Branson News Guide

Welk Resort to Host April 5-9th Event Highlighting What’s New & Hot in Branson in 2005

This booming vacation destination kicks off its 2005 season of family entertainment with BransonFest, April 5-9 at the Welk Resort. The five-day festival features great performances by more than 500 world-class entertainers, authentic Branson cuisine, demonstrations by local artists and craftsmen, and a business and hospitality expo.

Named a ‘Top 100 Event’ in North America by the American Bus Association for the second straight year, BransonFest gives visitors a sample of the many exciting and surprising things they’ll find awaiting them in the Branson/Lakes Area this year.

Daily concerts, held inside the Welk Resort Theatre, feature some of the biggest names in live entertainment and numbers by many of Branson’s hottest production shows. See Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, The Lennon Sisters, Roy Rogers, Jr., Siegfried and Roy Presents Darren Romeo, Mickey Gilley, The Platters, Dino Kartsonakis, Les Brown, Jr. & His Band of Renown, and Red Skelton, A Tribute by Tom Mullica along with the casts of Spirit of the Dance, Broadway!, and Country Tonite.

Each 3-hour performance represents 10 different Branson shows. Tickets are $29.50 per person, or $130 per person for all five shows.

Free live entertainment in the Real American Entertainment Tent on the Welk Resort grounds includes non-stop performances by groups such as Legends in Concert, Goldwing Express, The Platters, Cedric Benoit & Cajun Connection, plus many others. Costumed characters and performers from the Tall Timber Lumberjack Show, comedian Wayne Milnes, and the home-school performance group, the Make-Believers, roam the festival grounds daily entertaining guests with impromptu performances.

Branson celebrities will pose for pictures and sign autographs inside the Business and Hospitality Expo Center. The center will also house 60 booths representing new and existing Branson area theaters, attractions, golf resorts, and other businesses of interest to visitors and area residents. Pick up show schedules and register for daily give-aways.

Inside the Taste of Branson Food Tent, guests can sample some of the most popular dishes from Branson’s finest eating establishments. In 2004, television personality Al Roker and his production crew filmed a special for The Food Network from BransonFest, which has aired multiple times beginning last November.

Inside the Arts, Culture and Heritage Tent, visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase the work of nationally recognized Branson artists, sculptors, jewelry makers, wood carvers and potters. A different artist, author or musician will be on hand each day showcasing their work.

BransonFest 2005 runs daily, April 5-9. Free outdoor tent activities are noon to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 5; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, April 6-9. Daily concerts in the Welk Resort Theatre are at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 5; and at 2 p.m. Wednesday – Saturday, April 6-9. The Welk Resort Theater is located on Missouri Highway 165 just south of downtown Branson.

One of America’s greatest modern-day war heroes, Brigadier General James Robinson “Robbie” Risner, USAF retired, will be the keynote speaker at a Memorial Service for the more than 58,000 men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country during the Vietnam War.

A pivotal part of Welcome Home…America’s Tribute To Vietnam Veterans, the national homecoming to be held in Branson, Missouri, June 13-19, 2005. The memorial service is scheduled to be held Saturday, June 18, at 9 a.m. at a yet to be determined site.

A two-time recipient of the Air Force Cross and veteran pilot of World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, Risner was shot down twice over enemy territory, the second time captured by the Viet Cong. Held prisoner for seven-and-one-half years in the notorious Hanoi Hilton, he endured frequent torture and four-and-one-half years of solitary confinement. Risner’s valor, loyalty, adherence to the Code of Conduct, and faith in God and country during his captivity became rallying points for fellow prisoners. A nine-foot tall statue of Risner stands today on the central plaza of the United States Air Force Academy as an inspiration and reminder of his uncompromising courage.

Welcome Home…America’s Tribute To Vietnam Veterans will be held June 13-19, 2005 in Branson, Missouri. The weeklong celebration will include demonstrations and displays, golf and fishing tournaments, the Dignity Memorial® Vietnam Wall Experience, a Homecoming Parade honoring Vietnam Veterans, and an outdoor Grand Finale Celebration which will include more than 15 aircraft from the Vietnam era.

