Category: Archived

In addition to his award winning morning show, Doug Gabriel will have a new, once a week, late night show called Branson Idol which will open April 16, 2004 at the Legends Family Theatre.A rotating panel of celebrity judges including Roy Clark, Tony Orlando, Ronnie McDowell, Moe Bandy, Mickey Gilley, Larry Gatlin, Janet Ellis, the Hughes Brothers, Merle Osmond, Kirby VanBurch and Paul Harris head a list of the panel of celebrity judges who will critique the performers competing for a variety of prizes, personal appearances and a $5,000 grand prize.

The judges critique and audience participation will determine the weekly winners who will then advance to the Grand Finale in October.Contestants will be found through auditions set in major regional cities including St. Louis, Tulsa, Little Rock, Dallas, Chicago, Springfield and Kansas City and may also submit an audio and photograph or video tape. To find out about the audition process go to the website www.bransonidol.com or call toll free 1-866-234-IDOL.

True to Doug’s style, he has made the Branson Idol project a fund raiser with part of the proceeds from each show going to Youth Life, a non-profit group which offers unconditional friendship for youth by providing positive alternatives to local youth through weekly clubs, small group Bible studies, sports, activities and trips. The Youth Life staff builds relationships with the students and earns the right to share the gospel and then introduces them to a local church of their choice for discipleship.

Call 417-337-8300 for show schedule and reservations.

Review excerpts of the “Number one hits of the Sixties” from the article and review entitled, “Number one hits of the Sixties, what were we thinking?” appearing in the Branson Daily Independent.

“With all the bad of the decade, there had to be some good.There was.The sixties brought us Teflon pots and pans, Elvis was discharged from the Army, Rod Sterling created the “Twilight Zone,” the sitcom entered our TV lives, we launched our first communications satellite, Houston built their Astrodome and we crowded around the TV to witness and cheer the first ever Super-Bowl.

“Number One Hits of the Sixties,” now playing at the Welk Resort Center, tries to recapture the mood and the essence of the sixties through song.We all have certain mental hooks where our memories lay.Music has a definite way of hooking us to the past through sound and word.The Number One Hits of the Sixties Show has a way of taking us back to the confused and dangerous decade of the sixties through musical memories and all of us saying, “I can remember that song and this is what I was doing then.”All of us can remember what we were doing when Camelot came crashing down.

The cast and crew of the show take you on a ride in song and dance through the most turbulent time of our lives.You will hear songs such as, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” “I Got You Babe.” “When A Man Loves A Woman,” “Kathy’s Clown” and many more hits that depict the changing mood of a nation.Stars like Dusty Springfield, the Beatles, Roy Orbison, Petula Clark, the Four Seasons, the Beach Boys and many, many others are represented onstage and bring a cornucopia of memories.

The only thing I found to be missing from the show was any reference to Elvis Presley.Elvis, probably more than anyone else in that era, shaped the musical mores of several generations.Other than that, I thought the show was good in its presentation of the sixties.I think you too will enjoy re-living the memories of a decade that was lost to infamy, distrust and confusion.This show brings out the best in the decade and spares us the sadness and bitterness, so that joy is its number one theme. Again, I would ask, what were we thinking, or, were we thinking at all?”

For additional information or to purchase tickets either on line or via phone, through Ozark Ticket and Travel, click here or call 1-888-493-1222 or call 1-417- 337-7469.

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent

Editors Note:Edited for online use and expanded ticket information.

The minute you set eyes on Paul Harris, you know he is a regular guy. You know also that he is a country boy. Not so much from what he wears, cowboy boots, jeans, shirt and western-brimmed hat, but more from his stance. You know, the kind of posture that has been known to lean against the side of a pickup to shoot the breeze. The kind of posture that speaks volumes by letting you know that he is very comfortable and quite confident in his own skin.

The next thing you would notice about Paul is his smile. Paul has a smile that starts bluegrass growing. A smile that dogs like, women would die for and men envy. A wide, warm, easy-going smile that puts you at ease the minute it is laid on you. It is also a sincere smile that is set below a couple of moon pie eyes on a solid, square, granite-like face. The kind of look that says you can trust this man. Whatever this man says, I am going to believe or have a lot of fun trying to believe it.

