Variety shows take the best of different types of performances (such as Broadway musicals and stand-up comedy acts) and combine them into entertaining powerhouse events. Of course, “The Live Entertainment Capital of the World”, Branson, Missouri offers plenty of options perfect for a hilariously entertaining evening.  For those looking for a bit of everything during their visit to see a Branson show then these select shows are sure to meet your expectations!

Magnificent Variety Show

Sit back and relax with your entire family and prepare for a performance of amazing proportions! With more than 300 costume changes and 50 musical numbers throughout the 2 hour run-time of the show, this production will awe you with unique takes on classic Broadway acts as well as dancing and singing that span a genres such as swing and jazz. Nothing short of magnificent, this is a brilliant display you won’t soon forget.

Bart Rocket & Taylor Reed Show

Allow yourself to be captivated by master illusionist Bart Rocket at the 50′s at the Hop Theatre. Filled with dozens of great acts including comedy, music, ventriloquism and card tricks, he’s sure to quickly become a family favorite with his special brand of up-close magic and flare for humor! Brett Rocket has been featured on television is shows and TV commercials, but live is how he performs best. Don’t miss out on your chance to experience the laughs and amazing tricks this show will bring!

Bob Nelson Show

Enjoy the wholesome and plentiful humor featured in the Bob Nelson Comedy Show! Award-winning comedian Bob Nelson is sure to keep audience laughing from beginning to end. A 30-year veteran of comedy, he definitely knows what works and audiences agree! Taking the stage at the Clay Cooper Theatre, watch as Bob entertains you with his special blend of impersonations, skits, and more! For tons of family-friendly laughs, this is definitely the show to attend!

Check out other variety shows and performances available in Branson by visiting www.BransonShows.com or by calling 1-800-987-6298.

A recent survey conducted by the American Society of Travel Agents rated Branson the third most budget-friendly travel destination in the United States for 2009. With a shaky economy tightening the pocketbooks of American families, Branson stands out as a place where you can still afford a family vacation even if you are traveling on a shoestring budget. Don’t cancel your spring or summer vacation this year – beat the recession with a vacation that won’t empty your bank account by coming to Branson, Missouri and taking advantage of our Family Pass and Play & Splash vacation discounts. 

With the Family Pass to the Titanic Museum the entire family will be able to share in the experience for one low price. The Titanic Museum allows you to learn of the ship’s fateful voyage from on-board a half size model of the ocean liner. Upon entry to the museum, you will receive a ticket with the name of one of the Titanic passengers. After viewing many of the interesting exhibits and artifacts, you can make your way to the Memorial Room and learn if your passenger survived or perished. The museum features many priceless artifacts that reveal the tragedy and heroism in the personal stories of the Titanic’s passengers. One of the highlights of the museum is the majestic Edwardian era Grand Staircase, which guests can walk up. The museum also features a Titanic Movie Exhibit that showcases memorabilia from the James Cameron movie, including a 155-carat sapphire necklace valued at a quarter million dollars! 

For a more sanguine walk back in time, the 50’s at the Hop will carry you back to the carefree days of poodle skirts, bobby socks and greased hair. And just as with the Titanic Museum, you’ll find a special Family Pass offered to help include the entire family in the fun without breaking the bank. See dance troupes and singers bring back the 1950’s with oldies such as La Bamba, He’s a Rebel, Hand Jive, and numerous other hits from the age of malt shops and drive-in theaters.  The two hour show will make you want to sing and dance and twist and shout.  

For more budget-friendly fun you will want to take advantage of the Silver Dollar City Play & Splash Pass, letting you enjoy both Silver Dollar City and White Water. From rushing roller coasters to raging water slides, you can have it all! In addition to phenomenal rides, Silver Dollar City offers over forty live shows to keep you entertained throughout the day. From country to gospel, dance to comedy, you can enjoy all sorts of fun, family-friendly shows. In addition, you can enjoy the many fine shops and restaurants in Silver Dollar City including an Apple Butter Shop and the colorfully named Buckshot Annie’s Chicken Shack. 

With great family discounts like the Family Passes and the Play & Splash Pass reducing already great prices, Branson is one of the most budget-friendly travel destinations in the country. Come to Branson for endless hours of wholesome fun and entertainment without spending your life savings. To make reservations online go to http://www.bransonshows.com/ or call us at 1-800-987-6298.