Confirmed performers for the Saturday Grand Finale Celebration include the Beach Boys, the Fifth Dimension, Creedance Clearwater Revisited, the Doobie Brothers, the Supremes with Mary Wilson, and the Oak Ridge Boys. Tony Orlando, Les Brown’s Band of Renown with Les Brown, Jr., will also appear, plus special appearances by other noted entertainers including Ann-Margret. The Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders will also participate. The Grand Finale Celebration will be held on a scenic 100-acre mountaintop at Saddlebrooke, 10 miles north of Branson on Highway 65.

Welk Resort Theatre 2005 Lineup
Three “seasons” of Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers with co-stars Pam Tillis and The Lennon Sisters and an 8-month schedule for Darren Romeo, The Voice of Magic and protégé of Siegfried & Roy, lead the Welk Resort Theatre’s entertainment lineup for 2005. A series of limited engagement special events featuring nationally known recording artists will be announced at a later date.

Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers: Three Seasons
For their 5th year in Branson, Larry, Steve and Rudy Gatlin have their first-ever spring dates in addition to their fall shows with Pam Tillis and Christmas shows with The Lennon Sisters. The Gatlins have eight weeks of spring shows scheduled from April 13 to June 3.

“The spring season will be all Gatlin Brothers,” said Joe Sullivan, Executive Producer of Welk-Sullivan Productions. “This will be the season for enjoying the many Gatlin Brothers chart-topping hit songs, their signature gospel and patriotic music plus special music segments that showcase their individual vocal talents and incomparable Gatlin Brothers harmony.”

One of the first-class acts in Country Music, the Gatlin’s have 15 Top-Five hits including their #1 hits All The Gold In California, Houston (Means I’m One Day Closer To You) and I Just Wish You Were Someone I Loved plus Broken Lady, Night Time Magic, I Don’t Wanna Cry and more. They’ve recorded over 27 albums including country music, gospel, Christmas, classics and big band, appeared on more than 75 national television shows and performed at inaugural ceremonies for President George W. Bush.

Country music superstar Pam Tillis will share the stage with The Gatlin Brothers for fall shows in September and October. The Grammy Award-winning trio and CMA Female Vocalist of the Year will perform 36 shows from September 13 to October 22, 2005.

“The response to the pairing of these two headline acts in 2004 has been tremendous,” said Sullivan. “Audiences loved it, groups and tour planners loved it and the entertainers loved it too! “

Pam Tillis has 10 Top-Five hits on the country music charts including her #1 hit Mi Vida Loca plus Maybe It Was Memphis, Shake The Sugar Tree, All The Good Ones Are Gone, In Between Dances and When You Walk In The Room. The daughter of country music legend Mel Tillis, Pam is considered a pioneer for a new breed of female country stars who mixes the best of traditional and contemporary country music. She has three platinum and two gold albums and in 2002 she released the CD It’s All Relative, Tillis Sings Tillis – a tribute to her famous father and his classic songs.

America’s Sweethearts of Song, The Lennon Sisters, will join The Gatlin Brothers for Christmas Shows in November and December. The Gatlins “third season” in 2005 runs from November 2 to December 10. The Lennon Sisters have been the featured performers in The Welk Show at the Welk Resort Theatre in Branson since 1994. In 2005, Kathy, Janet and Mimi Lennon continue to illuminate the Welk Theatre stage with their distinctive Lennon Sisters harmonies.

2005 marks a golden anniversary in the professional careers of both the Gatlin Brothers and the Lennon Sisters. In 1955 the Lennon Sisters made their debut performance on The Lawrence Welk TV Show Christmas Special. In that same year, youngsters Larry (age 6), Steve (age 4) and Rudy (age 2) Gatlin won their first talent contest in Abilene, Texas and began performing professionally.

“The Gatlin Brothers – Lennon Sisters Christmas Show will bring together for the first time two ‘families’ who have been performing since they were young children,” said Sullivan. “All six performers are tremendously talented and have been connecting with audiences around the world for most of their lives.”

The Lennon Sisters charmed audiences for 13 years on “The Lawrence Welk Show,” performed in every major U.S. city, and sang for six United States Presidents – Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson, Ford, Carter, and Reagan. They made guest appearances on virtually every variety show on television, ranging from “The Mickey Mouse Club” to “The Ed Sullivan Show.” Their own television show on ABC, “Jimmy Durante Presents The Lennon Sisters,” attracted such top-name guest stars as Sammy Davis, Jr., Bob Hope, Perry Como, George Burns and Bing Crosby. In 1987, The Lennon Sisters were awarded a star on the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2001, they were inducted into the National Vocal Group Hall of Fame along with The Eagles, The Bee Gees, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Oak Ridge Boys and Smoky Robinson & The Miracles.

