#1 Hits Of The 60’s

#1 Hits Of The 60’s: A Blast From The Past!

What a Blast from the past!! If you would like an enjoyable trip down memory lane, this show is a must see! From the opening song “Higher and Higher” to the last song “The Receipt,” this production is a roller coaster performance that will stimulate the senses and please the ears with over a hundred songs that made the decade of the 60’s my favorite. I would find myself singing along, rocking in my chair and truly enjoying this wonderful show.

The cast and band are a remarkable mix of musicians and singers who have blended their talents and made the sounds of the sixties come alive. I really enjoyed the live music and singing. Without trying to mimic the originals, each lends their own style and quality to the songs and music; and in many cases, it would be hard to tell the difference between live now, and listening to these songs back then. This is a good-looking bunch of singers (and musicians) that make the show a visually enjoyable experience, too. The outfits used in the different segments of the show were well coordinated to the songs and attractiveness of the performers. The costumes are beautiful and well adapted to the songs they were singing. The many extra props: From cars to the jukebox, the crazy lost and found box and others - enrich the songs and make us laugh along with the music. Matt Snow and Eric Eichenberger were hilarious with that ‘lost and found’ box.

I really enjoyed the use of lights and sounds to create moods to match the songs. There were interludes of memorabilia that allowed for the many different costume changes and they were well coordinated and helped make the change of pace and themes fun. Matt Muhoberac, the Musical Director put on a good show with the trivia. Many of the sessions tested our memory of the past and helped to accent the songs that were highlighted.

I particularly enjoyed the many different dances the cast would use and the part where members of the audience got to dance on stage was a blast. My hat is off to the ones who were brave enough to get up there a strut their stuff. It makes you appreciate what the cast goes through in each performance to make the dances and songs a pleasant and memorable experience for all of us that grew up in the sixties. As I looked around the audience, I was pleased to see how many young ones were singing along too. They knew the words as well as we did, and this shows the good effect these songs have on the present generation, too. My 5-year-old granddaughter was dancing in the aisle and having a ball. During the part where the audience was picked to go on stage, one of the cast, Lee Anne Mathews (a pretty redhead), picked her and her 5-year-old friend to go up and dance on stage. I was shocked and awed that they actually went up and thrilled to see them follow along and do the different dances with the cast showing the way.

The many different themes in the show featured the variety of issues that have affected us all. From the crazy light hearted skits to the serious issues of the Viet Nam War and political assassinations, the cast helped us all to enjoy the many faces of our younger years where we all experimented with our changing lives and times and somehow survived to now consider them the “good ole days”. You will enjoy songs of the Beatles and the Beach Boys, the Supremes and the Righteous Brothers. Relive a trip to the Drive In, listen to songs found on a Juke Box in the 60’s and relive the hours we spent listening to American Bandstand and Dick Clark. Come prepared to get involved with the singing, dancing and remembering the events of the times of our youth. The more you put into this show, the more you will get out of it.

The theater has elevated seating to allow all to have a good view of the stages and all the cast and band. The restrooms were exceptionally clean and the food and drink at the concession stand was fresh and satisfying. The staff is very friendly - from the ticket counter to the usher and concessions. The staff listened and helped my wife have an especially good time. She is partially blind and has a broken foot. The staff found us seats close to the stage and carried us by cart to a door close to where we would be sitting. When the show was over, they were waiting to take us to our car. This was especially thoughtful since it was raining that night. This allowed my wife to get the most from the show and we will always remember and appreciate the kindness and consideration extended to her.

My 5-year-old granddaughter was truly impressed by this experience. She has requested her own stage and curtain be erected. She then introduces herself as the MC of the 60’s Show and then proceeds to sing and dance to her own recollection of her visit to the show. This show made quite an impression on her mind and makes me appreciate the influence that good music and fine singing can truly give us all.

All of the singer/entertainers did a fantastic job and their names are as follows: Lori Kelley Cathcart, Eric Eichenberger, Amber Kistler, Robyn Mason, Lee Anne Mathews, Justin Sassanella, Patrick Schuster and Matt Snow.

The members of the band (also fantastic) were: Matt Muhoberac (rhythm guitar, keyboards, musical director), Neil Broeker (sax, woodwinds), Jay Daversa (trumpet), Charles Lett (trombone), D’Vaughn Pershing (piano), Geoff Clark (lead guitar), Brian Zerbe (bass) and Bennett McLeod (drums).

Whether you lived in the 60’s or just like the sights and sounds of the times, you will truly enjoy this remarkable show and the memories it will bring to mind. When you come to Branson, this is a must for your music pleasure and peace of mind.

- Mike Harris, Editor BransonCritic.org