On the Town - Branson

 

It's Showtime!

CLOSE TO 80% OF BRANSON'S 8 MILLION ANNUAL VISITORS INCLUDE A LIVE STAGE SHOW ON THEIR TRAVEL ITINERARIES-AND FOR GOOD REASON. WITH 53 THEATERS AND AROUND 61,000 SEATS, THE CITY BOASTS MORE THEATER SEATS THAN BROADWAY. HERE'S A SAMPLING OF BRANSON'S ENTERTAINMENT SCENE, KEEPING EVERY AGE AND TASTE IN MIND.

BY JOANNE HARVEY

Presleys Country Music Jubilee

This family-produced show has its own place in local history: The Presleys built Branson's first music theater in 1967 on the Highway 76 Strip. Their 40-year formula of success has been their ability to interweave new country, bluegrass and a bit of rock 'n' roll with old favorites. You'll hear the fiddle, har-monica and dobro slide guitar played alongside the drums, saxophone and electronic keyboard. Co-producer and co-owner Steve Presley says at least 60% of the show is brand new each year. Four generations of Presleys are represented among the cast and band members, including comedian Herkimer, who has been played by Gary Presley since the show's inception. Presley's Country Jubilee Theatre; www.presleys.com

Spirit of the Dance

You'll hear the thunderous clogging of 34 feet in this show, which is almost totally comprised of dance-Irish step dance, Spanish flamenco, Latin salsa, Scottish Highland Fling (accompanied by a bag pipe), American tap, jazz and stomp. A few vocal numbers are interspersed between dance acts, including an arrangement of the folk song "Danny Boy." Children especially adore this fast-paced show. Branson Variety Theater; www.bransonvarietytheater.com/ spiritdance.asp

Six

Even though "No band, no orchestra, no tracks and no lip-synching" flashes on the screens before the curtain opens, it's hard to believe that there isn't a band backing up these six brothers, who harmonize and beat box their way through the entire show. The vocals-including doo wop, R&B, rock, gospel and barbershop quartet-simulate everything from an electric guitar to a funky keyboard. The brothers admit that their father made them practice daily- and it shows. Hughes American Family Theatre; www.thesixshow.com

Noah The Musical

Yes, the animals do come two-by-two into the ark in this Broadway-style production of the Biblical story of Noah. It uses 75 live animals, 75 animatronic animals, and children costumed as turtles and orangutans. During the second act, an extraordinary wraparound set encloses the audience on three sides, placing them inside the ark. The show is performed by a cast of 45 actor-singers who require 375 costumes and 75 wigs and hairpieces. Sight & Sound Theatre; www.sight-sound.com

Pierce Arrow

In this Vegas-style production, two cast members hold world records: Dan Britton for the lowest bass note sung and Tim Storms for having the widest vocal range for a male. The six members of Pierce Arrow are known for their harmonizing, especially with country and Southern gospel music. Vocalists Kim Boyce, a top-10 semi-finalist in the 1984 Miss America Pageant, comedian Jarrett Dougherty and Desta round out the show. Moving stage pieces and special effects give the show an extra punch. Pierce Arrow Theater; www.piercearrowtheater.com

#1 Hits of the '60s

This cast of six singer-dancers and four band members takes the audience back to a groovy time of bell-bottoms, miniskirts and love beads. The youthful performers use songs, costumes and dance to follow an era that evolved from clean-cut innocence to hippie activism. Renditions of classic songs-everything from "Judy in Disguise" to "Abraham, Martin and John"-sound much like those of the original artists. While there's enough energy, funny tunes and colorful costumes to make this show appealing to all ages, if you once wore a peace button, this show's for you. Caravelle Theatre; www.1hitsofthe60s.com

Showboat Branson Belle

This paddle-wheel vessel takes passengers on a 2-hour trip on Table Rock Lake twice each day. On the deck, you can enjoy the beautiful Ozarks scenery, and inside, you'll sit down to a three-course dinner as Show-stoppers!, a quartet of singers and dancers, serenade you with more than 30 Broadway-style show tunes accompanied by a live band. This show is no simple undertaking: The group changes costumes 45 times during their performance. Kids will be especially mesmerized by ventriloquist Todd Oliver and his cast of live talking dogs. www.showboatbransonbelle.com

Acrobats of China featuring The New Shanghai Circus

Skills that date back 3,500 years are showcased in this Far Eastern performance of acrobatics, drums, martial arts, balance and contortion. Narration reveals the cultural background of each act. For example, the spinning of plates on thin rods demonstrates a skill originally used by Chinese vendors 500 years ago to attract customers. New to the show is the story of a general's widow and her daughters-in-law, adorned in extraordinary costumes and head pieces, who rally troops with their lei gu (thunder drums). Acrobats practice three to four hours a day, and most stay with the circus in some capacity for life. New Shanghai Theatre; www.acrobatsofchina.com