From the first note to the last note, as Branson’s Doug Gabriel sings, the audience hears testimony as to why he was voted Branson’s Male Vocalist of the year five times. His powerful and sensitive voice clearly and precisely captures every note, word, and nuance of the music he sings. From gospel to contemporary, rock and roll and everything in between Doug does it all and does it well.
Although he plays the piano well in the show, his rendition of “Malaguena” on the acoustical guitar is one of the most outstanding guitar experiences a person is likely to ever hear or see. How a person’s hands can move that fast and not hit a bad “note” is an amazing thing. Couple that with his playing of his world famous ‘‘Mufftar,’’ a guitar made out of a 1969 Thunderbird muffler, and you have an unforgettable instrumental experience.
Doug’s country medley of songs by Eddy Arnold, Charlie Rich and Conrad Twitty was done in typical Gabriel style. His rendition of Conway Twitty’s “It’s Only Make Believe” was exceptional and was made even more poignant because it was performed in the theatre where Conway Twitty gave his last performance. Two numbers that will cause goose bumps are Doug’s rendition of the Elvis Presley classic, “The American Trilogy” and Josh Groban’s “You Raised Me Up.”
The show features three other vocalists Doug’s lovely wife Cheryl, Susan Burr, and Dale Grubaugh who is also the shows MC. Cheryl and Doug’s Donnie and Marie Osmond Tribute was neat. Cheryl’s version of Faith Hill’s “The Way You Love Me” is really special.
Susan Burr, R.; J. Jacobs, and Cheryl both do a great job of providing vocal backgrounds for a lot of the numbers. Susan did a great job on “Some of these Days” and Dale Grubaugh’s rendition of “Three Wooden Crosses” was well done and has a powerful message.
The talent of Doug and the other singers is enhanced by the excellent work of the band, David Byrd on piano, Carl Garner on bass, Buddy Burr on guitar and banjo, Vince Selvidge on trumpet and Doug’s son, Josh Gabriel on the drums. They do an exceptional job on a broad range of numbers with three different vocalists. These guys love to play and it shows.
New to the show this year is the comedy and juggling antics of Andre Soumiatan who also performs on the Show Boat Branson Belle for its noon cruise. His comedy and juggling skills fit in well with the flow of the show and really gets the audience pumped up. Rather than spoil the surprise we’ll leave you with two questions, “Is it a stacked deck or neck?” and “Why would anyone plunge into something like this?”
Spending a couple of hours with Doug and Cheryl and their "family" is well worth the time. It will provide a Branson memory that will be remembered long after you walk out of the theatre.
For further information or to purchase tickets on line click here or call 800-590-0155.
Originally Published In the Branson Courier on June 25, 2005.
