Andy Williams Show
A. M.
Houston, Texas
Branson Show: Andy Williams
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
Date: May 19, 2004
Time: 4:56 PM
I saw the Andy Williams/Ann-Margret show on May
12th. I thought everything about the show was totally first rate --
the theater, the sound, the stage, the band and most of all the
performers.
The show started promptly at 7:00 with Andy Williams coming out and
singing a number of his best-known songs. He was in great voice and
seemed to love the audience and vice versa. He then introduced Ann-Margret.
Ann-Margret came out on stage in an absolutely beautiful yellow
chiffon dress that swirled as she moved on stage. She looked
fantastic and virtually ageless on stage. She still moves
beautifully and obviously does not subscribe to the theory that she
can't be sexy just because she is over 60. She did a couple of
numbers with Andy and then left the stage. Andy did several more
songs, including "MacArthur Park", which I loved. There was then an
intermission.
After intermission, Ann-Margret came out with her three dancers and
did a number of songs from her "Here Now" act. These included "Got a
Lot of Livin’ To Do" from "Bye Bye Birdie", one of her best known
films, a medley from "Tommy" and closed her solo section with "Viva
Las Vegas". She also did a number of other songs including "More
Than You Know", "A Little Less Conversation", "I Feel Like a Woman"
and a Swedish song.
As for the "I Feel Like a Woman" number with the motorcycle, as far
as I know just about every nightclub show Ann-Margret has ever done
has included a motorcycle number -- they are her trademark. While
she was changing dozens of pictures of Ann-Margret on motorcycles
from both her stage shows and personal life were shown on screen.
Compared to some of the things performers like Britney, Madonna,
etc. do on stage the number was totally PG rated. Plus the number
was fun and lively.
I have seen Ann-Margret perform live several times and her shows are
always high energy and fun. At age 63 her shows are toned down
somewhat from when she headlined Caesar's Palace (only 3 dancers
rather than 6, no laser lights and fewer costumes). However, it is
obvious when you watch her on stage that she loves to perform and
for the most part audiences love her.
She has a level of enthusiasm and sincerity that is rare in show
business. I thought that her energy blended perfectly with Andy's
more laid back style. It seemed to me that they were both having a
ball working together.
Andy came back out on stage after A-M finished "Viva Las Vegas".
They did a very cute dialogue section together and sang another
song. Then A-M introduced the gospel segment.
I will admit that neither Andy nor Ann-Margret is particularly well
known as a gospel performer. However, Ann-Margret recorded a gospel
CD two years ago called "God is Love" that was nominated for both a
Grammy and a Dove award. She's not the type of performer that goes
around preaching religion, but I have heard her make references to
God and her faith in a number of TV interviews over the years (i.e.
Phil Donohue, Larry King). According to what A-M said, the choice to
do the gospel segment was Andy's, but she was quite pleased.
During the gospel section Andy and Ann-Margret traded off as lead
vocalist. Andy’s back-up singers and A-M’s three dancers also joined
them. I thought that everyone involved was really into the music and
it was very lively. The songs included "He's Got the Whole World in
His Hands", "Jesus Loves Me" and "Operator, Get Me Jesus".
Both Ann-Margret and Andy Williams are Hollywood legends and I would
recommend the show to anyone who wants to have a fun time. Ann-Margret
was a headliner at the Las Vegas Hilton at the same time Elvis
headlined there. She was later the primary female headliner at
Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas for many years. In addition, she has
appeared in over 50 movies and has two Academy Award nominations,
five Emmy nominations and has won five Golden Globes. Andy has won
three Emmy awards and had I don't know how many gold records. When
you consider that a lot of shows in Branson with unknown performers
charge almost as much as the tickets to see Andy and
A-M, their show is one of the best bargains in Branson.
K. B.
Branson West, MO
Branson Show: Andy Williams
Recommendation: No
Ratings: 4 of 5
Date: May 18, 2004
Time: 12:35 PM
Andy Williams is still the classiest act
anywhere! His still smooth voice is magical! The orchestra is
fantastic and never missed a beat.
However, the addition of Ann-Margret to this year's show has been a
huge mistake. We were so disappointed with her performance but gave
her the benefit of the doubt (although, I thought she was drunk or
stoned). Then, after listening to her rendition of "I Feel Like a
Woman" (not her style at all) and watching her grind and bump with
her young dancers - we left.
I believe that if Andy does not replace this duo-act, his ratings
will go down. I am hoping to see him perform here for years to come.
Just not with Ann-Margret. You know, she was once very talented - I
don't know what happened! I love her in movies, just not on live
stage.
