The Presleys’ Country Jubilee

I start every review this way. Let me start off by saying that I am a 70 year old trapped in a 29-year-old body. I say that because I am in love with Branson and always have been. I have vacationed in Branson almost every year since birth, and seen too many shows to remember. I consider myself a real Branson critic.

4-10-06 Heath Hawkins: The old Branson standard is better than ever. In Branson, there are only a handful of shows that have withstood the test of time. In the Live Entertainment Capital of the World, any show that survives one season is lucky. Any show that makes it to the end of their second year has a chance. After 5 years a show could almost be considered a Branson fixture. However, when a show remains as popular as the Presleys’ for more than 20 years, then you know they have to be good.

This show is “Branson at it’s Best.” They still portray the image that made Branson famous. The show is very family-oriented and they make sure to include all the aspects fans have grown to love. Of course there is lots of country and gospel music. The comedy itself keeps this show on a must-see list for many families year after year.

The production value of this show is also one of the highest in town. There are enough rhinestones and sequins to cover a Miss America Pageant and enough instruments to open a music store; all adding up to one amazing show.

Country lovers never leave for want of anything as the wonderful musicians and singers of Presleys’ Country Jubilee deliver every night. The show opener, "Take Me Back To The Country", is just a taste of the great music of the past and the present to come.

Admittedly, I find it hard to write a review that truly does justice to this show. I could, of course, list some of the selections that you will hear throughout the evening like "Crazy", "Rockin’ Robin", "Rocky Top and I Don’t Need Your Rocking Chair". I could also focus on the amazing vocals of the leads like Joey and Amber, who are consistently perfect. I could even write about the live band and talented instrumentalists that blow the audience away. But I won’t.

You may be asking yourself 'Why?' Why not write about those standout moments in the show. Why not? Because there were no standout moments. There, I said it! There were no standout moments in the show! Now I know that you Presleys’ fans are going nuts right now, but settle down. My previous comments aren’t meant to be negative. In fact I see them as a great compliment. When I say that there we no standout moments, what I mean is that the entire show it noteworthy. With a cast like this one, every minute is a great one.

Having said that, I do have to mention the comedy of Herkimer and Cecil. I am a sucker for the funny. I have grown up with the Presleys’. I remember the theater before it was remodeled and there were not millions of shows in town to compete with. It was great then, but it is even better now. There are a few things that never change. There has always been enough glitter on stage to be seen from the moon and the music is ever reliable, but my favorite part is the comedy. And it seems to get better and better.

I was so thrilled to hear that Herkimer had not left the show. It seems that he had a severe allergic reaction to donuts. This condition prevented him from leaving the show to pursue a career in law enforcement. The show would not be the same without him. I often laugh at these guys just looking at them on the brochure.

Another reason I think that this show is so special is that it is still full of the musical family that started it. The Presleys’ were the first show on Hwy 76. They opened the first theatre on the now world famous Branson “Strip.” Since the beginning, they have continued to be a major part of the show. From 81-year-old Grandpa Lloyd Presley, one of the founding members, to the 4th generation to follow. We are not talking about just a couple members of the family. The cast is full of Presleys’. This talented family is still growing and joining the show, assuring that it will be around for many generations to come.

Of course I have to comment on the theatre. The Presleys’ Theatre has had some really nice upgrades in the last few years. Yes, the seats were very comfortable and spacious. The first several rows even had leather. Since I do travel with a baby now, I was also glad to see a crying-room at the rear of the theatre. My wife spent most of the show there and I joined her for the second half. Still great seats to see and hear everything, and the baby did not disturb anyone.

Whether you like Classic Country, Southern Gospel, even a little Rock - the Presleys’ Country Jubilee is a guarantee of a great time. You will not find a better cast of singers, a better band or funnier set of comedians anywhere in Branson. Make the Presleys’ Country Jamboree your family tradition.

The Presleys’ perform at 8:00 p.m. every night but Sunday at the Presleys’ Theatre. The theatre is located in the heart of Hwy 76. For more information visit www.presleys.com or to reserve tickets or check the show schedule call the theatre at (800) 335-4874. 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.
 

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