Branson Shows Reviewed

The shows are arranged from my favorite to my least favorite. There is little difference between shows that have the same rating number. I rate the shows from 1 to 10. I have ranked the first five shows as number 1 because I can't decide which one I like the best. Read the reviews and decide which ones you want to see by what type of music that is being played in the show. I have tried to list most of the songs that are in the show to help you decide. I have never seen a bad show in Branson, just some that are better than others. Again, if you have any comments email me at WildcatWackerly@yahoo.com I will respond to every email. You also may call me at 417-337-8045, I will be glad to speak with you about Branson and the shows.

1. Peter Pan w/Cathy Rigby The Mansion Theater

This show was on Broadway for many years with Cathy Rigby starring as Peter Pan. The sets are elaborate and definitely beautiful. The acting is top notch and very good. Most of the cast is from the local area and they do a fantastic job. The music is very nice and is done professionally. The most awesome part of the play is Peter Pan flying through the air scattering fairy dust. Cathy Rigby is awesome in the part of Peter Pan. The adds around town says Cathy Rigby IS Peter Pan, and I totally agree. Near the end of the show, Peter Pan flying through the air over the center section of the audience. The audience gasped with excitement. This is a show that every child will enjoy. The ticket price is a little steep for Branson, but worth every penny and half of what you would pay in New York or Chicago. I rate this show a 10.

2. The Four Preps w/The Chordettes Music City Centre Theater

This show is great from the opening song till the very end. It is perfect for the baby boomer set or anyone that enjoys and loves the 50's and 60's music. This is a totally classy show from the music to the attire that they wear. I really like getting back to the days when entertainers looked good and cared what they wore on stage. The two groups still have those fantastic voices that were demonstrated by the original groups so long ago. One of the Four Preps in a founding member of the group and tells a story of almost hiring one member 49 years earlier, but didn't because he couldn't read music. He ended up hiring him exactly 49 years later. I would recommend this show to everyone because of the quality of the show. I rate this show a 10.

3. Country Tonite w/Collin Raye Oak Ridge Boys Theater

Melanie Shore is Collin's addition to the band as the keyboardist. The rest of the band is the Country Tonite Band. They did a remarkable job playing for Collin Raye. He has one of the best voices of the last 20 years that has entered the country music field. He sure hits the high notes with ease. His delivery is awesome. I like the high notes in the chorus and the lyrics are great. Melanie handles the harmony with ease. He is one of the best tenors to come out in the last 50 years. Collin sings his new single, "Mid Life Chrysler". It is a great song and I think it will be a hit. It has a nice hook in the lyrics. He says it was written for him and I believe it was. Collin and the song "Love Me" are a perfect fit. He sings it with crystal clear notes. He has an echo from the audience as he sings the song. I rate this show a definite 10.

4. Kirby & Bambi VanBurch Kirby VanBurch Theater

This show contains over 20 different illusions performed by Kirby and Bambi. Benjamin Blaque performs his World Champion Crossbow demonstration. Ben even uses five crossbows to shot an apple off his head while blindfolded, awesome. My favorite illusion was the last illusion. It was a very simple act that envolved a florescent string that was torn apart and put back together while Kirby told of the summers he spent with his Grandmother and a story about how she taught him about Jesus. The most perplexing illusion was, of course, the appearance of the helicopter. I also took the Cat tour and I would recommend it to anyone. You can read about it in the Museum and Attractions Reviewed. I rate this show a 10.

5. Mickey Gilley Show Mickey Gilley Theater

Mickey Gilley still has that smooth, rich, country voice for which he is famous. Joey Riley is one of the best, if not the best, comedian in town. You get a good dose of his comedy and his musical ability in this show as well as his own matinee. The band is, also, one of the best bands in town. A movie about his career is shown as a pre-show. It is well worth seeing, so plan on being there a little early. Mickey demonstrates his fantastic showmanship during the entire show. He stands and sings and then he sits and plays the grand piano on many of the numbers. His back-up singers are very good. Katie Lynn interacts with Joey all the time and it is funny, once you realize that it is fun, and not a real argument. I rate this show a 10.

6. The World Famous Platters Starlite Theater

7. Moe Bandy Jim Stafford Theater

Moe has a wonderful voice that even my children wanted to see his show every year. I think when a child wants to see a show it does say that it has entertainment value. This show has a tremendous amount of entertainment value. The band is one of the best in town. Kari Garrison is one of the best backup singers in the area. She sings so well that she gained a fan on the day I saw this show. Moe has a string of hits as long as your arm. He sings most of the hits in the show such as, "Someday Soon", "Bandy the Rodeo Clown", "You Haven't Heard the Last of Me", "Hey Joe", "Tell I Ain't Here to get on Home", "Cheatin' Situation", and "Americana". Harley Worthit has some great jokes and he makes the show better. I rate this show a 10.

8. Bambi-Princess of Magic Music City Centre Theater

Bambi is a very talented, awarded, and beautiful magician that is no longer in the shadow of her amazing husband. She has struck out on her own in a show at the Music City Centre Theater. She is a confident, beautiful, and an awesome entertainer. Her illusions are all new with new apparatuses. She has been awarded the International Female Magician of the Year for the last three years. She has also been awarded the International Female Magician of the Decade. She proves in this show that she deserves the awards and the audiences that she will perform to at the Music City Centre. My favorite illusion is the fairy table and exit from the first act. I rate this show a 10.

