Tuesday, September 22, 2009

"Party with The Stars" Saturday, October 3, 2009

Community of Branson Celebrates 50 Years of Live Music Shows

Branson, MO – (Friday, September 18, 2009) – Saturday, October 3, 2009, will be the night to “Party with The Stars”. The party begins at 9:00pm at the Chateau on the Lake Resort. The League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers (The Branson Show League) and Branson.com invite the public and everyone who lives and/or works in Taney or Stone County to join us as we “Celebrate 50 Years of Live Music Shows”…and the people who made it all possible!

Jeanie Horton, Legends In Concert General Manager and President of the Branson Show League said, “This is a party for all of us…from the show that started it all to the housekeeping staff that makes sure our visitors have a comfortable stay. It’s more than just celebrating 50 years of shows; it’s about celebrating the people who really make Branson what it is.” For complete details go to http://www.partywiththestars.com/.

Cindy Merry, Marketing Team Chair for the Branson Show League said, “We’re inviting everyone who has worked to keep the hospitality and rich traditions of Ozark Mountain Country thriving and who’ve made Branson, Missouri the ‘Live Music Show Capital of the World’ to join us for a night of fun. This is your night to shine.”

Party events include live band, hors d’oeuvres, red carpet event hosted by Branson’s own Joan Rivers (aka Terry Sanders), silent auction, wall of fame, special presentations, appearances from Branson favorites, cash beverage bar, and games including Branson-style Karaoke, Dance Contest, Guitar Hero competitions, and more. “We’re all planning on kicking back and enjoying a party where we can have fun with each other. We’ve got a live band and a dance floor, so plan on kicking up your heels,” says Michael Horn, Circle B Show and Branson Show League board member.

Jim Barber, Hamner Barber Theatre and Branson Show League board member adds, “We really want to say how great it is that Branson.com stepped up as a sponsor of this event. They really understand how important our community is to the success of the tourism industry and what a milestone it has been for Branson to have presented live music shows for over 50 years!”

Dawn Easton, God and Country Theater, adds, “Everyone attending the party will get a chance to do the red carpet walk, so come prepare to have your picture taken, be on video, and hobnob with your fellow stars.”

In order to cover the costs for the party there will be an admission price. For those living and/or working in Taney or Stone County a party ticket is $15 at the door. HOWEVER you can purchase your tickets now from Branson.com for only $9.95 per person. (General admission is $29.99). With your ticket you’ll receive a special Party with The Stars Souvenir Book along with a great evening of Ozarks fun! Purchase your tickets by going to http://www.partywiththestars.com/

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About The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers (The Branson Show League)The Branson Show League works to increase the success and well-being of the theatrical industry in the “Live Music Show Capital of the World”, Branson, Missouri. With over 100 live shows featuring music, comedy, magic, dancing, acrobats, theatrical plays, and more, the diversity and variety of choices of live shows make Branson a unique and fun-filled family vacation destination. The Branson Show League strives to increase interest in Branson shows and show attendance, increase profitability for the Branson show community, and to promote communications between shows, as well as throughout the Branson community.

Go to http://www.partywiththestars.com/

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

The League of Branson Theatre Owners & Show Producers Announce 3rd Annual "Spotlight On Vendors" Trade Show

Branson, MO – (Friday, September 4, 2009) – Decision makers from Branson’s tourism industry will want to attend The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers’ (The Branson Show League) 3rd Annual Business Trade Show on Tuesday, September 15, 2009, from 10:00am to 5:00pm at the Chateau on the Lake Resort and Conference Center in Branson, Missouri. The annual “Spotlight On Vendors” Trade Show features services, products, and goods that are vital to the theater industry, as well as to the entire tourism focused community.

This business trade show is a great opportunity to review a wide range of products. Exhibitors, from small to large companies, are participating. Branson.com and Branson Tourism Center are signature sponsors of The Branson Show League Vendor Fair. Over 50 booths provide an eclectic mix of services and products.

Participating vendors currently include:
•Branson Tourism Center •Branson.com •Mountain Valley Water •Branson/Lakes Area Chamber •CenturyTel •DermaHealth Laser & Skin Care Clinic •TravelHost •Ticketmaster •Selby Publishing Company •Phil Erb Concessions •KOAM-TV Joplin •Creative Printing & Design •Springfield Grocer •Associated Industries of Missouri (AIM and Financial Associates) •Branson Vacation Magazine •KHOZ Radio •Springfield Blueprint & Nimlok Exhibits •The Vacation Channel •A&J Printing •The UPS Store - Branson •Springfield NewsLeader •PepsiAmericas •Branson TV & On Media •NUVOX •Showtime Catering •Direct To You DAZZLEWEAR •Dale Nelson Trading Co. •Native Signs •VIP Book/Graphix CafĂ© •Branson Tri-Lakes News •Sunny Day Guide •National Audio Company •ProAudio.com •D.L. Media •DeLong Plumbing, Heating & Air Conditioning •Hillyard-Branson •Branson ETC •DaZZee Intergrations •Bott Radio Network •Blue Water Designs •Table Rock Lake Area Chamber •Harrison Daily Times •Digital Medium •The Branson Show League •Jack’s Shoe Repair •Insight Solutions •Bright Commercial Lighting •Ozark Mountain Newspapers •Digital LunchBox •Service Master Restoration & Construction •North American Property Maintenance, LLC