Paul Harris is a very funny guy. Paul opens his show by telling of his roots in Arkansas. Paul is proud of his roots and you can tell it by his soft-spoken approach to the trials and tribulations of life below the border. He does not put down anyone in Arkansas or anywhere else for that matter, but he does have a lot of fun trying not to put them down.

He tells of Arkansas people visiting the beaches in Florida and how, unlike Floridians, Arkansas people were smart enough not to swim in red water, just after sharks had been seen in the area. He also tells how the people of Arkansas were the ones who could figure out how to punch a voting card. Paul is funny in just about everything he says and does. That smile I referred to earlier plays a large part in his humor. He has gotten the timing of the smile down to a science and makes it work for him. Just showing his smile at the right time can evoke laughs from his audience.

Paul has a sidekick on the stage with him. A fellow that has worked around Paul for a number of years and is considered his best friend, Clay Cooper. Now Clay rather reminds one of the old “B” western villain back in the good old black and white days of television. You know, the one who always walked up to the boss of the bad guys and said, “Tom, you know, me and the boys have been talking it over and………”

Clay is dressed in black. Clay is dressed in black from his boots to his western hat. Clay, far from really being the villain, is an accomplished singer who wears a ten-gallon smile and rides a mile of stage. Clay sings everything from patriotic songs to a song depicting the love of a Mother. Clay is almost a mystery in the way he dresses compared to the actual way he performs. With him, the mystery becomes a surprise. The surprise becomes great music and entertainment.

A newcomer to Branson, from Dennison, Texas is Paul’s female singer, Kari Garrison. Kari has a wonderful voice and graces the stage with her glowing beauty. Now the big thing about Kari, besides the fact that she sings so beautifully in the show with Paul and Clay, is that she is quite pregnant. A couple of members of the band have pregnant wives due about the same time as Kari and Paul quips that he hasn’t drank Branson water for four months. Expectant mothers have a special glow about them that women envy and men notice. I always worry a bit, however, when I see a pregnant woman perform, or do any kind of work for that matter, when they are as far along the road as she is. I just know that in the middle of one of her numbers someone is going to call out to the audience “Is there a doctor in the house.” That would be a show-stopping act and a hard one to follow for sure.

As I said earlier, Paul is a very funny guy. He told of the time he and Clay went skiing in Vail, Colorado. It seems that they were sort of out of place in Vail with their cowboy attire. Paul said “Everyone was staring at them like a tree full of owls.” Paul is a funny guy. He also told of a former girl friend of his that he called butter face. It seems that everything looked good, butter face.

Paul literally has the audience rocking in their seats while wiping their eyes from laughing so much. Clay has the audience enraptured by his music and Kari has the audience enthralled by her beautiful voice and her enlightening presence.

All in all, The Paul Harris Show is a real trip that you will thoroughly enjoy. Did I say that Paul Harris is a funny guy? Maybe I did, but it is the truth.

Come to the Caravelle Theater and enjoy the Paul Harris Show. You will be laughing for days afterward just remembering the tall soft-spoken Arkansas native tell of the absurdities of life, as we know it and as he sees it.

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent

When I first saw the Incredible Acrobats of China, I imagined all sorts of things before I actually viewed the show. The main thought I had, at the time, was that I would be seeing at least a dozen little Chinese guys tumbling around on mats strewn all over the stage. I, having that pictured in my mind did not want to go see them. I knew it would be a boring evening. I went anyway. I will admit that I could not have been more wrong had I tried.

The Incredible Actobats of China is awesome, inspiring, exotic and beautiful beyond imagination. I saw the show at least four times last year and have already seen it once this year. The Circus is made up of around thirty of the neatest, niftiest and most polite Chinese people you have ever seen. These young performers have been training for the Circus since the age of six.

No wonder they are the world’s best at what they do, and what they do will certainly amaze you beyond what you believe to be reasonable thinking. The men are masculine and the women are exotically beautiful. They, all combined, put on a dazzling show of acrobatic skills, balancing, ballet, dance, song, juggling, spinning, climbing, all the while, being encased in a kaleidoscope of color that only dreams are made of.

It is my recommendation that you make the Incredible Acrobats of China a must-see during your visit to our town. You will be very glad you did.