If you love barbeque ribs, the Annual Rock ‘n Ribs BBQ Festival in Springfield, MO is an event tailor made for you. Held on April 17th and 18th at Bass Pro Shops, the Rock ‘n Ribs Festival raises money for charities and it provides food and fun for contestants and spectators alike. The two day event features several team competitions in different categories such as the best pork ribs, the best brisket, the best chicken and the best sauce. Over 50 teams will battle it out in the Grill master cook-off. There is even a competition for which team can make the best Margarita. Other activities at the festival include a motorcycle show, a petting zoo, a climbing wall, a pie-eating contest and a variety of children’s activities. In addition, there will be plenty of live music to enjoy. The Kansas City Chiefs cheerleaders are even making a special appearance.
Best of all, the fun you have will help a good cause. The proceeds from the Rock ‘n Ribs Festival will be donated to several charities including Boys & Girls Town of Missouri, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and the Ronald McDonald House. Last year the event raised over 100,000 dollars for charities! For more information on the Rock ‘n Ribs Festival go to their website at http://www.rocknribs.com/ . If you plan on attending the Rock ‘n Ribs Festival you may want to reserve lodging in Branson through our website at http://www.bransonshows.com/ or call us at 1-800-987-6298 to make room reservations. Bring your appetite and come on down to the Missouri Ozarks for rock, ribs and recreation!

Branson, Missouri has a high reputation for bringing top-notch entertainment worthy of runs on Broadway to thousands of visitors each year. Now the Branson Variety Theater is taking that reputation to another level with it’s invigorating seasonal line-up! Spirit of the Dance, the Twelve Irish Tenors, Spirit of Christmas, and Broadway! The Star-spangled Celebration are all shows boasting superb performers, high-energy dance numbers, and music that will get you tapping along to the beat and moving in your seat! Formally known as the Bobby Vinton Theatre, current owner and choreographer David King is spending another season bringing patrons the highest quality in performances and shows.

Broadway! The Star-spangled Celebration

For a genuine experience of what it’s like to witness a Broadway performance, look no further than this show! Broadway! The Star-spangled Celebration combines all the best of popular Broadway musicals such as Cabaret, Chicago, Grease, Phantom of the Opera, and Oklahoma into a fast-paced and brilliant production. The choreography, lighting effects, and costumes in this award-winning production will definitely provide you with a stunning experience of New York-style entertainment.

Spirit of the Dance

This international and world-renowned hit is amongst some of the most successful productions to come from the Emerald Isle! Winner of numerous Global Awards and now starting it’s tenth season in Branson, you won’t want to miss Spirit of the Dance! Watch as the amazing dancers blend Irish Dance with the Latin rhythms of the flamenco, the salsa, and the tango. Precision and skill are demonstrated with each act as the troupe dances in absolute unison. This thunderous performance is sure to fascinate you and leave you wanting more!

The Twelve Irish Tenors

Another highly successful act from Ireland, the Twelve Irish Tenors are a cast of the country’s finest singers and they’re taking the concert world by storm with tours all around the planet! Watch as these twelve very talented men and their two female counterparts perform smash hit songs from genres such as opera, jazz, pop, and classical. Songs you’ll hear include everything from Irish classics such as “Danny Boy” to timeless pop singles like “Hey Jude”. Prepare for a completely melodic experience that’s definitely worthy of a standing ovation!

Spirit of Christmas

The talk of Branson for the 2008 holiday season, the Branson Variety Theater is proud to bring the Spirit of Christmas back for a run in 2009! One of the most enchanting and delightful Christmas productions in the region, the show will feature a new segment full of classic Christmas songs, stunning scenery, and ornate costumes along with everything that captivated fans last year. Full of seasonal cheer, a visit to Branson to see the Spirit of Christmas is sure to become a holiday tradition!

The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest comes to Branson, Missouri on Saturday April 18^th. If you think you can mimic the King of Rock and Roll, this is your moment. The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contest gives Elvis impersonators a chance to compete on stage for bragging rights and lucrative cash prizes. The contest organizer, Elvis Presley Enterprises, is seeking the Elvis tribute artist who best represents the legacy of Elvis Presley. Contestants will be evaluated on the basis of appearance, vocals, stage presence and performance as they seek to recreate the style and sound of the legend. The best performer in Branson will have the opportunity to perform again in the summer during Elvis week in Memphis, Tennessee for a 20,000 dollar grand prize and a chance to sign a performance contract to appear with Legends in Concert!

So whether you want to put on your blue suede shoes and try your best to impersonate Elvis or you just want to watch all the Elvis imitators perform, Branson is the place to be on April 18^th. While you are in Branson checking out the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, you may want to secure lodging reservations and check out the other shows taking place by visiting BransonShows.com or calling Branson Shows at 1-800-987-6298.

