Branson News Guide

Darren Romeo returned to Branson’s Welk Resort Theatre after visiting the set of the much-anticipated Disney Channel movie, “High School Musical 2: Sing It All or Nothing!” Romeo was invited to do a cameo in the movie during his April 8-15 weeklong hiatus from Branson. In the movie he plays a parody of himself, “The Great Roman Dario,” whose magic gets out of control.

“High School Musical 2” is scheduled for broadcast on August 17, 2007 as part of Disney’s So Hot Summer. It is the sequel to “High School Musical,” which broke more records than any other movie in 2006 and was seen by more the 100 million people. The movie has won numerous awards including Emmy awards for Outstanding Children’s Program and Outstanding Choreography.

“It was so great to be a part of this iconic Disney movie. I was supposed to observe rather than be a part of it,” said Romeo. Kenny Ortega, Romeo’s long-time friend, directed both High School Musical 1 and 2 and invited Romeo to appear in HSM2. “I watched the screening of the first movie with Kenny, Siegfried and the stars of the movie…before they were stars! Now, these talented kids are superstars. They work hard and they deserve it,” said Romeo.

On the set, Darren would often gather the cast and perform his own mind-blowing close-up magic just for fun when the cameras weren’t rolling.

“It was an honor to have Siegfried & Roy’s protégé’ do a cameo in my movie,” said Ortega. “Darren Romeo is one of the most talented men in show business. We had great fun!” Mr. Ortega was originally brought in to consult and direct Darren at the Mirage in Las Vegas and also came to Branson to launch the show.

Darren is donating his salary to the local chapter of the Make A Wish Foundation.

“Siegfried & Roy present, Darren Romeo” performs nightly at the Welk Resort in Branson, MO at 8 p.m. through September 3.

There is big news in Branson as Ride The Ducks opens a second Quack-tacular adventure with another choice for this fun-filled amphibious sightseeing tour. Now, the New Branson Landing Adventure is ready to take guests on a 60-minute tour that rides through historic Downtown Branson and then splashes into Lake Taneycomo to cruise the lake. This new adventure departs from the duck dock at Branson Landing’s Neighborhood District near the Arvest Bank.

Of course, the ever-popular Classic Table Rock Lake Adventure is continuing and this 70-minute adventure includes Country Music Blvd., home to the Branson shows, Baird Mountain with fantastic views of the Ozarks and then a splashdown into Table Rock Lake for a cruise. This adventure departs from the duck dock at 2320 Country Music Blvd., just west of Wal-mart.

Ride The Ducks, the nation’s largest amphibious sightseeing company, offers the most unique land and water adventure that is fun, informative and engaging. It’s the best way for families to enjoy Branson because there is a combination of fun and music with history and sights.

The captains add to the tour experience as they entertain guests with interesting facts of the city. Besides sharing information, guests enjoy the music that’s played on the Ducks and the captain’s funny stories and jokes. The captains are licensed by the United States Coast Guard, and have a natural love of Branson and the Ozarks that shines through in their presentation and humor. Also included in every tour is the famous Wacky Quackerstm (the duck-bill whistle) that is sure to capture the attention of the people on the street.

Aaron Newberry, Ride The Ducks’ Branson general manager, says, “We are excited about the opportunities we offer residents and visitors to explore a second Ride The Ducks adventure in Branson. With so many requests from our guests to expand our Duck tours, we created this new tour to meet their demands. Our family friendly tours only get better from year to year as we continue to keep everyone of all ages entertained and educated about this amazing area”.

The Ride The Ducks amphibious vehicle is based on the famous WWII DUKW amphibious design. Today, we build our vehicles from the ground up using the latest in marine design and safety. The vehicles are United States Coast Guard certified and tested regularly to ensure a safe and comfortable tour for our guests.

Ride The Ducks International, the largest amphibious sightseeing company in America, has entertained millions of guests in the United States since the early 1970’s. Ride The Ducks has wholly owned operations in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Branson and Memphis and licensed operators in Seattle and Stone Mountain Park, Georgia. Ride The Ducks International is a subsidiary of Herschend Family Entertainment (HFE). HFE owns numerous entertainment venues, including Silver Dollar City theme park, Showboat Branson Belle, and Celebration City in Branson, MO.

