Presleys’ Country Jubilee                                               The Presley FamilyTheater

      March 25, 2009

The first half outfits of the 2009 Presley show are red and black.  I remember the time, 20 years ago, when the anticipation of the color the costumes would be was a secret that was revealed on opening night.  “Take Me Back” was the opening song and they flowed into “Eight Days A Week”.  A gospel trio sang “First Day In Heaven” which was very good.  Jay Wickizer sang “Only In America” with a country twang in his voice that adds so much.  Devonna Wickizer and Amber Presley sing back-up.  Steve Presley shined a little on the drums.  Herkimer appears and the comedy starts.  I loved his joke about Barrack Obama.  Cortlandt Ingram can really play the fiddle.  He knows how to get the audience moving.  He definitely is a great fiddle player.  Cecil comes out and steals a purse from an audience member.  Another political joke about an Illinois Governor made the audience roar.  Every year Herkimer, Gary Presley, comes up with new and modern appropriate jokes.  Some people, including me, want to see this show just to see what Gary has come up for this year.  Cecil, Eric Presley, began a dance routine to “Stayin’ Alive”.  He is pretty close to being better than his Dad.  Amber Presley arrives on stage to sing Dolly Parton’s “Jolene”.  She is a very pretty young lady and has grown in her talent since the first time I saw her, five years ago.  The final note, she hit and held it amazingly.  Tim Greg stepped out from the band and sang, “Little Liza Jane”.  He plays the guitar effortlessly on the bridge.  One of the cutest tricks, is when they put Cecil in the Time Machine and out pops little Cecil.  John is a fantastic pianist.  I love to watch his eyes.  My Mom goes to this show to see John’s eyes.  He plays the quintessential piano song “Last Date”.  He plays some boogie woogie and demonstrates his great ability that seems to get better with each passing year.  Cecil is a trained “Idiot” and is does a very good job.  He swallows a large balloon that he says he can make into a poodle for a woman from Wisconsin.  His joke about Wisconsin is hilarious.  Greg Presley plays the harmonica and Scott Presley plays the lead guitar.  They are both very talented young men.  Mark Walker, Greg, Scott and Tim all play during the song “Dueling Banjos”.  Jay sings another song very well.  Tim Gregg and Herkimer do a routine with the war of the newspapers that is done every year, but with new jokes.  Gary always keeps it fresh and relevant to today’s news. The cast steps to  the front of the stage with all of them playing different instruments.  They do this  every year, but is always fresh.    The second half featured yellow and black costumes.  Tim Greg performed a bluegrass number very well.  He can sing most genres of music.  We were given a Presley history lesson about the beginning of the Branson Entertainment attractions.  Devonna sang Lynn Anderson’s “Rose Garden”.  I enjoyed her version and I am sure Lynn would also.  Amber Presley returned to sing the Nancy Sinatra song “These Boots Are Made For Walking” She really sang it better than Nancy.  John Presley plays a little Jerry Lee Lewis and plays well.  Amber came out in a lovely dress.  She sang “Cry” which was a Johnnie Ray song, but Lynn Anderson had a huge hit also.  I liked the contemporary twist on this classic.  Her runs are flawless and every note is on pitch.  I think this song could be released today and be another big hit.  If she hasn’t recorded a CD yet, it is time, Amber, It is time.  Amber and John Presley need to do a medley of Captain and Tennille.  Toni Tennille sang and her husband, the captain played the piano.  The entire theater audience would know their songs.  “Walk Don’t Run” and other instrumentals were played by the band and all were in rare form.  Steve Presley is let go on this one and shows his massive talent and desire to play the drums.  The Quartet performs a few times during the show.  The members are Chuck Crain-tenor, Tim Gregg-Lead, David Crouch-baritone and Jay Wickizer-bass.  They are one of the best quartets in town.  Tim sings “I Can Only Imagine” was done so beautifully.  John’s piano and Tim’s vocals add so much to the performance.  Tim’s voice is so clear and distinct.  We are treated to another performance of Greg and his harmonica.  He plays with his brother, Scott, playing the guitar.  The Veterans were introduced and Jay recites a poem, “Ragged Old Flag”.  It was great and brought tears to my eyes.  Of course, I am a hopeless sentimentalist.  The cast was dressed in beautiful red, white, and blue costumes.  They ended their show with total class. 

Rankin Brothers Classic Music Review                         Starlite Theater

      March 17, 2009

       The show opened with an upbeat song, “Once Upon A Time”.  On “Old Time Rock N’ Roll” they came to the front of the stage.  They are very personable and had the audience in their hands.  Mark sang Andy Williams “Moon River” so well I couldn’t believe he would try it in Branson, but he nailed it.  His vibrato, a little quiver, in his voice sets him apart from other male artist.  Bill Reder played the sax and wow, he is good.  On “Cherry Cherry” Mark really sounds like Neil Diamond.  The girls singing back-up is extremely well and adds class to the stage.  Mark tried to sing Elvis and was told not to, by brother, Matt.  There was a video of the brothers doing Jan & Dean from many years ago which led into a live performance of “Barbara Ann”.  Matt does the high parts and Mark shakes what his Mama gave him.  The Everly Brothers medley was really awesome with “Wake Up Little Susie”, “Cathy’s Clown”, and “So Sad” being the songs of choice.  Close your eyes and you believe you are hearing the Everly Brothers of 30 years ago.  Lori Cathcart comes out as Cher and Mark is Sonny and does a great job on “I’ve Got You Babe”.  Lori has an excellent voice but the song is done with a comedy flair.  The oufits were definitely of the 70’s.  ”Homeward Bound”, was sung by Mark with Matt adding the Art Garfunkel parts to Paul Simon’s solo.  The brothers start the obvious song of “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling”.  Mark has that rich baritone voice that Bill Medley had when the record came out.  “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling” is the most played song on the radio of all time.  When Matt starts out “Unchained Medley”, Mark steps back and allows his brother the stage and Matt took it with both hands and feet.  When Matt hit the notes on the line, “I Need Your Love”, and the audience broke out in spontaneous applause and cheers.  Every moment of the song was tremendous.  He did get a standing ovation.  I was again surprised as to the quality of his voice.  Bill Reder sang “I Just Called To Say I Love You” and the audience turned their cell phones on and waved them in the air.  The Brothers came back in the Beach Boys attire.  They sang “Get Around”, Surfin’ Safari”, and “God Only Knows”.  I would love to hear them do “KoKoMo”, my favorite Beach Boy song with the exception of “In My Room”.  Mark tries to do Elvis and Matt stops him again.  Matt teases his brother about having an Elvis Inferiority complex.  The Rankinettes, Lori Cathcart, Betsy Butler, Leanna Arney, do some of the female hits of the 60’s.  Each one does one song each and then they sing one verse of the last song in the set.  “Be My Baby”, “One Fine Day”, “Please Mr. Postman” and “It’s My Party”.  They all have their individual talents and together they are not short of awesome.  I wish they would have done “I Will Follow Him” instead of “It’s My Party”.  Every show in Branson that features the 60’s does “It’s My Party”.  I love it but I think the seldom sung “I Will Follow Him” would have been a better choice so the audience would not hear the same songs as they go from show to show.  Matt came out and wanted to play a kazoo.  Someone tells Matt he is needed back stage so he leaves the stage and Mark appears as Elvis in a beautiful jump suit.  He sings “It’s Now Or Never”, Suspicious Minds” and the “American Trilogy”.  Matt was the one stepping back to feature his brother.  These brothers have much respect for the other one.  The respect for each other oozes from this stage.  The Second half began with Mark dressed as Willie Nelson in a beard and red braded tails with a scarf.  He sings “Always On My Mind”.  He really nailed his mannerisms and voice.  Paul Stephens took the spotlight and did a wonderful jog on “Workin’ Man”.  Mark returns in a cowboy shirt, black hat and pressed jeans and sings “Clear Blue Sky” and became George Strait.  Bill Reder returns with a solo number of “Rockin' Pneumonia”.  Matt appears as Buddy Holly and sings “Peggy Sue”, “Oh Boy”, “That’ll Be The Day”.  The surprises continue as these brothers continue to pay tribute to the best male and duo artists of the 50’s and 60’s.  Matt looks, acts, and sings like Buddy Holly.  Maria Elena Holly says that Matt is the best tribute performer of her late husband.  Mark returns as Neil Diamond in “Coming To America”.  He really knows how to change his intonation and vibrato of his voice to make him different in each tribute he performs.  The girls and brothers move to the front of the stage for the approval that the audience was showering on them.  The Anchor Holds was a moving gospel song that I had never heard and was stunned on how good it was.  The second half began with Mark rolling out a large Juke Box and the girls do Little Eva’s “Locomotion” with great choreography.  Mark can nail Roy Orbison and does “Pretty Woman”, although I would have preferred “Only The Lonely, “Running Scared” or the ballad, “Leah”.  But the highlight of the show has to be “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”.  It features the high parts done by Betsy Butler which was the best thing I have heard in many a months.  The songs “Lost In The 50’s”, Johnny Get Angry” and Henry VIII” were sung near the end of the show.  Joannie Sommers “Johnny Get Angry” was a huge hit that catapulted Joannie to stardom.  I was glad to hear that song again.  Lori Cathcart, a former Miss Oklahoma and 2^nd runner-up to Miss America, sang a beautiful song “I Only Want To Be With You”.  Mark sang a Conway Twitty song and proved that he can do anything with that voice, his wonderful musical instrument.  In Chuck Berry’s “Johnny B Goode”, Mark again does a great job. Matt did the famous guitar dance across the stage as Chuck used to do.  This is one great show from the beginning to the end.  I never thought about their show being a tribute show, but it is and probably the best tribute show in town. 