Get ready for the Mrs. Missouri America Pageant to come to Branson on March 28th. Slated to be held at one of Branson’s most beloved venues, the Mansion Theatre, this is the 33rd straight year the event is taking place yet the first time it’ll be in Branson. For most, that means this is bound to be the most exciting competition to date!

The Mrs. Missouri Pageant is part of the well-known Mrs. America Organization. For this particular pageant, some of the state’s most beautiful and accomplished married women will compete in a variety of categories ranging from fitness to interview skills. Pageant and celebrity judges will be on hand to score the women and the winner will be crowned Mrs. Missouri 2009! They will then be going on to compete in the Mrs. America Pageant taking place in the fall. In the mean time, she can take advantage of the prize package which is valued at more than $9,000 and the chance to travel all over the state to do speaking engagements and volunteering to support her platform.

However, the show has more to it than the usual pageant showcase! Tap, ballet, and jazz dance numbers will be performed by troupes such as the Premier Dance Academy Clogging Team. Another pageant will also take place alongside the Mrs. Missouri Pageant where judges will crown 6 new Missouri Princesses, ranging in age from 3 to 18.

About the Mansion Theatre: The Mansion Theatre can seat 3,000 people and boasts state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems.  A 60 x 20 ft. projection screen backs the stage. In the lobby, you can find two gift shops, a concession stand, and the Red White and Brew Coffee Shop that serves Starbucks-style Coffee.

For more information on the Mrs. Missouri America Pageant or to purchase tickets, call the Mansion Theatre at (417) 239-1333 or visit www.mrsmissouri.org.

The cast behind #1 Hits of the 60′s returns to Branson for the 2009 season with an all-new show! At the request of the fans, you can now enjoy more music, more comedy,  and more skits. That means more fun! This high-energy  production will take you back to an amazing era full of unique music and dances. For those who were around to remember, you’ll revisit the dance crazes such as the  the Twist, the Mash Potato, and the Watusi. The show manages to feature almost 100 songs from artists such as  the Supremes, the Monkees, and the Beatles interspersed with comedy skits that capture the spirit of the 60′s. Unique historical video clip and a special tribute to Vietnam veterans are also featured in the show and will be highlights of the performance as well as a giant Jukebox and cars that actually drive along the stage! Stop by the Caravelle Theater in Branson for an unforgettable experience this season!

Other Branson Performers Representing the 60′s

The Osmonds

For the last 50 years, the Osmond Brothers have been doing what they do best: entertaining the masses with their special brand of showmanship! Now for the 2009 season, they’ll be coming back to Branson to take the stage at the Osmonds Theatre, presenting a medley of musical numbers in styles such as barbershop, jazz, pop, and country. Watch the brothers perform their classic act with an assortment of other performers boasting hilarity and timeless songs.

Liverpool Legends-  The Ultimate Beatles Experience

This tribute group has the smooth harmonies, spot-on mannerisms, and instrumental skill that mirrors the talent of one of the most influential bands in musical history! Watch as the Liverpool Legends cover the music from the golden years of the Beatles with hit songs such as “Sgt. Peppers” to the solo days of Paul, John, Ringo, and George.

Andy Williams Show

The timeless acts of Andy Williams has been enchanting audiences for over 60 years. From under the bright lights of his hit 60′s variety show on NBC to the stage of the Moon River Theatre, Andy Williams hasn’t lost his touch! Watch later on in the 2009 season as he performs his classic numbers along with 6 other entertainers that will wow you with their musical styling.

The family behind the Redhead Express Bluegrass & Comedy Show, the Walkers, consists of Brett and Apryll Walker and their seven children:  Kendra, LaRaei, Alisa, Sean, Joseph, and Ammon. Originally from Alaska, this talented troupe trained under Jason Norris of the Bearfoot Band and has spent time traveling the US,  sharing their unique Bluegrass sound with hundreds of crowds.

Now the ever-popular family is returning to Branson to take the stage at the Circle B Theatre! It’s an exciting time in the lives of these performers and those close to them as they prepare for their second season in Branson (the first at Circle B) after a successful winter tour, producing a new CD, and re-evaluating their style. But faithful fans have nothing to fear as far as that goes. Their traditional bluegrass sound and delivery of gospel classics, comedy, and original songs still remains. Redhead Express is sure to amaze you with their talent and skill as performers during each show. What will be most evident is that they love what they do.

The Redhead Express follows the Horn family’s Circle B Chuckwagon Dinner and Show with the purchase of a combo ticket. For more information, click the links below.

