www.BransonShowAwards.com

2010 Branson Show Reviews A-L

All shows are listed alphabetically.  If a show just has an entertainers name, it is listed by their last name alphabetically.  Any comments that you would like to make, may be emailed to me at BransonShowAwards@gmail.com   All of your comments will be read only by me and will receive a response from me directly.  I will post some of the emails so that other people can see the questions and my answers to your questions.  If you do not want your question posted her on the website, just notify me in your email.

#1 Hits of the 60's                                                      Caravelle Theater

     April 9, 2010    June 17, 2010

The show opens with a medley beginning with "Dancing In the Street".  They perform 100 songs during the show so put your running shoes on so you can keep up with this fast paced show.  I noticed very early in the show that this cast can sing.  Dave Wallace was my favorite male vocalist in the cast.  Chadd Ruden and Jeffrey Stringer are extremely good also.  Amber Campbell, Kaylee Riggins, and Jeanna Kilbane are the female singers in the show.  I remember Amber very well, especially after she opens her mouth.  She has a great voice.  Jeanna was at the "50's at the Hop" at the beginning of the decade.  Several tours in Middle East for the army took her away from the stage.  She has returned a couple of years ago and landed at this show.  I have always enjoyed her voice and I am glad that she is back and performing again.  Kaylee is new to me.  I enjoyed her portrayal in the little high school skit as Barbie, the cheerleader.  The songs that I enjoyed in that first medley were, Gary Pucketts's "Young Girl", Chadd's great version of Del Shannon's "Runaway", and the songs from "Hair".  Amber comes out into the audience and pulls a guy out so he can be dressed as a hippie for the songs from "Hair" and Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made For Walking".  The highlight of the show is the skit from a high school ending at the prom.  Amber began it with "You Don't Own Me".  Not everyone can sing that song with power, Amber did it with class.  We were also treated to Gene Pitney's "It Hurts to be in Love".  You don't hear many songs in Branson by Gene Pitney.  I don't know why because he had so many.  This show always digs deep and finds songs that were extremely popular but not performed here much.  When the "Theme From a Summer Place" was played, I really traveled back in time.  That song and "Stranger on the Shore" were the instrumental songs that we loved to hear when we were on dates in the foothills over looking the lights of Tucson, Arizona where I went to Salpointe High School 45 years ago.  The cast pulls audience members from the audience to teach them the different dances that we did as teenagers.  They did the Twist, Watusi, Jerk, Swim, and the Batman.  The song that I enjoyed the most in the show and has earned a nomination for song performance was a Mash of Dave singing "I'm Gonna Make You Mine" and Amber singing "Johnny Angel".  A mash, used in the TV show "Glee, is two songs interwoven with each other alternating verses. The second half contains songs from the California surfin' craze.  Dave portrays the "Little Old Lady from Pasadena".  It was hilarious. The guys sang another memorable song, "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" which is always a good song that brings back memories.  The cast sings songs by Frankie Valle and the 4 Seasons, The Chiffons, the Supremes, the Shirelles, and the Crystals.   Dave starts the great song "Abraham, Martin, and John".  What a song and what a performance.  The closing song was appropriate.  "MacArthur Park" was sung very well and in a very touching way.  This is a must see for people who like The songs of the 60's.

50's At the Hop                                                                     Branson Central Dinner Theater                 Next door to New Shanghai Theater

     May 1, 2010    July 14, 2010

     I have watched the 50's at the Hop move from theater to theater over the years.  But I have followed them and will always follow the 50's because of Robert and Roberta Copeland and their daughter Crystal production skills.  I know that the show will be top notch and an entertainment masterpiece.  The show opens with the Title song "At the Hop", "Rock Around the Clock", "Why Do Fools Fall In Love", the beautiful rendition of "Under The Boardwalk" sung by the lovely and talented Susan Burr.  The Hoppettes sing "Rockin' Robin" and then the marvelous Johnny Rogers takes the stage for Buddy Holly's "That'll Be the Day".  The next four songs are true fantastic numbers by the stars of the show.  The Hoppettes sing "One Fine Day", David Brooks on the piano and vocal of Jerry Lee Lewis' "High School Confidential", Susan Burr gives a smooth sultry vocal on "At Last", then David Brooks again sings "Great Balls of Fire", and then Johnny Rogers steps on the stage with a tribute to the late great Buddy Holly.  The songs included "Peggy Sue", "Everyday", "Maybe Baby", "Rave On", the fantastic song "True Love Ways" with David Brooks playing the piano, and "Oh Boy".  The medley of Buddy is one of the best, if not the best Buddy Holly in the nation.  This band has always been known for being the best band in town and they are living up to that legend.  With David Brooks on the piano; Steve Harbour on the lead guitar; Jeff Whittington on drums; and Buddy Burr on the bass, continues that tradition.  The Hoppettes sing "Mr. Lee" solo by Holly Keith, "Earth Angel" Emily Chambers, "Tweedledee Dee" sung by Shelley Luginsland, and "He's a Rebel" by Shelley and the Hoppettes.  The Hoppettes have been pulling a man out of the audience to sing the medley to as their rebel. This is a similar medley that has been performed as long as I can remember.  Johnny and Susan with Steve Harbour playing the harmonica perform "I'm Leaving It All Up to You" and "Devil In Disguise".  The band plays "Domino Stomp", "Pipeline" and "Hawaii Five-O".  Holly Keith sings "Are You Lonesome Tonight" which precedes Johnny Rogers as Elvis singing "Heartbreak Hotel", "Teddy Bear", "Don't Be Cruel", and "Love Me".  Johnny is quite the entertainer as he moves around the audience.  The second half started with Johnny singing "Chantilly Lace" as a tribute one of the acts that died in the airplane crash that took Buddy Holly's life.  Susan joins Johnny to sing a great duet of the hit "Mocking Bird", then Susan and the Hoppettes sang "It Might Be Love".  Steve Harbour plays and sings "Johnny B. Goode".  He is amazing.  The Hoppettes sing a wonderful medley with Holly on "Sweet Nothin's" the Brenda Lee hit, Shelley singing "Where the Boys Are" a hit by Connie Francis, Emily singing "Lipstick On Your Collar" also by Francis.  Johnny comes out and sings a tribute to Roy Orbison with "Only the Lonely" and "Pretty Woman".  It was so nice to hear a Roy Orbison song other than "Pretty Woman".  Susan sings a tribute to Aretha Franklin by performing "Baby I Love You".  Johnny Rogers pays homage to the third star that was in the crash of the Winter Dance Party, Ritchie Valens.  He sings "Boney Maronni" and "Oh Donna".  David Brooks plays the piano plays "Last Date" and he is a fantastic pianist and Steve Harbour plays "Sleepwalk" and turns it into an instrumental Mash song performance.  The show ends with David Brooks playing "What I'd Say" and Johnny and Susan singing with the rest of the cast on "Old Time Rock N Roll Music".  This is a great show that has fallen on hard times with their theaters and I will not see it fail.  It has been my favorite show for about 15 years and I see no reason why it isn't now. The cost for just the show is $32.92 including tax.  The meal is fantastic.  The large plates are full of food and I guarantee you will want a box to take some home.  You have the choice of rib-eye steak, Talapia, or two chicken breasts, all with green beans the largest bake potato in town, salad and desert.  Coffee, tea or water.  The price even includes the tip.  The show plus the meal is $46.42  This is one great show! 

Visit their website  www.50'sAtTheHop.com      Johnny has a website also that you might want to visit.   www.JohnnyRogersBand.com

Absolutely, Patsy!                                                      Hall of Fame Theater at Branson Mall

     May 29, 2010

     Tracy sings songs that Patsy recorded but most of them are not what you normally hear in all of the shows in Branson.  She prides herself in doing the rare Patsy songs.  This is the concert that Patsy would be singing right now in 2010.  What a treat she gives us with this concert.  "Let the Teardrops Fall", "Why Can't He Forgive Me", "Seven Lonely Days", and then sang a usual number like "Blue Moon of Kentucky".  They were all sung with the complete Patsy flavor and all the trimmings.  She sang a few Hank Williams songs "Your Cheatin' Heart" and "Lovesick Blues".  They were very good similar to what you would have expected by Patsy Cline.  She sang "Always" and "Bill Bailey Won't You Please Come Home" just the way Patsy sang it at Carnegie Hall.  The first couple of verses were sung very nice and bluesy.  Then she rocked out.  Tracy told of her mother recording some songs for an album and then got word that she had lost her oldest son, so she went home and the album was dropped.  Tracy recorded those three songs to include on her latest album, "On My Own" as a surprise for her mother.  Near the end of the concert Patsy's biggest hits were sung.  "Walking After Midnight", "I Fall to Pieces", "Sweet Dreams", and "Crazy" were all sung with the complete Patsy type voice.  The only song that I missed was my favorite, "She's Got You".  The concert ended with "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" and Al Brumley's "I'll Fly Away".  If you like Patsy Cline, I mean if you really like Patsy Cline, you need to check out Absolutely, Patsy!