Ricky Boen And Texas Mud                                  Hamner Barber Theater

       February 12, 2009

    This show features Ricky Boen and Texas Mud, an award winning Western Swing Band of the year in 2001.  Casey Robertson is a very classy drummer and showed off all night.  The band was well dressed in blue denim pants with a pale turquoise western shirt with a white western tie, very classy.  The creator of Western Swing was Milton Brown.  They played two of Mr. Browns songs.  Michelle Inskeep came out and sang a nice bluesy song.  Mark Pearman is an award winning fiddle artist in his own right.  His wife, Kathy Lowe, was in the Lowe Sister's that sang in the 80's at their own theater, which is now the Jim Stafford Theater.  They were absolutely my favorite act in Branson in the late 80's.  Mark Boyd plays a mean guitar.  Watch his fingers they glide across the strings.  I had forgotten how talented Mark Pearman is.  I am glad he is entertaining again.  Ricky Boen and Mark Pearman form the best Twin Fiddlers I have ever seen or heard.  The two of them seem to feed off of each other to force that they perform their best.  Michelle comes out as "Ida Clare" and actually gives a good comedic performance.  The first half ended with a fiddle piece called the "Orange Blossom Special".  Ricky talked about Bob Wills and The Texas Playboys, the king of Western Swing.  I am very amazed at Ricky's talent as a fiddler.  The best medley here was the big band sound of "Take The A Train" and "In The Mood".  I really enjoyed the Western Swing style Big Band Sound.  Michelle sang "Chattanooga Choo-Choo" which was a 40's hit.  Ricky paid tribute to the Veterans by singing "This Land Is Your Land" and "God Bless America".  Their outfits fit the tribute.  They wore blue denim pants, red western shirts, and white cowboy hats.  Michelle sang the song "My Window Faces The South" very good.  After seeing this show, I would recommend it to anyone who likes Western Swing or Western music.  If that is you, then this show is a must for you. 

Riders Of The Circle B Supper Show          Circle B Chuck Wagon

       February 6, 2009

       You have to evaluate this show as a complete experience.  You not only get to see a great Western Music show, but you get feed till your pants are bulging and you stomach says, "That's enough all ready".  You are served popcorn to enjoy while a western movie is being shown.  At about 5:00 PM you are then served the supper.  The supper consists of barbecued pork, sausages, baked potato, beans, applesauce, and spice cake.  With all the tea, coffee and water you can drink, what more could you want.  Then the show begins.  The show opens and closes with self penned songs about the opening and closing the show.  "Cool Water" was especially good because of Earl Vaughan's descant of "Water".  When Christy opens her mouth, she delights your ears.  The cast continues to cut up in many humorous instances.  Louis Darby plays the fiddle with expertise.  Michael Horn's 7 year old son, Jamison, is adding numbers as he becomes accomplished with them.  Christy sings "They Call The Wind Maria" very well.  I like to hear that song from "Paint Your Wagon".  Christy and Michael sang and played an Irish medley.  With all the red hair, you know they have to have some Irish in there family ancestry.  "Memories Are Made Of This" is a song that I enjoyed.  I have never heard that song sung in Branson, a nice touch.  The Patriotic medley was good and I like that fact that it started with "Battle Hymn Of The Republic".  The medley was well put together and appreciated by all.  The show ended with the "Orange Blossom Special".  This whole experience is wonderful.  I would definitely attend this family feast of music and food.  A must see.  A must eat. 