G. H.
Lees Summit, Missouri
Branson Show: Andy Williams
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
Date: May 21, 2004
Time: 6:52 AM
Andy Williams and Ann-Margret are a winning
combination! Andy's voice is still golden and smooth--so rich,
resonant, and remarkable! Andy opens the show and maintains most of
the first half. He sings such popular standards as "God Only Knows,"
"Call Me Irresponsible," "The Days of Wine and Roses," "Moon
River,"(of course!) and several others. Toward the end of the first
half of the show, Ann-Margret joins Andy for a duet..."Look Down
That Lonesome Road." Ann-Margret takes over for most of the second
half of the show.
Ann-Margret --Wow! She brings to the show the shot in the arm it
needs! She is beautiful, talented ---electric!! Sparks fly!! She is
timeless and has boundless energy. She is a performer through and
through. She knows how to command the stage and the audience. She
also has a sweet and sincere quality that connects her with the
audience. She communicates love and the audience gives that love
right back to her.
During the show a large screen is displayed which shows a montage of
her films that are considerable and impressive. She sings some
terrific "hot" numbers such as "Viva Las Vegas," A Little Less
Conversation," and a Shania Twain hit, "I Feel Like A Woman."
The Shania Twain number is complete with a real motorcycle brought
onto the stage. This particular number seems to be a little hard for
some audience members to appreciate, but this is Ann-Margret's style
and when you get a chance to see Ann-Margret perform, you get a
chance to see the "whole enchilada." Ann-Margret balances her more
energetic numbers with some beautiful standards. One that
particularly stands out in my mind is "More Than You Know." She
sings it from the heart and with a style reminiscent of the female
singers of the 40's and 50's. She also has a time during the show
when she very lovingly discusses her parents and she then sings a
beautiful Swedish lullaby called "Violets for Mother."
To conclude the show, Andy Williams and Ann-Margret join the chorus
and orchestra for a highly spirited gospel music segment.
Andy Williams and Ann-Margret have great chemistry. They perform
well together. They seem to genuinely like each other.
By the way --there is a female drummer in Andy's orchestra who is
magnificent to watch. She seems to enjoy every moment of her
percussion genius. Andy's orchestra on the whole is wonderful and so
is the chorus of singers. Ann-Margret's dancers are very good also.
The Andy Williams Moon River Theater is much like Andy himself. It's
conservative, sophisticated, and first class. I have been to the
Andy Williams show many times over the last few years. The service
is excellent--this includes the people at the ticket office, the
gift shop, the concession stand, and the ushers --first rate!!
Don't miss an opportunity to see the beautiful blend of Andy
Williams and Ann-Margret. Those two are a mix that is hard to match!
S. R.
Kettering, Ohio
Branson Show: Andy Williams
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
Date: May 20, 2004
Time: 11:37 AM
The best decision Andy Williams ever made was to
invite Ann-Margret to perform with him at his Moon River Theater in
Branson, Missouri. I attended the April 28, 29 and 30th shows
featuring both Andy Williams and Ann-Margret. Although Andy Williams
is still in wonderful voice, his energy level was somewhat low.
Combining that with the vibrant, vivacious, overly energetic Ann-Margret
seems to balance the show as a whole and add elements that seem to
satisfy any taste.
The theater itself is beautiful - the feel of a contemporary art
museum, with many pieces of art from Mr. Williams collection
displayed throughout the lobby. The theater seats are plush and
comfortable and there are plenty of provisions taken for the
handicapped and elderly. Also, the theater staff happen to be one of
the most friendly and accommodating of any I have dealt with!
The show itself is extremely impressive. The stage set and lighting
really adds to the entire feel of the show. A lighting set that
gives the illusion of sitting underneath the stars really added
ambience to ballads featured by both performers.
Pre-show features trivia and bits of performances by Andy Williams
and some of his guests from his television show shown on a jumbotron
at the front of the stage.
Andy Williams opens the show, singing many of his well known songs
and then introduces Ann-Margret. Ann-Margret graces the stage
wearing a gorgeous yellow chiffon caped gown. They sing several
songs including a wonderful rendition of "Lonesome Road" and a bossa
nova number featuring Ann-Margret's dancers. Then, Mr. Williams
sings "The Girl From Epanema" while Ann-Margret dances across the
stage beautifully reminiscent of her performance dancing on the Dean
Martin show to "You Walked Out Of A Dream."
Ann-Margret then exits the stage leaving Andy Williams to complete
his set which included songs like "Moon River" and a vocally power
packed rendition of "MacArthur Park". After completing his very well
sung, but less than energetic set, Mr. Williams leaves the stage to
much applause and crowd approval.
After about a 15 minute intermission, Ann-Margret and her three
dancers come onstage to open with the Joe Tex song "Show Me". The
upbeat nature of this opening number lends itself to the energy and
charisma that is Ann-Margret.
Ann-Margret was in terrific vocal form singing songs including "A
Lot Of Livin' To Do" from "Bye Bye Birdie", and "You're Nobody Till
Somebody Loves You" - complete with upright bass being played and
her dancers sporting fedoras.