Visit their website   www.PatsyInBranson.net

Acrobats of China                                                                                             New Shanghai Circus

     April 13, 2010    June 29, 2010 

     This is a show of all shows.  The acts this year are almost totally different than last year.  I only remember the "Magic Clock" being repeated from 2009.  I did not realize that they have different acts that filter in and out.  If you want to see a particular act that I have mentioned.  Ask the box office if it is performed in the show you are purchasing tickets.  The Hoop Divers are 8 young men who jump through hoops performing acrobatic feats as they run from one side of the stage to the other side.  What a talented group of young men.  Rolling candles is amazing.  A girl puts a brass tree with 6-8 lighted candles and moves and that candle tree always stays straight.  Other young ladies brings her five more trees.  She has the candle trees from each leg, arm, head, and mouth.  It was beautifully presented.  There is a 14 year old young lady, Cheng Ye Qi, who performs a ballet on a very small platform, 3 inches wide.  She also performs in the Pagoda bowls act.  One of my favorite acts was the "Butterfly Lovers".  I like this one last year but it is different this year. Tian Guo Guo And Xu You Yi Are the lovers who demonstrate the aerial silk ballet.  They will take your breath away because it is so beautiful.  The positions that the lovers find themselves in are definitely dangerous.  The highlights of the show are the Pole climbers feature eight handsome young men jumping from 20 foot pole to another 20 foot pole:Tianlong Gong,  Zixin Jin,  Jianzin Hu, Xiangrui Meng, Youyu Xu, Bin Yang, Yuefei Zeng, Xiaowei Jit were the cast of the Pole Climbers.  They look almost like monkeys jumping from tree to tree.  I mean that in the most sensitive way.  The ability that they showed could not be performed by mere humans, but it was.  Also, the Chair tower was breathtaking.  Yao Lulu, Ni Dam, Tian Guaguo, Hu Chengcheng, Sun Yue, Nhanj Qi were the girls on the Chinese Leaning Tower of Chairs.  They placed half dozen or more chairs in awkward positions.  They eventually get all of the girls up 20 feet in the air and balance upside down.  It was a remarkable experience.  I want to nominate the two for Best Specialty Act for 2010.  The bicycle act was very good also.  They ended up 10 girls on one bicycle.  The ability to jump from one moving bike to another while standing on top of two girls is amazing.  If you have a family, this is a must for people to bring their kids to see this show.  I know I will see this show at least one more time a month.  If you like the show, ask about seeing it again because they rotate some of the acts in and out.  In fact, on the day I saw this show the evening show was different.

Visit their website   www.AcrobatsOfChina.com         

Always, Patsy Cline                                                                God & Country Theater

     July 12, 2010

     This would be classified as a play.  This play is chock full of Patsy's hits and other songs that she recorded.  The stars are remarkable vocalist Lisa Layne as "Patsy Cline" and the marvelous Sandee DePriest as "Louise".  Lisa Layne's voice is an awesome voice that she is true to the Patsy tradition.  No one in Branson can sing Patsy like Lisa Layne.  Her costumes are very good and very appropriate.  These two young ladies would be nominated for Best Actress in a play if we had that category.  I have seen many Sandee performances.  She is sharing her tremendous talent with Branson and we are lucky to get her to drive everyday from Springfield.  She is a staple at the Vandivort Theater and Springfield Little Theater.  Louise is a devoted fan and demonstrates it daily in her town.  She finds out that Patsy is entertaining at a huge club and purchases tickets to go to the concert.  She meets Patsy and ends up taking her home.  The meeting of Miss Patsy Cline is the highlight of Louise's life.  She writes letters to Patsy and Patsy writes back.  These letters were used to write this play.  The songs that are sung in this play are "I'm  On a Honky Tonk Merry Go Round", "Anytime", "Back In Baby's Arms", "Walkin' After Midnight", "I Fall to Pieces", "It Wasn't God Who Made Honky Tonk Angels", "Come On In, Sit Right Down, Make Yourself At Home", "Your Cheatin' Heart", "Stupid Cupid", "You Belong to Me", "Lovesick Blues", "Sweet Dreams", "She's Got You", "Two Cigarette", "Crazy", "Seven Lonely Days", "If I Could See the World", "Just a Closer Walk With Thee", "Blue Moon of Kentucky", "Got a Lot of Rhythm In My Soul", "Shake Rattle and Roll", "Faded Love", "Leaving On Your Mind", and "Bill Bailey Won't You Come Home".  The wonderful music that Lisa sings with the live band and the comedy that Sandee presents is a wonderful addition to this show that every classic country music fan or Patsy Cline fan should see more than once.  This show is an awesome display of music and comedy. 

Grand Country's Amazing Pets                                         Grand Country Music Hall

     June 29, 2010

      This show is a child's dream.  Where can they see a numerous trained pets perform on one stage in a fantastic production that Grand Country Music Hall has put together.  I thought this show would be in trouble when Sean Paul moved to greener pastures in South Carolina.  But after seeing the show, I have one question to Grand Country.  Who was Sean Paul?  This show is very energetic and has moved on without a thought to last year.  Stanley is a great entertainer with the one-liners that he continues to dole out.  Aliana brings out a beautiful group of birds.  My favorite was the pink doves and the gigantically feathered birds.  The flopping birds were quite a treat to see.  I am surprised that they do not injure themselves.   He keeps the adults in stitches and the kids have no idea why.  One of the cutest animals for me was the little Shetland Pony.  I had a Shetland on my Grandmothers farm in Ohio and I loved to walk and feed her.  Her name was Bubbles.  So now every pony I see, it has to be named Bubbles.  There are six dogs on a staggered staircase and each one of them takes turns in performing tricks alone or with each other.  One dog even takes a little audience member on a bike ride that the dog peddles.  The bride and groom dog was a cute little scene.  But the one I enjoyed the most was the dog walking up to a little microphone and announcing the next act.  They have probably the cutest salute to the veterans.  A dog dressed in each of the service uniforms walk out on their hindlegs to the service theme.  Stanley (Chris Stanley) continues to pop in and out with his brand of humor.  He is also a talented magician.  Aliana comes back with her set of parrots and cockatoo's.  They perform many different tricks that are truly enjoyable.  This lady is quite enjoyable and is also part of the Yakov's Moscow Circus.  That is also a great show for children like this one is.  The little ballerina that appears in several spots in the show is a delight to audience.  She will one day be a great entertainer.  This show is a great show for kids of all ages, including this kid of 64.

"Sting" Ray Anthony                  See 2010 Small Cast Show Review section                                          

Shea Arender                          See 2010 Small Cast Show Review section

Baldknobbers Jamboree                                                              Baldknobbers Theater

     March 29, 2010

       This large cast delivers one of the best shows in Branson this year.  I was a little disappointed last year, but this year they make up for it with presenting a great show.  I think one of the biggest reasons why a show is good or mediocre is the song selection and of course the cast.  The little pre-show before the curtain opens got me in the mood to see a great show and I did.  Bob Leftridge stood on the stage, in front of the curtain, and gave a good show.  He not only can sing well, but he has a flair for comedy.  The comedy skits that are sprinkled throughout the show by Stub Meadows, Jerl "Hargus" Adams, and Droopy Drawers Jr.  I laughed at every single one of the skits.  I don't think I heard too many jokes that I heard before.  Current events were used in some of the skits, also.  Musically, this show has very good vocalists and instrumentalists in the cast.  I was very glad to see Dean Holman on the steel guitar and dobro.  I knew he was traveling but I am glad to see him back.  The bass fiddlest, Brent Mabe, is a talented young man.  Brandon Mabe has an excellent voice and I enjoyed him on "Need a Little Twang".  Denton Mabe sang well this year.  His duet with his cousin, Brandon, was very good.  The vocalist, that gave me the highlight of the show this year, was Megan McCombs.  She only sings one solo, but maybe by the end of the year she will get two.  Joy Bilyeu always gives a good performance.  This year is no exception.  Ed Snowden sang some beautiful songs also.  Patti Mabe is easy on the eyes as well as the ears.  She can belt out a song.  I feel she has been on stage most of her life.  She has wonderful stage presence.  The salute to the veterans was exceptional.  The costumes were wonderful during the whole show.  I noticed that the back-up singers were dressed in matching colored outfits.  Each service song was sung and the veterans were asked to stand up.  The second half opened with Bluegrass.  Dean shined on the dobro.  Droopy played the washboard.  Mike Ito has been with the Baldknobbers for 31 years.  He can play the fire out of the banjo.  Patti Mabe told a story with the video on the screen.  It was great.  The gospel medley was well costumed and sung by the three ladies and three men.  Patti, Megan, Brandon, and Denton sing a wonderful song at the end of the show "The Cross Is My Statue of Liberty".  What a message and song!  SEE THIS SHOW.