Board approves extension of sewer lines for new developments

Aldermen gave final approval to a bill establishing a cooperative sewer and annexation agreement for extending sewer lines for a new winery and for the Branson Hills Development. The winery will be built along the west side of Highway 65, south of Buchanan Road. The total cost of the sewer lines is $400,000 with the city paying $150,000, the winery $75,000, and Branson Hills developers paying $175,000. The city’s cost is only for over sizing the sewer lines for future development needs in that area and is the portion of line that does not serve the two developments.

Board gives unused funds to Branson Chamber

Aldermen approved on first reading a bill allowing the Branson Lakes Area Chamber or Commerce to access city tourism tax funds not used in last year’s budget for marketing. The amount is $139,388 and is the portion of the 2006 budget not spent by the Chamber, but remains available as stated in the marketing contract between the Chamber and city of Branson.

Chamber reports on ’07 marketing strategy

Representatives from the Branson Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce gave a report to the Board of Aldermen on how it plans to spend funds generated from the city’s tourism tax. The Chamber has about two and one half times more money to spend on marketing — $8 million this year compared to $2.5 million in 2006. This additional tax money is due to passage of a 1 percent tourism sales tax last year in Branson, Silver Dollar City properties and Indian Point in eastern Stone County. The Chamber says it plans to extend more advertising into major markets like Denver, Chicago and Dallas. This year’s slogan that will be a recurring theme throughout the year’s media advertising is “Somebody you love is always playing in Branson.” Of the $8-million, more than $6.3 million or 79-percent will be spent on media advertising like TV, radio, print and website.

The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB is responding to increasing gas prices by offering visitors to Branson a Gas Buster discount card, accepted at dozens of live shows, area attractions, lodging properties, retail shops and restaurants, worth a total of $50 off purchases, as well as a chance to win a grand prize getaway to Branson.

Between May 1 and Oct. 31, 2007, The Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB will give a Gas Buster discount card to anyone who presents a valid drivers’ license and a minimum of $40 in gas receipts incurred within 48 hours of their arrival at one of the Chamber’s two Welcome Centers, located at the intersections of U.S. Highway 65 and Missouri Highway 248, and at Hwy. 65 and Missouri Highway 160 in Branson. Gas Buster card holders are automatically entered to win the grand prize 4-day/3-night vacation for four to Branson, which will be awarded on October 31, 2007.

“By offering the Gas Buster discount card to our visitors, we are letting them know that we value their business. And Branson businesses are willing to work together to defray the cost of gas so our visitors can afford to do all the things they would like to do while they are here,” according to Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce/CVB. “Most of the visitors that vacation in Branson drive into town. The Gas Buster program will help bring more people, especially more of our regional neighbors coming in for a weekend getaway. Branson’s location, within a day’s drive of roughly one-third of our country’s population, makes us very accessible to families looking for theme parks, outdoor and lakes recreation, along with shopping and world-class entertainment.”

Gas Buster discount cards and the list of participating sponsors will only be issued from the two Chamber/CVB Welcome Centers. Business hours are 8am to 5pm, Mondays through Saturdays, and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. The Gas Buster promotion runs from May 1 through Oct. 31, 2007.

City to hold Arbor Day celebration April 27

For the 12th consecutive year, the National Arbor Day Foundation has named the city of Branson a Tree City USA.
Branson is also the recipient of the Tree City USA Growth Award for demonstrating progress in its community forestry program. The Growth Award was created to recognize environmental improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA communities. It’s the ninth year the city has received this recognition.

“It’s truly an honor to again receive this environmental recognition,” said Debbie Redford, Branson’s environmental specialist. “It’s an award that focuses on a commitment our city officials and residents have made to plant, maintain and protect trees so we can pass on an enduring heritage of a vital natural resource to future generations.”

City officials are planning an Arbor Day celebration on April 27, 10 a.m. at Stockstill Park near the ball fields. The ceremony will feature music by entertainers from the Red, Hot, and Blue show. Two classes from Cedar Ridge Elementary School will be attending the ceremony that also includes a mayor’s proclamation, the presentation of the Tree City USA award, and the traditional tree planting.