The quality and variety of Branson’s live music shows and family entertainment productions bring tens of thousands of new and repeat visitors to Branson each year, pumping big money into the local economy. As member theatres celebrate their more than 50 years of success, those businesses working with the show industry know first hand the partnerships necessary for the local economy to thrive and the buying power the show industry represents.

Buyers from tourism related business are invited to attend this one day event. Please pre-register by sending an e-mail with your name, company you represent, and your position to Director@ShowsInBranson.com.
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About The League of Branson Theatre Owners and Show Producers (The Branson Show League)
The Branson Show League works to increase the success and well-being of the theatrical industry in the “Live Music Show Capital of the World”, Branson, Missouri. With over 100 live shows featuring music, comedy, magic, dancing, acrobats, theatrical plays, and more, the diversity and variety of choices of live shows make Branson a unique and fun-filled family vacation destination. The Branson Show League strives to increase interest in Branson shows and show attendance, increase profitability for the Branson show community, and to promote communications between shows, as well as throughout the Branson community.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Acrobats of China provide an incredible entertainment experience

September 3rd, 2009 by Gary J. Groman

Even after living in Branson for over 23 years the variety and quality of the shows that Branson provides on a daily basis is amazing. From comedy to outdoor drama and music from country to opera there is a high quality show available for just about every interest.

However, even in the “Live music show capital of the world” there are some shows that are so unique, both in terms of their type and in the manner in which they are presented, that they in fact define a genre of show and the standard of excellence for that genre.

The “Acrobats of China,” presented by The New Shanghai Circus, is such a show. Currently there is nothing in Branson that remotely resembles the type of show and the near perfection of its cast as they perform exciting, colorful, and action filled feats providing their audiences with an incredible one of a kind entertainment experience.

Right from the beginning this show sets the pace for what is to come. What a fantastic way to start the show and “raise the bar” of expectation for the rest of the show. There was so much going on it was hard to take it all in, but one thing was apparent, there was more talent on that stage doing more things than could possibly be featured in one show.

There was one young lady doing things with an object on a string that was simply amazing. Although it was subsequently explained that it was a type of Chinese Yoyo called a “Diabolo,” the explanation was only sought out because of the skill of the performer and her amazing performance. In a lot of shows it would have been a “blow away” opening act by itself, however, it was just one of a series of amazing activities presented in rapid succession during the opening number.

This writer doesn’t recall ever seeing an opening act to a show in Branson or anywhere else that has more excitement, action, color, or better costuming. Simply put, make sure you’re in your seat when the curtain goes up because this is one opening act you don’t want to miss.
Everything about this show is about excellence, synchronization, excitement, precision, skill and entertainment. Even something as seemingly mundane as the beating of Chinese drums is turned into a colorfully synchronized entertainment experience that is amazing to see and hear.

Acrobats of China is a virtual cornucopia of one amazing, entertaining, and exiting act after another that seamlessly melds into one grand choreographed entertainment experience for both adults and children. Although it would be impossible to discuss each act in one article the discussion of a few highlights will hopefully serve to illustrate the entertainment experience that is the Acrobats of China.

The Human Strength act is a beautiful demonstration of strength, agility, and coordination. Like most of the acts involved with the show, the costuming is great and the skill, grace and precision of the performers is left to speak for itself.

The Chair Stack act starts on top of a table and rapidly rises in height with the addition of three chairs. After she does a one hand stand she adds a fourth chair, a table and, well, I don’t want to spoil the surprise, but suffice it to say it’s an exciting end to an incredible performance completed high above the stage.

The Aerial Fish Ballet is a beautiful ballet performed on top of a table on a hand stand. She does all the ballet moves while supporting herself with one hand. It is a magnificent and elegant thing to witness and experience.

Even in a show as action filled and fast paced as this one, the Russian Bar act stands out for its fast pace and highflying action. The “flyer” gets catapulted high into the air as their teammates tumble and land on the other end of the bar (catapult) that sends them high above the stage. All this writer knows is that even as he was sitting there witnessing the act he thought to himself, “This is amazing, but how do I describe it and do it justice?” The answer is, “I don’t, you just have to see it yourself and be amazed.”

The real story on the Acrobats of China, one just has to see it and be amazed. The word “Incredible” used to be in the show’s title, but in the title or not, the Acrobats of China is one beautiful, colorful, exciting and incredible entertainment experience.