Thursday, September 5, 2013

NEW at the Jim Stafford Theatre...Mike Cathcart joins the cast

Mike Cathcart has joined the cast of the Jim Stafford Show! Jim has a wonderful show that is always evolving; it’s full of comedy, of course, and really, really good musicianship. Jim is a world-class guitarist and likes good talent around him.

Mike, who is the son of Peggy Lennon and the late Dick Cathcart, is an outstanding guitarist and is well known to many Branson visitors. He was with the Lennon Cathcart Show last year and also played piano and sang at Moon River Grill. Andy Williams once said, “Mike is the best singer I know.”

Jim and Mike do some songs together on the guitar, including Classical Gas and Malaguena. Mike says it’s “an honor to be on stage with Jim.” Mike’s Ain’t Misbehavin’ is nice, and you’ll enjoy his original-the-way-Jimmy Webb-wrote-it version of Galveston.

The entire show is artfully arranged, mixing music with comedy in a “thrill ride” of fun. Jim makes “everyday” things funny. Sometimes you chuckle and smile. Other times you laugh out loud; and, of course, Jim reminds you to “let it out!”

Cow Patti and Spiders and Snakes are just two of Jim’s popular comedy songs. The 1974 Spiders sits in the top 50 of Billboard’s Hot 100 Country Songs, along with the hits of Elvis, Glen Campbell, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Marty Robbins and other legendary recording artists. Jim told me he’s been “makin’ a living” with his guitar since he was 16.

Jim and Ann’s Shea and G.G. have been part of the show since they were babies; I remember Ann walking down the theater aisle with them when each was just a few days old, as Jim sang his That’s What Little Kids Do. Shea is 20 now and G.G. is 16! They’re now good musicians, veteran performers. Don’t miss The Jim Stafford Show. When the curtain goes up, the fun begins!

Story by Linda Burligame for the Shepherd of the Hills Gazette

Friday, May 17, 2013

Entertainers honor Branson tradition

by Joshua Clark, Branson Tri-Lakes News


"it" stars showing off some fancy footwork. 
Picture by Joshua Clark, Branson Tri-Lakes News
In 2011, a family of entertainers decided to completely repackage and rename their show. Featuring more than 40 cast and crew members, “it” features one of the largest performing families in the world, the Hughes family.

 “We worked on a lot of this stuff for a while, but didn’t put anything into the show until 2011,” Marty Hughes said. “We just thought that ‘Hughes Brothers’ didn’t describe our show since there is so much more besides us in the show.”

Because the old title wasn’t conducive to what the family was trying to convey, a new title was chosen. “The title ‘it’ has a little mystique to it, and ‘it’ is a whole lot easier to advertise,” said Marty Hughes. “Changing the show name was honestly a great move. We’ve seen an increase in numbers, and they are continuing to grow, which is a good thing.”

According to youngest of the brothers, Andy Hughes, “it” was the perfect title for their stage extravaganza.

“We are a variety show featuring so many things, we don’t know how to describe it other than saying it’s ‘it,’” Andy Hughes said. “We want people to experience ‘it’ for themselves and not get a preconceived notion as to what ‘it’ is, because they might be surprised. You have to see ‘it’ to get ‘it,’ because ‘it’ is what ‘it’ is.”

According to Hughes, getting the entire family involved is something they’ve done for several different reasons.

Read the rest of the story about "it" here:

http://www.bransontrilakesnews.com/entertainment/article_430a3638-bcd5-11e2-b33e-001a4bcf887a.html  

For more about "it" and other shows at the Hughes Brothers Theatre go to HughesBrothersTheatre.com

Monday, April 15, 2013

Twin Cities Live gives away a family reunion for 20 to Branson!

</>Folks in Minnesota are learning all about Branson from the TV show Twin Cities Live. They're giving away a trip for a family reunion of 20 to Branson and sent their reporter Emily to Branson to check us out. Here are some of the video clips that they've aired so far...

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Kirby VanBurch completes tour of Branson Theaters

Signs for permanent residency in theater on Branson strip

(Branson MO ~ Tuesday, February 5, 2013) Kirby VanBurch, internationally renowned entertainer and illusionist, announced today that he has signed for permanent residency at a theater on Branson’s world famous West 76 Highway, fondly known as “the strip”. Kirby VanBurch has played at multiple different theaters throughout his 20 plus year career in Branson. Kirby says, “I’ve long joked about being one of the only entertainers in Branson actually touring Branson; so to be able to say that I’ve found my permanent home is really exciting; especially as me and the cats are ready to settle down.” Kirby’s new home at 1835 W 76 Country Boulevard will be renamed the Kirby VanBurch Theatre.