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent

Editors Note: Edited for online use and expanded ticket information.

The Osmond Brothers are national phenomena.Their career started out as a one time shot on national TV and has not yet ended.Over four decades of singing, playing, hoofing and comedy have garnered the Osmond Brothers their own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.This August, the Osmond star will be forever enshrined, on the most famous walk in the world, as a tribute to their life-long contribution to the entertainment industry.

The Brothers have achieved a remarkable record in the industry.They have had a one-year period with a total of nine gold records.That is an achievement that surpasses both Elvis and the Beatles.They have mastered and play twenty-eight instruments and have entertained audiences in all corners of the world.Their career, which so far has spanned forty-five years, is a rarity in the industry.Their longevity can only be attributed to the fact that they have been consistent in their performances and they give their audiences the very best they have to give, every time.

It is the twentieth century, the whereabouts is uncertain.The six Osmond Brothers are giving a concert.It is the last concert performance of the six Brothers together.What a sad day that was.The Brothers go separate ways, some to perform, some to raise families and one to start a life-long battle with Multiple Sclerosis.

Then a bright day came at last………

The date is May 5, 2003.The place is the Andy Williams Moon River Theater, in Branson, Missouri.The six Osmond Brothers appear together again.What an emotional reunion it turned out to be.Osmond-mania is alive and well in Branson that day.Fans jump to their feet cheering and yelling. Donny and Jimmy Osmond are joining Merrill, Wayne and Jay Osmond onstage.Then pandemonium breaks loose as Alan, fighting MS, joins his brothers onstage.The cheering goes on and on as Alan becomes emotional in the grip of such a thunderous homecoming.Then there were six.

KLM:”Donny, tell me what the moment today was like.”

DONNY:”Well, to have all six of us on stage, I can’t remember the exact time or exact date that ever happened in the past.I think it was in the early 80’s, where all six of us were together.”

“What we did today, I think, was more heart-warming for the audience than being a part of Osmond-mania.It was like a memory.Like walking down memory lane for them as well as for us.”

The Brothers are home again, onstage again, under their former mentor’s eye, Andy Williams.

KLM:”This is how it all started?”

JAY:”Yes, in 1962.”

MERRILL:”Even today, we sit here and talk to Andy about our years with him and the stories.We love working here.After all these years, we think this is probably going to be the end as far as the “Brothers” working at a theater.”

JAY:”Because you can’t top this.I call this a ‘heavenly gig.’You can’t top working with Andy, he is so kind.Just ask any of his people.He treats everyone so nice.”

WAYNE:”Andy’s a great guy.” Andy, sitting in the seventh row of his beautiful Moon River Theater, watches with many obvious emotions as the Osmond Brothers bring music, harmony and excitement to his stage. Years have passed, but it was as if no time has elapsed between the two performances.The Osmonds are home again.The Osmonds are great.The show is one-of-a-kind.The day is perfect.

KLM:”Years ago, back in the seventies, there was Osmond-mania.What did that do to you guys?”

JAY:”It short-circuited Wayne.”

WAYNE:”It was quite amazing.It was something that very few people get to really experience.A mania like that, it’s unbelievable.”

MERRILL:”Mania is something we’ll never forget.Even Paul McCartney said he had never seen anything like it.”

JAY:”One of our highlights was meeting Paul McCartney.He came to see us with his daughters, Heather and Mary, especially for Donny, to get his autograph.It was nice to have Paul McCartney ask for your autograph.”

The fans in the audience are agog with Osmond-frenzy, waving light sticks, holding up signs of love and cheering as if it were a bottom of the ninth, game saving, grand slam homer.The Brothers were giving their best, their all and the crowd was fruitfully rewarded with a once in a lifetime performance.

KLM:”Alan, how did it feel to be back onstage performing with your brothers again?”

ALAN:”It felt natural.It felt like, where have I been.I have been working very hard on this MS thing.I’ve always said, I may have it, but it does not have me.What a high for me and my good wife, who is here, to be able to bring back some good old remembrances.To remember how good my brothers are.I stood and watched them from the side of the stage.I probably smiled like crazy, but I enjoyed it.I realize how much I miss my brothers.The people here in Branson are awesome.What a great place for families.It was a great place to come back and have a reunion.Thank you all so much.”