You may visit their website.  www.Baldknobbers.com                                                                                      

Brett Family Singers                                                               Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater

     May 13, 2010

     I have never nominated a morning show for Best Show, but this year might be an exception to that statement.  I know I have just seen one of the best, if not THE best show in Branson for 2010.  They open the show with "I Can See Clearly Now" and "Listen To the Music".  The choreography is wonderful.  Briahna has done a beautiful task of choreographing the show.  I like that way each Brett Family member is featured in solos or duets in the case of Tom and Andrea Brett.  The three kids sing "Your Smiling Face", Tom and Andrea sing "Have I Told You Lately That I Love You", Garon singing "Save the Last Dance For Me", Briahna sings "You Can't Hurry Love", and Brydon sings "How Sweet It Is".  All of them are wonderful and showed that they all are great entertainers.  Their show has always been good, but this year it is exceptional.  Briahna sings "Hey Good Lookin'", Andrea joins Briahna on "Rose Garden".  Mother and Daughter sing so beautifully and they harmonize well.  Tom enters the stage with a guitar and sings "Singing the Blues".  Mother, Father, and Daughter are tremendously talented and great entertainers in their own right.  Garon sang "Ring of Fire", a Johnny Cash standard.  He has a good bass voice.  Tom sings an Andrea Brett composed song, "Hard To Let You Go". The song tells of parents finding it hard to let go of their children when they leave the family home.  It was sung very well and brought tears to my eyes.  I miss my own children.  Brydon and Garon put on a show of their fantastic basketball skills.  The highlight of show came when Garon playing a guitar, and the drummer playing a box, and singing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" with an awesome arrangement.  This could be the best gospel song in Branson this year.  Tom joins Garon on "I Saw the Light" and the entire family on "How Great Thou Art".  They have tremendous familial harmony.  I think this is the best half of any shows in Branson this year.  The second half contains a Michael Jackson medley, "Joy To the World", and "There Ain't No Mountain High Enough".  Tom and Bobby perform one of the best vocals this year in "Yesterday".  Garon sings another nominated song in "All Night Long".  He plays the piano while singing brilliantly.  Brydon sings Bobby Darin's "Mack The Knife".  I wish it would have been "Dream Lover".  Andrea and Briahna sing "You Light Up My Life" and "Jailhouse Rock".  Brydon sings "Lean On Me", one of the best numbers in the show.  Tom adds so much to Brydon's vocal but doesn't outshine that wonderful entertainer.  "Over the Rainbow" was sung by Briahna very well.  Garon and Brydon sing and perform a song that they composed, "Lean and Sway".  I really liked the song.  The last part of the show was Andrea's reading of the poem "I Am a Veteran".  It is very touching.  Andrea also wrote the last song "I'll Give American My All".  Tom shines on this one.  His beautiful voice has never been better.  This show is a showcase for the individual talents of the entire family.  WOW, WHAT A SHOW! 

Visit their website   www.BrettFamily.com  

Broadway - The Star Spangled Spectacular                                               Branson Variety Theater

     April 21, 2010    April 25, 2010    May 26, 2010   June 2, 2010

     The four vocalists open the show by singing a song from "Fame".  Cassie Sears, Tiffany Thompson, Cory Seay, and Tony Turner all sing eventually.  After last nights show, I decided that Cassie and Cory have the voice and talent to be on Broadway.  They have powerful voices that are wonderful.  Cory has a rich and full voice.  I also felt I was lucky because I got to see my favorite female vocalist, Tiffany Thompson, and favorite male vocalist, Tony Turner, in the same show singing duets.  The duet "Almost Paradise" from "Footloose" was a musical gem.  I think it could be the vocal duet of the year.  Stephanie Richardson does tremendous vocals on "Cabaret" and "Chicago".  I really enjoyed Stephanie Richardson and Tony Turners "Money, Money" from "Cabaret".  The cast sings songs from "Oklahoma", "A Chorus Line", "Hello Dolly", "Guys and Dolls", "Cabaret", "Crazy For You", "My Fair Lady", "Chess", "Mame", "Grease", "CATS", "Chicago", "Thoroughly Modern Millie", "Les Miserables", "Hairspray", "Phantom of the Opera", "Jesus Christ Super Star", and "Hair".  The song selection is wonderful well produced and choreographed numbers.  Some of the highlights of the show is Cassie singing "Memories" from "CATS" as Mark Middleton and Amy Reed tell the story through dance, Tiffany singing "Maybe This Time" from "Cabaret", Cassie singing "Thoroughly Modern Millie" with the dancers ending with a rotating dance line that is breathtaking, Cory and Tiffany singing "The Phantom of the Opera", and the last song, "I've Got Rhythm".  Cory and Tiffany sang "The Phantom of the Opera" and it was breath taking.  They not only sang the song well, but their ability to sell the song is definite.  They can act.  The whole cast is in the finale and the entire singing cast sing parts of it.  The dancers were wonderful and ended the show with a fabulous routine.   This show is a delight to the eyes and the ears.  The second half of the show is absolutely one of the best halves possible of any show.  All solos, duets, and small group vocals are live and wonderful.  You have another hit, Branson Variety.  I wish you the best.

Brother South                                   See 2010 Small Cast Show Review section 

Brule - A Native American Rock Opera                                    RFD-TV Theater         

      March 19, 2010

        This is an awesome show that displays a portrait of the Native American Lakota Indian culture.  There are 7 dancers in beautifully made and designed Indian regalia.  Each dancer is carrying a flag that represents the 7 directions of the people.  Red-East, Yellow-West, White-North, Black-South, Green-The earth (down), Blue-Air (up), and Purple-From within are the 7 directions that Paul Edward LaRoche told the audience.  I think I saw one of the best specialty acts in Branson tonight.  The Hoop Dancer, Lowery Begay, put on quite a show that I sat there completely in awe.  The dance was truly majestic.  He is definitely one of the best dancers in town.  The lighting in this show is remarkable.  The sound is especially impeccable.  Paul's children are wonderful musicians.  Shane is a great guitarist.  Nicole plays the flute on every song.  Listen to why she has to play the steel flute and not the traditional flute used in Native American music.  A young lady comes out with 365 cones made from skoal can lids to represent each day of the year.  It is very heavy and truly captivating.  Paul sits on a stool and sings a beautiful ballad, "Dakota Rainstorm", which told the story of Paul getting a call from his biological brother. That is very touching and could be the highlight of the first half.  Look at the regalia as the dancers perform.  They tell a story with the items that they wear.  The large drums are hollowed out cottonwood trunks with stretched buffalo hides.  It is amazing to hear the different tones that come out of the drums as compared to the regular set of drums.  The eagle dance was the first number in the second half.  How graceful the dancers portrayed the soaring eagles.  I think I enjoyed the buffalo dance the most.  It was very interesting to see the interpretation by these skilled dancers.  The veterans were honored in an usual and entertaining way.  Paul told us that by population, the American Indians send more men and women into the services than any other minority.  What a fact to treasure!  The dancers all played the large drum as they sang a song "Soldier Boy".  How inspiring was this!  The couples dance was beautifully interpreted.  It was really beautiful and wonderful.  The courtship of a couple is demonstrated.  Paul told us a story of his wife, Kathy, and Paul going for a walk and they ignored a gathering storm.  The storm reached a fury and they were stuck outside and away from home.  The different cultures of our marvelous country are brought together in a song, "One Spirit".  Our country can and will, eventually, accept all of our rich cultures of all the people that have come to the USA to live  The finale will bring you to your feet in a glorious appreciation of a remarkable show.  I would like to recommend this show to all.  The teacher in me has to do that.  WHAT A SHOW!

Visit their website   www.BruleRecords.com

Buckets N Boards                                                                               New Clay Cooper Theater

Clay Cooper Country Music Express                                                                                                                                                     New Clay Cooper Theater

     April 10, 2010

     Clay comes out in front of the curtain a little before the show begins and gets to know the audience.  He is a total entertainer and has a knack for comedy.  I was the butt of some jokes last year and the audience roared.  He sang a song "I Just Don't Look Good Naked Anymore".  It was hilarious.  Matt Gumm comes out as "Sticky Gumm" and gives us a taste of good humor.  The opening number is a big production number and that is when you realize that this show has a large talented cast.  He sings several current songs that are on the charts right now.  Tina has chosen songs that really fits her voice.  The first thing I noticed about this theater as opposed to the theater they had last year is the sound system.  What a marvelous system it is.  Tina and Clays duet was a masterpiece, "Love Looks Good on You".  The song she sang next was Juice Newton's "The Sweetest Thing".  Matt Gumm sang "Stranger In My House".  This man can do anything.  He is a comedian, singer, dancer, percussionist and all around entertainer.  Melody Hart is a wonderful back-up singer.  Johnny Lonestar demonstrated some amazing lariat tricks while Mark Morton and Melody sang.  Matt performs a dance dressed like Michael Jackson, glove and all.  Clay sings some wonderful Conway Twitty songs.  He has nailed Conway.  He brought a woman out of the audience and sang to her and we were treated to some great comedy.  The highlight of the show featured Clay singing Garth Brooks' "The Thunder Rolls" while Jill Fitzpatrick and Joe Pilgrim tells the beginning of the story of an affair and Jen Turner, as the wife, ends it.  What a wonderful number.  I will never forget it.  Half the dancers were from last year's Country Tonite.  I knew they were good and they still are.  Jen Turner told the story with her movements and facial actions.  We are treated to some impersonations were the entire cast performs.  R. P. Harrell sang a wonderful gospel number, "Bowed On My Knees" with Melody helping in the vocal.  What a wonderful song!  The musical number that opens the second half is a magnificent number.  There is action on the three stages, left right and center.  There was action going on 180 degrees of the stage.  The Sight and Sound Theater has nothing on Clay Cooper with its three connected stages. The dancers and cast were all dressed like workers and perform a routine while Clay and Matt sing "Workin' for a Living".  Melody and R. P. Harrell perform another highlight of the show.  They sing the wonderful duet, "Every Time Two Fools Collide".  Clay sings "Hillbilly Shoes" while the dancers perform a great routine.  Buckets n Boards performed a little and joined the cast on many occasions and the best came as a game show skit, Presidential Jeopardy. I have seen several comedy skits throughout the years but this one is the best.  It was hilarious when Abe Lincoln-Garrett Sever, George Bush-Matt Gumm, Barack Obama-Matt Livingston played the game.  It lasted a few minutes but I wasn't ready to let it end.  There is a very good percussion number that the cast performed expertly.  R. P. Harrell sang "God Bless America" very tenderly and it was great.  The last song was written by Tina and Clay.  It was an amazing song.  "America Stand Strong" is a powerful number with meaningful lyrics.  WOW!  