Rock N Roll Is Here To Stay               Branson Star Theater

     May 27, 2009

    The cast of four singers and dancers enter singing "Ole Time Rock N Roll".  I noticed the choreography very quickly.  The singes leave the stage with the band finishing the song with Scott Riley doing the vocal.  Barry Mann's great "Who Put The Bomp" is the next song and one of my favorites of all time.  They sang it tremendously well.  They flowed into "Ready Teddy", "Great Balls Of Fire", and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On".  Kelly sings "At The Hop".  The trip back to the 50's continues with "Ready, Willing, and Able" is sung.  That is a great song and almost forgotten but the recognition comes charging back when you hear it.  Barry Bale, sings "Johnny B. Goode" very well.  This band is absolutely great.  The band is introduced and the wonderful SAX man is introduced and he plays two saxes at the same time.  One was larger than the other.  I think one is called an alto sax.  I am sure Jimmy will correct me if I am wrong.  Amber sings another forgotten song, "To Know Him Is To Love Him".  A couple of songs are sung but I couldn't figure out their titles.  I recognized them but no title came to mind.  Kelly sings "Johnny Angel" and Scott joins her on "Hey Paula".  Chris and Amber sing "Let It Be Me".  The duets are wonderful.  The cast does a comical scene to show us what it looks like backstage performing their quick costume changes.  The band plays while they demonstrate.  The SAX is wonderful this time also.  Elvis and the girls sing "Hard Headed Woman" and "Hound Dog".  I thought that this was Don Solice but the boys are wearing the same costume and exchange every once in awhile.  It was very funny.  Don Solice comes out and performs "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck", "Don't Be Cruel", "Return To Sender", and "All Shook Up".  Don Solice has that great baritone voice with the ability to hit those high notes.  He is a great vocalist and I think he will impress most audience members.  Kelly and Amber sing backup.  He has great voice inflection on "Return To Sender".  He doesn't look like the Elvis we remember, but he sure sounds like him.  He is chubby but so was Elvis when he died.  He sings some movie songs, "Follow That Dream", "Roustabout", and "Little Sister".  I really like the movie period of Elvis music.  My favorite film is "King Creole".  I wish he would have done one or two from that film.  He has great movements during the songs.  Jimmy Raschel plays the twin sax on "Watermelon Man" and Tony Carson plays "Last Date" on the keyboards.  They know how to play.  It is a wonderful band of which to listen.  Kelly sings the great "Will You Love Me Tomorrow".  I sure like her upper register.  She delights me every time she opens her mouth.  The dance medley was very interesting seeing and hearing all of the old 60's dance songs.  They sang and illustrated the dances at the same time.  The dances included, "Dancing In The Street", "Do You Love Me", "The Swim", "Hully Gully", and "The Locomotion".  Kelly sings the Little Eva tune almost better than the original.  The medley continues with "The Name Game", "Hand Jive", and end with "Twist N Shout".  They get people from the audience to dance with them.  The quartet sings the first song "Get Ready.  Kelly sings "Proud Mary".  It is a great way to begin the second half.  They continue with "The Beat Goes On", "Under The Boardwalk", "Big Girls Don't Cry, and "Walk Like A Man".  Scott Sartain does a nice job on the falsetto of Frankie Valle.  Kelly sings "My Guy" and Scott sang "Unchained Melody".  Scott Riley sings "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'".  Kelly sings The Chiffons' hit "Sweet Talkin' Guy" and Amber sings "One Fine Day".  Don Solice comes out again as Elvis and sings the great Ray Peterson hit, "The Wonder Of You".  It was a nice version and I just closed my eyes and I could almost hear Elvis.  Gladys Knight and The Pips appear with Kelly as Gladys on "Midnight Train To Georgia".  This number is one of the best song performances in the show.  Jimmy sings "I Heard It Through The Grapevine" very well.  Amber steps to the front of the stage with "I'll Be There".  The Quartet sings the Osmond's "One Bad Apple".  The choreography is wonderful.  The segway into "A B C" was flawless.  Kelly sings "Respect".  "Freedom" is the next song to be performed.  Don Solice returns with "Suspicious Minds".  His voice has that Elvis twang that all impersonators would love to possess.  I don't hear "Kentucky Rain" in Branson very often so this is a treat.  The next song is "My Way" written by Paul Anka.  The final note is absolutely fantastic.  Don salutes the veterans and sings the "American Trilogy".  The Elvis quiver comes out in this song.  He turns around and shows his beautiful tapestry on his outfit.  What a nice scene!  He finishes with "I Can't Help Falling In Love" which is done during a standing ovation.  The band plays "Goodnight Sweetheart" and the cast comes out and closes with the shows title song, "Rock N Roll Is Here To Stay".  This is a must see show for the lovers of the 50's and 60's.  

Rock U Mentally                             Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater

     This show contains musical lessons for the young.  Bucky Heard (The Blues Brothers) and Chris Skillern (Noah-The Musical) have come up with many songs that teach the young people lessons that everyone should be taught.  The show opens with "Rock U Mentally", an energetic song performed by the cast members, Bucky Heard, Chris Skillern, Angie Skillern, A J Heard, and Kenny Brown.  It gets the show off to a great start.  Then a song is performed that explains why bees are so necessary to the growing of our food.  "Take Care Of The Air We Share" is sung to demonstrate and tell the audience why we need to worry about pollution of the actual air we breathe.  Jon Hickstein performs a trick with a magic hanky.  The audience received it well.  It was presented for the children in the audience and did.  A mad Scientist comes and tells the audience the difference between a crocodile and an alligator.  It was very interesting and reminded me of when I learned that fact and then forgot.  "H2Oh!, the Way To Go" is a great song trying to get us to drink more water.  We all need that.  If you are approached by a stranger "Find A Grownup You Know".  The song tells us if approached, say "Whoa!" and find an adult you know before saying "Hello".  Jammy Jam is a song about needing rest and they also use the time to advertise their wares for sale.  The CD is great and inexpensive.  Jon suspends a girl from the audience in the air with nothing to see how he did it.  "Imagine What You Can Do" is a song about doing things for yourself and investigating your hidden talents and abilities.  "Don't Standby, But Stand Up" is a song about bullying and telling someone when a person is being hurt by someone else.  "CoOper8" shows you that if you work with people, together you might accomplish the desired task.  "Pollution Solution" talks about what we are doing to our planet by polluting the earth with our trash and plastics.  Imagination boxes are decorated by the audience members.  The kids got into the action and decorated boxes with the song sung "Imagine What You Can Do".  This show is a must see for our young visitors as well as adults.  We are in the need of realizing what we as a society and or constant pollution our world.  Take your families for a funny, educational, and spirited show with great imagination.

S I X                                                                   Hughes American Family Theater

        March 13, 2009

      The new outfits are classy.  Lynn sings the solo and the guys have some new choreography.  Harmony is always great and if you are not watching, you might mistake a brother's identity because their voices can sound similar.   Curtis and Lynn are two of my favorite vocalists.  I really enjoy both men when they do a solo because of the tenor tones that they can provide.  Barry has a great falsetto voice, as does Curtis.  Kevin plays a horn, with his voice.  Lynn does some scatting.  Curtis demonstrates how the group gets a guitar sound without having an instrument.  Barry plays the horn extremely well.  Jak sounded like an acoustic bass.  Owen is the drums.  Put them together and you have a band.  People don't understand how these guys can sound like a band and still sing, well they do it six times a week and proves it.  Curtis, Jak, Lynn, and Owen takes the steps and sings a great Doo-wop.  The humor that Lynn and Kevin shows is good.  Barry, as Frankie Valle, is great.  He interacts with the group very well.  I love "Sherry" and I really enjoy hearing him do it.  You get to see Frank Sinatra.  Lynn nails Frank Sinatra on the song "My Way".  His voice is smooth as silk.  He has that swagger and intonation of Sinatra down perfectly.  It was wonderful.  I would have like to hear another song.  Curtis does Wayne Newton with a funny lyrical version of his great hit, "Danke Schoen".  His performance is very comical.  Lynn portrays Tom Jones extremely well.  His vocals are excellent.  Jak is a good MC because he has a flair for comedy.  He finds the longest married couple and can turn their conversation into a comedy sketch.  I have seen him do it time and time again.  Curtis sang "Unchained Melody" with his great tenor voice.  The audience exploded in applause when he hit the notes on the lyrics "I need your love".  I could eagerly listen to him sing the phone book. S I X does a Beach Boys medley that is awesome.  My favorite Beach Boys song is KoKoMo and Curtis does it well.  I wish it would have been longer.  Owen does "Without Or Without" very well.  I didn't realized he had such a rich tenor voice.  Jak does "I Could Be Your Hero" and I loved it.  Of course, comedy was a big part of it.  The half ended with the song "Shout".  The audience was very receptive to the brothers.  The opening medley of the second half consisted of some of the best songs of the late 50's.  You don't hear "Duke Of Earl" or "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" much in Branson and it was a welcome experience.  KTKT in Tucson played "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" every day between 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM so I could hear the song while I was in the children's hospital for 5 months.  I could only listen to the radio between those hours everyday.  The great Rays' song "Silhouettes" was done by Barry.  A comic sketch about "musics", the plural of music. Hah?  He takes barbershop and combines it with rock and gets barber-rock.  It was hilarious.  "Amazing Grace"  was a wonderful song in which most of the brothers with solo parts while wearing beautiful black suits and red satin shirts.  Classy!  They introduced their Dad and he got a round of applause. They all sang the last song "God Bless The USA".  Lynn's solo part was good because of his quality voice shown in that "Frank Sinatra" style.  They got a standing ovation and I could tell that the audience had just seen a great show.  You know what, I do too.  Don't miss this show, it is a must.

