Branson
Spotlight
Heath Hawkins
I am a reality show
freak. I do not even take phone calls on Thursday nights because
of The Apprentice
and Survivor. I even watch local city council and
school board meetings on our city cable access channel. Yes, I
know I am strange. American Idol also ranks high on
my list of favorite shows. When I first heard that Branson was
going to have their own version of American Idol I was giddy with
excitement. This year the show is in it second season and it has a
new name. Last year the show was called Branson Idol.
It is now called
Branson Spotlight.
The concept was
great and right up my alley. I even tried to convenience my wife
to audition, but that was unsuccessful. The show happens every
Friday night at 11:00 p.m. There are no other shows at that time.
You can see a show at 8:00 p.m. and still have plenty time to get to
Branson Idol before it starts. The 2005 ticket price was only
$15. You can even buy a season pass and come every Friday night.
That is a great option for locals who love great music and a great time.
 You
might be asking yourself why you would want to pay to see a show full of
armatures? Well the truth is, you do get to see your share of
Branson stars as well. The show is produced by one of Branson’s
most successful performers,
Doug Gabriel. Doug Gabriel has been the
Branson Male Vocalist of the year several times and he stars in his own
popular morning show at the Jim Stafford Theatre.
Doug also acts as
one of the judges along with several other Branson entertainers.
The guest judges change from week to week. The week
I was there, Clay Cooper was the special guest judge. Clay Cooper
stared in the
Country Tonight Show for nine years before going to the Chavelle
Theater with
Paul
Harris. He still sings in that show, but he also has his own
morning show this year. His brand new show is called the Clay
Cooper Express.
Along with Doug
Gabriel and the guest judge for the week, there are
 two
other regular weekly judges. Terry Sander, also know as Homer Lee,
plays Doug Gabriel’s Grandma. Grandma is hilarious. You will
recognize Terry from The Grand Jubilee, Silver Dollar City, and
The Vacation Channel. You may even remember him from his time with
the Brachler’s Music Show. He is one of the most recognized
comedians in town. The other host is “The Outlaw” Jessica James.
She is a long time Branson entertainer who has also travels with
countless country entertainers.
Doug’s wife, Cheryl
Gabriel, and a special guest host emcee the show. The celebrity
guest host is also an area entertainer. I was
excited to see Dominique Haygood the week I was there. He performs
with his many brothers and sister in their own show at the Music City
Center. The Haygoods is one show you will not want to miss while
in town. I can guarantee that if you have teenage children they
will also love the show. The whole family is young and very full
of energy. You can see a review of their show if you click on
Heath’s Reviews at
http://www.BransonCritic.org/.
 Five
constants were selected at various talent searches around the
country for each week’s competition. They each sang one song,
and then the judges give them feedback. Don’t worry, there are
no Simons on the judge’s panel. Of course, Homer Lee had
hilarious comments every time.
 After
the singers are all finished, Doug Gabriel sets us a talk show type
scene on the stage and he interviews the guest judge(s). The guest
judge(s) also sings something from their show. I had seen Clay
Cooper before in the Paul Harris Show, so I found the interview very
interesting. The audience even gets to ask questions.
The judges narrow
the field of five down to two contestants, and then
the audience gets to choose the winner. Using your ticket stub as
a ballot, you vote for your favorite. The audience actually picks
the winner, and that is the person who advances on to the next round.
Two of last year’s contestants are now performing in Branson shows.
 I
loved the show. I also thought the seats in the theatre were
comfortable. The show is at the Jim Stafford Theatre, and the
seats are all new this year. There is not a lot of legroom,
but you are not cramped. There is even a nursery with a full view
of the show for those with fussy kids.
There is also a
nice snack bar and pretty nice gift shop. If you wait until the
previous show is out, you will have no problems finding a close parking
place, but be aware that the parking lot is built on a steep hill.
After you park, you can stand by your car and a shuttle will drive down
and pick you up. If you prefer to walk, wear you hiking boots.
 When
it came time to announce the winner I was nervous. My wife and I
voted for the same contestant. We thought she was an obvious
winner. Our contestant did win and we felt like we played a
part in her success. I wish her luck in future rounds.
When you are in
Branson this season, look up Branson Spotlight.
 After
all, there is not much else going on at 11:00 p.m. on Friday night.
You will hear some great music, see a few of Branson’s entertainers, and
you might even get to help discover a future star.
The Branson
Spotlight is performed at 11:00 p.m. every Friday night at the Jim
Stafford Theatre. For more information visit
www.douggabriel.com or to reserve tickets call the theatre at (800)
954-8554. Tell them that Heath from the Branson Critic Online sent
you.
What do you think?
Your opinion is your opinion. Let me know at
hhawkins@waynesville.k12.mo.us.
|