   You can purchase tickets with a $3.00 discount if you mention Branson Show Awards.  You will also get a multiple show discount of $10.00 for each adult ticket when you present your ticket stubs as you purchase tickets to other shows in the Clay Cooper Theater.  $5.00 off a Neal McCoy ticket.  Visit their website      www.ClayCooperTheatre.com   

Country Tonite With Marty Haggard                                        Oak Ridge Boys Theater

     April 24, 2010

     The show opens with the traditional song "Country Tonite".  The entire first half is a delightful treat for every member of the audience who loves Country Music, classic or new.  The four featured vocalists are wonderful with the two time Female Vocalist of the Year in Kenya Wilhite.  They are backed by the current winner of Best Band in Branson.  They also are the current holders of the best song performance.  This is a great show and I attend it regularly.  The soloists take turns displaying their wares.  Jason Froeschle sang the "Yodeling Blues".  He can yodel.  Hey Jason, Can you teach me to yodel?  Jason also sang "Saturday Night" Christy Campbell sang a Shania Twain song, "I Feel Like a Woman".  I can attest that she looks like one also.  Her version of Patsy's "She's Got You" was spot on.   She also shows her vocal ability on Carrie Underwood's "Cowboy Casanova".  I am glad she moved to Branson so we can enjoy her talent and beauty.  The two young ladies are wow, wow, wow!  David Griffin sang "Ain't Going Down".  It is a super fast song and he sings it great.  Thinking back to last year singing the Grundy Auction song, I think I might call him Branson's Mr. Country Rock. That title really fits him.  He also sang the classic, "Oh Lonesome Me" and Jone's "The Race Is On".  Later he sang "She's Country" and the entire vocal cast joined him in the performance.  Kenya Wilhite, reigning queen of the vocals, sings "You Were Born To Fly", and Dolly's "Jolene", but it is her "Didn't You Know I Love You", a Kellie Pickler hit, that will gain her a third nomination for Female Vocalist.  The highlight of the show was Marty Wilhite and his wife Kenya singing two duets.  When Ever You Come Around" and Carrie Underwood and Randy Travis' "I Told You So".  I have enjoyed Marty's voice and I begged them to have Kenya and Marty sing a duet.  The audience that attend their show is the true.  What a Duo Act!  The Quartet sang several songs that were wonderful.  "Seven Bridges Road", "High Cotton"and "Boondocks" were sung.  The first showed their beautiful harmony and the last suited their voices and personalities.  They also sang a beautiful gospel medley that began and ended with "Amazing Grace".  Sandwiched in between was the rousing "Walking In Jerusalem".  It was a great song in which Christy demonstrated her marvelous voice.  I really hated to see the half end.  Marty Haggard sang "Mama Tried" as the first song.  His voice is remarkable.  He is a good display of the voice being inherited.  He sounds, looks, and even stands like his father.  No one has a right to sing Merle's songs more than his talented son, Marty.  During the show, he talks about his life and some experiences he had with his father.  I think that is a very interesting and important part of his show.  All of his father's hits are there, "Today I Started Loving Her Today", "Swingin' Doors", "Workin' Man Blues", in which his long time friend played lead guitar fantastically.  More stories come and one was particularly interesting.  It was the story of why his Dad recorded Lefty Frizzle's "That's the Way Love Goes".  He continued with "If We Make It Through December", and "Ramblin' Fever".  The show ended with the huge hits, "Okie From Muskogee" and "Walkin' On the Fightin' Side of Me".  The finale song was performed by the entire Country Tonite vocalists and band on a co-written song "I Wouldn't Trade America For the World".  It is one of the few songs that were written about America from a local artists.  It is very nice and throughly patriotic.  This show is a Must See Show.

You can also visit the Mansion Theater website at   www.theMansionTheater.com  To see any discounts that you may get for buying multiple shows at the theater. 

Country's Family Reunion                       See 2010 National Star Show Reviews section

Debbie Kaye at the Uptown Cafe                            See 2010 Small Cast Show Reviews section  

Denny Yeary and Friends                                           Branson Mall Theater

     May 11, 2010    June 11, 2010

Don't Stop Believin'-Music From Glee                                                   Branson Variety Theater

     June 28, 2010

     The show opens up with "Don't Stop Believin'" sung by the singers in the cast.  Tony Turner and Tiffany Thompson sing "Somebody To Love" and they really made chills up and down my back.  Jay McManus performed one of best vocal performances this year on "Hand Jive".  Corey Seay sang "Mr. Cellophane and created one of the best scenes in the show.  One great vocal performance was also given by Cory Seay, "Who Could Ask For Anything More" was a true vocal treat.  Stephanie Richardson and Tiffany Thompson sing the song that Kristin Chenowith and Lea Michelle sang on Glee, "Maybe This Time".  When the boys sing, Tony Turner, Jay McManus, and Cory Seay, sing "Y M C A" I really enjoyed it.  One Glee moment was very good .  Stephanie and Tiffany sing "Defying Gravity" which was sung by Lea Michelle and Chris, Kurt from Glee.  The songs "Imagine" and "Lean On Me" were true delights to hear and I loved the songs.  This is one great show that everyone should experience this summer.  I hope they will bring it back next year with the Glee songs added from the second season.  This show deserves a second season also.  Young people will truly love this show.

The Duttons                                                                       The Dutton Family Theater

     April 23, 2010   April 26, 2010    June 3, 2010

     I think I just saw another awesome Amy Dutton production.  The show opened with a bang.  A huge semi truck starts and travels over your head.  "18 Wheeler, Roll On" was appropriate.  They sang "I've Been Everywhere" and "Cotton Eyed Joe".  They were very fast paced and had the entire cast in action.  I enjoyed the addition of "Oh Boy" and "Footloose".   Amy and Tim seem to have a contest between each other on the fiddles with the "Orange Blossom Special".  The reaction between them was incredible.  A new character is unveiled, their Cousin from Espana, Julio.  He strangely looks very much like Benjamin, only better looking.  I like his hair.  As the show went on, he grew on me.  I really liked the "Rawhide" number.  It was very clever and made me laugh several times.  The singing was great also with Jonathan, Tim and Amy sounding wonderful.  I did notice that the sound this year is remarkably better.  I noticed it in the other shows in the theater.  Rudy Arambulo did a wonderful job as the lighting technical director.  The highlight of the show, and nominee for Best Song Performance, is "The Lion Sleeps Tonight".  It was one of my favorite songs in high school and this version is fantastic.  It is sung a Capella by the entire cast.  A group of animal characters walk across the the stage and later, the lion walks back with a zebra skin.  He was carrying his lunch.  The presentation was awesome and the vocals were spot on.  Judith sang the solo of "Lion" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow".  The Wizard of Oz act is still a part of the show.  I am so glad they kept it.  I did notice the Scarecrow, Little Benjamin, as well as Little Tim, as the Cowardly Lion, and Natalia as the Tin "Girl".  I thought the Everly Brothers number was great.  I would like to hear one or two more, such as "Cathy's Clown.  Only brothers can get the harmony that Tim and Jonathan can attain.  The Father of the family, Dean, sang a song about forgetting and Sheila followed with her own brand of humor.  They were good together.  Another highlight came as some of the granddaughters of the Duttons sang "Grandpa" to Dean as he sat on a chair.  Little Selena, Rachel, and Jessica sang the song to Dean and it was special.  I really got a tear when Dean had Selena sit in his lap.  Near the end of the song, all of their grandchildren came to the stage and finished the song.  That is when little Orson, Abby and Adam Wright's son, stole the show.  I really enjoyed the song "When You Say Nothing At All", it was a duet by Tim and Judith.  The vocal was great and the action between family members was fantastic.  This family visibly loves each other.  The lyrics should be listened to on "Sorta Everything I Ever Wanted".  The brothers troll the audience and sing to various ladies.  It is a very funny number. The clogging was a good segment and I feel the boys won April 23, but the girls took it on April 26.  Jessica and Rachel sing "Cowboy Sweetheart".  They were very good and I like the competition between the two sisters.  Every year Jonathan's wife, Bella, pours her heart out to thank the armed forces of of the USA, Canadian, British, and New Zealand armed forces.  She tells of her Grandmother telling her about the protection that Islanders furnished by USA armed forces and other countries.  She is very thankful and it shows on her face and heard in her voice.  The cast performs the usual finale of the show.  This year little 13 year old Jessica joins the celebration and I was delighted.   