DONNY:”It’s funny, that Andy Williams Tribute, “Moon River” that we sang, when Andy wasn’t at the mike. Do you know the last time we did that as a group?At least 25 years ago.That wasn’t rehearsed.We all just fell right into it, remembered all of our own parts, remembered the choreography.”

KLM:”What do you guys do with your spare time here in Branson?”

MERRILL:”I am a collector.I collect “Beanie Babies.”It’s not for me, for my daughter.I’m going everywhere in town.This is a great place to collect “Beanies” and also antiques.We love antiques.We like to go out and try new restaurants.We like doing that.”

JAY:”I am actually close to finishing up a degree.So I am spending a lot of time on my home study, in correspondence.”

WAYNE:”He’s up to 95 degrees now.Pretty soon he’ll be alive.”

MERRILL:”We are obviously working on the future.We are working on our European Re-Visit tour, getting ready to put that together.”

WAYNE:”I usually go take three naps daily.”

KLM:”Guys, when the last curtain is called and the last song sung, how would you like to be remembered?What would the epitaph on your tombstone read?”

JAY:”He tried, he really tried.”

MERRILL:”Let the reason be Love.”

DONNY:”Someone who was able to re-invent himself, time and time again.”

WAYNE:”Tell us another joke.”

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent

The Hank Williams Story

Larry Burton Crocker

Larry Burton Crocker is Hank Williams in the “Hank Williams Remembered Show,” at the Owen’s Theater, in downtown Branson. Larry takes you on a journey of Hank’s life from his first recorded song through the pre-mature end of his up and down career.

Larry Burton Crocker is amazing as Hank Williams. Several reasons for this include the fact that Larry looks amazingly like Williams. He not only looks like him but he acts like you would imagine him to act and sings in Williams’ voice. The most amazing fact, told nearly halfway through the show, is that Larry was born on the same day as Williams. There must be something in the stars.

Many artists have tried to replicate Hank Williams on stage. None can be so successful at doing so as Larry Burton Crocker. The Owen’s Theater is a perfect venue for Larry’s Tribute to Hank Williams. The theater, built in 1935, has the look and feel of Hank Williams’ era. Larry Burton Crocker plays Hank Williams to the nth degree.

Throughout the show, the history of Hank Williams is told with explanations of how each song came to be.Such as the time Williams went to a music house in Nashville and asked for a job with them.Fred Rose, of the newly formed Acuff-Rose publishers, asked Williams to write a song for him on a subject that he alone would choose.Too many newcomers had been asking for work and using other people’s music, saying they had written it.

Williams agreed and Fred Rose told him to go back to his hotel, write the song and come back when he had finished.Thirty minutes later, having never left the building, Williams knocked on Fred Rose’s door stating that the song was completed.Rose did not believe him, but Hank Williams sang the song he had written, “Mansion on the Hill.”This song was later released on MGM records and became a hit.

Topping the country charts for sixteen weeks in 1949, “Lovesick Blues” stayed in the listings for another year.Through the success of that song, Williams was invited to perform on the Grand Ole Opry.His first performance of “Lovesick Blues” garnered him six encores.Hank Williams had arrived.This allowed him and his band, the Drifting Cowboys, to get one-thousand dollars per performance.This was also the beginning of Hank’s roller-coaster ride in life.

Crocker sings most of Williams recordings.Williams wrote of life, its faults, its ups and downs, drinking, women and love.Hank Williams wrote songs mainly of his own life, loves, pains, ups and downs.He wrote songs that the average person on the street or in the bar could identify with.In 1952, Williams wrote a song in praise of Cajun food called “Jambalaya.”It went to the number one position overnight; while another of his songs, “Half as Much” was number two.Williams became the first country music superstar, and as such, became a showman.He wore custom suits with musical notes on them.He drank too much, tore up hotel rooms, threw money from windows and took too many pain killers for a back injury he had suffered early in his life.All this took its toll on the super star and caused a rapidly developing spiral downward for him.

Eventually, in 1952, the Grand Ole Opry, preferring it’s entertainers to be sober and a good reflection on the institution, fired Williams because of missed appearances and drinking.Hank Williams was thrown back to playing small clubs with pick-up bands.