Spirit Of The Dance                                  Branson Variety Theater

       June 19, 2009

     Curtain opens to a cloud on stage with the entire cast in different positions on the floor.  The cloud dissipates and one cast member, Fran Elkins, is raised above.  The music is outstanding.  They are telling a story of the "Spirit of the Dance".  A spirit appears at the back of the stage.  The next number is an Irish number that has the young ladies dancing a "jig".  It is very energetic and very well done.  The boys replace the girls and dance extremely well.  They form a four sided line and swing around the middle.  I have always loved this formation.  Too bad I don't know what it is called.  They break and form 3 lines and continue to dance.  The female singer, Fran Elkins, appears and the dancers enter from each side.  It is a beautifully choreographed and the dramatization is exceptional.  Fran begins an Irish jig and every time she moves to a side of the stage more dancers join her and they continue the dance across the stage.  This dance is amazing.  A dancer is seen on stage in a kilt.  It is a nice touch.  The boys enter the stage in kilts also.  The music, even though is recorded, is very beautiful and thoroughly enjoyable.  Some girls join and the Scottish dancers perform.  Two men perform a Scottish sword dance.  The tall blonde, Mark Hobson-Middleton, comes out to the stage and has fun with the audience.  It ends up that he is training the audience to perform.  The audience is trained to clap a certain number of claps and at certain times.  A very familiar song is played and Mark plays the audience like a conductor.  It was really amazing and comical at the same time.  He is quite a talent.  Two bongo players come out and another dancer joins Mark and they perform a number as the rest of the cast join them.  They pound on the stage in a way to show rhythm.  It is awesome to see and hear the dancers perform the routine.  Fran Elkins and Scott Giles enter the stage and Fran performs "Danny Boy".  It is a beautiful presentation.  The song he performs is "Where Is the Spirit of the Dance".  The two songs are performed in rotating sequences.  The female dancers enter the stage in red dresses.  The dancers are dancing and the hands are clapping and it is very neat to see and hear this live.  True talent is shown by this cast in their dancing from the very beginning.  Five boys enter the stage and dance a number to drums.  The girls joined them and Scott Gilles handled his solo with tremendous talent and skill.  Five girls dance to an upbeat song and Mark Hobson-Middleton and dances with one girl who remained on the stage.  It was absolutely fantastic.  Scott Gilles and Victoria Hobson-Middleton dance a solo and Wow!  What a performance this is.  Four girls and boys join them and create a dancing masterpiece.  It is almost like a dancing duel.  I am very impressed with this number.  The two original dancers return to put the icing on the cake.  The entire cast joins them to perform the finale for the first half.  The curtain opens to fog again with Fran raised high above the rest of the cast on the arms of some of the boys.  They perform precision movements with their arms and feet.  These are very impressive.  An Irish dance is done by most of the girls.  The rest of the cast join them on stage and the featured dancer, Victoria Hobson-Middleton, dances one of the best dances so far.  A male cast member enters the stage and performs "You Raise Me Up".  It is a tremendous song and thoroughly enjoyable.  Another cast member joins him as does Mark Hobson-Middleton.  The music is wonderful.  A cowboy number is danced by Victoria and Scott.  Girls join them and they are in beautiful cowboy outfits that sparkle.  The boys join them and dance a beautiful and energetic number.  Scott and Victoria also begin the next number in the tropics.  Five couples demonstrate some wonderful choreography by dancing together.  Scott and Victoria are at center stage.  The holds and movements are awesome.  More expert dancing is illustrated at every turn in this show.  As I have said, no one can doubt that the dance troop is the best in the area.  The Can-Can is next and it was started by Mark.  You know every time he is on stage because he towers over everyone else.  A line dance is performed while they danced the Can-Can.  I did notice a redhead female dancer that sure could kick her legs above her head.  Victoria dances with one of the boys and is joined by some other cast members.  The boys enter the stage wearing top hats which remind me of Bob Fosse's "A Chorus Line".  They sit down at the edge of the stage and performed precision movements with their hands on each other's knees.  I think this is one of the best movements that they do.  They were given a standing ovation.  Much energy is expended during the dancing.  It is amazing to me that they have the energy to go non-stop for almost 2 hours.  The entire cast enters the stage and is applauded as they bow.  This is an extremely better show than I saw last year.  I will see it again.

Strait Country w/Patsy Cline                    Imax Little OpryTheater

      March 26, 2009

    James Garrett opens with “Write This Down”.  He wears clothes that look like George Strait.  His voice has a good country tone.  His voice sounds a little different than it did in the Rocky Mountain High show that he has in the morning.  Jim Glaspy and Randy Plummer handle the harmony with ease.  James talks about meeting George.  His memories are very interesting.  In “The Cowboy Rides Away”, his voice is pleasing and enjoyable.  The music flows from James with ease.  Randy uses the upright bass so well and there is a difference between the bass fiddle and the bass guitar.  Karina Glaspy and Randy sing a gospel song, “Far Side Of The Banks Of Jordan”.  Then Karina sings some Patsy Cline.  She does a great job and handles the task with ease.  Her intonation is very similar to the real Patsy Cline.  Jim shines as a great lead guitarist.  The vibrato in her voice at the end of each line shows she has studied Patsy.  On the guitar introduction, you know what song she is going to sing before she opens her mouth, “Crazy”.  She has great mic control and knows how to use it properly.  James comes to the stage again and they sing an old Colin Ray song, “Love Me”.  He tells about auditioning with Colin Ray and winning the part.  Then Colin Ray hit the big time with that song.  Every once in a while, a little John Denver creeps into his voice, but he does do George Strait well.  The two classics, “Amarillo By Morning”  and “The Chair” were done expertly.  George would be happy.  They talk about being from Dublin, Texas, where the first Dr. Pepper plant was built.  Randy does “Love Bug” and George Jones and George Strait song.  The audience got so involved that it caused the cast to laugh and then nobody could sing.  The laughter rolled down to the stage from the chairs.   James Garrett, Jim Glaspy, Karina Glaspy, and the incomparable Randy Plummer set this show apart as one of the best dinner hour show.  There is no intermission but you still get all of the music in this show.  The cast talks to the audience as if they were in their own living room. Karina does another Patsy song.  Jim had a tremendous bridge on his guitar.  He has to be one of the best guitarists in the city.  Karina sang one of Patsy’s less known song, “You Were Only Fooling”.  Karina, Jim and Randy did “Can’t Help Falling In Love” different than what I have ever heard.  The ending was wonderful.  It was a very mellow version.  I would love to have a copy of that song at home.  James returned to the stage carrying a pink hat.  He told us that is was a hat the Jeanne Kendall wore when she performed on stage.  Karina put it on and then proceeded to sing “Heaven’s Just a Sin Away” with James doing the part that he performed while touring with Jeanne.  James and Karina tell a funny story about why Karina got a spanking about this song.  She kept walking around her house, at the age of 5, and her father did not want her singing about heaven being a sin away.  So he spanked her.  Now she sings it in the show, even when her father comes to see her show.  He took a request from me and sang “Ocean Front Property”.  He did it very well and I really enjoyed it.  The song “The Fireman” sounded like George Strait the most in the concert.  I guess this is going to be the closest I ever see George Strait.  What George Strait show would not have “I Cross My Heart” from Pure Country as part of it?  Not a single one and this show is not the exception.  I liked this show better than “Rocky Mountain High”, even though if you have time, see both.  You have got to know that I like George Strait better than John Denver, so that might be influencing me.  This is a nice show to see and actually feel that you are in the performers’ living room.

