Shoji Tabuchi Show

V. C.
Lebanon, MO
Branson Show: Shoji Tabuchi
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 4 of 5
Date: May 16, 2004
Time: 12:27 PM

For Branson first timers, Shoji Tabuchi is a must. You have to see the most garishly wonderful theater in Branson. You have to see the most elaborate bathrooms (with orchids in the women’s bathroom and the pool table (in the men’s). Women can sigh in relief. There are 33 separate stalls with doors that close with doorknobs.

You have to see this charming, charismatic performer. He reaches out and immediately connects with every audience. He pokes fun at himself, his Japanese accent, his hi-tech theatrics, and his wardrobe changes from one glittering jacket to another. In a throwback to the good ol’ days of performing, he even appears at intermission to sign autographs below the stage apron.

You have to see a consummate performer and a gifted musician at work. His fiddle runs the gamut from “Orange Blossom Special” to Hank Williams’ songs to “Laura’s theme” from Dr. Zhivago. A word of caution, however: The instrument is amplified and often the songs have a strident quality that makes the hearing impaired turn their hearing-aids down. If the techno-expert in the back of the auditorium would turn the volume down a notch, the music could be more comfortably received.

The Tabuchi production is Branson’s ultimate bell-and-whistle show. The juke box on stage is bigger than any other in town; the silver disco ball rotates faster; and the laser-light segment, when Shoji duets with a mockingbird and a rooster, is equal to none.

If you have young kids, sit near the front. They’ll never know what is going to fall from the ceiling. Bubbles, colored confetti, silver confetti, balloons and streamers cascade out of nowhere during the show. Smoke and fog rolls over the lip of the stage.

The Tabuchi show is vintage Branson formula. Divided by types of music, it tributes country-western, big band, western, rock and roll, and religious music. The requisite patriotic grande finale has the loudest and brightest fireworks anywhere in indoors along “The Strip.”

Two segments are outstanding. A slapstick comedy routine with firemen clowns is playful and features bungee-jumping upstage. The dancers, for once, fill the stage.

The most dramatic segment opens the show. In a tribute to Tabuchi’s native land, a huge dragon enters from behind the audience and a million dollars in drums spread across and over the stage. The kimono and fan costuming accompanying it are quite elegant. It is nearly worth the price of admission in itself.

On the other hand, repeat visitors to Branson will recognize set pieces and songs from previous year’s productions--just shaken and stirred in different positions throughout the evening. Some enjoy seeing a good thing a second time; others would like Tabuchi to put his magic touch on something new.

Anyone old enough to pay for a seat has enough to watch both on the stage and off, from the ceiling and the back of the auditorium to keep them interested in the show.

The personnel are friendly and helpful; the parking is efficiently handled.