Stuck On The 70's

Phenomenal! Stuck On The 70's Is A Show You Cannot Miss!

What is your memory of the 70's? (Can you remember the 70's?) Were you just getting married? Did you lose a loved one? Graduate from high school? Just being born? Be prepared to be taken back in time and have those memories unearthed, from euphoric to melancholy. Funny to sweet. For me, the 1970's is the era of music I most identify with and the musical influence that was most deeply felt. I have to thank the Stuck on The 70's show in Branson, MO for helping me to re-live those old feelings.

From Funkytown to Sweet Home Alabama in the opening segment there is something for every one (an overused statement - I know - but true). With a swift burst of energy they segue into the next segment (Hawaii Five-O) with comedic reflections of what hippies and stoners looked and acted like. If you want to be a hippie yourself, sit up front like Orville from South Carolina did. The show gets a little interactive here as he was escorted up to the stage. As the divas sang Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots are Made For Walkin'", they also walked all over Orville, swiftly dressing him up in a groovy vest and wig. He was a good sport and the crowd was roaring with laughter.

What would the 70's be like without Elvis? David Faria excels in impersonating Elvis in his popular "sequined phase". He's "Caught in a Trap" between two beautiful Americana Fire Dancers. (I was a little worried about some of the mature ladies sitting up front. They were acting like he really was Elvis. Let's just say they were a little...um...enthusiastic and leave it at that.)

Clint Nievar stole the show, in my opinion, although all the other performers did an excellent job. He is a well-timed, slapstick comedian/ singer/ impersonator (in particular - his Kermit the Frog impression). Clint was the 2004 Nominee for the Branson Critic Award for Best Performer. The other Frontline performers are: Jason Pritchett, Gene Yaws, Tina Cool, Katie Robinson, Cassie Shoemaker and David Faria.

The Love Boat showcases a wonderful acting/ musical segment. It was well-done and choreographed, opening with Ethel and Herman ( a long-married older couple; she's a curmudgeon, he was hen-pecked) stumbling down the stairs to get to their table for dinner. They are followed by a goofy, high-energy couple on their first date, singing "Memories". The female lead ( I failed to get her name) of this socially-challenged couple does a superb job. She was a perfect foil for Clint Nievar. To me, this was one of the highlights of the show.

They are followed by a hostile, stressed out husband and wife serenading each other with lyrics like "...go ahead with your own life, leave me alone!" (Billy Joel). Do not miss the end of this segment. Wait for it, even if you have to go to the bathroom.

From the softness of The Love Boat to the upbeat tempo of disco that will make you want to "Shake your Booty'' because "That's the Way (uh huh uh huh) I like It" I wouldn't have thought the show could get any better.

All I can say (well, not really all, I will say more) is that in the next segment, I was extremely moved by an awesome guitar combination by several of the band and frontline members. The musical director (Bobby Hamilton) takes the lead, and one by one, guitar players from the cast and the band join in. I could have listened to lead guitarist Greg Morton all day. Two hours of that, in itself, would have been money well-spent. It really has to be experienced to be appreciated. The bongos and a shaker were the only other instruments and it was so soothing, I just didn't want it to end. Of course they had to end that segment with some obscure song that goes a little something like this, "Bye Bye, Miss American Pie.... (can you finish the chorus? Of course you can!)

During the intermission (approximately 15 minutes), I stood next to the Americana Brew, which delights hungry and thirsty patrons with French Vanilla and Hazelnut coffee, espressos and an assortment of pastries (like chocolate chip muffins). As I was fighting the throng for at least a coffee, another patron asked if I was with a newspaper as I was shooting so many pictures. I let him know I was from BransonCritic.org. This kind gentleman, Jim Ramsey from Ontario, Canada said that he traveled (by himself) to see the Stuck on The 70's show. He saw it last year, he couldn't wait to see it this year and he said he'd see it every year because it conjures up beautiful memories for him. He mentioned he was a widower with "very few friends and I travel alone." Obviously, his memories of this great musical era are very important to him. When I asked him if he would recommend the show, his look said, 'that was a stupid question,' but fortunately, his mouth said, "Absolutely!" Then we talked aboot walleye fishing (Get it? Aboot? Canada?). Go figure how we ended up there.

The second half built up a greater tempo and greater energy when Nedra Culp, a featured performer comes out. When she sings "Midnight Train to Georgia" with strength and power, there was a palpable electricity the audience could feel. Energy, lots of energy. What a voice Ms. Culp has!

Her act is followed by the multi-talented musical director, Bobby Hamilton and his tribute to all our favorite Elton John songs that my wife rolls her eyes at (she's into 80's - yuk). Even though my wife was born in '73, she enjoyed the sterling performances of the most popular hits of my generation when she went to the Stuck on the 70's show last year.

The show included a taste of Tom Jones, The Blues Brothers and everybody's favorite, The Village People performing "Y.M.C.A."

The Americana Band was on it's game. They had wide ranges with smooth transitions of songs and great timing. It's no easy task to switch from disco to rock to soul, but they did it outstandingly. The band members are: Bobby Hamilton (keyboards and music director), Dave Clark (bass guitarist and man - can he sing), Robbie Blackwood (drums), Lori Taylor (keyboards/vocals), Bill Reder (saxophone), Tom Rastafor (trombone), Frank Abrahamson (trumpet).

So, here it is, in a nutshell. If you came to Branson, MO and you missed this show - well turn around and come back. It is one of Branson's best and should not be missed. Children will absolutely love it. Don't worry about fussy babies, except for parts of The Love Boat segment. The audience is encouraged to sing along, whoop and holler. Certainly your kids are capable of that. Mine were. Before you see the show, ask yourself what the 70's means to you and go have fun.

P.S. from BransonCritic.org: Great solo finish and a wonderful remark on what the 70's meant to all of us.

-Doug Holland, Editor.

Photo Gallery of Stuck on The 70's (All Show Photos I Took)

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