In 1949, Hank Williams had a son named, Randall Hank Williams.He nicknamed him “Bocephus,” after a wooden dummy used by Rod Brassfield.Well, Randall grew up to be better known as Hank Williams Jr. and went on, through his own tragedies, and two Emmys, to become a star in his own right.

“Bocephus,” recorded a post-humous video with his Father, “There’s A Tear in My Beer” that was widely acclaimed and sold 250,000 copies.Larry Burton Crocker, through southern ingenuity, performs this two-part video with different costumes.It is something you must see.I have never seen anything performed in the wayLarry Burton Crocker does both Hank Williams Senior and Hank Williams Junior, at the same time.

Having recorded 170 different songs, it was uniquely ironic that Hank Williams’ last song was, “I’ll Never Get Out Of This World Alive.”It was as if he knew his destiny.His plaque at the Country Music Hall of Fame has the following inscription, “The simple beautiful melodies and straightforward plaintive stories in his lyrics of life, as he knew it, will never die.”I think when Hank lay down in the back seat of that Cadillac in 1953, seeking solace from the pain of life, he already knew of that inscription and where it would be written.

For information and tickets call, 417- 336-2112

Authors Note:It is interesting to note that my last couple of articles were written about two of our all time legendary country stars, Patsy Cline and Hiram “Hank Williams.”They were both born in September, a decade apart, both died under tragic circumstances, both were twenty-nine when they died and both became legendary after their deaths.Perhaps the stars do have a story to tell.

Courtesy of Branson Daily Independent

Edited by: Gary J. Groman

Entertainment offerings meet outdoor adventure at 11^th annual Branson Fest

BRANSON, MO –– March 21, 2003 – As Branson Fest embarks upon its second decade of introducing Branson’s entertainment offerings to the world it will sport a new dimension on April 8 – 12 at the Welk Resort Theatre.

For the first time in Branson Fest’s 11 year history an Adventure Village will be part of the entertainment arena.Spring in the Ozarks is the perfect time to introduce Branson’s outdoor appeal – the dogwoods are blooming, the red buds are budding out and activities on the lakes and streams are beginning to pick up.

The outdoor segment won’t be the only new facet of Branson Fest in 2003.The traditional days of Wednesday – Sunday have been changed to Tuesday – Saturday.The festivities will kick-off at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8 and will conclude Saturday, April 12 at 6 p.m.

However, what has become the Branson Fest trademark, the sampling of area shows under one roof and on one stage will continue.Each day of the event visitors can attend an indoor concert, Tuesday 7 p.m. and Wednesday – Saturday 2 p.m., that will feature legendary performers such as Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers, Jim Stafford, the Baldknobbers Jamboree, the World Famous Platters, Presleys’ Country Jubilee, the Lennon Brothers and Gail Lennon and new performers Jimmy Osmond and Roy Rogers, Jr. and the High Riders.

Hospitality and Business Expo

This year’s Hospitality and Business Expo area includes autograph sessions, give aways, contests and more. The 12,000 square foot tent at the Welk Resort Theatre will be filled with more than 60 booths that offer a sample of Branson’s finest attractions, businesses and theatres.

The Hospitality and Business Expo features representatives from area theaters, attractions, businesses and civic organizations on hand to answer questions about the various shows and entertainment at their venues or provide information. Here visitors will get the chance to visit with their favorite Branson entertainers during autograph sessions. Visitors can also pick up free information, prizes and give-aways at the Hospitality and Business Expo.

Arts, Culture and Heritage

The spotlight is on Ozark Mountain culture and heritage at the Arts, Culture and Heritage tent. Visitors have the opportunity to view the art of nationally recognized Branson artists, and autograph sessions allow visitors to meet the artists.Each day will feature a special artist demonstrating his or her unique craft.

Real American Entertainment – The Real American Entertainment Tent holds a stage where festival visitors can see a variety of performances from local shows and organizations. The line-up of outdoor entertainers includes such stars as Girls Day Out, Jim Owen, the Legends in Concert cast, Connie Tillis, Cedric Benoit and the Cajun Connection and the American Kids.

“Streetmosphere” – Branson Fest “Streetmosphere” will be featured throughout the festival outside the tents.Dance troupes, choirs, flag corps, special demonstrations, a clown and costumed characters will entertain visitors during the warm spring days of Branson Fest.