You can purchase tickets with a $3.00 discount if you mention Branson Show Awards.  You get 25% off of all the shows at the Dutton Theater if you show one of the shows ticket stubs when purchasing any other show at the theater.   Visit their website  www.theDuttons.com

George Dyer                                                          The Dutton Family Theater

     March 6, 2010    June 3, 2010

     George has taken his talented voice and a tremendous band and weaved a captivating show.  Whenever I hear George sing, I think of Josh Groban and Andre Bocelli.  George is, not only, as good as those two but could be better.  There was a singer back in the sixties and seventies that had a smooth flowing voice.  His name was John Gary.  George is the first man that has brought back all those memories that George brought to me the first time I heard his tenor voice.  His daughter, Kendra, has turned into a very good vocalist in her own right.  The comedy sketch with two male audience members was totally enjoyable.  They brought the Three Tenors to life.  I enjoy watching that number over and over.  It is not the same act each performance because the audience members are different.  George's rich full voice is exemplified on the beautiful song, "The Impossible Dream".  The highlight of the first half is the duet with Kendra with the song "The Prayer".  Chills ran up and down my back on "You Raise Me Up".  He does such a great job on the song that you will automatically think of Josh Groban.  Another comedy number is performed in the second half with three lady audience members.  He sings a song to each of the three lovely ladies.  The songs were "Till There Was You", "You've Lost That Lovin' Feeling" and "               " which symbolized the three stages of love.  For me, the highlight of the show was this number.  He was able to change his mood, style and voice on each of the songs.  However my favorite song that he does in the show was "Home".  His voice just flowed so smoothly through the song I hated to hear it end.  This show will take you on a fantastic romantic journey with a superb American Tenor, George Dyer.

You can purchase tickets with a $3.00 discount if you mention Branson Show Awards.  You get 25% off of all the shows at the Dutton Theater if you show one of the shows ticket stubs when purchasing any other show at the theater.  Visit their website.  www.GeorgeDyer.com

Larry Gatlin and Gatlin Brothers Show                          See 2010 National Star Reviews section

Georgina Sings the 50's and 60's                       See 2010 Small Cast Show Review section

Mickey Gilley                                             See 2010 National Star Reviews section

Gordy at Uptown Cafe                 See 2010 Small Cast Show Review section

Gospel to Broadway By Twice Adopted                See 2010 Small Cast Show Review section

Penny Gilley Show                                                                   The Mansion Theater

     April 23, 2010

     The show began with Penny Gilley entering the stage singing the first of three Barbara Mandrell songs, "Crackers In My Bed".  I thought I had been lucky and found a rogue Barbara Mandrell concert in Branson.  She not only sounds like Barbara Mandrell she looks like her.  You don't hear Mandrell's songs very often and it was a definite enjoyable find that I will return and enjoy again and again.  The second number was "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool".  The enjoyment continued with "Sleeping Single In a Double Bed".  I really enjoyed seeing Penny sing Barbara.  I cheered very loudly at the end of the tribute to Barbara Mandrell.  See sang Debbie Reynold's "Am I That Easy to Forget".  She has a very nice voice and a tremendous personality which took about a minute to discover in her show.  Jeff Brandt is a wonderful impersonator.  He sang "I Don't Think So, I Know So".  He sang "Coca Cola Cowboy" in a style of Mel Tillis.  They were both very good and what he is able to do with his voice is remarkable.  When he sang John Conlee with "Friday Night Blues", he was great.  He sang a little Conway Twitty with "It's Only Make Believe".  The two best duets of the show came with "Louisiana Woman, Mississippi Man" and "Every time Two Fools Collide".  Jeff has Kenny Rogers down pat.  During the show Penny will sing many popular songs of the greatest country stars of all time.  She is very entertaining and has put together a wonderful show.  When Brandy Roberts sang some Mickey Gilley songs, I looked but I couldn't see Mickey hiding anywhere.  He was that good on "The Girls All Get Prettier" and "Room Full of Roses".  He can play those ivories great, also.  What a talent!  Jeff Brandt worked for Wayne Newton for 13 years and sang a few of Newton's song.  Penny sang a song about Desert Storm titled "The Line Drawn In the Sand".  It was a great tribute to the veterans.  Penny sings a few classic country songs very well.  One thing that I like about Penny, she tells us who had the hit on the song.  I didn't have to rack my brain to figure out who had the hit.  Penny showed class when she came out in the white gown and sang "Tennessee Waltz" beautifully.  Eddie Rabbitt's "I Love a Rainy Night" was a gift to the audience that I appreciated very much.  Eddie was a talent that we lost much to early.  This band is a delight to hear.  I was glad to hear Dean Holman on the steel.  He is a great steel player.  Kelly Black and Larry Leonard are wonderful backup singers and they are heard in every song.  Steve Richey can play the drums like no other in town.  Penny's All Star Band is one of the best in town.  The final song was "America the Beautiful".  It was a nice way to end the great show I just saw. 

Visit her website www.PennyGilley.com   You can also visit the Mansion Theater website at   www.theMansionTheater.com  To see any discounts that you may get for buying multiple shows at the theater.

Grand Country Jubilee                                          Grand Country Music Hall

     March 1, 2010    June 29, 2010

     This show gets better and better every year.  The Quartet is amazing.  The biggest star on the stage this year is Jackie Brown.  The song selection this year drastically puts out there how great this young ladies voice really is.  The highlight of the show, for 2010, is a duet by Trey Wilson and Jackie Brown of the Kenny Rogers and Dottie West great, "Every Time Two Fools Collide".  Todd Bradshaw's "He Stopped Loving Her Today" was one of the best performances by Todd that I have ever heard.  Mike Patrick came out and performed "The Girl's All Get Prettier at Closing Time". Wow, what a performance!  Mickey Gilley would be proud.  I always love to hear Mike play the piano but this performance was superb.  Danny Yancy really shined on several songs.  Larry Allred did a super job on the bass fiddle as well as the guitar.  The Drummer, Randy Rhea, had a great first night as the drummer.  I always enjoy the quartet on the Statler Brothers medley.  What a group! The best number by the quartet was "Tennessee River".  Jaime Haage's comedy skit about the car blowing up was new and cute.  The second half was my favorite half.  It consisted of many, many songs from the 50's and 60's.  I loved Jason Pritchett's "You Send Me".  The old Sam Cooke classic.  His voice is exceptional on that number.  Scott Levin sang "Earth Angel" wonderfully and it was totally captivating.  The highlight of the second half was Jackie Brown's "One Fine Day".  I sat with my mouth open.  I have heard her for several years and this year I REALLY HEARD her.  She also sang "Respect" and a Linda Ronstadt classic "You're No Good.  I knew Linda from our Tucson, Arizona days and she would definitely be thrilled to know that her song was sung by such a great talent.  Michael W. Davis sang "Only the Good Die Young". He sounded so wonderful on the songs he sang but this one was the best.  Jaime showed off his versatility in instrumental music.  The lead guitar of Matt Hanshaw was astounding as usual.  I will see this show over and over this year.  Don't miss this award winning show.

You can purchase tickets with a $3.00 discount if you mention Branson Show Awards.  You will also get a multiple show discount of $10.00 for each adult ticket when you present your ticket stubs as you purchase tickets to other shows in the Grand Country Music Hall.  Visit their website.   www.GrandCountry.com

Hamner Barber                    See 2010 National Star Review section 

Hank Williams Revisited                                                              Little Opry Theater at IMAX

     July 9, 2010

     This show is a delight to the mind and ears.  It consists of the story of Hank Williams life seen through the eyes, ears, and voice of Tim Hadler.  The little band, which is all that is needed because of their talent, is absolutely wonderful.  Rick McEwen, bass fiddle and vocals, is a wonderful entertainer that I have known for 25 years.  He is a great vocalist as well as a bassist.  We hear all of Hank Williams' hits throughout the show and Tim really is great at what he does.  He calls the band the "Drifting Cowboys".  He has sung "Lovesick Blues", which opened the show, "Hey Good Lookin'", "Your Cheatin' Heart" is my favorite of Hanks songs.  He sang "Kaw-Liga"and "Amazing Grace".  I can remember 25 years ago, Little Johnny Long singing that song in Chasai Childs famous show in Branson.  Tim adds enjoyment because he talks in the first person as he tells Hanks story.  He told of Hank moving to Montgomery, AL and lived in his Mother's boarding house.  He wrote "My Mama Prayed For Me" and Tim sang it extremely well.  He told of the relationship between Hank and Audrey, his wife.  Two more songs were "Calling You" and "Mansion On the Hill" which was wonderfully performed.  Rick McEwen sang a beautiful song "Make The World Go Away" and then Tim sang an original song "Paint My Windows Daylight".  Hank Williams released positive message songs as Luke, the Drifter.  "Be Careful of the Stones That You Throw" was the song that the MGM decided to release.  He continued to sing Hank Williams composed songs like "Rootie Tootie", "My Bucket's Got a Hole In It", "Mind Your Own Business", "Why Don't You Love Me", "Honky Tonkin'", and the wonderful classic "Cold, Cold Heart".  "I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" and then "I'll Never Get Outta This World Alive" which was his last hit before he died on his way to Canton, Ohio for a New Years Day concert.  He died in the back of the Cadillac that he was a passenger in.  My Aunt Mildred and some other members of my family had tickets to see that show.  They offered a refund and she took it.  Later I saw a ticket on ebay that went for $25,000 for the unused ticket, Oh well Aunt Mildred, you have enough money.  This show is entertaining and informative and should be seen by every visitor that loves classic country.