Sunday Gospel Jubilee                                       Grand Country Music Hall

       March 8, 2009

     The opening number is a rousing upbeat song done very well.  The harmony is good.  The outfits are well thought out and nice to look at.  Mindee takes a solo part on "My Lord And I".  The next number is "Just A Little Talk With Jesus" and began with Mike Patrick playing his piano.  Doug added a solo to the song.  Mike and Brad begin the comedy skit of the show which goes on throughout the show.  They are good at it.  I could hear the parts in the harmonizing that is demonstrated throughout the show.  Greg has a nice pleasant voice that is definitely enjoyable.  "Put Your Hand In The Hand" was done well by Mike Patrick and backed-up by Brad, Mindee, and Doug.  "Just A Little While" was sung by Greg and his parents.  Mike and Brad continue the comedy.  Doug sang "My God Is Real".  Randy was introduced and cited as a 35 year veteran of the Branson Music scene.  His self-penned song, "On The Sound of Angel Wings".  The song was presented expertly and really was a beautiful song with a good testimony.  I enjoyed a number I heard with the Braschlers for many years.  Much energy is shown on the stage as well as musical ability.  Doug's son, Garrett, sings a song.  He sure has grown.  The second half contains more demonstrations of the band and good it really is.  The steel guitar, Phil Koontz, is one of the best.  Jenine tells a heartwarming story about a little girl who died in 1883 at the age of less than a year.  Her song "Minnie O. Knickerbocker is great.  The family visited the grave 110 years to the day of her death.  She left wrote the poem and then set it to music.  I really enjoyed the whole song and story.   That is the favorite part for me.  Mike's begging to play the piano is enjoyable and I was glad he finally played a piece.  He started "Last Date", I really like that song, but this is a gospel show.  Mike made his song sound a little ragtime.  If you like gospel music, this is the show for you.  They are a talented family.  Mike Patrick and Phil Koontz added much talent to the mix. 

Take It To The Limit/Eagles Tribute                     God & Country Theater

        May 9, 2009

   They opened with "There's Gonna Be A Heartache Tonight".  They are really great at playing music of the Eagles.  One of the lead singers, Jon Paul Sousan, is a vast improvement over what I saw last year.  I walked out of their show at the RFD Theater.  I wouldn't and will never walk out on this group.  They are fantastic.  "In The City" is performed with Larry having the solo.  Larry Holiday is a tremendous talent.  He has a great singing voice and I thoroughly enjoy him.  He has great tone and his range is supreme.  Jon sang "James Dean".  It is a good song that has lyrics that I appreciate.  Larry Holiday sang the next solo on "The Sun's Coming Up".  Gregory Morton was the soloist for "One Of These Nights".  The guitar bridge solo was exceptional by Larry.  There is a massive amount of talent on the stage.  The vocals of this group is top notch.  No matter who has the solo it works so well.  Greg sings "Love Will Keep Us Alive" from the Eagles album "Hell Freezes Over".  He also displays a great talent for the vocals.  Larry and Greg's guitar playing is extremely enjoyable.  Larry has the next solo on "Already Gone" and again he will wow you.  Jon and Greg also joined in the vocals.  This band has at least four great vocalist.  I am so glad I saw this show.  The second half has songs that crossed over to the country charts.  The entire band started singing acapella on "Midnight Flyer".  Jon and Larry did most of the singing after the intro.  Larry sang the next song extremely well, "Lyin' Eyes".  They do an enormous job on vocals.  The segway between songs is flawless with the song "Already Standing On The Ground".  The bass guitar is good.  Larry had a guitar solo at the bridge.  In between some songs they give some Eagles trivia.  That part of the show makes the show so entertaining.  They were to perform in New York City on September 11, 2001.  9-11 occurred and they wrote a song after returning to their hotel rooms.  The lyrics are extremely moving and touching in the song "There Is A Hole In The World Tonight".  The vocals are sung by everybody.  Greg sang "Witchy Woman".  The song was one of the first songs recorded by the Eagles and I remember it well.  Jon sang the great song "Desperado".  They sing the fire out of the song and Jon is tremendous.  It flowed so smoothly as honey does in the summer sun.  Larry sang my favorite song, "Take It Easy".  I really like his voice on this song and any others also.  Greg took the bridge and his solo on the guitar is excellent.  "Take It To The Limit" is played and is really enjoyable.  I could listen to him sing all day and be happy.  He has great quality in his voice that is enormously appreciated.  Jon sings the solo on "Hotel California" and it is amazing.  The blend of the voices is tremendous.  The last song is "Life In The Fast Lane" with a fantastic lead guitar duet by Greg Morton and Larry Holiday.  This is a great show for people who like classic rock of the 70's and 80's band "The Eagles.  I think it will eventually have great success here in Branson.  You must see this show before the crowds fill the auditorium.  This is a must for baby boomers and younger people.

Tony Roi's Elvis Experience                        New Americana Theater

       March 11, 2009

    Tony enters the stage wearing a black, gold beaded jump-suit.  He has brought the art of studying Elvis to a new level.  He looks and acts like Elvis did when he was in his 30's.  The segway between "Have You Heard The News" and "I Got Stung".  I enjoy watching the women act when Tony shakes his thing.  We, men, can understand their frenzy because me might understand if Ann-Margret was on stage.  He knows how to control a stage.  The first scarf came out on "I Want You, I Need You, I Love You".  The second set started with "Heartbreak Hotel"  and caught most of the fifties hits.  Tony must be a member of the Haygood Weight Control Plan.  He is always in action.  He really is able to command the audience to do almost anything.  When he introduced "All Shook Up" as the biggest hit by Elvis.  His version of "Don't Be Cruel" had a little melody change, I liked it.  Dino Phillips, the drummer, is able to shine in this show.  Tony has a comic flair and uses that flair to control the audience.  Elvis recorded over 800 songs.  Two of them were Eddy Arnold songs.  "You Don't Know Me" and " Make the World Go Away" were sung back to back.  He has beautiful breath control and his voice has a wonderful tone.  When he came down the steps and got closer to the women in the audience, they screamed.  He has the lip quiver move nailed.  I would consider Tony and Elvis great baritones.  "Love Me Tender" was sung with much heart.  Tony did "Return To Sender" from the movie "Girls, Girls, Girls".  I can still visualize Elvis and Stella Stevens in that movie.  While in Las Vegas in 1970, Elvis recorded "The Wonder Of You".  Most people consider that song an Elvis song, I consider it a Ray Peterson, of "Tell Laura I Love Her"  fame, song.  I actually feel Tony's version is as good, if not better, than the Elvis version.  I like his "Little Sister", but maybe "Little of Egypt" from "Routabout" would be better.  Then Tony sang a self-penned song that was absolutely beautiful.  Then it was time for the great "Can't Help Falling In Love" that ended the half.  He takes pictures with any audience member that wants to purchase one.  The photographers do a good job.  I should have got one to hang in my office.  The second half he came out in a white, fringed, beaded jump-suit.  His choice of attire solidifies his portrayal of Elvis when Elvis was in his 30's.  In "Burning Love" he illustrates his talent of moving.  I liked the hunka hunka shake.  The women screamed again.  Dino Phillips did a bridge drum solo and it was wonderful.  When he began "Suspicious Minds", I knew it was that song from the first note and the anticipation of the audience.  He has good interaction with the band and back-up singers.  They clowned around sometimes, which made it more enjoyable.  He got a standing O from about one-third of the crowd.  I enjoyed the introduction to "Polk Salad Annie".  It was funny.  Tony talks about what would happen when Tony got older.  He said he would come out and have someone help him move his hips.  I thought that was a thought to ponder on.  How would Elvis be performing today in his 70"s.  Well maybe I will live long enough, so Tony can show me.  He then did the Timi Yuro song, "Hurt".  I enjoyed it almost as well as my friend, Brenda Lee, does on stage.  For me that is a wonderful compliment to Tony.  Another standing O was given by more of the audience.  Tony tells the story of Mac Davis writing a song, taking it to the Righteous Brothers and Bill Medley said take it to Elvis and he did and "In The Ghetto" was the result.  One of my favorite songs by Elvis plus "Don't Cry Daddy".  He refreshed the melody and it was totally acceptable.  Tony sang an original song, "Don't Walk Away".  WOW! what a great song.  Elvis recorded Eddie Rabbits song, "Kentucky Rain", which made the career of Eddie Rabbitt.  This is the best song performed that the back-up singers and Tony totally NAILED the performance.  Tony and the girls leave the stage to allow the band to show off.  And man did they ever show off.  Each member of the band took a segment and played the fire out of their instruments.  When Tony and the girls came back out, Tony was in a white jump-suit with a light blue scarf that matched the girls floor length gowns.  I thought these outfits were the best looking of all.  They began a gospel medley that included one of Tony's original songs.  Elvis was a great gospel singer as is Tony.  He sang a few songs off his newly released gospel CD.  Dino, Stephanie, and Nicole joined Tony to sing the song that was broadcast world wide before he was shipped to Germany during Elvis's tour in the army.  I saw several moments of the real Elvis in "How Great Thou Art".  He finished with the patriotic song "America The Beautiful" and the absolutely Elvis's version of "American Trilogy".  The entire audience stood up and gave a standing O, except me.  I was too busy writing to notice until I finished my sentence.  I would have liked Tony to sing "The Lady Loves Me" with one of the girls to pay a tribute to "Viva Las Vegas" and the sexy Ann-Margret.  This is the ultimate show for Elvis lovers.  However, it is a fantastic show to the people who appreciate great music and showmanship as I do.

