Branson Shows 2005

From Patsy To Present

As of January 15th, 2005 the "From Patsy To Present" Show will be performing at the: Branson Mall Music Theatre! (next to Wal-Mart on the 76 strip).

All shows are at 5:00 pm. Please call the box office for show dates, at 417-339-3939. Our schedule will also be available on our website after January 1st, 2005. For our website information go to Branson Critic Directory.

Swing, Swing, Swing moves to the Strip in 2005

Branson Missouri. – With accounts from audiences, the press and increasing interest from motor coach groups and ticketing agencies, Swing, Swing, Swing has become Branson’s surprise hit new show.

After completing the 2004 season at the Gaslighter-Showtown Theatre on Gretna Road, Swing, Swing, Swing will move to their new home at the Americana Theatre on the Strip, Route 76.

Swing, Swing, Swing brings new energy to Branson,” wrote the Springfield News-Leader. “Swing, Swing, Swing is a show you’ll never forget,” said the Branson Independent and 417 Magazine placed the show into its top 10 best shows of the more than 100 shows now playing in Branson.

“First, we look forward to an exciting summer and fall at the Gaslighter-Showtown Theatre,” said writer and director Claude McNeal. “Swing, Swing, Swing gets standing ovations from its exuberant audiences every night.

We will re-stage the show next spring in the beautiful Americana, which has an elegant, almost ballroom feel to it.

Our extraordinary cast and musicians have successfully provided Branson with the joy and exhilaration of swing music, dancing, and singing at the highest level.”

We are already getting many repeat customers. “I am so glad to repeat the great success it’s already had in other parts of the country,” said Claude McNeal.

McNeal developed the fictional character, Johnny Logo, as a composite of Manning, and other early stars of swing, many of whom worked menial day jobs to make a living, while staying involved with swing at night over many years.

“No other kind of music hits all ages, all tastes, and men and women and even children, the way swing does,” said McNeal.

This high-energy music and dance production tells the story of swing over the years with entertainers like Louis Armstrong and Benny Goodman.

The story follows the twists and turns and staying power from the early years with songs like “Heebie Jeebies” and “It Don’t Mean a Thing (if it ain’t got that swing)”, all the way to today’s extraordinarily popular new swing music such as “Zoot Suit Riot” and “Mambo Number 5” (a little bit of Mardi Gras in my life.)

The dancing and music makes this a must see show for audiences of all ages. It ends so powerfully, you will be dancing all the way back to your car.
Doug Gabriel returns to Stafford Theatre for 2005

Branson’s preeminent entertainer Doug Gabriel is returning his morning show for the 2005 season to the Branson theater where it started - the Jim Stafford Theatre.

"We are returning to the theater where I first started my show and making a few minor changes," said Gabriel whose show is a five time recipient of morning show of the year honors. "We will be opening the new season of the Doug Gabriel Show on April 12 in a new time slot 10 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m.

In addition to moving my morning show, my new late night show will also be presented at the Jim Stafford Theatre Fridays at 11 p.m. beginning April 8. Formerly called Branson Idol, we are changing the name to Branson Spotlight."

Gabriel made the announcement Wednesday at the close of his 2004 season during a benefit show for the Salvation Army. "We have had a great time at the Legends Family Theatre and are excited about moving to the Jim Stafford Theatre where my friends Jim and Ann Stafford gave me my first opportunity to have my own morning show 11 years ago."

For his 12th season, Gabriel plans more of what has made him a success. His production features the Gabriel Family with his wife Cheryl who joins him for romantic duets and solos of her own and their children Joshua, Jordan and Jasmine in featured parts of the show, his full band and backup singers who are also soloists in their own right, and, of course, Doug’s vocal and seemingly endless instrumental talents.

It’s that talent which made him one of the most honored Branson entertainers including seven time male vocalist of the year, entertainer of the year and instrumentalist of the year. A returning fan favorite is Doug Gabriel on the Mufftar, the guitar made from a 1969 Thunderbird muffler.

"We are excited about our second season to search for up and coming talent across the country. Branson Spotlight, formerly Branson Idol, will continue in its same contest format with guest entertainment legends and the audience as the judges," said Gabriel.

The reason for the name change, according to Gabriel, is that he believes Branson Spotlight better describes the show spotlighting new talent as well as all the wonderful shows in Branson.

"Our audition locations will be announced soon," said Gabriel.

For more information call 417-337-8300. The Jim Stafford Theatre is located at 3440 Hwy. 76 W.

-By Linda Ward

2 FLUFFY WOMEN

Broadway Meets Country” in a Nostalgic Musical Murder Mystery! MUSIC, MURDER, MYSTERY & MAGIC Enjoy music from the 40’s, 50’s, & 60’s, The Andrew Sisters, Doris Day, Bette Midler, Rosemary Clooney, Vera
Ellen, Patsy Cline & much more...Laugh as their “Sisterly Style” humor paves the clues to the Theatreland Murders.

Smile as Peter the Adequate, Comedy Magic, amazes & entertains the whole family. All this performed in the “oldest” Theatre in Branson, built in 1935 - The Historic “Owen’s Theatre” in Downtown Branson.