Ann-Margret has always been known for her so-called "motorcycle
movies" and for riding her Harleys....and including them in her
stage shows - and this show was no exception. After saying that she
loves the sound of things such as a gentle rain and her cat purring
in her lap, she says the sound she "REALLY LOVES" is the sound of
her motorcycle and that begins the section of her set that is both a
highlight of her show, and a seemingly controversial part of it as
well.
After Ann-Margret's dancers help her with a well-choreographed and
unique onstage quick change, they bring her motorcycle onto the
stage. She then sings "I Feel Like A Woman" and "A Little Less
Conversation". She dances across the stage with the very same power
and flexibility that she has had since the 60's. At this point in
the show you realize that Ann-Margret is seemingly ageless. Her
form-fitting costumes reveal her svelte, dancers form. Her ability
to produce such sensuality onstage while remaining classy and
tasteful onstage (vs. some of the midriff baring performers of the
current generation) proves what a true performer she is. I think it
is a misconception that some audience members view this portion of
her show as "racy". This portion of her show is completely
acceptable for people of any age. In society today, there seems to
be a general consensus that, unless you are 18 years old...you
aren't allowed to be sexy - especially not in public. Well, I feel
that age is merely a number and if you are someone like Ann-Margret
who "has it" then you should use it - and I applaud Ann-Margret for
using what she has been given: a mesmerizing stage presence, a
beautiful pitch perfect smooth voice, fabulous ability for dance and
for remaining absolutely gorgeous both on the inside and out.
The show then continues with Ann-Margret singing selections from the
movie "Tommy", which earned her a second Oscar nomination and
closing her portion of the evening with a rousing version of "Viva
Las Vegas", the title track from the movie of the same name which
she starred in with Elvis Presley.
For those who haven't seen them, her costumes, designed by Bob
Mackie are worth the price of admission alone.
At this point, Andy Williams rejoins Ann-Margret onstage for some
comedic banter and a fun-filled version of "Can't Take My Eyes Off
Of You". They then segue way into a gospel medley, complete with
choir robes and backed by both Andy and Ann-Margret's backup singers
and dancers. This portion of the show included songs like "Jesus
Loves Me", "Operator, give me Jesus", and the highlight "Oh Happy
Day.”
Both Andy Williams and Ann-Margret have a wonderful rapport with
their audiences, and their alternate styles lend itself to being a
well-rounded and extremely fun show. You definitely leave the
theater with a great feeling! I highly recommend that everyone who
gets the opportunity go see them!!
Don
Iowa
Branson Show: Andy Williams
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
Date: May 12, 2004
Time: 8:11 PM
It is amazing that, at age 77, Andy is still going
strong and singing so well. His voice does have a little
"wobble" in it that I didn't notice two years ago when I heard him
last, but most people wouldn't even notice it. The addition of
Ann-Margret to the show is a big addition. Andy is a balladeer
and his slow songs are his trademark, so it is great to hear that he
can still phrase and sustain the long notes at his age. Most
singers couldn't do it. Pavarotti retired at age 65.
Andy could continue into his eighties, I'm sure.
The show opens with Ann-Margret and Andy doing a sixties duet (can't
remember the title) and they sound good together. Then Andy
does about 45 minutes of his hits, including "Moon River" and "The
Days Of Wine And Roses". His band backs him up well. It
is bigger than most theatre bands in Branson and his theatre is
probably the best as well with tremendous height over the stage.
Everything about the show is first class.
Ann-Margret does the last half, singing some of her Vegas show
highlights and showing some film clips from her many movies,
including "Bye, Bye, Birdie" and "Viva Las Vegas" with Elvis.
She sits on a motorcycle and does her sex kitten routine, and, at
age 63, it is still pretty convincing. She sings and moves
well and narrates about her Swedish birth and about coming to
America.
Of course they had to conclude with some big production number
together and they decided to do some gospel music. I thought
that was a big mistake - I mean, when I think of gospel my thoughts
don't go to an old guy from Iowa and a Swedish blonde "getting
down". It just isn't typical music from either one and it
looked contrived to me. The audience loved it however, so what
do I know?
This is a great show and the band and the
theatre with these two stars make it a real memorable
V. R.
Dayton, Ohio
Branson Show: Andy Williams
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 for 5
Date: June 05, 2004
Time: 1:18 PM
My daughter took me to see Ann-Margret and Andy
Williams for my birthday. I had never been to Branson before
and had never seen Andy Williams before. I had previously seen
Ann-Margret in February and was excited to see her performance with
Andy Williams.
The theater was very nice and the staff was very friendly. The
pre-show footage from Andy Williams TV show was interesting to watch
and made for a nice intro to show time. The stage lighting was
impressive and the theater seemed to have good acoustics.