Darren Romeo: Singer, Master-Illusionist, Entertainer
Darren Romeo, protégé of Magicians of the Century Siegfried & Roy, finished a successful premiere season in Branson on August 14 and has signed a long-term agreement that will bring him back to Branson in 2005. Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo, The Voice of Magic has 250 performances scheduled from March 11 to December 11, 2005 at the Welk Resort Theatre.

“We’re pleased with the enthusiastic response to Darren’s 9-week engagement this summer,” said Sullivan. “Audiences and critics gave the show ‘two thumbs up’ with standing ovations and rave reviews. Darren’s vibrant energy, charm and endearing personality enable him to connect with audiences of all ages. It is an entertaining, captivating experience from beginning to end.”

Romeo combines an extraordinary singing voice with fascinating illusions for a one-of-a-kind magical performance. His Broadway-inspired magic and musical production features classic and contemporary music, from Andrew Lloyd Webber to Bobby Darin, Billy Joel and original compositions by Romeo. The show is punctuated by dramatic illusions, including Romeo’s original magic/music combination tribute to his namesake, Bobby Darin, and Blackstone’s famous Floating Light Bulb illusion.

Siegfried & Roy present Darren Romeo, The Voice of Magic was recently named Branson’s “Best Show 2004″ by Branson Critic (branson-critic.com). Earlier this year Romeo was named “International Magician of the Year” at the Magic Castle Awards in Hollywood.

Welk Resort Theatre
The Welk Resort Theatre is located three miles south of Highway 76 at 1984 State Highway 165. The 2,245-seat theatre near Table Rock Lake has been home to The Lawrence Welk Show from 1994 through 2004. The destination resort complex includes a 160-room hotel, the Stage Door Restaurant & Lounge, a gift shop, miniature golf course, swimming pool, game room and other family-friendly amenities.

The Comfort Inn & Suites Branson Meadows, located at 5150 Gretna Road, now bears the new Comfort Inn logo featuring the brand’s signature multi-colored “sunburst” on a royal blue background. The Branson hotel’s updated signage is part of a nationwide campaign aiming to place the new logo at all Comfort Inn properties by the end of 2005.

The Comfort Inn & Suites Branson Meadows is the first of three Branson Choice Hotels owned and operated by Myer Hotels to exhibit the new Comfort Inn logo and one of the first in the nation to display it.

Chris Myer, Vice President of Marketing at Myer Hotels, looks forward to their remaining two Comfort Inns following suit, “The Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills and Comfort Inn West will soon bear the brand’s new logo too. I am pleased with the bright, inviting look as it provides a stronger conveyance of our hotels’ emphasis on quality.”

As Branson’s newest resort hotel, the Comfort Inn & Suites Branson Meadows exemplifies the value, excellence and consistency embodied by the updated logo. The property offers first class amenities in a relaxing atmosphere with easy and quick access to Branson’s attractions. Its unique mountain lodge theme and million dollar view of the Ozarks combine to provide an unparalleled Branson lodging experience.

“The Comfort Inn & Suites is a Choice Hotels Gold Award recipient,” stated Mr. Myer. “It boasts numerous amenities and the new Comfort Inn logo is a fresh reminder of that.”

In the lodging business for 37 years, the Myer family has actively contributed to Branson’s hospitality market for over 20 years and received numerous awards. Myer Hotels includes the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills, Comfort Inn & Suites and Comfort Inn West. The properties emphasize excellent locations, countless amenities and exceptional customer service while focusing on great value in the upper mid-scale area.

Travelers Discover Diverse Entertainment Experience in Branson, Missouri

Not since the boom years of the mid-1990s has this town of approximately 6,500 seen the kind of record-setting new development and expansion of entertainment and vacation amenities that are taking place in 2005. This year, the city is anticipating $125 million in new theaters, attractions, golf courses, shopping centers, restaurants, hotels, resorts and residential and vacation housing. The previous record of $119 million was set in 1993. A Top 20 vacation destination, Branson attracts an estimated 7.2 million visitors to southwest Missouri each year.

Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau President and CEO Ross Summers said new visitors will be surprised at what the town has to offer, and those familiar with Branson will find even more ways to have fun than ever before in 2005.

“What has made Branson such a popular vacation destination has also made it attractive to new and expanding businesses,” he said. “Our unique combination of world-class entertainment in close proximity to outdoor and lake recreation, along with our famous Ozark Mountain hospitality is what sets Branson apart from other major destinations.”

More than 100 live shows at 49 state-of-the-art theaters star music legends such as Mickey Gilley, the Oak Ridge Boys, and the Lennon Sisters. Production shows such as Broadway and Legends in Concert; comedy shows by Jim Stafford, and famous Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff; big-budget magic shows such as Brett Daniels, and Siegfried and Roy Presents Darren Romeo: The Voice of Magic; and family shows such as the Presleys, Baldknobbers, Duttons and Haygoods present a diverse range of entertainment for people of all ages. Shows such as Neil Goldberg’s sight and sound fantasy, Cirque; Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show; and the Acrobats of China engage audiences with non-stop action and mystifying physical feats.

Branson also has Silver Dollar City, an international award-winning theme park; Chateau On The Lake, Missouri’s only AAA four diamond lake-side resort and conference center; 10 championship golf courses; three pristine lakes; 100,000 acres of nearby parks and wilderness areas; the nation’s largest annual Veterans Homecoming event each November; and the benefit of $40 million of new and improved roads since 1990.

Branson Businesses Expand

Among the new attractions visitors will find in 2005 are Silver Dollar City’s $10 million explosive launch roller coaster called Powder Keg. The ride, which blasts riders from 0 to 53 miles per hour in just 2.8 seconds, is one of only three like it in the world, according to Brad Thomas, general manager for the 1880’s theme park, owned by Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE), owner of White Water, Showboat Branson Belle, and Ride the Ducks, all popular family attractions in the Branson area.

The $40 million Celebration City amusement park, also owned by HFE, will unveil the new $2 million NightFire! spectacular in April featuring a five-story mountainside video projection, fire cannons with 150-foot flames, three-dimensional visuals, laser lights, water effects, and pyrotechnics.

The Acrobats of China featuring the New Shanghai Circus will open their 8th season in Branson on May 15 at the brand new 900-seat New Shanghai Theatre.

Springfield, Missouri-based development company John Q. Hammons Hotels, Inc., owner of the four-diamond Chateau on the Lake, has added Spa Botanica, a $2 million, 10,000 square foot addition. Last year, the company announced its intention to build an 18-story five-star hotel adjacent to the Chateau in 2007.

World-famous magician David Copperfield will perform a limited engagement at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre June 13-26, and legendary pop star Petula Clark will join Williams in the spring and fall.

Ed Ames of the chart-topping Ames Brothers, and actress Carol Lawrence will appear at the MGH Performing Arts Center in Don Gregory’s The Great American Songbook show beginning in June. Patti Page and Carol Channing will guest star in The Branson Follies, also new at MGH, beginning this fall.

In keeping with the spirit of Branson’s reputation for exceptional customer service, the Presley family, owners of Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the first theater on Hwy. 76, which opened in 1967, now has new leather seats, as does the Jim Stafford Theatre. Stafford also recently remodeled his theater’s lobby and upgraded the sound and lighting systems. The Dutton Family Theatre and the Dutton Inn have also undergone major renovations.

Other new developments planned for 2005 include a 100,000 square-foot Boyds Bear Country teddy bear store; “Titanic: The Legend Continues” attraction featuring more than 400 original artifacts from the fateful ship; the Belair Theatre starring Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers and Paul Revere and the Raiders; a 32,000-square foot 1957 vintage car exhibit; the $50 million Branson Mill Craft Village; and an Arnold Palmer-designed signature practice facility at Top of the Rock Golf Course overlooking Table Rock Lake.

Major new developments such as Sight and Sound Theatre, a $25 million Christian-themed theater and property development; Branson Ridge Winery; and Branson Hills Plaza shopping center featuring Target and Home Depot are anticipated to open over the next few years.

Branson Creek Golf Course, which ranks #66 on Golf Digest’s list of Top 100 courses in America, and another development company are planning 68 golf villas, 70-acres of vacation homes and condos, a club house, and a lodge, all within a few miles of downtown Branson, and just minutes from Table Rock Lake.