Top Ten Rock N Roll Revue                Branson Mall

        April 7, 2009 / May 30, 2009

      When the curtain open to begin the show, Marvin, Dana, and Jesse is standing at the front of the stage.  Michael Lacy on drums, Steve Ragsdale on lead guitar, Randy Hall on bass guitar, and Darrell Croy on Keyboard is the band that is set up at the back of the stage.  The song is "Old Time Rock N Roll.  They show amazing harmony and vocal prowess.  Steve sings "Roll Over Beethoven" very well.  Marvin and the band then play a TV series theme, "Peter Gunn".  Darrell does "Kansas City" on the keyboard.  He demonstrates his ability on the keyboard and the vocals.  Marvin is more than featured in this show.  He is co-headliner with Darrell.  I have always loved his instrumentals such as "Tequila".  Dana sings "I Heard It Through The Grape Vine" with much pizzazz.  The band is awesome behind Dana.  Jesse sings "Build Me Up Buttercup".  This song is not a usual song that you will hear in a show in Branson.  It is very refreshing to hear different songs.  Marvin and Dana sings backup for Jesse.  Steve plays "Show Me The Way", a guitar solo with part of the sounds coming from his mouth.  Marvin sings "Joy To The World" with that raspy voice that fits this song.  The girls do a 50's medley.  They blend well and are thoroughly enjoyable.  My favorite in the medley is "Da Da Doo Ron Ron".  The girls are a delight to listen to and very easy on the eyes.  Marvin sings a medley of Sam Cooke songs, "What A Wonderful World", "Cupid", and "Another Saturday Night".  I am impressed with the vocal quality of Marvin's voice.  He was never featured as much at "50's At The Hop", as he is in this show.  The costumes are very beautiful and well thought out.  Kudos goes to Michelle Sevryn for her costume work.  The girls are wonderful, could be the best duo act in town.  "You Can't Hurry Love" is the highlight of the medley.  Dana sings "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" with Darrell adding a keyboard solo.  You will get to see Branson's version of "Dancing With The Stars" as Marvin and Jesse's dance to "She's Not There".  The band scores them.  The "Twist" is played and some of the audience members are encouraged to dance.  Dana sings some Stevie Nicks of Fleetwood Mac.  She really is costumed so appropriately.  Steve Ragsdale does some Steve Miller with "She's Not There", and he is right on.  Jesse does an Air Supply song "The One That You Love".  It is so fantastic that I think it might be the front runner for "Best Song Performance".  Marvin and Darrell go wild on some other songs, "Night Train" and "You Can't Sit Down".  A Doo Wap section is very good.  It features Marvin, Dana, Randy, Jesse, and Steve.  Marvin sings "Little Bitty Pretty One" and it is so good.  A piano was set up behind the curtain while the Doo Wop medley was being sung.  Darrell Croy plays that piano just as good, if not better, than Jerry Lee Lewis does.  He becomes Jerry Lee right before your eyes.  He will do "Who Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", "Breathless", "High School Hop", and end with "Great Balls Of Fire".  He pounds on that piano just as Jerry Lee used to do.  I wonder how often he has to have that piano tuned.  Marvin opens the second half with "I Feel Good".  Jesse does a Linda Ronstadt song "It's So Easy".  She has an amazing voice.  I heard her at "50's At The Hop", but here she is great.  The drummer, Mike Lacy, has a great solo on "Green Onions", that starts with a beat and steady ups the tempo to an amazing display of flying sticks.  Marvin, Jesse, Dana, and Steve sing a Mama's And Papa's medley that is absolutely wonderful consisting of "Monday, Monday" and "California Dreaming".  They are absolutely fantastic.  They will be nominated for best Quartet.  Steve does some Eric Clapton, "After Midnight" and does it well.  The girls are dressed to match Steve's coat.  Steve has a great knack for playing lead guitar and shows it on the second Eric Clapton song, "Sunshine Of My Love"and then "I Shot The Sheriff".  He does a ballad "No More Tears In Heaven", with only him on the stage, sitting on a stool, playing an acoustic guitar and wows us with his talent.  He continues to play the guitar as Eric Clapton did many years ago.  Dana and Marvin do an exceptional duet "Love Lift Us Up Where We Belong".  What a job those two do.  Marvin makes his tour of the audience playing the sax to "When A Man Loves A Woman".  He is so good, I could listen to him play all day and not get tired of it.  Steve joins in and takes the number to new heights.  The audience applauded and cheered in the middle of the song.  Marvin did "Rock This Town" very well and the cast was introduced again.  This is a new show, but not a new cast.  They have been on the Branson scene for over a dozen years and show their professionalism at all times.  I would say this is a must see in Branson this year.  I will return many times.  I was honored to present their 2008 awards during this performance for Marvin Short, Best Saxophone Artist, and Darrell Croy, Best Pianist. 

Tribute To John Denver/Rocky Mountain High               Imax Little Opry

       February 6, 2009

       James Garrett does a whole show based on John Denver.  He does do one Kendall song of which he belong to that Grammy Award winning group.  His voice is clear, precise and melodic.  Randy Plummer adds much as a background singer.  It was good to see Randy of the Plummer Family.  James tells stories of most of the songs they do.  It was interesting to learn.  I like the country version of "Leavin' On A Jet Plane".  Jim Glaspy is great on the Dobro, banjo, and guitar.  His fingers dance across the strings.  Enjoyed the bluegrass version of "Amazing Grace".  Randy really is great on spiritual numbers.  James sang many John Denver songs that are not well known but still very enjoyable.  Again, his stories are entertaining.  I don't hear the dulcimer very often, but we get to hear it on at least two numbers.  James tells the story of "Whisperin' Jesse" being written and it was interesting.  It was a beautiful song and thoroughly enjoyable.  James then began singing several of John's more popular songs including "Rocky Mountain High" and "Sunshine".  James started "Sunshine" all by himself and then the band joined in after awhile.  Randy sang a self penned song, "One of These Days".  Karina joined James Garrett and sang the Kendall's smash hit, "Heaven's Just A Sin Away".  I have never heard a woman be able to duplicate Jeannie Kendall's voice like Karina.  The show ended with "Annie's Song" and "Country Roads" at my request.  When he asked the people for requests, he really meant it.  A great show for everyone who likes John Denver.

