INSIDER PICKS

An “insider” is someone who has special knowledge. Learn more about some Branson entertainers favorite places to go or things to do when they are not performing for audiences. Those in the know tell about what they enjoy most in their hometown.

AMBER CAMPBELL

A native of LaRussell, Mo. with a B.A. in Theatre and Music minor from Southwest Baptist University, Amber loves to perform. She’s been a featured vocalist over the years, but most rewarding is owning, producing and performing in #1 Hits of the 60’s (& 50’s too!).

Shopping in Branson is on lots of people’s lists. When it’s showtime, Amber finds her stage makeup, eyelashes, fishnets, elbowlength gloves and feather boas in town at the Red Garter. In her front yard, she has at least one flag flying throughout the year. During every season, and for many occasions, of course, the Stars and Stripes are flying high. Amber finds flags for a Happy New Year, Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and more at The Flagstore in downtown Branson. When she’s looking for gifts, the Crystal Fish is her pick for classy items that are not too costly, but very memorable, like Swarovski and Pandora.

REZA BORCHARDT

Reza entered the world of illusion at age seven, inspired by a magic show in his hometown of Brookings, South Dakota. At 14, he had significant gigs across the Midwest. Fast forward and today he’s one of the fastest rising stars changing the world’s perception of magic.

There are many things I enjoy in Branson, aside from presenting my show ‘Edge of Illusion.’ Like my favorite restaurants, India Clay Oven or Gettin’ Basted, or fun attractions like Beyond the Lens and WonderWorks, there’s always something to do! Another cool thing about Branson is the other great shows. I typically don’t get to many because of our intense performing schedule but when I can go, I see my friend Dave Hamner or take in limited engagements at The Mansion or Welk Theatre, and it’s always a blast! If you don’t catch me at one of the places I’ve mentioned, you can probably catch me on the tennis court!

CATHERINE HAYGOOD

Catherine Haygood has been performing in Branson since the age of 1! Now 29 years old and playing six instruments onstage nightly with her long-running family show, “The Haygoods.” She loves Branson, her husband Jason, and her dog, Milo.

Catherine’s perfect day off is a fairly regular deal. Grabbing morning coffee at Expresso, she enjoys an hour or so kayaking on Table Rock Lake or Lake Taneycomo. Always something fabulous for lunch at Sugar Leaf Bakery, followed by an afternoon hiking at Lakeside Wilderness trail. You will find her seated high atop the Branson Ferris Wheel to catch the Ozark Mountain sunset, then headed to a great meal at Big D’s BBQ for dinner. She might get in a little practice on the harp after that. A regular day in the Ozark Mountains would be a perfect day just about anywhere else.

YAKOV SMIRNOFF

Escaping communist Russia in the 1970’s, Yakov came to this country with nothing but a dream. He worked as a bartender in a Catskills resort telling jokes each night after his shift. His comedy quickly grew in popularity and he made the move to Los Angeles.

My love affair with Branson wasn’t intentional. In the ’80s I was performing in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Lake Tahoe. Living the American dream! Then the Soviet Union collapsed. David Letterman’s top 10 list of “things that will now change in the world” had me at #1–Yakov out of work! Funny, but six months later I wasn’t laughing. I looked for a place where they did not know that the Soviet Union collapsed… I ended up in Branson. I love this peaceful place in the Ozark Mountains. I fish, play golf or, if you’re like me who scores an 84 but then goes to the second hole, putt-putt golf might be more appealing. “WHAT A COUNTRY!”

C.J. NEWSOM

A Missouri native, started to capture critics’ attention beginning at age seven. She made her Branson debut in 2005 and since then has not only become a headliner but runs a multi-million dollar theater in the heart of the 76 Entertainment District.

One of her family’s favorite things to do, on their rare day off, is to visit friends and see their shows: #1 Hits of the 60’s, Clay Cooper’s Country Express and Branson Famous Baldknobbers. They’re always amazed at the creativity! You can catch the creativity of her talented troupe at Americana Theatre for C.J. Newsom’s Classic Country & Comedy. And see some of the other shows at the theatre including: Raiding the Country Vault, The Johnson Strings, From Broadway to Bublé Starring George Dyer, The Blackwoods, and A Janice Martin Cirque Show.