The Redhead Express

Circle B Theatre

Spring in the Ozarks can be a truly magical time, and now is your chance to experience all it has to offer with an Ozark Mountain Spring. As the trees begin to fill with vibrant greens and the weather warms the lakes of Table Rock and Taneycomo, natural beauty and activity begin to abound. The many popular theaters along the 76 Strip open for the new season, ensuring a variety of live entertainment to visitors, and throughout the area a host of events and festivals are held to celebrate topics every bit as varied as the shows that Branson is famed for. And this is precisely what Ozark Mountain Spring is about; not any one aspect of Branson, but the entirety of the town’s offerings from March to May. So regardless of whether you’d like to participate in world-class fishing, reflect on days gone by or revel in celebration of the now, Ozark Mountain Spring is sure to have at least one activity taking place that will appeal to you! Read on to learn more about some of the more popular events that will be taking place during Ozark Mountain Spring to help in planning your Spring Break in Branson, MO.

Titanic Salutes the Irish (March 1 – March 31)
Throughout the entire month of March, Titanic – World’s Largest Museum Attraction will be placing a focus on the Irish history surrounding the Titanic. From the numerous Irish ports the Titanic stopped at to the role of the Irish in building the Titanic and the Irish passengers that were part of the ship’s ill-fated journey, special exhibits and attractions will touch on every aspect of the Titanic’s Irish experience.

NAIA II Men’s Basketball Tournament (March 11 – March 19)
The NAIA’s thirty-two top teams compete in a single elimination tournament, offering a touch of March Madness to the Branson area. All games are scheduled to be held at the Keeter Gymnasium at College of the Ozarks.

World Fest at Silver Dollar City (April 4 – May 3)
Experience cultures and traditions from around the world at Silver Dollar City as the popular theme park is blessed with acts ranging from Chinese acrobats to Ghana percussionists.

2009 Branson Car Collector Auction (April 17 – April 18)
A classic car auction held annually in Branson. Just a few of this year’s gems are set to include a 1967 Chevrolet Bel Air, 1961 XK 150, and 1940 Ford Woodie Wagon.

3rd Annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest (April 18)
Sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., the Legends in Concert’s Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest is an excellent way to both enjoy memories of Elvis and show off your own touching tribute to The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

Kewpiesta (April 22 – April 26)
Held at Bonniebrook, home of famed Kewpie doll creator Rose O’Neill, Kewpiesta is an annual celebration of the Kewpie. Enjoy meeting with other fans and even touring Bonniebrook.

Great American Pie Show (April 24 – April 25)
Entering its inaugural year, the Great American Pie Show is just as it sounds – an ode to the American tradition of pie! Numerous activities and competitions are set to be held, with a special guest appearance by the Today Show’s Al Roker.

Branson Air Show (May 8 – May 10)
Another first for Branson in 2009, the Branson Air Show will celebrate the opening of the Branson Airport with flight demonstrations, grounded aircraft displays and more.

 Learn More About Branson, MO

To learn more about Branson, MO and secure lodging reservations for any of the mentioned dates, either visit www.BransonShows.com or call 1-800-987-6298.

We’re only a few short weeks away from the official start of Spring and with that comes a much needed holiday break to escape the winter blues. Start the Spring off right with a smile of your face courtesy of these select comedy shows in Branson, MO! These performers and variety acts are Branson favorites for being big on laughs and they’ll become some of your favorites as well during your next trip to Branson to see them.

Yakov Smirnoff

It won’t take you long after sitting down at the theater where Yakov Smirnoff performs to figure out why he was voted comedian of the year! Filled with amusing anecdotes of his early days in this country and humorous commentary on American culture, you’ll find yourself laughing whole-heartedly at the comedic delivery of this Russian-born talent. Juggling, dancing, verbal slapstick, and more will keep you smiling and laughing throughout this popular act.

The Jim Stafford Show

This critically acclaimed self-taught musician is an entertainer extraordinaire and an expert of comedy. Bring the entire family to this show for the laser lights, the 3D virtual action ride, and of course the laughs! A favorite of Branson families for 18 years, Jim Stafford will have you rolling in the aisles with renditions of famous acts such as “Spiders and Snakes” and “Cow Patti”. Everyday life becomes hilarious satire with this show!

Red Skelton: A Performance Tribute by Tom Mullica

Hysterical, nostalgic, and heart-warming, this show is sure to leave you laughing and reminiscing about America’s favorite clown, Red Skelton. Watch as close-friend and veteran performer Tom Mullica brings some of Red Skelton’s most memorable and beloved characters to life such as The Mean Widdle Kid, Willie Lump-Lump, Clem Kaddidlehopper, and many more! This show is a satisfying homage to the talent of Red Skelton and will delight old fans as well as new.