Shepherd of The Hills

E. W.
St. Louis, MO
Branson Show: Shepherd of The Hills Outdoor Theater
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
Date: June 07, 2004
Time: 9:51 PM

Branson Show Review
Shepherd of the Hills Play
By: E.W.

Costumed in period clothing the staff is friendly, outgoing and considerate. Pre-show lines include the opportunity for a photograph of individuals or groups. Actors play horseshoes while the audience takes their seats. Rodeo roping tricks follow the interactive groups’ recognition. Participants, actors and actresses, know their lines; become their characters. The author did not write in dialect. If the characters rarely intoned the accents of out state Missouri, it is okay. It is easier for the international and national audience to discern the story. Universal emotions are love, loss, rejection, narrow mindedness, revenge, retribution and forgiveness.

Comedy relief came from the City fellow who is the nerd of the era. Within the story- line is a square dance. Toes tap to the fiddlers and banjos. Intermission found participants from the audience joining in squares to ‘do si do’ and ‘twirl you lady’. The ‘show me’ state theatre believes in real animals, horses, sheep and mules. It drew the line at a real mountain lion. Racing wooden horse drawn wagons competed with an ancient chugging automobile for history buffs. Smoke from firing pistols, a flaming house and a ghost hold the attention of young and old.

Professional stage lighting creates dramatic effects and moods in this large outdoor theatre. I don’t know if assistive devices were available for the hearing impaired.
Microphones carry dialogue throughout the theatre. Special sound effects keep the audience on the edges of their seats.

Intermissions in Branson frequently offer opportunities for the audience to interact with the players. It is always a thrill at intermission time to meet the cast.

Trams move visitors quickly from accessible parking to the theatre and return them quickly at the conclusion of the play. Stackable plastic chairs are comfortable for the average sized person. An oversized individual may find the seating tight.

Snacks and drinks are available from vendors and a stand. The fare is not exceptional, yet it will quench thirst and provide substance to quiet a hungry stomach. Restrooms are located at the top of a ramp that requires strong legs.