“This theater is perfect for my show. I like to have an intimate setting with my audiences so I can interact with them.” VanBurch adds, “This Theater has the space to allow me to do up close and personal magic and at the same time pull off some big illusions.” The new Kirby VanBurch Theatre (formerly known as Music City Centre) will also be home to Kirby’s famous Big Cats as well as his other furry (and not so furry) friends. “We’re in the process of doing some remodeling on the stage and should be able to open for shows on March 15 at 8:00pm,” says Kirby. “Along with the remodel we’re adapting the illusions to the new stage. Luckily, we’re quite familiar with the theater as Bambi was signed to do her own show there for three months in 2009 and we created special illusions for her for that run. Of course she’ll be featured in my show again this year.”

Tickets are on sale now for the 2013 season and may be purchased by calling the theater at 417-544-9075. For more information about Kirby VanBurch, his show, and the theater go to KirbyVanBurch.com

About Kirby VanBurch: Kirby VanBurch, called the “Prince of Magic” by the Princess of Thailand, voted World’s Best Illusionist by the World Magic Awards, named Entertainer of the Year and Magician of the Year (multiple times) by the International Magicians Society has been called one of “America’s Best Magic Shows” by the Travel Channel. His show in Branson has been a top selling show for over 20 years and features exotic animals including Royal white tigers, mind-reading, assistants cut in half, up close and personal sleight of hand, and much more. Also starring in the Kirby VanBurch Show is Bambi VanBurch, the Princess of Magic and the most awarded female magician of the decade. To learn more about Kirby’s show go to KirbyVanBurch.com.

Media Contact: Cindy Merry, 417-739-4925 tomerrys@interlinc.net

New show, Ayo starring Voices of Glory, debuts March 18

New production, famous stars to appear at Hughes Brothers Theatre

Ayo starring Voices of Glory kicks off its first season in Branson at the Hughes Brothers Theatre on Monday, March 18, 2013, at 3:00pm. The new show stars some very famous siblings, Michael, Avery, and Nadia Cole, who together are known as Voices of Glory. Ayo (Yoruba for Joy) is being co-produced by the Hughes Brothers who are known for their creative productions including the show it and the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show. Jason Hughes says, “In Ayo we’re taking the audience on a journey of joy using song, dance, lights, and the personalities of Michael, Avery, and Nadia, backed up by a live band.” Michael Cole adds, “We love the music and we love what music can do for people. In Ayo we want the audience to feel what we feel when we sing – a pure call to joy!” Shows are from March through December, check schedule for exact dates and specific show times.

Nadia Cole says, “Ayo adds another level to the Branson show mix. While Ayo features our original music, and of course our gospel favorites, it also reaches out to visitors of all ages with current and familiar songs that speak to the musical soul.” Avery Cole adds, “Ayo is also a slang term for ‘Hey you’…and we’re hoping that just like that term reaches out and grabs your attention…that Ayo will reach out and grab your heart!”

Long time fans of the Voices of Glory are familiar with their amazing story. They first started singing together in a hospital room for their mother who was in a coma brought on by a head-on collision with a drunk driver. The kids serenaded their mother for months and then she came out of her coma. They continued to visit hospitals singing for others who were in need. Then they appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2009 – where their audition in front of the live audience was awe-inspiring. Their eventual rank in the top 5 catapulted them into major appearances and touring internationally. They most recently appeared in Branson as a featured act in Andy Williams Christmas Show. Their most recent international appearance took them to Germany for Weihnachtszauber. Of their many charitable and recording projects, their most current project - a new album called “Send-A-Miracle” - will be available on March 1 and includes some of their own original music.

Jeff Topper, Director of Sales for the Hughes Brothers Theatre says, “All of the shows at our theater are really designed for today’s audiences. At the Hughes Brothers Theatre we’re already open with our hit show it and we’re excited about adding another upbeat show like Ayo starring Voices of Glory to our theatre line-up.” Voices of Glory’s management team – their parents Michael and Felicia Cole, and Uncle Gerard – add that “we believe the Hughes Brothers Theatre in Branson, MO is the perfect fit for the Voices of Glory.”

For schedules, tickets, and other information call 417-334-0076 or visit HughesBrothersTheatre.com.

About Voices of Glory The Voices of Glory are a group of siblings (Michael, Avery, and Nadia Cole) whose unique style of singing harmonies, pitch perfect sound, and shining personalities have led to some amazing success at a young age. From landing in the top 5 of America’s Got Talent in 2009 to touring internationally, performing at the Annual GMA’s Dove Awards, the 2010 and 2011 ICM Awards, at Madison Square, to being a featured act in Andy Williams 2012 Christmas Show and now to their own show, Ayo, in Branson, Missouri, the Voices of Glory have inspired millions with their personal story. They started to sing together in 2007 when their mother was in a coma brought on by a head-on collision with a drunk driver. For months they serenaded their mother and she eventually came out of a coma. TheVoicesOfGlory.com

