Yakov Smirnoff

Heath Hawkins

I have found that many Branson travelers are return guests. Most of them have that special show they like to go back to. For my wife and I, that show is Yakov Smirnoff. We have been several times. I must admit that I was not exited about going to see this show at first. This was several years ago, but it seemed like he had a very strange show schedule. We had won tickets in a raffle, and it seemed like he never had a show when we were in town. We were finally able to make it for his Christmas show.

In his opening number a space shuttle comes down from the ceiling and throws Yakov out and onto the stage. From that point on you are on a comedy train. We have seen the show multiple times since then. Our last visit was in July of 2004. Yakov is the focus of the show. He is on stage for at least 75% of the show. You pay for Yakov and you get Yakov.

When he is not entertaining the audience himself, he has a very talented Russian dance troop working to glue you to your seat. I have to be honest; I am not a big dance fan. Honestly, I usually choose my shows based on the comedy factor. Having said that, they were so good that they even held my attention.

Yakov shares his experiences in coming to America in every show. He is a naturalized American citizen who emigrated here from Russia. Even though I have heard it before, I always laugh as he tells about the language and cultural differences. Every year he works in new material and it is a guaranteed hit. I love this show and always look forward to going back.

Yakov moved to a new theatre last year. He is off the strip and in a huge theatre near Hwy 65. I understand why he moved; he was always sold out in the old theatre. This one is much bigger, but it was still pretty full when were there in the middle of the week. The theatre is very nice. The seats were very comfortable with lots of legroom. The gift shop was had lots of very interesting merchandise.

You will leave a better American after seeing this show. Sometimes it takes someone who has seen the other side to make us realize how fortunate we are to live in the land of the free. Yakov accomplishes this while keeping you bent over with laughter.

Contact Jason Heath Hawkins at hhawkins@waynesville.k12.mo.us.

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