Visit their website  www.BransonImax.com 

Paul Harris Show   With Special Guests the Cleverly Trio                                                  Music City Centre

       May 2, 2010

     Paul begins the show by coming out and giving some of his remarkable comedy.  I love the way he uses current events in his comedy.  Listen closely to the stories that he tells; They are wonderful.  The band enters and Paul plays an acoustic guitar and sings.  Earl played the bass fiddle as a drum.  He is very talented and can play the bass fiddle better than most in Branson.  Mark Pearman played the mandolin extremely well.  He also plays the fiddle fantastically.  The group sang and played on several comical songs that really entertained. The Cleverly's are Paul's guests in the second half.  The act is good musically and adds comedy to the show.  I am not telling you about the funny songs or jokes.  I don't want to ruin the show for you.  The first song that the Cleverly's sang was "Fox On the Run".  It was a good song and performed well.  Songs like "Pretty Green Eyes", "Good Day Night", And the best was "Girl With No Panty Lines" are truly funny and totally enjoyable.  The highlight of the show was Paul singing the song "I Love You Enough to Hold It".  If you want to hear some great comical stories, this is the show to see.  Paul has won the best comedian two years in a row.  He is nominated again this year. 

Visit his websites   www.PaulHarrisComedy.com           www.TheCleverlys.com

Haygoods                                                                           New Americana Theater

      April 15, 2010    May 25, 2010    June 29, 2010

       The show opens up with a rousing number, if you were sleepy when you came in, you won't be sleepy anymore.  The entire cast sings on most songs.  Very few songs have just one person singing.  They began with "Louisiana Saturday Night" and "Thank God I'm a Country Boy" .  The group sang a Mash, made famous by TV's Glee, of two songs "Seven Bridge Road" and "Country Roads".  When you put them together you have a new song which I considered one of the highlights of the show.  Another Mash song, "Fishin' In the Dark" and "Boondocks".  The wonderful lighting made the next song special.  Tim sang it on top of the piano, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia".  A Doo Wop medley was sung and included "Wonderful World", "All I Have to Do Is Dream", "Dream Lover", "You Send Me", "The Lion Sleeps Tonight", and ended with a "Wonderful World".  What a medley that was!  I really enjoyed it.  Next came the Motown feeling.  The Haygoods have always been the best at Motown.  This year is no exception.  Michael begins the medley with "A B C".  Michael won Best Male Vocalist for 2009 from Branson Show Awards and he is just as good as he was last year.  His version of "When You Say Nothing At All" is very good.  Catherine sang "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch" and she did a marvelous job.  Dom sang "I Heard It From the Grapevine".  He really has a good voice also.  Dom also sang "Higher and Higher" and also played the sax.  Another highlight was the instrumental of "Eleanor Rigby" the Haygoods played the song on strings.  It was a great piece that I will never forget.  At the end, it sounded like bagpipes by the keyboardist Gary Freeman.  Gary is one of the best keyboard/pianist in town.  They continued with the Irish music and it was very good.  Tim played extremely well on the Irish songs and "Eleanor Rigby".   That is why he won the Best Violin Artist for 2009.  Michael sang "Danny Boy" which is my favorite song in the show.  The group ended the first half with a 60's medley that rocked the house.  Catherine and Aaron played the sax very well also.  The 60's continued with "Johnny B. Goode" and he had a great performance.  Another good number was the entire group singing "Stand By Me".  That is another song that I love.  The boys dance their little tushes off.  They call it the Haygoods Weight Loss Program.  The dance sequence, "Danny Boy", and "Elenore Rigby" are three songs that I hope they never remove from the show.  The best song performance, possibly of all time, is "Cotton Eyed Joe" with an electrical light show that is amazing and you will yell "Encore", I want to see it again.   The last number was "America the Beautiful" and ended it with part of the "Star Spangled Banner".  It was a very moving salute to the veterans.  The three Saxes appeared again.  The three saxes were, Dominic, Catherine, and Aaron.  I really think Aaron will end up the best sax player in town.  Keep on your toes Dom, little brother is watching.  This show is a must, especially for families with teenagers or young minded seniors like me.      

Hughes Brothers Show                                                Hughes Brothers Family Theater 

    March 9, 2010

     The show begins with the song "Brand New Day".  The wives seem to be more of an integral part of this years show.  "The Longest Time" is my favorite song in the show.  Andy is such a good vocalist.  I always enjoy hearing his talented voice.  I would love to hear him sing "An Innocent Man".  His brothers handle the a Capella song with ease.  The drummer, R. J. Jacobs, shines on two of the Baby Boomer medley "Chain Gang" and "16 Tons".  The moves of the brothers on "Chain Gang" is well choreographed.  Adam plays the Spanish guitar and demonstrates great talent.  The "People Tree" is always a great number and this year is no different.  Dallon Hughes, Marty's oldest son, has a tremendous voice and mounds of talent with the violin and even dancing.  Jessie Hughes, Jason's oldest daughter, sings very well also.  Her stage presence is evident to this critic's eyes.  Little Jacob displays his voice, violin, drums and dancing and does it well.  Dallon sings a song from "High School Musical".  He is tremendously talented.  The second half consists of songs from many different Broadway shows.  One of the best is "We've Got Heart" from "Damn Yankees".  Adam, Ryan, and Andy perform the song with class just like it was in the movie.  Carina and six kids, including Jacob, sing the great song "Do Re Mi" from the "Sound Of Music".  The highlight of the show is the closing Gospel Medley that includes "Amazing Grace", "Child of God" and "Joyful, Joyful".  The Brothers and their wives are fantastic but the children of the Hughes Brothers are the stars of the show.  I will see this show over and over. 

Visit their website   www.HughesBrothersShow.com

Island Fire                                                                                    Dutton Family Theater

     May 28, 2010    June 3, 2010

     This cast is very talented in the art form of Polynesian dancing.  They have the 2007 World Champion Fire Knife Dancer.  He is totally awesome.  They have 4 beautiful young ladies dancing the island dances with much skill.  Mrs. Jonathan Dutton, Bella, is one of the dancers.  Her two daughters join her later in the production.  We learn many facts about the Islands as the show progresses.  The hula that is done in Tahiti tells a story with the ladies hips.  Of course, the different dances are performed as the stories are told.  We are also taken on a musical tour of the islands also.  Their are 5 men who dance during the show, including the fire knife dancer.  Simi is one singer who is very good.  He does sing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" so beautifully that will take your breath away.  He also sings "What a Wonderful World" and "Tiny Bubbles" that was made famous by Don Ho, and island treasure.  The lady dancers dance to a beautiful rendition of "How Great Thou Art".  They are clothed in beautiful gowns.  Hawaiian hula dancers tell their stories with the hands.  Tokelau is another island that we visit during the show.  We are also taught to peel and crack a coconut and how to make Samoan milk.  I actually got to taste the juice inside the coconut.  Zealand was visited where the men tattoo their faces and stick out their tongues and bulge their eyes to make them look ferocious to their enemies.  The men came out with their faces all decorated and danced, the women danced with coconut shells and the costumes were florescent.  It was a very beautiful number. Fiji where the men also dance.  They dance in grass skirts and leggings.  They are also bare chested.  I really liked the dance.  It was interesting.  Samoa has the dancers dancing with canes that they smack canes together to make noise.   The coconut tree is the tree of life for Polynesia.  Then the 2007 champion comes to the stage and performs his dance again this year.  It did look different this year in several spots.  Another warrior comes out and eventually and danced together throwing the fire knives to each other.  The climax was the fire dancer climbing on the back of the other one to look like a two story fire dancer.  This act was really exciting and and really picturesque.  A must see show. 

You can purchase tickets with a $3.00 discount if you mention Branson Show Awards.  You get 25% off of all the shows at the Dutton Theater if you show one of the shows ticket stubs when purchasing any other show at the theater.  Visit their website   www.theDuttons.com

JEERK                                                                       Hughes Brothers Family Theater

     May 25, 2010    June 24, 2010

     There are 5 Swedish young men that have invaded our lovely town of Branson, MO.  We were settled into our sweet comfortable country roots and then these guys show up and upset our wonderful country apple cart.  Thank God!  I enjoyed this show from the opening till the end.  I have told them I will return to fine tune my review, but really I just want to see it again and again.  They were that good.  They wear tennis shoes with cleats on them and dance in unison.  If you like dance, modern dance, this is the place to go.  If you like to be amazed, this is the place to go.  If you like to laugh out loud, this is the place to go.  To say I loved the show and these guys is a gigantic understatement.  I LOVED THIS SHOW.  I am just going to describe a few highlights and then leave the rest for you to discover when attending "Jeerk" yourself.  All of them come out with different size bottles, some taped together.  They look like just ordinary bottles, some taped together.  They began to blow over them and beautiful music came from them.  That is when I noticed that each bottle contained different amounts of a clear liquid in them.  They sing, beat-box, dance, jump, and pound on anything available including each other.  The precision that these young men can move on stage took a mountain of practice.  Thomas Bergstig directed the audience into singing "Fluffy Sheep" instead of applauding.  It is a very funny moment when the audience does that in the show.  Johan "Reggie" Regnell comes out with a drill and actually uses the drill to make music.  Each member of Jeerk enters the stage carrying different items.  The scene ends up being some grinders used on steel beams and causing a spark arc to move at a 45 degree angle toward each other.  One of the guys was in the center.  The bright red background, the arcs, and the lighting make the scene.  Reggie is a great entertainer and brings his dry humor to the audience many, many times.  The Swedish hockey team segment was really neat.  It started over at "Andy's" and moved through the go-cart park and ended at the side door of the Hughes Brothers Theater.  I noticed that Dallon Gettling was the news guy doing the remote feed to JRK TV News.  When the video finished, the guys, Bobo Erickson, Niklas Karlsson,Thomas Bergstig, and the other two mentioned, bound through the door at the exact second the screen showed them opening the door.  The dancing and movements on the stage of the hockey team was outstanding.  There is a skit using cigarette lighters that is absolutely fantastic.  The use of walkers was ingenious.  All in all, this is a show that will be enjoyed by almost everyone.  See you at the Hughes Theater watching Jeerk.

