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
Month: October 2002
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The John Wayne Story – An American Patriot
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Larry Gatlin & Company: The Brothers Three
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. -
Branson Lights Up for CHRISTmas 2002
The Branson Area Festival of Lights brightens the hills and valleys of the Ozarks from
The following schedule is intended as a guide only and is subject to change so please take advantage of the contact information provided if additional information is needed:
BRANSON AREA CHRISTMAS LIGHTING DISPLAY GUIDE
Branson Area Festival of
SCHEDULE:
CONTACT Branson Lakes Area chamber of Commerce – 1.800.214.3661
ADMISSION CHARGE: No fixed charge just what you care to donate.
LOCATION: Branson Hills Parkway about ¼ mile west on Bee Creek Road after exiting Hwy 65 at Bee Creek Road just north of Hwy 248. Can be conveniently viewed in conjunction with Historic Downtown Branson and Animated Lake Taneycomo Displays, Adoration Scene, and the Branson Music Display.
Kimberling
SCHEDULE:
CONTACT: Table Rock Lake/Kimberling City Area Chamber of Commerce – 1-800-595-0393
ADMISSION CHARGE: $5.00 per family vehicle. Group Tours are $1.00 per passenger; advance tour group reservations can be made
LOCATION: US Corps of
Shepherd of the Hills, “Trail of Lights” – Anything that doesn’t run fast enough is completely covered in Christmas lights, including the 230’ tall Inspiration
SCHEDULE:
CONTACT: Shepherd of the Hills – 417 334-4191 or 1-800-653-6288
ADMISSION CHARGE: $7.00 per adult and $3.00 per child, ages 4-16, not to exceed $25.00 per car.
LOCATION: On West Highway 76 east of its Junction with Highway 265 and west of its junction with Highway 376.
Silver Dollar
SCHEDULE: From
CONTACT: Silver Dollar City 1-800-952-6626
ADMISSION CHARGE: Adults $31.80, Children 4-11, $20.15, Seniors $29.65 >=62. Children 3 and under Free.
LOCATION: On
Indian Point’s “Enchanted Forest” – Indian Point’s “Enchanted Forest” is a half mile of thousands of lights, animated lighting displays, such as a bear climbing a tree, and elaborate static lighting displays. Visitors to the “Enchanted
SCHEDULE: –
CONTACT: Indian Point Chamber of Commerce – 1.800 888.3313
ADMISSION CHARGE: None
LOCATION: – On Indian Point off of W. Highway 76 just west of its junction with Highway 265. It is just south of Silver Dollar City and can be conveniently viewed in conjunction with Silver Dollar
Historic Downtown Branson and Animated
SCHEDULE:
CONTACT: Downtown Branson Betterment Association, 417.334.1548
ADMISSION CHARGE: None
LOCATION: Historic Downtown Branson is located at the junction of Business 65 (
Branson Music Display – A single display lined with 300 large stars.
SCHEDULE: –
CONTACT Branson Lakes Area chamber of Commerce – 1.800.214.3661
ADMISSION CHARGE: None
LOCATION: . It is located on the bluff above the south eastern corner of the junction of highway 65 and Highway 76. Best viewed driving east on Highway 76 as you cross over Highway 65. Look to the right. Can be conveniently viewed in conjunction with Historic Downtown Branson and Animated Lake Taneycomo Displays, Adoration Scene, and the Branson Area Festival of
Adoration Scene – This giant Nativity Scene, located atop of
SCHEDULE: –
CONTACT: Branson
ADMISSION CHARGE: None
LOCATION: As one drives east on 76 and comes down the hill into Historic Downtown Branson, the Adoration Scene, and its Star, will be viewable on the bluffs overlooking the Downtown. It is best viewed from two different locations, the foot of
Chateau on the Lake Resort and Convention Center – More than 200,000 lights, miles of garland, 14 Christmas Trees, 1,000 poinsettias, a $75,000 nativity scene, and an entrance way guarded by two 8 ½ foot tall “toy soldiers” will highlight the Chateau’s elaborate Christmas display. The thousands of lights lighting the 250 trees lining the Chateau’s driveway and its rooftop will be visible from miles away.
SCHEDULE:
CONTACT: Chateau on the
ADMISSION CHARGE: None
LOCATION: On Highway 165 just south of its junction with Highway 265. It location makes this an ideal display to view in conjunction with any of the Branson Lighting Displays.
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Bobby Vinton Sells Theatre
Branson, MO – After a whirlwind negotiation, Bobby Vinton announced on October 22, 2003, that he has sold his “Blue Velvet Theatre to the owners of the “Spirit of the Dance,” an Irish Dance show that has been appearing at the theatre for the past three years. Vinton will finish his 2002 season and continue to reside in Branson with his family.
Although the price of the sale was not announced Vinton said that “the offer was simply too great to pass up.” Chris Vinton, Vinton’s son, said that Vinton is currently negotiating with the Grand Palace to make limited appearances during the 2003 Season and will continue to perform at various venues around the country.
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Delene Show Moves to Hughes Brother Celebrity Theatre
The “Delene” Show, formerly at “Planet Branson,” has moved to the Hughes Brothers Celebrity Theatre at 3425 West Highway 76, Branson, Missouri effective with the 2:00 PM performance on October 19, 2002.
In a previous review of the Delene Show this writer said, “The deep rich voice of the show’s star, Delene, and the grace and eloquence of her presentation, as she sings songs like “Snowbird,” “Can I have This Dance For The Rest of My Life,” and “Crazy,” to mention a few, make this a show that those who appreciate great vocal presentations will not want to miss.” The move to the new theatre should do nothing but make a good show even better. Regarding the move, Delene said, “The blend of being in a new place and adding new things to my show along with the thrill of sharing a stage once filled with the likes of the Mandrells, the Judds, or Roy Clark makes this a perfect fit for my show.”
Delene will perform at 2:00 PM, Sunday through Thursday with her last 2002 performance scheduled for December 12, 2002. For ticket reservations or information call 417-339-2868 or Ozark Ticket and Travel at 1-888-493-1222. For on line ticket information, prices, or purchase please go to the Delene Show through the Branson Courier Show Schedule located