The Historic “Owen’s Theatre” in Downtown Branson. Get ‘FLUFFY’ with “2 Fluffy Women” Family Entertainment! Rated "G"
Mon, Wed & Fri / 5:00pm Tue, Thur & Sat / 8:00pm FREE GIFT FOR AUDIENCE MEMBERS! www.2fluffywomen.com

The Branson Follies

MGH Performing Arts Center Corner of Hwy 65 and 248 – Next to Yakov P.O. Box 740 Branson, Missouri 65615

Local Box Office phone number: 417-337-5543
Groups Toll Free:  888-236-5543 (888-2-FOLLIES)

Dates:    Sept. 12 - December 11, 2005 DARK Wed. & Thurs.
Times:    Sundays 2 pm
                Mon, Tues, Fri, and Sat. 2 & 8 pm

Special Guests: Patti Page - Sept 12 - Oct 23, 05

Special Guests: Carol Channing - Oct 24 - Nov. 6, 05

Special Guests: The Four Aces - Nov. 7 - Dec 11, 05

A show for the ageless, beautifully, remarkably and magically performed by men and women in their sixties, seventies and eighties. A completely unique show.

GREAT AMERICAN SONGBOOK

MGH Performing Arts Center Corner of Hwy 65 and 248 - Next to Yakov
P.O. Box 740
Branson, Missouri 65615

Local Box Office phone number: 417-337-5543
Groups Toll Free: 888-236-5543 (888-2-FOLLIES)

Dates:    June 15 - December 11, 2005 - Dark Tuesday

                2 & 8 pm - June 13 - September 11
                10 am - September 12 - December 10 - Mon, Fri and Sat ONLY
                8 pm - September 18 - December 11 - Sundays ONLY

The Great American Songbook is two hours of memorable people, events, and music that filled our lives and our hearts! Ed Ames and Carol Lawrence perform music from the jazz age, big band era, Broadway, and the movies. Relive the wonderful memories and enjoy the musical tributes to composers and lyricists who created the music of our lives.

Bob Anderson Returns!

We noticed that the BransonCritic enjoyed Bob Anderson's show, so we thought that you might like to know that Bob Anderson is returning as a special guest to the Les Brown show (Bob performed with us last Fall). Most of Bob's "characters" actually performed with the Band of Renown at one time or another, and Bob recreates the look and sound of these performances to a 'T.' Close your eyes and it's Tony Bennett up there with the Band.

Jana King Joins the Band of Renown

Jana King Evans is also joining the Band of Renown show this year as our female vocalist. Jana performed with the Band last Fall at the opening ceremonies of the Veteran's Homecoming Week. Needless to say, she knocked 'em out with her voice and style.

We're kicking off the 2005 season with an appearance at BransonFest on April 5. The regular shows begin on April 16. The new starting time is 2pm. Hope to see you there!

- Scott Witt

Tony Roi, winner of the 2004 BransonCritic.org - Best Performer Award, will be performing his show "The Elvis Experience," opening March 17, 2005 at Music City Center in Branson,

John Tweed Show Moves To
Moe Bandy (Majestic) Theatre.

Les Brown and the Band of Renown at the Mickey Gilley Theatre. Branson, Mo.

A Great American Big Band plays the Great American Songbook!
You'll hear unforgettable swing music by Les Brown, Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey.

Then Bob Anderson, Americas Greatest Singing Impressionist, will amaze and amuse you with his impressions of stars like Tony Bennett, Dean Martin and Tom Jones.

And Les Brown Jr. takes you behind the scenes with his humorous and touching stories about these classic performers and their songs. Dancing is encouraged throughout the show. Experience the Great American Songbook with Les Brown Jr. and the Band of Renown.

-And you were told the Branson Broadway show was over. Well, here is the the good news-

Broadway! The Star Spangled Celebration Is back!

Starting April 27 at 8:00pm the show features a number of highlights from the original Broadway production.

This show is currently running worldwide. It combines performances from some of the reportedly greatest musicals of all time, including Grease, My Fair Lady, Mamma Mia, 42nd Street, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Chicago, Les Miz, Cabaret, Oklahoma! and other classic sounds.

-Andy Williams and Petula Clark, Together?

Andy's Williams show has done it again!

From Britain to America, Petula Clark has had an impressive and varied career; with hits like "Downtown" "I Know A Place", "Don’t Sleep In The Subway, Darling", "It’s A Sign Of The Times", "This Is My Song" and "My Love".

Petula Clark began her career as a youth when she entertained the troops both on radio and in concert. She performed in over 200 shows for the forces all over England before the age of nine and by war's end, Petula Clark was often classified as the British "Shirley Temple"

In 1949 she recorded her first song "Music, Music, Music" but it was 15 years later when her #1 Grammy Award winning hit "Downtown" became the first of almost two dozen of her records to reach the U.S. music charts. The following year, "I Know A Place" resulted in her second Grammy. Internationally, over 150 of her recordings have made the charts.

In the world of TV not only has she made numerous appearances both as a guest star and as the host of two popular variety series for British television, but she has also had three of her own American TV specials and many appearances on American TV including guesting on the Andy Williams Show.

In1998 she was presented with the Commander of the Order of the British Empire by her Majesty the Queen of England, in honor of Petula's career. And, in 2003, she was the recipient of the Grammy Hall of Fame Award for her recording of "Downtown" Much like Andy, she continues to play to sold out crowds all over the world, and now she brings her sound and style to the Moon River Theatre.

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