Joey Herd Goes Contemporarily Country                                     See the 2010 Small Cast Show Review section

John Sager In the "Hall of Fame" With Guests Jenny Bales and Jeff Sallee                        Hall of Fame Theater at the Branson Mall

     June 4, 2010

     John Sager is a gifted vocalist.  He has a show at the Center Stage and a great lunch gig at the Uptown Cafe.  The Uptown Cafe is a great place to eat, not only for the fantastic food, but for the cleanliness of the restaraunt.  This show is a great show that features 3 wonderful entertainers.  Jenny is one of the best female vocalist in the area and deserves more than she has.  Her voice is genuine gold and anyone who listens to her will agree.  You put John and Jenny together and then add a dash of Jeff Sallee and you have a great set of musical gems for your ears.  He opened with the beautiful ballad "Welcome to My World".  He indeed welcomed us with his talent.  He proceeded to sing "Help Me Make It Through the Night", "Johnny B. Goode", "Blueberry Hill", "I Can't Stop Loving You", "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", "Kentucky Rain", and the best of them all is "The Impossible Dream".  He sang that song with much feeling and all the power that God gave him in those golden vocal chords that he possesses.  Jenny Bales was next with "Stand By Your Man" and "I Fall to Pieces".  The audience actually applauded when she hit those high notes of the Tammy Wynette song.  She made us believe that she would stand by her man.  John came out again and sang the beautiful Charlie Rich song, "Behind Closed Doors".  I am sure he melted the ladies hearts as he sang that song.  Another song that he is so good singing is "Statue of a Fool".  He sang it as good as or even better than the two original artists to make it a hit, Jack Greene and Ricky Van Shelton.  He sang some Conway Twitty songs, "Hello Darlin'" and "Lay Me Down".  He sings the songs well.  One of the best moments was him sitting down at a keyboard and playing and singing "Once In Every Life".  Jenny returned with a Reba McEntire song, "Just a Little Love".  She is a vocalist that I look forward to seeing every week.  John sang three songs that always give me chills.  Roy Orbison's "Crying", "Unchained Melody" and the Marty Robbins classic "You Gave Me a Mountain.  What a great medley that was!  Roy Orbison is a great memory for many, many people and I would love to hear a few more, especially "Only the Lonely".  The concert ended with "God Bless the USA".  What a great show that everyone should see and with ticket prices only $10.00 a wonderful bargain.

Visit his website www.JohnSager.com  

John Sager Sings "Uptown"                            See the 2010 Small Cast Show Review section

Just "Duet" Starring Keith Allyn and Diana Lynn                                           See 2010 Small Cast Show Review section

The Keatings                                                                               Hamner Barber Theater

     May 5, 2010

     Ken started the show by singing "Into The Fire" with Josh joining him and then went into the "House Is a Rockin'".  The entire cast is singing the song and what a way to open the show.  The guys sing "Because We Believe".  This number was the first song that the two sang together at Josh's Las Vegas High School.  The father/son act were wearing nice suits to sing the next song "Because We Believe".  Ken and Josh sing a wonderful "Mash".  That is two songs sung together and blended into a new song.  "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" and   "What a Wonderful World " were wonderful.  Amber Boyd and Darby Pope add beauty and talent to the show.  They are very accomplished singers and dancers.  The drums shined on the girls "Last Dance" from "Fame".  Josh begins "The Phantom of the Opera" and Ken sings as if he were the Phantom's angel.  His falsetto is wonderful.  Josh ended up singing "This Is the Moment" which was quite beautiful.  Josh has a very strong voice with great vibrato.  Ken steps on stage and sings "Music of the Night".  This ended up being a great show medley given by two of Branson's best male vocalists.  The Keatings  begin a Blues Brothers medley with the girls joining them for "Soul Man", "I've Got Everything I Need", and "Do You Love Me".  "Somebody Died For Me" is a wonderful gospel song.  The power of Ken's voice is astounding.  Darby and Amber sing a beautiful "Joyful, Joyful".  It was a great performance.  The second half opened with some songs from "Hair".  This was a wonderful addition to the show this year.  I always enjoy "Aquarius" and "Let the Sunshine In".  The guys paid tribute to their favorite male artists, Bobby Darin, Stevie Wonder, Joe Cocker, Englebert Humperdinck, and finishes with Paul Anka.  What a nice medley.  Frank Sinatra's "Come Fly With Me" is beautifully done and the entire band shines on this number, Josh Roberts on the drums-Last years best drummer, Roger Butterlee on Lead guitar-Last years best Lead guitarist, and Devon Pershing on the keyboards.  One song performance was very good.  They showed pictures of artists that have died too soon.  They sang the song "Gone Too Soon" as the pictures were shown on the screens.  The final number was the American Trilogy in a salute to the USA and the veterans.  It was a great ending to a great show with four spectacular vocalists and three fantastic band member.   . 

The Hamner Barber Theater offers a $10.00 discount when you purchase tickets to the other shows in the Hamner Barber Theater.  You can view their website at    www.ExperienceTheKeatings.com

Wade Benson Landry - Swingin' Cajun Style                                                                   God and Country Theater

    May 11, 2010

     Wade Benson Landry is Branson's resident Cajun Fiddler.  He can take a song like Ray Price's "City Lights" and turn it into a Cajun masterpiece.  His wife, Teresa Bowe Landry, stepped on stage and sang "Ain't Had No Lovin'".  Her voice is a pleasure to listen to and enjoy.  Jimmy C. Newman's "Alligator Man" was the next song with Teresa adding her support by backup singing.  I really liked the steel, drums, and Wade's fiddle.  Teresa and Wade react together on stage as the song is being performed.  That is part of this shows entertainment value.  I loved the way Wade asked the audience to tell where they are from.  He then sang a song about the state.  It was comical when an audience member told him a state that he could not sing a song, he made one up.  It always involved some sort of comedy.  One of my favorites was Harry Choates' "Jole Blon".  Wade gave a wonderful fiddle introduction and then Wade, Adam Guidry, and Teresa sang the lyrics.  Wade has a nice voice and Teresa adds beauty and her talented voice to the mix.  He also played Doug Kershaw's "Diggy Liggy Lo" was a hit with the audience and me.  He also sang the late 50's pop Johnny Tillotson's "Send Me the Pillow" which was originally recorded by Hank Locklin.  He nailed the song and I thoroughly enjoyed it.  One highlight of the show was performing a song that was recorded by his father.  "Tout Les Soir" showed how much Wade thought of his Dad.  It was heart warming to listen to the song  The band was tremendous on the last song to close the half.  It was a terrific song, Hank Williams' "Jambalya" also recorded by Little Miss Dynamite, Brenda Lee.  I thought the half ended on a very high note.  Teresa sang "Sweet Dreams" which is another highlight of the show.  She can sing the fire out of a song and you will be delighted with her talent.  Adam Guidry stepped away from the drums to perform the best numbers of the show.  I don't know what there is about the Cajun style accordion but it was great.  Wade also played a different string instrument called a Glaser Mandocaster.  It was amazing and had a different sound and tone.  I also enjoyed the song "Cajun Stripper".  If you love Cajun music as I do, come and join the Mardi Gras by seeing his show.  You will go home with some Mardi Gras beads and a wonderful feeling produced by Wade Benson Landry and his wonderful Cajun band.  See you there.

