An Evening With The Branson Brothers

Oh my word what a show! I recently spent another evening at the Branson Brothers Show where I was very happily entertained. This is not your run of the mill cookie cutter Branson show. One will not find himself watching the show, very politely clapping at the end of each song and then folding ones hands back in his lap until the end of the next song. This is a feel good get down kind of show.

The performers grab your attention from the first downbeat and hang on to it thru the entire show. One of these nights I am going to find myself dancing in the aisle. To date, I have been able to contain myself to dancing in my seat.

The first half has today’s country music and an incredible gospel segment. Now, fellas, the gospel segment could be better if you would sing “Jesus Laughing”, hint, hint!

The trio of men (Jimmy Ponder, Dee Allen, and Andre Shephard) is very handsome, energetic and talented. Their costumes range from the very simple jeans, t-shirt, cowboy hat to bright suits and tuxes.

Diana has hit her stride with this new showcase. She appears to be much more at ease and really enjoying herself. The selection of songs fits her better too.

Natalie Nicole is touted as being a newcomer to the Branson stage. You wouldn’t know she is “green” if they didn’t tell you. She seems so at ease on the stage and she is really funny in the comedic skits.

The band plays really well together. No one tries to outdo another and each compliments the other. They are allowed to do an exceptional segment on their own. The band consists of David Creech, Dave Short, Gene Reasoner, Gene Mulvaney, and Brad Allen.

The crowd was sizeable and really into the music. The stage has been improved immensely, from the start of the season, with the addition of the extra 10 feet. One can now see what is happening if you are sitting in the side seats.

When you first walk in to the theater, Homer Lee, that handsome fella, seats the audience all the while keeping up a brisk banter with the audience. Before the show starts he does a brief monologue.

Once the show starts we are treated to such songs as “Bluest Eyes In Texas” and “Everyday”, along with many others. Dee is allowed to shine on “Wild Horses”. He certainly has command of the stage with this song. The second half also finds Dee with his hair down the entire time. That seems to fit his personality better.

Natalie Nicole treats us to such songs as “Single White Female” and “You Will Be Mine”. Diana belts out “Guess I’m Doing Alright” and “I Honestly Love You”.

Homer Lee is set to do his antics and brings one of the audience members into his skit. I especially like Mr. Fred Smoot from Waterloo, Iowa.

Of course Grandma Beulah makes her standout appearance giving Jimmy and an audience member a razzing. One can tell why he is the reigning Comedian of the Year. The Supremes segment is a hoot.

I enjoy gospel music and The Branson Brothers do not disappoint. They sing a selection that includes “Oh My Lord What A Time” and “Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My Journey Now”.

The second half opens with the band doing “South’s Gonna Do It Again”. If you don’t get to moving in your seat with this song then it isn’t going to happen.

Terry does a tv segment as Ed Sullivan and Joan Rivers that makes you think you are watching the real deal. It is so authentic that it is eerie.

The segment that Jimmy, Diana and Natalie do on Tony Orlando’s “Tie A Yellow Ribbon” is just amazing. The three of them look like they are thoroughly enjoying themselves.

My favorite part of the entire show is the River Dance. All I can say is you have to see it to believe it. The first time I saw it I was rolling with laughter and tears were streaming.

The show is closed with a very well done Veterans salute. The cast stays after the show talking and signing autographs until everyone has left.

Branson has a large void that needs filled to bring in a larger audience of younger people. They are the future of Branson. The Branson Brothers, with its fresh approach, is well on its way to filling this void and very nicely represent the future of Branson.
 

-Reta Eldringhoff
 

Editors Note:  Great review Reta

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