Though the image of Branson is in transition, there are plenty classic Branson type shows. Long time Branson visitors often think of The Presley’s or The Baldknobber’s when they think of classic Branson shows. Both of those are great shows that the whole family will enjoy. But I would argue that today The Grand Jubilee is also a new Branson classic.
People come to Branson to see great music and comedy. That is what put Branson on the map. The Grand Jubilee is one of those great shows that you should put on your list when in town.
The 76 Country Music Hall at the Grand Country Square houses one of the most intimate and comfortable theatres in town. This is also where you can see one of the best country/variety and comedy shows around.
I knew that management had made some pretty substantial changes to the show and cast since I had last seen the Grand Jubilee. I have to admit that I was a little leary about what I might see. Would it be as good? Could they possibly improve on what I remembered as one of the best shows in town? With just five minutes of the show behind me, all my fears had faded away.
The curtains opened and the show was rolling. New South came out singing Only In America, and really got the show off to a great start. The two new members of New South seem to fit perfectly with the show. Mike Patrick, the show producer and MC, really changed the look of the show by adding Matt and Scott. My wife leaned over and said just what every husband loves to hear from their wife. She whispered in my ear, "he’s a hottie." Ladies, they are nice looking men. The show has a much younger and more contemporary feel. However, looks can only take you so far, and along with Trey and Mark, the returning members of the quartet, they continued to astonish the crowd all night with their tight harmonies and smooth sound.
In the first half alone you will hear New South perform tunes ranging from Bobbie Sue, which seemed to be created just for Mark’s barrel dropping bass voice, to songs like Elvira, Tennessee River and many more that are too numerous to list.
The show also featured the vocals of Todd Bradshaw and Callie Chambliss. Both lend their phenomenal talent to the production. Before intermission you will hear classic Loretta Lynn at its best and Todd’s rendition of "Behind Closed Door" will have you holding your own sweetie a little closer.
The close of the first half was my favorite segment of the show. Who doesn’t love good southern gospel music? These guys can do it very well. I was able to sing right along as they lead with classics like How Great Thou Art and When The Saints Go Marching In.
During intermission the whole crew gathered in the hall to greet and talk to their guests. It does not take long when milling around the crowd to realize that there are many true fans of this show. They come back time-and-time again to be with the friends on stage. I felt that the performers really appreciated their fans. No doubt, that is one reason this show is so popular.
The second half started with a very unique Elvis tribute. I must admit that I am not the biggest Elvis fan. But that could not stop me from having a great time watching. They started with Jail House Rock and strolled through the "Kings" musical life before landing on Fools Rush In. By the time they were finished, there were at least a half dozen Elvis on the stage, including what I would assume is the only singing female Elvis Impersonator in Branson.
They ripped through every decade from the 50’s through today. There were guest appearances by the Beatles, Sonny & Cher, the Jackson Five, and Dolly just to mention a few. While the music was as perfect as ever, the audience was in stitches as surprise after surprise paraded across the stage.
There is no way I could even begin to think about finishing this review without some careful consideration of the Grand Band. Their title truly describes their talent. In an entertainment town full of great musicians, this conglomeration of talent is GRAND. They are as much a part of the production as the vocals. Honestly, there were several times when I wished that there had been more band solo sets.
As great as the vocals and the band were, I must admit that I am a sucker for the comedy. As a critic, I am open to see any show in Branson regardless of the style. However, personally I always prefer comedy. This show had everything I was looking for. The comedy seemed well timed and kept me laughing all night. Jamie Haage, aka Jim Dandy, has been in Branson for years. He has been part of the Grand Country family for the last few seasons. His comedy style is different from many of the comedians in Branson. Though some of his stuff is physical, I would not describe him as a physical comedian. He does not rely on tons of funny costumes or makeup changes to keep the audience going. There he is in his trademark orange suit. The way he interprets a story, delivers a punch line, or plays off others in the cast will make it easy to see why he is considered one of the funniest men in Branson.
Make time in your next Branson vacation to see the Grand Jubilee. It is a high energy two hours that you will be telling your friends about when you get home.
The Grand Jubilee is performed at the Grand Country Music Hall. The theatre is very easy to find. It is located in the heart of Hwy 76. Just look for the huge fiddle sticking out of the building. They perform in the 8:00 p.m. time slot all year. For more information, reserve tickets or check the show schedule visit them online at www.grandcountry.com or call the theatre at (417) 335-3535. Tell them that Heath from the Branson Courier sent you.