Wade Benson Landry's Swingin' Cajun Style                   God & Country Theater

        May 8, 2009

      Wade enters the stage and plays a rousing number involving everyone on stage.  The drummer, Guidry, showed he is a great drummer from the first song and continues through the entire show.  They play a medley of Mel Tillis hits.  Wade and Phil Koontz were members of Mel's Statesiders.  "Heart Over Mind", "One More Time", "I'm Tired", and "I Ain't Never" are the songs that are sung during the medley.  I enjoyed the entire medley, but my favorite was Ray Peterson's big hit, "I'm Tired".  The segways are absolutely flawless.  Some of them are done so well, unless you know the songs, you might think they were one song.  Phil Koontz sings "Lovin' On Back Street" extremely well.  Wade and Teresa are not the only great singers in this show.  Phil has a classic country type voice.  Wade sings harmony with Phil.  Teresa Bowe Landry is introduced and demonstrates her great voice by singing "Excuse Me, I Think I've Got A Heartache".  Wade plays his fiddle in almost every song.  That is the best part of the show, listening to Branson's Best Fiddle player in action.  With Teresa and Phil singing also this show is one of the best morning shows around.  Phil played the steel guitar at the Grand Ole Opry and with many Country stars touring bands.  They perform several Jimmy C. Newman songs and do it very well.  This song is the first hint of Cajun flavor you will experience.  Usually an instrumental bridge in a song is not extremely entertaining, but with this band it is almost the highlight.  I loved the duel between the fiddle and the drums.  I think the drums won today.  Wade introduces each member of the band and it is as entertaining as an introduction can get.  He will speak to the audience and when someone gives their home state name, the band opens up with song.  It is a nice idea.  A string broke on his guitar.  His wife went and got a new string.  While still singing and the band playing, he replaces the broken string, tunes the fiddle and takes off from where he left off.  Amasing entertainer he is.  He played an old Cajun song from Louisiana, "Jolie Blon".  It was a nice song and very enjoyable.  Teresa sings "Someday Soon" as they are telling about the items they have for sale.  I could listen to her all day and never get tired of hearing that good voice.  "Tout Les Soir", which means Every Night, was sung in French.  Several of the songs are French, but he does sing a verse in English.  The Cajun style of music is when Wade is at his best.  "Jambalaya" was the last song sung before the half.  Wade announced that he was given the "Best Fiddle Artist" from FAME (Family's Advocating Moral Entertainment.  Teresa sings "Bump House Boogie".  Phil sings "San Antonio Rose" with a very long instrumental intro.  It was extremely entertaining.  Teresa sings "Sugar Moon" which showed off that husky sound I hear in her voice that I like.  It makes her voice identifiable and distinct.  In the middle of the song, they switch to Glenn Miller's "Pennsylvania 6-5000".  It was cool how they are able to go from one song to another without people knowing they have done that.  "Faded Love" and "Milk Cow Blues" were also performed.  Wade is a maestro of the fiddle.  He also plays the mandolin on several numbers.  I love the song "Rolly Polly".  Now I have heard it twice in Branson, the first time was "Keith Allen As Redkneckers".  I think they both do a great job.  I liked the way that the melody for "North To Alaska" and wrote new words to "South To Louisiana".  Adam plays the accordion on several songs while Wade and the band play on.  However, now there is no drummer, so with the help of video, Adam also plays the drums.  A cute idea and I enjoyed seeing Adam doing both.  Mardi Gras arrives in Branson right before the end of the second half.  Beads are thrown out into the audience and a King and Queen of Mardi Gras are selected and crowned.  They ended the show with the spiritual song "What a Friend We Have In Jesus" and "When the Saints Go Marching In".  This is one entertaining show for people who like classic country and Cajun music.  Wow!

The Warnocks                                                                                   Branson Mall Theater

          May 30, 2009

      This show featured my favorite female sister group since the Lowe Sisters.  Lyle, Dallen Gettling, is supposed to get a mic and stool off the stage and it turns into a good comic review.  The Warnocks are on the stage when the curtain goes up.  They sing "Johnnie B. Goode" with their great choreography by Sandi, the mother, and Rhonda, the fourth oldest daughter.  Emilee sings "Rockin' Robin" with all the energy she can muster.  Three girls dance behind her.  The next song is "Lollipop" and a man is brought up on stage to provide the pop in the song.  I thought they did this song better than the Chordettes who actually recorded it about 50 years ago.  Kathrine Warnock wrote the next song when she was 11.  It is entitled "Sisters" and is extremely well done.  I have always liked the melody and I get to hear it anytime I want since I bought every CD that they had available.  Jamie, their father, plays the guitar on the song.  The song "Walking On Sunshine" demonstrates the family's ability to dance and sing at the same time.  Dallen come out in front of the curtain and does a little comedy and sang a funny "I Have Been In Branson" and sings it very well.  Girls come out in Cowgirl outfits and sings "Happy Girl" with all of them sharing the solo parts.  The harmony is great.  Jamie sings "I Want To Talk About Me" and choreography is very entertaining with Jamie trying to get to the front of the stage.  He comments on living with six women.  The song was cute and well acted out.  "Country Roads" is sung next with Ashlee taking the descant part.  They sing it acappela.  Sandi joins them and sings and dance to "Twist N Shout".  Jamie also joins them.  The dancing is exceptional.  Emilee steps to the front and chooses a man to come up on stage and sings "These Boots Are Made For Walking".  Jamie has a story about having more children.  Costumes are changed while Sandi and Jamie, Mom and Dad, sing "Life Is A Road".  Watching this show, you can tell where the girls get their beauty and voices.  The entire family sings the chorus.  Sandi is a former dance instructor and has shared this with the family with great success.  Sandi tells the audience the Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ has been good to them and thank him for the talents that they have enjoyed.  They sing a beautiful version of "Amazing Grace" which ends the half.  The second half begins with the girls and Dallen singing a song, "That's Amore".  It is a cute number, as he messes up and goes straight into a comedy skit.  The curtain goes up with the sisters on the stage.  Ashlee sings "Over The Rainbow" showing their great harmony.  The arrangement, D'Vaun Pershing, was very entertaining and was totally enjoyable.  "Soak Up The Sun" was done very nicely.  Their harmony shined.   "Swinging On A Star" was done just as if they were at their Grandmother's house and acappella as well.  The ending is a Kodak moment.  "Baby I Love You" is sung whle Jamie gets to dance with all of his daughters.  Get ready for another Kodak moment at the end of the song.  "One Bad Apple" is sung very well.  They do a great job on the Osmond's hit song.  They might be the female Osmonds.  Dallen sings a 24 hour life of a Mom.  It is wonderful and funny.  The song is sung to the "William Tell Overture".  The sisters sing "Boogie Woogie Boy From Company C".  I like the beautiful dresses that they are wearing.  Jamie plays the horn on the song also.  Kathrine speaks of the time that her husband spent on duty in the Middle East.  They sing acappella "Don't Sit Under The Apple Tree".  Jamie and Sandi come to the front of the stage and sing "God Bless The USA".  Dallen sings a verse and does it well.  I never knew he had such a good voice.  The cast looks so nice in their outfits.  They really can sing and dance very well.  I give kudos to Sandi who taught them to dance and Jamie who taught them to sing.  Good job Mom and Dad.  But we are the lucky ones because we get to enjoy them on stage. 

Yakov's Moscow Circus                                       Yakov Theater

             June 26, 2009

Andre, one of the stars, comes out and gets the audience playing volley ball with a large ball.  No one knew what he was doing until he had two people stand up to be the net poles and strung masking tape across the audience to a net pole at the back of the audience.  I was the pole at the front of the stage.  He seemed to love picking on me because I was a "theater critic".

