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| Dancers from World-Fest’s Feet of Fire Irish dance show. |
Silver Dollar City kicks off its biggest show year ever with all-new productions for World-Fest, featuring the Zhejiang Balancing Monks of China in a show never before presented in the United States, plus new performers and returning favorites from six continents. World-Fest runs April 4 – May 3 at the theme park near Branson, Missouri.
One of the most unique new shows is the Zhejiang Balancing Monks of China, bringing to Silver Dollar City an all-new production of incredible acrobatic proportions. An internationally-acclaimed troupe of two dozen acrobats and head-balancing monks demonstrate awe-inspiring mastery of body and mind. This show is being created and co-produced by LOVE Productions of New York City and Silver Dollar City.
Also new is the 28-member Peruvian music and dance troupe Jallmay, presenting the folklore of Peru in their performances and colorful costumes, and the African percussion group Dzenbii, combining tribal rhythms and dances from Ghana.
“World-Fest is a great opportunity to have a first-rate international experience close to home,” said Brad Schroeder, Silver Dollar City’s Director of Special Events. “We’re bringing in many shows you would have to travel the globe to see – full of culture, color and excitement, right here in America’s heartland.”
The Feet of Fire Irish dance show, the park’s largest Irish production ever, features a full cast of nearly two dozen championship step dancers, singers and musicians. This year the show presents new performers and elements, including two “fire dancers” twirling flaming fans, making dramatic visual patterns with flames as they dance to traditional music.
Additional World-Fest performers include Invaders, a steel drum band from Trinidad and Tobago, presenting traditional calypso and reggae music of the Caribbean islands; Russian Academic Band, a brass band from Russia, playing brass ensemble music from Russian classics to American jazz. New Zealand musician Jenny Blackadder, winner of numerous international music awards for her mastery of the banjo; and Australian entertainer Wayne Horsburgh, performing music from Australian favorites to American country, in his final World-Fest performance
Dining is an international experience too at Tastes of the World, a pavilion of global specialties. Guests can feast on selections such as hearty Irish stew, savory Czech Kolacky meat pies, Greek salads, desserts from baklava to tiramisu, and even international Coke flavors.
For those who want to learn the art of international cuisine, Silver Dollar City’s new Culinary & Craft School offers guests more behind-the-scenes experiences, presenting culinary techniques with festival flavor. During World-Fest, classes on international specialties include Italy’s Best – La Pasta Perfectto and French Crepes – Bon Appétit! Classes are offered within the 3,000 square-foot timber frame building with its state-of-the-art kitchen showroom and Craftsmen’s Showcase room furnished with the work of the park’s expert craftsmen. Class schedules are available on the website, www.silverdollarcity.com.
Great American Country Nights, the nation’s only live stage version of the popular television show, is presented each evening beginning April 4, presenting contemporary country hits with a talented cast of singer/dancers, accompanied by a live band. The internationally-awarded 1880s-style theme park features shows, six festivals, 100 demonstrating craftsmen, music and entertainment, 30 themed rides and attractions, and specialty foods throughout the season.
World-Fest runs April 4 – May 3, with the park offering Family Spring Break Days on select dates in March. During World-Fest, the park is open Wednesdays through Sundays,* 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. For additional information on World Fest, Silver Dollar City, other Branson Shows, attractions of lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center on line or by phone at at 800-785-1550.
* Closed Easter, April 12