Light Parade with 80,000 lights winds through the park twice each night. In addition, Silver Dollar City's excellent production of "A Dickens' Christmas Carol" with 14 actors is performed six times daily, along with a "live" nativity scene.

On a recent Saturday night, a wedding party delayed the ceremony to watch the tree-lighting before exchanging vows in the park's picturesque Wilderness Chapel.

Toby Thompson of Topeka, Kan., brings his wife, son and in-laws to Branson each year for Thanksgiving and a family reunion. However this year, the reunion has moved to Fort Worth, Texas. But they took a quick three-day trip to Branson over Veteran's Day weekend, anyway. "We enjoy coming here for the Christmas activities and staying in a log cabin," he said. "The area is just so beautiful that we love coming here. And the women love to go shopping here."

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce survey confirms that 88 percent of its nearly 8 million visitors last year report going shopping in Branson compared with 84 percent attending shows, 36 percent going to theme parks and 33 percent to museums. Other tourists went to the lake (29 percent), participated in outdoor activities (8 percent) and played golf (5 percent).

NEW SHOPS

Branson's newest shopping complex, the $420 million Branson Landing, which opened in May last year, has been renamed Branson Winter WonderLanding for the season, with Santa setting up in a 50-foot illuminated Christmas Treehouse with its own fireplace. The outdoor mall along Lake Taneycomo is adorned with 20 million sparkling lights. The $7.5 million Branson Landing fountains are choreographed to holiday songs as they shoot water 120 feet into the air and five cannon blast fireballs above the lake.

Information St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Summer Sizzles in Branson!

Branson, Missouri is the perfect place to escape to for summer fun. This live entertainment capital is known for its great shows, but there are plenty of things to do in Branson, Missouri! The summer only adds to these great opportunities, because visitors can take advantage of the wonderful outdoor recreation found in the beautiful Ozarks.

Many families, couples and retirees travel to Branson each summer for a vacation that includes a little bit of everything. Branson’s history of fantastic shows began with the Baldknobbers, with the Presley’s following shortly after, and continues today with shows like Pierce Arrow, The Duttons, Grand Jubilee and the Branson Brothers. These fantastic country music shows highlight the best of yesterday and today, providing entertainment for those of all ages. Branson is more than just country music, though, and shows like Acrobats of China, Broadway!, Magnificent 7, Shoji Tabuchi and Kirby VanBurch prove it! There’s a great variety of shows in Branson, where everything from magic to comedy to Broadway is performed.

After visitors see a show, they love taking in the sights, either by walking, boating or even a duck! That’s right! At Ride the Ducks, visitors can take advantage of a WWII style amphibious vehicle that drives on both land and water. Riders can choose from the Branson entertainment district route, where you’ll cruise on Table Rock Lake, or from the Branson Landing District, where the Ducks will cruise on Lake Taneycomo. Either choice is a wonderful way to view Branson’s beauty and learn a few things about this wonderful vacation destination.

Other great ways to see the beauty of the Ozarks in Branson is by hiking or going to the lake for boating and swimming fun. Outdoor recreation in Branson includes water sports on gorgeous Table Rock Lake, including a swimming beach named Moonshine Beach, as well as scenic hikes through beautiful forest and lakeside areas. Two of the best areas for hiking opportunities include Henning State Forest and Lakeside Wilderness Area. Another great way to see the rolling hills of Branson is a trip to the top of Inspiration Tower. This scenic wonder is found on the Shepherd of the Hills grounds and on clear days, you can see for 90 miles. It truly is a breathtaking experience.

Of course, Branson attractions include several ways for guests to have fun in the sun. With three theme parks in Branson, there’s a park for every time of the day! Silver Dollar City celebrates the kid in all of us, with their National Kids Fest, and continues their tradition of thrilling coasters and water ride fun, with a dash of pioneering spirit mixed in for a unique experience. Celebration City is a night time park, complete with a carnival-like atmosphere and laser light show. Branson’s beach within reach, White Water, provides exciting rides like Kalani Towers, Lazy River and Caribbean Plunge. It’s a great place for families to enjoy summer fun in Branson!

The list of things to do in Branson is endless. Between great Branson shows, exciting Branson attractions and beautiful outdoor recreation opportunities, Branson truly is the place where you can do it all…one trip at a time!