Visitors Put Down Roots

Beginning this month, the Chamber will launch a brand advertising campaign featuring a newly designed website, and TV commercials to show visitors like Dan Reardon the tremendous variety waiting for them.

Reardon, an engineer from St. Louis, and his family, recently came to Branson for the first time as participants in a marketing research study for the area.

“I had no idea Branson was so sophisticated and had so much to offer. The area is a growing metropolis. My wife and I are even considering buying property in the area,” Reardon said.

Mike Rankin, director of economic development for the City of Branson, said business interest in Branson is overwhelming. “Our phone is ringing off the hook with people who want information on Branson. Many of our inquiries come from visitors who are so impressed with the area, they have decided to put down permanent roots.”

Convention Center Attracts Business Travelers

Branson’s single largest new development currently under construction is Branson Landing, a $400 million multi-phase retail shopping, dining, luxury lodging, condominium and convention center facility situated along 95 acres of Lake Taneycomo shoreline in historic downtown Branson. The 220,000-square foot convention center will provide 56,000-square feet of exhibition space, 20,000-square feet of banquet space, and 15,000-square feet of meeting space.

The opening of the first major phase of Branson Landing is set for spring of 2006, and will include several major retailers such as Bass Pro Shops and Belk Department Store.

History

Since the dawn of the 20th Century, the Branson/Lakes Area has been attracting visitors, lured by natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. The addition of Silver Dollar City and Shepherd of the Hills Homestead in the early 1960s formally established the area as a vacation destination.

Branson’s 45-year-old live entertainment scene had been enjoyed by millions of visitors even before it was “discovered” by the CBS television program 60 Minutes in 1991. Following the release of the feature story, which proclaimed Branson, “the live country music show capital of the entire universe,” many nationally-known celebrities built multi-million dollar theaters, and together with other property developers, launched the area into a period of previously unmatched record growth in new construction, and sparked the interest of millions of new visitors to the small Ozarks town. Many of them still visit on a regular basis, according to the Chamber’s research, which shows that 80% of Branson’s visitors in 2004 were repeat customers.

“Branson has undergone tremendous growth in the past 45 years and will continue to see record-breaking expansion for several years to come, but through it all, Branson remains the kind of place where visitors feel at home among family and friends, and that’s what truly makes Branson phenomenal,” said Summers.

The non-profit organization which honors the nation’s veterans every day is being honored by 16 Branson entertainers in what is being billed as March Military Madness on Monday, March 21, at the Musical Palace (#1 Hits of the 60’s), 2353 W. Hwy. 248 in Branson at 7 p.m.

The benefit show for the Branson Veterans Task Force (BVTF) is a cooperative effort between Steve Weyher from Branson’s Golden Corral who serves as BVTF’s community liaison and the Women Veterans’ Welcoming Committee. In addition to a vast amount of talent, a vast amount of door prizes will be part of the evening’s entertainment.

“We have come together to invite the public to a fund-raiser for the Branson Veterans Task Force, a not-for-profit organization that is known for its years of dedication to veterans’ causes in and around Branson. The BVTF is especially known for creating and hosting Branson Veterans Homecoming Week during the month of November. Begun in 1995, the event has become the nation’s largest veterans’ celebration. Last year approximately 100,000 veterans and their families came to Branson during the week leading up to Veterans Day on Nov. 11,” said Mary Slivka, chairman of the Women Veterans’ Welcoming Committee.

Among the entertainment scheduled to perform are members of American Kids Inc., the nation’s only little league of entertainers, Bob Anderson, Circle B Chuckwagon and Cowboy Music Show, Doug Gabriel, From Patsy to Present, John Tweed, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon, #1 Hits of the 60’s, Ronnie Prophet, The Braschlers Music Show, Tony Roi of The Elvis Experience and Two Fluffy Ladies. Jim Owen, Dalena Ditto and Les Brown Jr. are serving as masters of ceremony.

Door prizes include a color television, a child’s bicycle, tickets to a Kansas City Chief’s game, Silver Dollar City passes, Celebration City passes, White Water passes, restaurant gift certificates, a free overnight stay in Branson and more, according to Weyher.