This year the city will plant a Bald Cypress and White Oak along the new trail connecting Stockstill Park with Skaggs Community Health Center, according to Cheryl Moeller, city forester.

Something new at this year’s ceremony will be a drawing for free trees provided by Gift of Green.

To become a Tree City USA, a community must meet four standards: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance.

John Rosenow, president of the National Arbor Day Foundation said Tree City USA and the Growth Award uniquely recognize communities like Branson that have proven their commitment to an effective, ongoing community forestry program.

“The Tree City USA award is an excellent indication that there is a solid foundation for a process of renewal and improvement – a program of tree planting and care that continues through the years,” Rosenow said. “Our congratulations to the Branson community on receiving this national recognition for your tree-care program.”

The National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service sponsors the Tree City USA program.

A new 1-millioin gallon water tower built to provide water service to Branson Landing and downtown will also be the home to the Branson Public Works’ administrative offices.

On Monday, April 9, public works personnel will begin the moving process to occupy the bottom space of the highly visible water tower on West Pacific Street at U.S. Highway 65. The 114-foot tower is the first in Missouri to utilize its base to provide almost 6,000 square feet of office space.

Public works’ administrative offices are currently on Compton Street.

“Several years ago we began examining how we could combine our administrative offices into one location,” said Larry VanGilder, public works director. “We became aware of a company in Texas that built water towers with offices located in the core. Knowing that we had to build a new water tower to service the downtown area, this seemed like a perfect solution.”

The new building will contain offices on the second, third and fourth floors with a training room on the first floor. It will combine all public works administrative functions from three locations to one.

Public works plans on hosting an open house for the public this summer when the training room has been completed.

Branson, MO. - The world will turn its attention to Branson this summer when the Emmy award-winning daytime drama As The World Turns comes to town. The CBS daytime drama will tape on location in Branson on June 6th, 7th and 8th. The episodes will air in July.

In the story, young lovers Gwen and Will Munson (Emmy award-winner Jennifer Landon and Jesse Lee Soffer) and their friend Maddie Coleman (Alexandra Chando) will travel to “The Live Music Show Capital of the World” to further Gwen’s musical career. Gwen’s rival Jade Taylor (Elena Goode) will follow them to Branson to stir up trouble for the trio. In addition to Landon, Soffer, Chando and Goode, 21 production and crew members will travel to Branson to film at various locations. Additional personnel will be hired from the Branson area to assist with the shoot.

“We are very excited about this opportunity,” said Christopher Goutman upon making the announcement. “Branson will play a really big part in the story. We want this to be big for both As The World Turns and for Branson.”

The cast members will be available for media interviews and autographs on Saturday, June 9 from 10 am until 2 pm at the Grand Country Square.

As The World Turns celebrated its 50th anniversary on April 2, 2006. The show received 12 Daytime Emmy Award nominations in 2006, including Outstanding Daytime Drama Series. Christopher Goutman is Executive Producer and Jean Passanante is Headwriter. A Procter & Gamble Production, As The World Turns is taped in Brooklyn, NY. The show can be seen weekdays on the CBS Television Network. (Check local listings).

A sneak preview of what visitors to Branson can expect to see at the brand new Sight & Sound Theatre, opening in 2008, will be performed on Friday, April 13, during BransonFest at the Welk Resort Theatre. A scene from “Noah – the Musical,” the spectacular production about the ark-building patriarch who trusted God amidst the great flood, will be performed by Karen Knight as Noah’s wife (named Emuwnah and pronounced ee-MOO-nah) and Jon Sneed, an Ozarks’ native excited about returning to the area, who plays Noah.

Presented on Sight & Sound’s 300-foot-long wraparound stage, “Noah – the Musical” will feature a four-story ark that surrounds the audience, along with over 80 live animals, more than 50 animatronic animals and a professional cast of about 50. Story, song, and spectacular staging bring each of Sight & Sound Theatres’ epic shows to life. The dozens of professional actors attired in elaborate costumes, meticulously detailed sets towering up to 40 feet high, trained animals, unmatched special effects, and beautifully memorable music will inspire guests seeing it for the first time in Branson next year. More than one million people have seen the show at Sight & Sound’s Pennsylvania location.