MUSIC SHOWS ARE THE MAIN ATTRACTION AT BRANSON
By Harold Merton
Music shows are what Branson, Missouri is all about and here we'll touch on a number of the shows we were able to catch on our visit to Branson in 2005. When I last did a count of the theatres in Branson it reached nearly 100 venues where you could enjoy music and educational offerings. Shows are held in the morning, afternoon and evenings so you can have a very busy schedule if your pocketbook will allow it. We have presented a number of features on shows in our past two issues and we continue this issue with more. It all started over 45 years ago with two shows catering to the locals.If you read the advertising you'll find that both shows claim to be the first in some way but in any event these two shows began it all! Everything there today progressed from these two attractions.
Photos by Harold Merton
Presleys' Country Jubilee is the other original show that brings you
new
country sounds, old favorites, comedy and gospel. Their brightly-lit Presley
Theatre sign can't be missed at 2920 West Hwy. 76.
Today four generations of Presleys are continuing their performing tradition.
Shows are: 8 p.m. Mon. to Sat. 417.334.4874. www.presleys.com
These two shows are among the most popular in Branson and both offer great
entertainment at a reasonable price. It is a must to take in either or
both of these when you visit.
If you like 50s music then 50s At The Hop will be on your list. Branson's award winning Hoppettes, Dreamdate and Rockin' Hop Band will bring back the memories at a party you'll be glad you were a part of. Held at the Jim Stafford Theatre, 3440 West Hwy. 76, there are two shows daily at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.. www.branson50s.com 417.335.5300. At the Grand Country Music Hall on West Hwy. 76 you'll find a number of shows. We took in the fabulous Grand Jubilee that featured their own quartet, New South. They harmonize today's country hits as well as timeless quartet classics. The toes were tapping and the hands clapping during this country variety show held at Grand Country Square a fabulous motel, show, shopping and restaurant complex that features Splash Country Indoors, an indoor water park that has a 250' long lazy river, and other water park features.
The Gatlin Borthers Revue at the Welk Theatre"
Shows are held at 3:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. 417.335.2484 www.grandcountry.com Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers pulled in huge crowds at the fabulous Welk Resort Theatre, 1984 State Hwy. 165. Incomparable Gatlin Brothers harmony, comedy and their chart-topping hits awed the audience in their limited engagement while we were in Branson. At other times other artists are presented in this massive, impressive theatre complex. This place is worth the visit alone. 417.337.7469 www.sullivanshows.com
Patsy Cline was popular with millions of country music fans and Tracy Lynn does a great job of bringing back her old songs and memories at the From Patsy To Present show held at Branson Mall Music Theatre, 2206 West Hwy. 76. Besides Patsy she tributes many other legendary artists of the past. Call for the show schedule. 417.339.3939. www.patsyinbranson.net
The World Famous Platters show at the Starlight Theatre (337.9333) is
about as close to the original Platters as you'll ever get. One of the
group was an actual Platters member and the group does a great job of
recreating those fabulous songs and sounds. This is a morning show held
at 10 am so when your card gets full with too many afternoon and evening
shows to pick from, you can take in this show in the morning. We did three
things the day we went to the Platters -morning, afternoon and evening.
It was a full day but a fabulous one! And no visit to Branson would be
complete without Ride The Ducks. This outside attraction is a tour aboard
a World War II amphibious vehicle. You ride the ducks through Branson
streets then head off into the country and
eventually into the lake. This is a fun-filled ride that the kids and
adults
will both enjoy. 334-DUCKS
bransonducks.com
In Old Downtown Branson we also took in the Patsy and Hank Tribute show at the vintage Owens Theatre originally built in 1935. In 1994 the present owners restored the old theatre to its present state. This three-person show gives a great presentation of both Patsy and Hank songs and the use of the theatre for this presentation allows the preservation of a great piece of Branson history.
Two other shows are also held at the theatre - Take The Twain Ride (a Mark Twain tribute, and Elvis and the Superstars. You should visit the old downtown area as it is a great contrast to the music strip. In Branson adult admission tickets to the shows run from about $25 to $40 per show. Many shows offer family packages and a number of tourist publications carry coupons that offer $2 or $3 off per ticket so be sure to pickup the maps and magazines that are set out for visitors to Branson. We liked the Branson Travelhost Map and Coupons. This presentation contains a great map that shows the location of many of the theatres and attractions. Note that those listed are those that support the publication advertising-wise so you may not find everything on the one map. We found other maps contained other locations so pick up everything you see and sort through them. Branson has a lot to offer. You could stay a month and still enjoy more but most of us have to pick and choose what will fit into our stay duration. Please note that show listings, times etc. are what was in effect when we visited. Check for current schedules. This feature highlights only those shows that we had the opportunity of visiting. Some of the popular shows were not running during our stay and there were many more that we just could not get to. There is a fabulous list of shows in Branson so do a little research before you go so you know what shows you want to include in your schedule. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and look forward to going again.
For a copy of Branson's Vacation Guide which is published annually write:
Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and CVB.
P.O. Box 1897, Branson MO 65615
1.800.214.3661
Fax 417.334.1994
explorebranson.com
Branson info and weather 417.335.6678
Branson KOA Campground
Legends in Concert
Branson Belle Showboat
Elvis Show at Branson is one of the Best on
the Strip
Branson Scenic Railway
Silver Dollar City, Branson Missouri