My 3 must see live shows in Branson, Missouri include incredible acrobatic performances! Another of my 3 must see live shows in Branson, Missouri showcases the re-enactment of The Civil War in a non-violent fashion. Here they are, my 3 must see live shows in Branson, Missouri. You will go away from each show feeling satisfied, I’m sure!
3 Must See Live Shows in Branson, Missouri Selection Number 1: No Beelzebub or Devil’s Son To Be Found at Magnificent Variety Show
The first night I attended one of the live shows in Branson, Missouri, I knew this was as different a place culturally as I have ever been to. As I was enjoying a pre-show dinner consisting of tender sirloin tips and a skinless chicken breast with a tasty baked potato, covers of some classic rock songs were blaring out of the loudspeakers. One in particular was Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. I was waiting for my favorite line from the song to be crooned out, the one about Beelzebub having a devil for a son, but alas, the lyrics were changed instead to referring to the song as being “a hoot”. Should I be surprised the devil’s minions were struck down in song in this Ozark community since this locale is nestled in the Bible Belt?
Branson, Missouri entertainment is definitely not like the more racier Las Vegas fare, as the 100-plus live music shows that are currently entertaining visitors (live shows have been going on since 1959) are aimed at a more conservative values-oriented audience. But that’s okay, for that’s the neat aspect of travel: being able to find cultural differences than the ones you’re used to, and still have a good time, including with my 3 must see live shows in Branson, Missouri!
The Magnificent Variety musical troupe is led by husband and wife team Joe and Tamra Tinoco. They all made more than 300 costume changes during 90 minutes of performing parts of some of the most memorable hits in decade by decade vignettes, beginning with the 1940’s and running all the way through today for the first half of their act, dressing in the styles of each decade and impersonating the musical performers the best they could. Since I grew up in the 1970’s and 1980’s, my favorite cover which this must see live shows choice performed was when they imitated Michael Jackson’s Thriller video with all those ghoulish/zombie-like costumes. I also enjoyed their rendition of Y.M.C.A. as the troupe got into various uniforms to play The Village People.
This Magnificent Variety troupe interacted with guests and encouraged audience participation, coming off stage to sing slow love songs to some of the ladies, and for one 1970’s vignette, the performers got some of the audience members to go back stage with them to put on some wacky-looking wigs so they could dance before the audience in costume!
In the second half of their act following an intermission, the Magnificent Variety Show consisted of full renditions of songs from various Broadway plays like Funny Girl and The Phantom of the Opera and ended with a patriotic tribute to America’s veterans and then to America itself. The only thing missing that night without Beelzebub and his devilish son was apple pie for dessert: after all, chocolate cake was served! Nonetheless, the audience made up of primarily middle-aged folks and senior citizens enjoyed themselves thoroughly at this must see live shows in Branson, Missouri.
Magnificent Variety Show: At The Osmonds Theatre, 3216W. Highway76,Branson,Missouri65616. 417-336-6100.
3 Must See Live Shows in Branson, Missouri Selection Number 2: The Civil War “Re-Enacted” at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede
As I walked to the entrance from the parking lot of the Dixie Stampede property, Palominos and Quarter horses were next to the sidewalk in stables. These horses are used during a 90 minute show that takes place in a 35,000 square foot arena, with its staging area being about as large as a basketball court or hockey rink in my estimation.
I was greeted at the door by young ladies dressed in Southern Belle costumes and taken to the pre-show area, where me and hundreds of other guests could purchase snacks like popcorn and peanuts and soft drinks in a commemorative cup. We then got to watch the opening act of our live shows experience: A comedian, juggler, and musician named David Lucas, who entertained us with his juggling of various items like 7 rings, 3 large knives, and golf balls which he spit out of his mouth. I really enjoyed it when he juggled some tambourines to the soundtrack of Arabic music, which created a pleasant harmony. He referred to himself as an “Oriental Redneck” (his family roots are Asian) and got lots of laughs talking about his life and show business family. He’s performed before the Queen of England and U.S. Presidents.
We were then ushered into a large 35,000 square foot arena that seats 1,100 people by a Confederate and Union soldier, our tickets determining which side of the arena we would be sitting on: The North or South side. I was seated on the North half. After we were all seated, it was explained to us that we would be helping to re-enact The Civil War as courses of finger food was served to us over the next hour or so by Union or Confederate soldiers (depending on which side we were on), including a fluffy biscuit, creamy soup (the bowl had a handle), corn-on-the-cob, free refills on coffee and Pepsi, a small but complete rotisserie chicken that was super tender and tasty, plus a large and succulent pastry dessert that reminded me of a Pillsbury fruit turnover.
My side’s job was to stomp our feet at designated times and cheer positively at the Union soldier performers in this Branson, Missouri arena, and boo the Confederate side. These live show performers would be determining the fate of the Civil War not by violent means, but by various competitions with the stable horses and other farm animals like little racing pigs dressed in Civil War get ups! In between competitions were comedy skits and even some audience members were used to perform silly things like riding broomstick horses.
Before the Civil War competition began at this must see live shows in Branson, Missouri selection, energetic singing and period piece costumes plus real animals like Texas Longhorns made up a show that focused on the history of America before the Civil War; for instance, we got to hear the players act like pioneers and sing campfire songs and see Southern Belles come down from on high! The Stampede really has this ability to get the audience involved and uses energetic music along with great staging to make for a memorable live shows experience.
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede: 1 mile west of U.S. Highway 65 on76 Country Blvd.,Branson,Missouri65616. 800-520-5544 or 417-336-3000.
3 Must See Live Shows in Branson, Missouri Selection Number 3: Unbelievable Abilities Showcased by the Acrobats of China
If you see only one of the live shows in Branson, Missouri, it’s gotta be this offering which is part of The New Shanghai Circus. Before the performances began, we were instructed by the Master of Ceremonies how to say “hello” and “thank you” in Chinese so we could communicate with these stars at the end of the show if we chose to, as they would be on hand for autographs and picture taking.
I’ve never been more impressed with an acrobatic troupe over the course of two hours (including a short intermission), who used pulsating music and various special effects lighting to help underscore their feats of acrobatics, illusion, drumming, and Chinese storytelling with one act employing ballet like moves. I saw things by these gifted performers at this must see live shows in Branson, Missouri choice that I still don’t understand how they could be done. One of the acts involved a girl who stood on top of her head while twirling a four-legged table in the air while another group of young women twirled several plates in the air using long sticks! The guys in the troupe jumped through stacked hoops and also caught each other in the air with their feet after they were thrust upwards, as if effortlessly.
I visited China in 2000, and watching the Acrobats of China made me feel like I was back in that enchanted land, even though I was in Branson, Missouri. Beware: the smell of buttered popcorn in the 1,000 seat arena was so overwhelming I had to get some for myself!
Acrobats ofChina:645 State Highway165,Branson,Missouri65616. Phone: 877-21-CHINA.