Taste of Branson – Inside the Taste of Branson Food Tent, guests can sample traditional Ozarks cuisine and enjoy some of the best fare from several of Branson’s finest eating

establishments.

Hike, Bike, Fish, Golf and More – Out Branson’s Backdoor

The new Adventure Village area of Branson Fest will feature insight into Branson’s significant outdoor appeal.Visitors will be able to collect information on the local golf courses, maps of the local hiking trails and visit with some of the leading outdoor enthusiast in the Branson/Lakes Area.

Benefit Contribution

Proceeds from Branson Fest 2003 will support Mountain Country Habitat for Humanity.Over the years Branson Fest has donated tens of thousands of dollars to the local Habitat for Humanity, enabling them to build houses in our community.

This article or review is furnished courtesy of the Branson Daily Independent (BDI).BDI is a sister publication of the Taney County Times and is a free paper, published on Sunday, Wednsday, and Friday of each week.It is available in “racks” and various businesses all over Branson and the Hollister area such as:

Country Marts (Hollister and Branson) (Rack)

Post Office Branson (Rack)

Branson Café

Clockers

The Shack

Farmhouse

Main Street Marina

Branson Drug

DBMA Office

Branson Veterans Task Force Offices

Skaggs Medical Center (rack by elevator)

Caseys (Branson & Hollister)

Rapid Roberts

McDonalds (Downtown Branson)

River run Outfitters

Jimmy Jets

Owens Theatre

The Branson Daily Independent covers primarily Branson and Hollister news and events.For information on placing ads etc. please call, 1-417-334-2285 or FAX us at 1-417-334-4789.

The Jim Owen Show, playing at the Dutton Theater, opens with a nice introduction by one of the Dutton clan. That is the last vestige of sanity for two hours. From the moment Jim Owen strolls onstage, following gthe introduction, until the time you are heading for the parking lot, after the show, the world as you thought you knew it, has ceased to exist.

For two hours you will be educated in the Jim Owen class, aptly called, “Wacky 101”. Your world will be turned upside down with laughter. Perhaps, by more laughter than you ever thought could be possible in any two-hour period.

Jim is joined onstage by two cohorts, Katie Lynn and Suzi Weber. Katie and Suzi, aka Lucille Ball and Goldie Hawn personalities, are hilarious as they portray ditzy blondes. Bless their hearts! The interaction between Jim Owen and his partners in crime, Katie and Suzi, will keep you in stitches for hours after the show. Incidentally, you will have to attend the Jim Owen Show to discover the real meaning of “Bless Their Hearts.”

The Jim Owen Show will not only treat you to some of the most insane humor ever, but it will also treat you to some of the finest music anywhere. You not only will hear a special segment dedicated to Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys but songs like, Elijah, Love Sick Blues, There’ll Be No Teardrops Tonight, I’ll Pretend, and many more that will tug at your memory, with flashbacks to the grass roots of country music. This is a whale of a show that takes you back to the origins of country music and contains wacky comedy beyond your wildest imagination.

For show information and tickets, toll free, call Ozark Ticket and Travel at 1-888-493-1222.

The “Grand Ladies of Country,” appearing at the 76 Mall Theatre, is one of Branson’s best kept secrets. A review of the show earlier in the year found the show had more music, ounce for ounce and pound for pound, than nearly any other show in Branson. That has not changed.

I had reviewed Mary Lou Turner earlier in the year as well and she just keeps getting better and better. Mary Lou won Vocalist Duo of the Year with Bill Anderson, two years running, 1976 and 1977. This Hazard, Ky. native has also appeared on the Grand Old Opry. Mary Lou sounded better than ever and this time she joined Leona Williams, another grand star, to turn out entertainment that takes a back seat to no one. The duo, singing singles as well as duets, teamed with Beverly Cotton Dillard, a banjo player and singer, to create some of the finest music this side of Toad Hollow.

Beverly Cotton Dillard is married to Rodney Dillard, one of the ‘Darlings’ on the Andy Griffith Show. Beverly has appeared on Hee Haw and can stand up to anyone alive on the banjo. Beverly acts as emcee and does a couple of skits with members of the “Ladies Men Band.” One stage lithograph of American life tells the tide of events in the mountains, another is based on the Andy Griffith Show, and the last is a vocal panorama taken straight from O Brother Where Art Thou. All these scenes of Americana are a lot of fun to watch and hear because Beverly and the boys take so much delight doing them.