About the Hughes Brothers Theatre
Hughes Brothers Theatre located on Hwy 76 in Branson, Missouri features three unique and cutting-edge shows – Ayo starring Voices of Glory, it, and the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show. Shows are performed January through December, 10:00am, 3:00pm, and 8:00pm. The 1,100 seat theatre also features balcony dining in the theatre. The historical theatre (originally the first nationally owned star theatre in Branson) has recently been renovated and sits in the heart of Branson’s theatre district. it features over 50 award-winning singers, dancers, and musicians, including the Hughes Brothers and their families, who combined their astonishing scope of talents to create Branson’s Ultimate Entertainment Experience. Ayo starring Voices of Glory is a joy-filled show packed full of break-through entertainment from Voices of Glory (Top 5 Finalists on American’s Got Talent) performing everything from Pop to Jazz to Soul to Gospel and more. Hughes Brothers Christmas Show features the season’s best harmonies, exciting dance, festive surprises and family traditions in a show that is a triumph of everything you want to feel at Christmas time. HughesBrothersTheatre.com

Saturday, November 3, 2012

Hughes Brothers Christmas Show

A Triumph of Everything You Want To Feel At Christmas Time!

USA Today says, “The Show Owns the Title of World’s Largest Performing Family!” While the Hughes Brothers Christmas Show boasts the largest family cast in Branson… the size of the on-stage family isn’t what makes this such a memorable Christmas show. It’s the astonishing scope of entertainment and talent presented for your enjoyment!


During November and December, step back in time as the Hughes Brothers, and their families, magically transform the present to a Christmas wonderland.



The Hughes Brothers Christmas Show brings you the season's best vocal harmonies, exciting dances, inspiring instrumentals, and of course, the charm & light-hearted humor that everyone loves about these five multi-talented brothers.
                                                                                                                                                              See Santa in a new light when he explains the symbols of Christmas in the most moving Christmas presentation you’ve ever witnessed.



But that’s not all . . . the show is filled with lots of festive surprises!


Your heart will melt as dozens of Hughes children decorate the stage with extraordinary talent.
The brothers share hysterical Christmas wishes and even Mama Hughes’s traditional Swedish cookies with the audience.









From their spine tingling harmonies to the amazing production that fills the stage the Hughes Brothers – Marty, Jason, Adam, Ryan, and Andy – move your feet, your hands, and your heart.





It’s an all-new special production for the Christmas season that features two hours of joyful celebration.



With music, love, laughter, and treasured family traditions – and all the sights and sounds of Christmas including a live nativity scene – this unique holiday special will make you glow!



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Add dinner with your show! Enjoy a full-course meal with table top dining inside the theater!
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For tickets call 417-334-0076 or 800-422-0076 or visit HughesBrothersTheatre.com.
Hughes Brothers Theatre is located at 3425 W 76 Country Blvd in Branson, MO.

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Come back from January through October to experience it-little word…Big SHOW!
it – where over 50 amazing singers, dancers, and musicians combine
their astonishing scope of talents to create
Branson’s Ultimate Entertainment Experience.
See it…Hear it…Feelit…Love it!

Jim Stafford's Christmas Show gives everyone a reason to Ho! Ho! Ho!

Jim Stafford's Christmas Show - “…a perfect blend of merriment, mirth, and more…”
-- Branson Update

Jim Stafford hosts a magical holiday celebration that warms your heart and tickles your funny bone. Packing the first half of his show with favorites from throughout the year, Jim delivers his holiday cheer after intermission. Jim opens his show with some awesome guitar pickin’ and from there; Jim takes his audience on a roller coaster ride of comedy and laughter.

As Jim starts the second half of the show with a totally empty stage, you’ll watch as Christmas comes alive before your eyes. Sing-along with “Oh Boy, It’s Christmas Time”, gasp at the sensational surprises, and revel in the Holidayspirit. Famous for his in-house real 3-D Virtual Thrill Ride, Jim creates a totally new 3-D experience for Christmas. Daughter G.G. is the perfect angel as she plays her harp and looks like a gift from heaven. Ann Stafford joins in for some holiday banter and to give thanks for the true meaning of Christmas. Son, Sheaffer shows how Christmas rocks and Jim performs an absolutely amazing Classical Christmas on his guitar. Jim’s show is full of gifts-- beautiful music, heartwarming moments and as always, the sounds of laughter.

You’ll be laughing all the way when you see Jim’s very special Christmas Show. It’s a perfect blend of merriment, mirth, and more. Jim presents the gift of laughter wrapped up in a marvelous world of wonderful entertainment and every enchanting moment is Jim Stafford’s special gift to you.

Jim Stafford's Christmas Shows begin November 1 and are at 8pm and some selected 3pm dates. The exact schedule is available on Jim's website at JimStafford.com. Jim Stafford's Rockin' Comedy Show dates are December 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30. There's a special New Years Eve show on December 31 at 9:30 PM. Call 417-335-8080 or visit www.jimstafford.com