“The Christmas Music of Mannheim Steamroller by Creator Chip Davis” is appearing at the beautiful Grand Palace Theatre in Branson, MO, through December 9, 2006. It is a multimedia presentation including videos, multimedia images, synchronized lighting, special effects and, of course the music of Mannheim Steamroller. There are 14 musical performers, performing the driving Steamroller rhythms and electronic wizardry, accompanied by orchestral instrumentation.
Although the Ole Seagull has seen the show, he thought it would be interesting to have a review based on what other people who attended the show thought. The following are excerpts and posts from the 1Branson.Com Bulletin Board from its “Shows Forum,” for the different threads relating to the Mannheim Steam Roller Christmas Show. They were all submitted by people who have been to the show, are all dated, contain the “screen name” of the poster, and are sorted descending chronological order, with the newest first and the oldest last. The Ole Seagull’s comments are contained in the last three paragraphs.
[BransonCutie- Nov.10] We saw the show last Friday night and it was delightful!
[MsTerese- Nov. 11] Well, we all really enjoyed the show last night. DH even bought the 4+1 CD packages for my sis & me. Positives: real (well, at least wet) "snow" falling on the crowds, enthusiastic musicians, lots of my favorite songs, excellent lighting & video work, wonderful encore at the end. Negatives: Wish they’d introduced the entire orchestra, not just the 4 main people of the group….they were all good, and should have been recognized. A little disappointed at the performance of their most well known song, Carol of the Bells…just expected more OOMPH! out of it, I guess. All and all, very glad we went. Also, for those who aren’t planning on seeing this show, at the very least drop by the Grand Palace during the day, step inside, and spend a few minutes ogling the magnificent tree they put up!
[BransonCutie- Nov.4] We saw this show last evening and I have to say that my assessment is pretty much the same. It was an incredibly enjoyable show overall, but not as much of a production as I had been anticipating with the information I had been hearing. I agree that the opening of the second act, with the very long video clip, was not what I was expecting, and the people I was with were also of the opinion the music was not live at that point. But overall, it was a delightful show and I would definitely recommend seeing it!
[phillip3225- Nov.4] “No there’s not really any on stage dancers or singers. The second half there is a 20-30 minute video of medieval times with people running around and dancing. It was a little odd if you ask me. I did miss what they said in the introduction to the video. You will enjoy the show.” [Editors Note: Although it might seem longer, the video is closer to 15 minutes than it is 30 minutes.]
[wintervaf- Nov. 4]- “I saw this show yesterday afternoon also. The show was enjoyable enough, but what struck me as odd–by Branson show standards–was the total lack of interaction with the audience. To bring out that jester who clomps across the stage at little earlier might help. He could get the audience clapping along with the medieval dance sequence just to remind them they’re not in a movie theater.”
[phillip3225- Nov.3]- “We went to the show tonight. Your review is they way I also feel. I do think though that the music was recorded for the first few songs on the second half. I also agree that the effects were not impressive. There were a few things that made me go, huh? Overall it was great but there were a few odd parts. Nice show.”
[oldbranhand- Nov.3]- “This afternoon we went to the Grand Palace to see Mannheim Steamroller. The music is provided by 14 musicians. The "leads" are the keyboard player, percussionist, guitar/bass player and the lead violinist. They are backed up by six more strings, one wind, two brass and another percussionist. If you are a fan of the group’s Christmas cd’s you will be pleased to find that they play most of your favorites. The music was fantastic. You will not be disappointed in this performance.
We were somewhat disappointed in the visual effects that went with the concert. They were not bad, just not as impressive as we had hoped for. Finally, late in the second half of the concert, there were some better visuals.When the second half started, a thin curtain was down in front of the stage. A short video of Chip Davis introduced the next segment which started with a movie of a medieval Christmas projected on the screen. You could not see the musicians. Most of the audience must have thought the music was recorded because they all but stopped applauding after each number. Finally, they brought up the lights behind the curtain enough that you could see the musicians and realize that the music was indeed live. Everyone seemed much happier after that. In all, we would strongly recommend this show to anyone who enjoys Mannheim Steamroller’s style of music. If you do, you will love it. If you don’t, spend your money on something else.”
The Ole Seagull saw the show on the evening of Nov. 3 and thought that it was a good show presented by extremely talented musicians. The Mannheim Steamroller style of music is different and if one is a fan of that style they will enjoy the show immensely. Obviously, if one is not a fan of that style of music the show might not be for them. The friends that went with us were Mannheim Steamroller fans and just loved the show.
There was zero interaction between the performers and the audience and the visual and special effects were a tad less than expected. The start of the second half, with the medieval feast, is as perplexing to me as it was to some of the commenter’s. What a lost opportunity to start the second half off with a bang. That aside however, the rest of the second half and the encores were great.
If you are a Mannheim Steamroller fan this is a must see show. If you don’t know whether or not you are a fan of the “Mannheim Steamroller” style of music this show will give you an excellent opportunity to experience it and make your determination. Millions of people have done just that and love it. It’s a great addition to Branson and the variety of entertainment that it offers.