Leona Williams, Vienna, Missouri’s favorite daughter, was striking as she and Mary Lou Turner sang song after song during the show. These gals have a lot of stamina, energy and enjoy what they do.

It has been quoted of Picasso that if his oils were taken from him he would go to watercolors. If his watercolors were to be taken from him, he would pick up a pencil. If the pencil were to be taken from him, he would wet his finger and make outlines on a dry surface. Mary Lou Turner, Beverly Dillard and Leona Williams are exactly like that. They all love to entertain and if you were to take first the stage, then the theater, plus street corners, cafes, nightclubs and so on, away from them, I would imagine they would most likely be in a park somewhere, playing, singing and smiling for whom-ever they could find.

Editor’s Note: The Grand Ladies of Country are currently appearing at the 76 Mall Theatre, Monday through Saturday at 3:30 and 8:00 PM. Starting in 2003 they will be appearing at the Jim Stafford Theatre in a “new” show entitled “Us Girls! For show information and tickets, toll free, call Ozark Ticket and Travel at 1-888-493-1222.

John Wayne, an American icon, our American legend, is being portrayed at the Jim Owens Theater, in downtown Branson, by John Wain. John Wain, as would John Wayne, tells it like it is. He pulls no punches.

John tells the Biography of John Wayne in an American tale of honor, patriotism, citizenship and good old fashioned moral values. He does this in a very entertaining way. He tells the story of John Wayne, his movie career, his personal life and his life as a patroit.

John Wain, is extremely believable as John Wayne. John has been in several of the Duke’s movies and has been doing the John Wayne Story for longer than he would like to admit.
What is even more amazing, is that John does an excellent Walter Brennen, about as good as Walter was himself. He enjoys doing his characters and it shows in the fun he has doing the show. John also portrays Crazy Guggenheim, the Frankie Fountaine character from the Jackie Gleason Show. Not only does he do the character of Crazy, but he sings the Irish song “Danny Boy” as well as Frankie ever did on the old black and white T.V.

I have only seen two one man shows that were completely believable. One was Tom Mullica and his excellent tribute to Red Skelton and this, the John Wayne Story is the other.
John Wain has just the right touch of the Duke to do the story. He is tall, lean and he talks and walks Wayne. He does the Duke and Rooster Cogburn. He also does a bit of the voice of Katherine Hepburn. (Better not laugh about that, Pilgrim).

John Wain is serious and sincere in his show while still allowing himself and the audience to have a lot of fun. He brings people from the audience on stage and allows them to help him act out scenes from Wayne’s movies. Not all people react the same when on stage for possibly the first time. Every show takes on a new flavor depending on who is chosen.

Whether it be from the “Green Beret,” telling of the battlefields and the men of Vietnam, to the classic westerns such as “Rio Lobo,” John Wain tells it in first person and is quite believeable in the role of John Wayne. At times you will swear the Duke is on stage.

The “John Wayne Story” will make you proud to be an American. Since 9/11 that has taken on a new meaning and a resurgence of patriotism. John’s show takes that resurgence and gives it a new face. The face of patriotism that young and old alike will take pride in. A new height of feeling good about our flag and what it stands for.

Oh yes, one other point, John does not cow to the liberals who are trying to take God out of our Pledge of Allegiance. He states very clearly that our nation is indivisible and one nation under God. The John Wayne Story, makes you proud to be an American. It allows you to take pride in your country, your flag, your nation and yourself.

Take time to go to downtown Branson and the Jim Owens Theater. Seeing the John Wayne Story will be a couple of hours well spent. A couple of very entertaining hours. It is a feel good show that will have you feeling good about yourself, your neighbor, your country and your flag.

For show times and reservations call: (417) 336-2112

Larry Gatlin, and the Gatlin Brothers, appearing for their opening night last week at the Will Rogers Theater, started a run of shows that will carry them through Christmas. It was a tremendous pleasure to see and hear them perform. Larry and his two brothers, Steve and Rudy, all hail from Seminole, Texas, and have been around stage lights and music for as long as they can remember. They have been delighting audiences around our globe for four decades.