1.   This show consists of many different acts.  I was not given a list before the show so I am winging on my own.  The curtain opened to six Russian Soldiers marching in precision. 

2.   Anthony rides a unicycle onto the stage.  He sits cones on the stage and then jumps over them.  He uses a seat less cycle is ridden and he is able to jump from one to the other as he runs around in a circle.  The final trick has him jumping without touching the stage from one unicycle to another. 

3.   The song Fascination plays as a ballerina dances.  The clown and ballerina interact with one another.  She gets on a hook and swings.  She eventually balances from the small of her back.  The clown has a leaf blower and has an act of blowing things around including blowing an entire roll of toilet paper that nearly covered me. 

4.   Irena has a group of dogs that are dressed up like lions and panthers.  The dogs do all sorts of tricks on the stage.  They exit in a line from the largest dog to the little tiny one.  They were so cute and adorable. 

5.   Andre comes out with Boris the dog.  He tries to get him to do tricks but he doesn't respond.  It is really quite funny.

6.   Alana brings fire to the stage and ceremoniously lights two chains with fire on the end.  She swings the chains around and does this to music.  She eventually lights two fan type metal objects with five fire ends.  She performs so well and is extremely a beautiful scene.

7.   Andre steps on stage again and this time he has lighted balls and he juggles them.

8.   Russian Siberian  bears walk across a bridge on their hind legs.  Then they walk on their front legs.  They ride a bike and peddle themselves.  One bear walks on his hind feet and balances on a rolling cylinder.  He jumps over hurdles on hind legs and balances on a ball.  They walk across a raised walkway with pads on his hind legs and back legs.  Then he rides an elevated bike.  They then dance and hops on one foot.  I think this is the best act so far.

Second Half

1.   Beautifully dressed girls with large headdresses move about the stage with precision.  They come out and dance with tambourines.  Two girls are swung around linked together. 

2.   Andre enters on a little unicycle and juggles rings.  He went from 3 rings to 4 rings and then to 5 rings.  He ring tossed to audience members and included me. 

3.   Anthony plays with bubbles.  He blows bubbles through his hands.  He created a bubble in a bubble.  The elongated bubbles were very beautiful.  A huge hoop makes a bubble tunnel.  They bring a little girl from the audience to stand on a pedestal as he forms a bubble around her.  He takes a large loop that has little hoops and makes a million bubbles on the stage.  It was truly beautiful.

4.   Andre pulls an audience member out of the audience and teaches him a trick and then puts him against a board and prepares to throw plungers at him.  He was successful at throwing the plungers at the man.

5.   Alana as the incredible multi colored slinky lady.  It is truly amazing and interesting to watch her on the stage.  It is something that it is hard to describe but you will want to see this act.

6.   A man plays rubber spoons.  Then he pulls something from his pocket and makes bird noises.  He then brings a girl to the stage and teaches her.  His wife comes out and scolds him in the bird language that they create by something that is in their mouths.  They make up and the spoons come out again.

7.   The dogs come out again without the lion and panther costumes.  They continue to do different tricks to the audiences delight.  The dog with a leash on his hind legs walking a cat was very cute and laughable.  There are boy and girl dogs dancing on their hind legs as if they were humans.  The little dog coming out in a horse outfit was good and stole the show again.

8.   Andre gives balloons away and plays with a balloon.  A Ballerina appears and she hides him.  He comes out without the clown suit.  A silk is dropped from the ceiling and it turns into a silk ballet.  They perform the ballet to the "Titanic Theme" sung by Celine Dion.  It was a beautiful display of an aerial ballet.  They swung out above the audience heads.  I really enjoyed that.

The Yeary's Sweethearts Of Branson                                                                     Branson Mall Theater

            June 1, 2009

         This show begins with Tucker coming on stage and pulls a few jokes on the audience.  He is an entertaining man.  Denny and Sheila sing a song from "Grease", "You're The One That I Want".  Their voices blend almost perfectly.  They have such smooth and mellow voices.  Denny is a great bass singer.  Tucker steps to the stage and together with Denny, Sheila, and their daughter, 14 year old McKayla, make a great quartet.  "Pure Love" is the next song.  I like the stage setup and how they artfully hide the instruments and setup of "Top Ten Rock N Roll Revue" that plays in this theater at 7:00.  I have a feeling that Sheila has great taste.  Sheila begins the great Olivia Newton-John song, "Let Me Be There".  I would bet that she could sing anything that Olivia could and sing it as well.  She is absolutely a great singer.  "Mountain Music" is sung by Tucker, Denny and Sheila.  Denny plays a guitar in the song.  McKayla leaves the stage and when she returns, she has some clogging shoes on her feet.  She dances while the others sing.  Sheila sings "Walkin' After Midnight".  Denny plays the keyboard as McKayla is changing shoes.  When she returns, McKayla joins the group.  Denny sang with the Blackwood quartet for 27 years.  I really think that he is one of the best basses I have heard.  Tucker adds a little comedy.  Denny sings a great bass song in "North To Alaska".  I love Johnny Horton and Denny is as good.  The next song is Jimmy Dean's "Big John".  Then he followed that with "16 Tons", made famous by Tennessee Ernie Ford.  Tucker sings Ricky Nelson's "Travelin' Man".  I would like to hear him sing "Hello Mary Lou".  I really miss Ricky, who died much too soon.  The Quartet sings the best quartet song, "Elvira".  The group sings "Coat of Many Colors".  Sheila handles the solo very well.  Denny plays the acoustic and McKayla plays the mandolin.  Denny tells a great story about his Mother-in-law.  Denny plays the banjo and sings on "Rocky Top".  Sheila sings a verse also.  Denny could be one of Branson's most versatile performers.  Their product pitch is very entertaining.  Denny and Sheila perform "A Wonderful Time Up There".  Sheila plays the keyboards.  I enjoyed the old Pat Boone song.  Tucker again opens the half with a multitude of good jokes and stories.  He tells some great zingers.  The audience will roar with laughter.  This cast is great at what they do.  "Ghost Riders In The Sky" is the next song by Denny.  Denny also plays the lead guitar on the bridge.  They use the audience names in the lyrics which makes the song personal to this audience.  Denny tells a John Wayne story in his wonderful John Wayne voice.  Tucker sings the song "The Last Of The Silver Screen Cowboys", a Rex Allen Jr. song.  The intro to that song is very good.  They have some great funny stories to tell.  "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man" is sung by Sheila and Denny while the backup and keyboards are handled by McKayla and Tucker.  McKayla goes into the audience member up to the stage and sings the song "Grandpa".  I enjoy her voice very much.  The rest of the cast sing backup to her lead.  "Make The World Go Away" is a wonderful song that they perform next.  "Welcome To My World" is sung to Sheila.  Denny ends up on his knee.  Denny sings "I Can't Stop Loving You" is sung in different styles.  Johnny Cash is first, then John Wayne, Willie Nelson, and ends with Elvis Presley.  Sheila helps with some props to add to the enjoyment of the impersonators.  He is a good entertainer.  Tucker sings the song "Beulah Land".  The next song, in the gospel medley, is "This Ole House" and "Saints Go Marching In".  The two songs are intermingled to form a great performance.  The Veterans are honored and then the cast sings the great patriotic song, "God Bless The USA".  The slower arrangement was very good.  McKayla and Sheila sing a short part by themselves.  The harmony that this cast has is fantastic.  They got a standing ovation.  There was no flag; this was a genuine standing ovation to a deservedly great show.  I recommend you buy a ticket and enjoy this wonderful show for two hours.  They also have a great buy on their CD's so plan on taking advantage of it.  SEE this show.

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.