This theater offers 50% of off ticket prices to all of the other shows, when you purchase them together or show a ticket stub from one of the other shows in God & Country Theater.  See his website  www.WadeBensonLandry.com   

The Legend of Kung Fu                                                       White House Theater

     July 8, 2010

     The story of Kung Fu is awesome to see and hear in this wonderful production that tells the story of Chun Yi.  The story is told with an old story teller with little Chun Yi.  There are many acrobatic acts that are sprinkled throughout the show.  The enormous cast is very talented and very enjoyable.  I will try to tell the story by paraphrasing the book available at the theater.  Chun Yi is left at the ancient temple, by his Mother, on the side of a mountain.  It is also the story of Zen Buddhism and its effects on this young monk.  Chun Yi, the Pure One, resists the strict discipline at the temple but soon realizes that this is what he wants and is initiated into the Temple.  The little monk studied very hard and learned many of Zen and Kung Fu skills as he grew older.  He becomes a man.  Many razor sharp swords are created by the hard work of the blacksmiths at the Temple.  After many years of hard work and practice, Chun Yi turns his body into iron also.  A large obstacle faces Chun Yi.  It is hard to not chase the beautiful fairy that Chun Yi has created in his mind.  He chases the beautiful fairy and joins her in a display of silk ballet.  It is a beautiful display of aerial artwork.  He cannot continue in his study of Buddhist practices.  He damages his ability to the skills of Kung Fu.  When the illusion of the Fairy is gone, Chun Yi is full of remorse and returns to his training while punishing himself for accepting the worldly desires that plagued him with the illusion.  He is able to show the elders that he indeed has returned to the strength and belief that he once possessed.  He is able to break steel and stone with his toned body.  Years pass by very fast.  Chun Yi has gained in stature among the monks in the Abby.  The old Abbot summons Chun Yi to his side.  He is informed that Chun Yi will be the new abbot of the Abby.  The old master gives the final speech to the monks and then experiences nirvana  That is when Chun Yi becomes the new Abbot and there is somewhat of a celebration.  The journey that the audience is experiencing consists of some wonderful displays of athletic feats.  It is truly entertaining to the entire audience, especially the children.  The props and costumes are very remarkable in the show and worthy of praise.  Keep your eyes on the stage and the words of the Old Man and little boy.  Most of the acts are astonishing.  Families will love this show.  Take your families to the show for an exciting two hours.  Show starts at 7:30. 

Check out their website for further information.  www.heaven-creation.com 

Legends From Nashville to Vegas Starring Trey Dees                       See 2010 Small Cast Show Review section

Legends In Concert                                                      Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater

     March 15, 2010    June 25, 2010

     Buddy Holly-George Trullinger  What a great way to start a show.  This man is a veteran music performer.  He is a natural on stage.  I always enjoy Buddy's songs but my favorite, "Maybe Baby", is not sung.  But the rest of the song selection is great.  "That'll Be the Day" is the best song that is performed in this show.  This man is a great guitarist and he shows it off several times.  The dancers do a fine job of performing from the first song to the last.  I always enjoy the dance troupe at Legends.  Tim McGraw-Todd Sullivan  I still am questioning whether the real Tim appeared in this show.  He was that good.  My favorite song was the first one done, "Indian Outlaw".  I wish he would have sung "Don't Take the Girl".  His song selections were very good and appropriate.  He really look like Tim on stage and he sounded like Tim also.  The Blues Brothers-Bucky Heard and Justin Clark   These two guys portray the Blues Brothers like no others.  They really hit the Blues Brothers act on the head.  Bucky does a fantastic job on his vocals.  I missed Justin's cowboy number from last year, "Rawhide".  He really shined on that number in last years show.  The action on the stage continues this year.  I can see why these guys are thin.  When you run around and jump as they do, weight is not a problem.  The band shines this year.  I really think they have gotten better.  Whitney Houston-Jasmine Hyytia   What a performer this young lady is on stage.  She has the pipes to sing Whitney and you hear it during the entire performance.  When she sings "I Will Always Love You" from "The Body Guard", I got chills up and down my spine.  What a voice!  What a beautiful young lady!  What a performance!  I will definitely see this show before they close in May.  Ed Sullivan-George Trullinger  When George opened the show, I knew that we were in for a treat before Elvis comes out.  I was not disappointed.  He entered the stage and became Ed Sullivan.  He has some one liners that will tickle your funny bone and his introduction of Elvis is right on target.  Elvis Presley-Dean Z   Elvis sings songs from his early years.  All of the major hits that Elvis had before the movie era are done.  "Blue Suede Shoes" is one of my favorites.  I really liked the dancers and the beautiful costumes.  His voice is getting better, if that is possible.  I hope that the company allows him to perform the movie section in the summer.  I am waiting with bated breath in the hope that the Legends company agrees with me and has Dean do it again this summer.  His "Jail-house Rock" performance is very good and is the highlight of the Elvis segment of the show.  All in all, this show is definitely worth seeing.  All acts are top notch.  Jasmine, if you are reading this, you are one great singer.  I wish you the best.

      June 25, 2010

     Little Richard-Garry Moore  started the show and made a very good impression on this old man.  The dancers add so much to the performance.  He played the piano on the first number.  He looks like a 30 year old Llittle Richard.  He opened with "Lucille" and then "Ginny, Ginny, Ginny".  He took the mic and walked around the stage.  "Good Golly Miss Molly" was sung at the piano standing up.  He has nailed the voice of Llittle Richard on the head.  Then came "Rock N Roll Music", "Great Balls of Fire", "Keep a Knockin"", and "Tutti Fruitti".  The dancers were quite involved in the performance and they really can dance so well.  The Drums were excellent played by Lynn Brown.  It was an astonishing performance that I will remember.  Britney Spears-Katie Murdock  The first song was a very good number with well insect costumed dancers.  "Womanizer" was a well performed song and the cast was exquiste.  "I Did It Again" was one song I recognized and I thought it was wonderful.  Katie is great at paying tribute to Brittney Spears.  I thoroughly enjoyed her performance.  The male dancer, Jamie Curry, was especially good in this segment of the show.   Alan Jackson-Doug Brewin  He really sounds and looks like Alan Jackson.  The dancers added some style and class as they did on every one of the acts.  I really enjoy hearing Doug sing.  Someday I would like to hear Doug as Doug.  I think it would be a very special performance.  Doug sings most of the hits of Alan Jackson.  I would have liked to hear "Midnight In Montgomery".  Michael Jackson-J. Lucas  This guy has nailed the Michael Jackson persona.  Mr. Lucas has the ability to sing all of Michael Jackson's songs.  "Billie Jean", "The Man in The Mirror", and of course "Thriller".  Dance Branson performed in "Thriller" trying to capture the original feeling of the video made 20+ years ago.  It was breathtaking and I am so glad that I was alerted by the TV news and took the time to attend.  The screams from the girls was ear splitting and I haven't heard that in Branson ever.  After the Michael Jackson performance, Bucky Heard stepped on stage and sang "Would You Know My Name In Heaven", an Eric Clapton song. 

Visit their website.  www.LegendsInConcert.com

Liverpool Legends                                                                              The Mansion Theater

    April 30, 2010

     This has got to be the best Tribute show this year in Branson.  The show has some of the similar songs as before, after all it is a Beatles show.  But the way the Beatles career is showcased is wonderful.  By video, the rise of the Beatles is told.  The show opened with "I Want To Hold Your Hand".  They were dressed like they were when they appeared on the "Ed Sullivan Show".  In fact, they are introduced by Ed Sullivan "live".  Paul plays the bass guitar, George is on the Lead guitar, John is playing another guitar or an acoustic guitar, and Ringo is on the drums.  They play all of their own music plus Bob Dobro on the keyboards.  Songs like "Do You Want to Know a Secret", "It's a Hard Days Night" and "Till There Was You" are performed in this segment.  Paul ends this part by singing "Yesterday" with an acoustic by himself, what a moment that was!  The video screens come alive again with the story of the Cavern Club.  That is where the boys played in Liverpool.  It was a small crowded room that was similar to a hot house.  Apparently, the club was hot and smelly.  That part of the scene is not duplicated, but the rest is through video backdrops.  Many hours of work is displayed with the videos and props for the Beatles story.  "Roll Over Beethoven" and "I Saw Her Standing There" were sung in this chapter.  The set changes again as the guys perform at Shay Stadium where the New York Mets play.  "Yellow Submarine" and "In My LIfe" were performed here.  To end the half, he had the crowd move to the front of the stage to give the impression of a real Beatles concert.  After all, it was a REAL Beatles concert.  The second half opened with George sitting on a Magic Carpet playing a Sitar.  He was dressed in an outfit from the cover of "Sgt Pepper's Lonely Heart Club" album.  The curtain goes down and opens with the boys all dressed like the cover.  All of the psychedelic music was performed during this chapter of the story.  Ringo, Greg George,  can really play the drums and demonstrates it throughout the show.  George, Marty Scott,  is a fantastic lead guitarists. John, Kevin Montegna, plays a wonderful acoustic and electric guitar.  Paul, Robert Beahon, is an accomplished bass guitarist.  They all have wonderful, spot on, voices and show it during the show.  The show ends with the soft and beautiful period of enlightenment.  John performs "Imagine" and sings it so well. This show is a lifetime Beatles experience.  I learned some things that I didn't know about in this show.  Louise has put together a fantastic show.  It is so much better than the previous year's show, I can't believe it.  A highlight of the show was George singing "Something".  It was very beautiful and amazing.  This show is more than a concert, it is a musical history lesson of the times of the baby-boomers.  A must see show in Branson.      

All Shows are reviewed by Gary R. Wackerly of www.BransonShowAwards.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 seven member committee chaired by Gary R. Wackerly.  www.BransonShowAwards.com has no affiliation with any show, company, City of Branson, or any Chamber of Commerce.   If you want to email me you can use BransonShowAwards@gmail.com