The show started on time and Andy Williams opened the show. He
sang some of his most popular songs like "Moon River", "Days Of Wine
And Roses" and "Call Me Irresponsible". Then Ann-Margret
joined him for several songs including "Lonesome Road" and a bossa
nova number. Ann-Margret also danced
across the stage while Andy sang "The Girl From Ipanema" and I must
say that this was a highlight of Andy's set. I remembered
seeing her dance about thirty years ago on, I believe it was the
Dean Martin show, and nothing has changed. Ann-Margret still
looked just as beautiful and moved just as gracefully. Then Andy
finished up his set with "Softly Love" and "MacArthur Park."
His voice sounded rich and clear, but I must say that his appearance
was a bit gaunt.
Then, there was about a 15 minute intermission before the show
continued.
Ann-Margret came out and really kicked the show into high gear. She
had a lot of energy and her three backup dancers were quite
impressive as well. She sang and danced to songs like "A Lot
Of Livin' To Do" and "Viva Las Vegas" and also did a medley of songs
from the movie "Tommy" which I enjoyed. I must admit that the
section of Ann-Margret's set where she brought a motorcycle out onto
the stage and sang and danced to two songs was my favorite part.
She was in excellent voice and her dancing was great. She
seems to get more "personal" with the audience during her set than
Andy does, which I enjoyed.
The show closed when Andy rejoined Ann-Margret for a cute version of
"Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" and then a gospel medley. The two of
them perform very well together.
I highly recommend the show. There is something for everyone, and
both Ann-Margret and Andy Williams were wonderful!
E. B.
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Branson Show: Andy Williams
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
Date: September 30, 2004
Time: 11:37 AM
As someone who grew up watching Andy Williams
with my Grandmother and Watching Ann-Margret with my Mother I have
to say that this was an amazing show! Both were very entertaining
and can do just as much now if not more vocally as they did 20 years
ago when I first started watching them. The Seating was great no
matter where you were at. Both Andy Williams and Ann-Margret
interacted with the Audience. There was great Comedy and amazing
Singing. Great show a Must See!!!!!
S. C.
Dallas, Texas
Branson Show: Andy Williams
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
Date: June 24, 2004
Time: 4:21 PM
As a huge fan of the always AMAZING Ann-Margret,
seeing her in Branson was a new and wonderful experience for this 16
year old! Andy William's theatre was beautiful, and a wonderful
setting for these two dynamic stars of stage and screen! Andy opened
the show with some wonderful classic ballads and then introduced to
his audience the beautiful Miss Ann-Margret! She came on looking as
stunning and as sweet as ever, and the two did a few fabulous bossa
nova duets. Ann-Margret completes the last half of the show by
herself with numbers from her Here! Now! tour. She shines, shimmies,
shakes, and completely mesmerizes in this half of the show! Her
dancers are always excellent, and when Andy came back at the end to
finish off the show with A-M doing some Gospel songs the audience
truly came alive and really got into it. This was an AMAZING show
that I would recommend to not only A-M and Andy fans, but fans of
MUSIC. As A-M herself says "music really is the universal language"
Go see this wonderful show this fall!!!
L. M.
Smithville, Arkansas
Branson Show: Andy Williams
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
Date: June 10, 2004
Time: 11:12 AM
I attended the Andy Williams show, for one reason mainly--to see the
wonderful and incredible Ann-Margret. Andy was wonderful to, but he
having her as part of his show is one of the best things Branson has
seen! Having Ann-Margret gave Branson more "star appeal" in my
opinion. I am so happy she will be returning in the fall, and I hope
to be there once again.
Andy's Moon River Theater is very beautiful--very urban. The lobby
is educational with the displayed artwork and the technology of it
with lights, sounds, and stage is remarkable.
Ann's performance was breathtaking! Even though she is a little
older than what she once was (what we all once were), she had more
"stuff" than many half her age will ever see! I was in a state of
awe sitting in the front row. A better show could not have been
asked for, that is certain. Her voice, her moves and her beauty are
unmatched. This is the woman I had seen star in all of those
wonderfully fun movies from the 60s, like "Bye Bye Birdie," "The
Pleasure Seekers," and my favorite, "Viva Las Vegas." To see her in
person was a dream come true and by my excitement, clapping, hoops
and hollers, I know she could tell. :o)
The only negative aspect I can have and it's very miniscule, is that
the show is just too short. I was shocked when it ended because I
wasn't suspecting it to. I feel that Ann-Margret should have the
ENTIRE two hours---that would be one heckuva show! And this one was.
I could not keep my eyes off her for one second. She is so
captivating, charismatic, talented, and beautiful...I could go on.
It's a memory this 20-year-old will not soon forget! Thank you Ann-Margret
for coming to Branson!
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