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| Having fun at Presleys’ Country Jubilee. |
Having lived in the Branson area my entire life, I’ve had countless conversations with visitors asking me to recommend my favorite shows, places to stay, and places to eat. Our conversations usually include at least one mention of the Presleys’ Country Jubilee. People want to know if I’ve seen it, did I enjoy it, will my teenagers enjoy it, etc. I always respond with a great big "Yes!"
In Branson, the Presleys’ have the distinction of having the first theater along Hwy. 76. If we fast forward to today, the Presleys’ are still going strong and are one of the most popular shows in Branson. Branson’s entertainment scene has certainly changed since the Presleys’ built their very first theater, but the entertainment foundation that was laid by this pioneering family has remained the same.
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| Lloyd Presley tells son Steve , "I Don’t Need Your Rockin Chair!"l |
The Presleys’ Theatre is a musical shrine to this leading family in Branson entertainment. Pictures and newspaper articles line the wall to let visitors know about their early beginings. The gift shop is home to many items including seasonal merchandise. One unique item that I found iis "Herkimer’s Joke Books." If you like the comedy performed during the show by "Herkimer" and "Cecil," then you will surely enjoy these books. Just in case your tummy starts to growl, the snack bar has many tempting selections to help you out. My favorite thing about this theater is the seats. They are so comfortable. This is a very important aspect in the overall enjoyment of a show that the other theater owners should take into consideration..
When the curtain opens and the show begins, your ears will be rewarded with many different styles of music including both classic and contemporary country, bluegrass, gospel and patriotic strains. Not only will your ears be satisfied but this show is also a feast for your eyes. The show has many special effects including a "flyin’ Cecil", classy outfits adorn the cast members, and hilarious video antics makes the intermission time pass by quickly.
The show begins with a rousing version of Dolly Parton’s, "Take Me Back To The Country." Several solo performances offer up contemporary hits like, Ambrus Leigh’s performance of Carrie Underwood’s, "Jesus, Take The Wheel", and Devonna Wickizer’s bluegrass version of, "Hillbilly Rock." Jay takes us back to the roots of country music during his solo work that includes impersonations of Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson. In order to obtain Willie’s distinct nasal sound, Jay has to pinch his nose. Now that is what I call attention to detail! In addition to their individual solo numbers, during the second half this husband and wife team perform a love struck duet that will be sure to put a spark in your night.
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| John Presley Floyd Cramer style on the piano. |
Since this show is all about family, I can’t help but mention the young Presley talent that is coming up. John Presley reminds us of Floyd Cramer’s expressive style as he pounds it out on the piano. This will cause the grandmas’ and grandpas’ in the audience to sit up and take notice. If that doesn’t work, then maybe his "dancing" eyes will. John’s younger sister performs solos on both the violin and the saxophone. Her masterful work on the violin exudes classical tendencies. Scott Presley is all smiles as he watches his daughter, Lauren, perform "Stupid Cupid." Lloyd Presley, who is 82 years young, proves that youth has nothing to do with it when he performs the George Jones hit, "I Don’t Need Your Rocking Chair." I’ll probably be hiding my own Easter eggs at 82– HA!
Some standout moments from the show includes the zany comedy that erupts whenever "Herkimer" and "Cecil" are around. If you are lucky, "Cecil" might even make a balloon animal for you, and wait until you see how he "ties" it. The trio made up of, "Porter", "Dolly", and the "Dixie Chick" made for some truly "inflatable" fun. Ambrus Leigh performs an amazing, soulful rendition of "Somewhere Over The Rainbow." Greg Presley plays a spirited version of "Amazing Grace" on his harmonica as he walks through the audience. One final standout moment from the show came from the gospel section as Bruce Haynes performed a song that he wrote entitled, "Praise His Name."
If you’ve ever asked yourself, how did Branson evolve into what it is today? You need to head on down to see Presleys’ Country Jubilee to witness for yourself what everyone is talking about, the show that paved the way for the quality entertainment that Branson has today.
For online information and ticket purchase click here or for further information or tickets call 800-590-0155 and for more information on the Presleys’ Country Jubilee click here.
Original Photos taken by Jeremy McNabb. Edited and captioned by Gary J. Groman.