9. Country Tonite w/ Restless Heart Oak Ridge Boys Theater

To see the band back together after the years of so much success is great. The talent is so evident flowing from the stage. The entire band is back together singing all of their hits for the past 24 years. The band plays all of their own music for the show and they are one fantastic band. If they were a local band, the would win the Best Band Award in Branson. The song that was written by Paul Greg and David Guiness could be the highlight of the show. It tells the story of Paul's step son in Iraq. The only acompaniment during "Home" is the keyboard and guitar of the composers. I would recommend that you see this show to take a look back at some great music and these great artists. I rate this show a 10.

10. Oak Ridge Boys Oak Ridge Boys Theater

The Oaks put on one tremendously entertaining show at their own theater. I was throughly entertainedthroughout the show. The Oaks display that they still have the unmistakeable blend for which they are famous. The new material that is sung in the second half is very good. Sometimes I do not like new music from the Legends of the business, but the new songs are great, especially "Beautiful Bluebird" and "7 Nation Army". The band was exceptional and really added to the mix. I was glad to see William Lee's son on the drums. Quite a few of their hits are sung to the complete audience delight. The lighted stage adds so much. You can see them and they can see you. It seems to bring the audience closer to the Oaks. I would recommend them to anyone who loves the Oaks or just plain, Country Music. I rate this show a 9.

11. Country Tonite w/ T G Sheppard Oak Ridge Boys Theater

T G Sheppard Is one of the best male voices around. He sings with such class and ability that the audience will remember his great voice. When I saw this show I was glad to see him look and sound so wonderful. He presents a great show here in Branson and it is much appreciated. The beautiful song "War Is Hell on the Homefront Too" is a tribute to the Armed Forces families that suffer so much when their family member is sent to war. I feel it is a great song and video that should be seen by all. The one thing that might enter your mind when you leave this show, "Why Isn't there a voice like T G Sheppard's voice in the music that is played today. I rate this show a 9.

12. Jim Stafford Jim Stafford Theater

Jim is in his 20th season in Branson. His children were not even a glimmer is his eye when Ann and Jim began to perform in this theater. Now, Shay is 16 and is quite an accomplished entertainer and G G is coming into her own. The interaction of Jim with his children is heart-warming. The opening of the show with three Jim's on stage is rather enjoyable and ingenious. There is comedy in this show from the beginning to the end. Jim has to be the king of Branson in one-liners. I like the way he presents his lists. He seems to always come up with new comments to make. The part of the show I enjoyed the most was the black light production of "Spiders And Snakes". It is really clever and you will enjoy it. Take the time to see this show if you want to chuckle for two hours. I rate this show a 9.

11. John Conlee / Stars At Centre Stage Music City Centre Theater

We always mention George, Waylon, Willie, Merle, Conway, and Johnny Cash as being classic country. But what about John Conlee. He should be mentioned in that group of entertainers. In fact, maybe he should be mentioned first. He is massively talented. If you are in your 50's or above, John will give you some great memories with his hits. You probably will not remember most of them until you hear them. This is a great show that I would recommend highly. His band is very talented and the keyboardist, Mickey Gawiorecki, is extremely entertaining and not to be missed. I will see this show again during this two week stint at the theater. I rate this show a 9.

12. Roy Rogers, Jr. And The High Riders Happy Trails Theater

This show has the son of Roy Rogers to carry the tradition on that his parents started. He actually, in my opinion, has a better voice than his Dad. His voice is so smooth on the Western songs that he has chosen to sing. The biggest plus of this show, besides the music, is the stories that Roy tells about each song before he sings. I would highly recommend this show for the classic country fan or the people who love smooth songs sung by a great vocalist. The band is extremely talented and you will enjoy the entire show. There is no intermission so get your snacks, drinks, and bathroom breaks finished before the show begins. It lasts 1:45 and it is wonderful. I rate this show a 9.

13. Buck Trent Morning Show Grand Country Music Hall

This show is very entertaining. It stars some of the best entertainers in the city is in this show. Bruce Hoffman, Melody Hart, Jonathan Black, and Kenny Parrott are top notch and will provide you with 2 hours of great entertainment. Let us not forget "Mr. Banjo", Buck Trent. He is the best banjo that has been seen in Branson, with the possible exception of Roy Clark. Buck and Roy would be considered equal by most people. Listen to the vocals of Kenny, the Steel of Bruce, the piano of Jonathan, the fiddle of Melody, and of course, the banjo of Buck Trent. Every single artist is a tremendous talent in their and anyone else's right. This show is probably the best Morning Show in the area. I rate this show a 9.

6. Bart Rocket & Taylor Reed 50's At The Hop Theater

This show features two magicians that are extremely talented. The men are very good at what they do. I consider Bart Rocket as one of the best entertainers in Branson. I was not aware that Bart is such a good ventriloquist. That segment brought so much comedy into the show that it made it one of the best shows here in Branson. Taylor has titles to his illusions and I like that idea. I enjoyed the "Chubby Checker" illusion in which we see a girl being twisted. The cast includes two beautiful dancers and assistants. The inclusion of the audience members is the best in town. They actually make an audience member, a very young man, disappear. He reappears in an illusion later. It got my attention. Taylor Reed's handling of cards is phenominal and totally an amasement. I rate this show a 10.

All Shows are reviewed by Gary R. Wackerly of www.BransonShowsReviewed.com. All nominations and commentaries are decided and awarded by Gary R. Wackerly. The final decision on the nominated winners will be decided by a three-five member committee chaired by Gary R. Wackerly. www.BransonShowsReviewed.com has no affiliation with any show, company, City of Branson, or any Chamber of Commerce.