Larry has played Will Rogers on Broadway and for a national touring company. I have read of and watched old films of Will Rogers, his witticisms and down to earth country lore that made him the voice of the American conscience in the twenties and thirties. Will Rogers was not a legend until after his death in 1935. I can honestly say that Larry Gatlin, in his own time, is a legend in 2002.

Larry has been working hard for the past decade to become a truly nice person. From what I have seen of him, he has made it in spades. Larry, as well as his brothers, is a truly nice fellow. Larry can be compared to Will Rogers in many ways. One of which would be his ability to spin humor at the drop of anything available. Larry is funny and he mixes it up with the audience in many unexpected ways. One is never sure what he will say, do, or come up with next. He may even come into the audience and share some poor, unsuspecting souls popcorn.

Larry also has thoughts that are relevant for today’s world and it is done in good taste mixed with a rich dose of humor. Larry likes bantering with his fans and has a great time doing it. The fans respond with love and affection for him, because he is admired, not only as a musician, but also as a man, a human, and Larry Gatlin.

During the show, I learned to admire the brothers three not only for their fine musical talent, which is truly awesome, but I watched them personally and found them to be just as nice as they sound. They are truly professional and their talent goes off the scale.

Steve Gatlin, the middle Gatlin brother, graduated from Texas Tech and worked for Tammy Wynette for a number of years in Nashville. Steve, a performer in his own right, is the back-up comedy for the trio. Steve loves to wear a bold pinstriped suit during the show and is incredibly funny. Steve is renown for his musical talent and his zany, crazy antics on the show. Steve and his family live just outside Nashville in Brentwood, Tennessee.

Rudy, the youngest of the Gatlins is also a graduate of Texas Tech and is the quiet one of the bunch. After graduating from college, Rudy worked as a substitute teacher. Fans everywhere are so glad that Rudy gave up his day job to continue performing. Rudy is into snazzy, colorful vests, especially one symbolizing the Lone Star state flag. Rudy is noted for his musical abilities and adds great talent to the brothers routines.Rudy, as did brother Larry, starred in Oklahoma and then appeared in the starring role in Annie Get Your Gun.

Larry, had his third throat operation, in February this year. By all odds, rules and medical knowledge, he should not be singing at all. He should not even have a voice. At their performance, I heard a voice that only an archangel could have possessed. His high notes were truly impressive. I swear the man was not that good decades ago. He has a voice that has not and we all trust will not ever leave him. That would be quite a loss, for music fans the world over, to endure.

Larry is very open and honest talking about himself on stage. He will tell of his family, his Marine Corps Father, his brothers and his drinking problems of the past. Everything is told in good taste with plenty of good humor thrown in. I may have said it before, but I will be redundant and tell you that Larry is a truly funny guy. He is not only a funny guy but he is a remarkable person as well.

He has written many songs that have been recorded, not only by his own group, but also by stars like, Barbara Streisand, Johnny Mathis, Johnny Cash and yes, even Elvis. He and his brothers have also recorded a long string of number one hits, including All The Gold In California, I Don’t Wanna Cry, Love Is Just A Game, and of course, Broken Lady.

One segment of their show is devoted to Boogie and Beethoven. A large screen drops down center stage and a long haired, blue blooded string group join the Brothers on screen, as they boogie their way into the hearts of every person in the audience. It is an unusual performance and one you will think about for a long time following the show.

The show they present as Larry Gatlin and The Gatlin Brothers is a great show and one you will not want to miss. They sing their hits and many oldies of years past. The show always opens, instead of closes, on a patriotic note. Larry believes in standing up for America and standing up against the bad guys. The Gatlins open their show with a tribute to America and all its people with America The Beautiful. That is a cool thing to do. Did I mention the Gatlins are cool?

Will Rogers once said, It is great to be great, but it is greater to be human. Larry Gatlin has followed the advice of the great Will Rogers. Larry has learned a lesson that few in show business ever learn. Larry Gatlin is a great man, a legend in his own lifetime, but he is first and foremost, human. How fortunate we are to know him. How fortunate indeed.

Editor’s Note: For show information and tickets, toll free, call Ozark Ticket and Travel at 1-888-493-1222.