Slivka said she is proud of the entertainment line-up which puts Branson’s entertainment community’s “best foot forward” and will include a military salute to veterans. She encourages every to “come say thank you to the Branson Veterans Task Force.”

Gail Myer, a 20 plus year Branson hotel industry veteran, was unanimously reelected Brand Identity Committee Chair for Best Western International at a recent Best Western Governors conference in Las Vegas. The Brand Identity Committee serves as liaison between the company’s executive marketing team, Board of Directors and more than 2,200 Best Western hotels in North America.

“I know from experience the importance of brand image in the relationship between travelers and Best Western hotels,” Mr. Myer noted. “As committee chairman, I am honored to lead hotel members in their support and enhancement of this brand.”

Mr. Myer was initially appointed a Best Western Governor in 1997, a position he has since held. His experience additionally includes service on Best Western’s Executive Marketing Advisory Committee, which he chaired in 2002.

“As the World’s Largest Hotel Chain, Best Western has long been a customer focused product,” observed Mr. Myer. “It is a privilege to help plan the future of this hospitality leader. Branding is an increasingly visible and important part of corporate America. Technology advances in internet and media have required dynamic changes in brand placement and positioning.”

Mr. Myer has been involved in the hospitality industry’s development from an early age. Growing up in a hotel family, he has worked at over a dozen hotels in four states. Presently, he is the Vice President of Operations at Myer Hotels, a family-owned business. Myer Hotels includes the Best Western Center Pointe Inn, Best Western Music Capital Inn, Comfort Inn & Suites, Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills and Comfort Inn West, all located in Branson, Missouri.

Best Western International is the world’s largest hotel chain with over 4,100 hotels in 80 countries and territories. It is a membership organization of independently owned and operated hotels providing marketing, reservations and operational support to members.

Comedian Jim Barber and illusionist team The Hamners announce today that they have purchased “The Victorian Theater” next to the Victorian Shopping Center on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway in Branson, Missouri.

In 2005 the venue will be officially renamed, the “HAMNER BARBER THEATER,” and will be the permanent home to their magical variety show featuring the award winning illusions of Dave and Denise Hamner as well as the vocal comedy of internationally recognized ventriloquist Jim Barber.

There are plans to upgrade many aspects of the theater including the addition of a new marquee sign in front of the theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway.

Continuing their long run at the theater will be one of Branson’s original productions, the Braschler Music Show. For over 22 years, the Braschlers have entertained audiences across America. Their repertoire includes country, bluegrass, gospel tunes, and comedy featuring the vocals of Cliff Braschler, Tommy Fairchild, Paul Braschler, Brad Bacon, Sherri Braschler Weiss, Jan Braschler, Merissa Stacy, Gil Stockebrand, Tim Brooks, and Cortlandt Ingram.

“We are honored and thrilled that the Braschler family will remain an integral part of our theater line-up and we look forward to many years of sharing their awesome musical talent with Branson audiences,” stated Jim Barber. “We are also excited that Jan Braschler will remain in place as the theater’s box office manager,” added Dave Hamner.

Throughout the performance season, The Hamners will continue to host their “Solid Gospel Sundays” at the theater every Sunday morning at 10:00am. The free, non-denominational worship service will feature a variety of local performers along with inspiring sermons and speakers.

During November and December the theater will take on a decorative holiday flair and feature not only the Braschler’s Christmas show but also an expanded version of the Hamner Barber production, “The Wings of Christmas.” This new musical production is both magical and inspirational and stars Dave Hamner and Jim Barber in featured performance roles.

A special addition to the holiday show are original songs by T.J. Kuenster, longtime music conductor for Glen Campbell. T.J. wrote Glen’s top ten contemporary gospel hit, “The Greatest Gift of All,” and was the music composer for Don Bluth’s classic animated films “All Dogs Go To Heaven,” and “Rock-A-Doodle.” Also featured in the holiday production are Diane Barber, Denise Hamner, A. J. Heard, Ken Brown and Tim Lewis.

“We wish to thank the thousands of visitors and local area residents who came to watch our new production this year and especially thank all the wonderful ticket outlets, hotels, and travel groups who believe in our talents and promoted our show so well. We love Branson and are so gratefull to have this opportunity to settle down in such a beautiful facility and focus on producing the best family show possible for many years to come!” — The Hamners and The Barbers