l a c i r Histo a Dram al ri o t c i P 15 e g Pa
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Winter 2013/2014
The Trail of Lights The Trail of Lights is a drivethru animation display that will carry you into the very heart of Christmas. The Trail winds its way through the historic 160-acre homestead, and will take you along the historic “Trail That Nobody Knows How Old” into a magical holiday wonderland.
You will travel through a variety of different “lands,” each with their own theme, from fantasy to religious to patriotic. Life-size (and some larger than life!) three-dimensional characters have their own housing so you can “peek” in on the fun happening inside. Festive holiday music is themed to each scene, and visitors are sure to find themselves singing along. The entire historic homestead is covered with millions of multi-colored Christmas lights. There are hundreds of gorgeous lighted displays in addition to the animated scenes. The Trail grows each year, adding new treasures each season. New fun for 2012 included an all-
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terrific show at Christmas on the Trail. The show is in the covered Pavilion Theatre. They drop the curtain sides and this unique building provides the perfect cozy backdrop new Not A Creature Was Stirring for this popular show that has been among other fun surprises. As the featured on PBS. grand finale to your journey, your You’ll join the cowboys gathticket also includes a trip to Inspiration Tower where you can ride glass ered around their campfire as they elevators up 230’ for a Santa’s eye sing beloved Christmas carols and view of the lights from above. share a true Cowboy Christmas with There’s terrific holiday shopping you. You’re welcome to sing along and delicious goodies, too - like - and you’re sure to laugh out loud plenty of hot chocolate and hot at some of the tales that are told, like the Critter Christmas Choir! The apple cider! show is reserved seating and reserThis unique holiday experience vations are strongly recommended was featured on the Travel Channel as some shows sell out early. as one of the top Christmas attractions in America, one visit and you’ll see why! Be sure to add The Trail of Lights to your holiday itinerary. It’s guaranteed to become a treasured holiday tradition for your family!
Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Dinner Show For the best value and the most holiday fun, arrive at the homestead in time for the dinner bell at 4:45 p.m. and enjoy a hot and delicious chuckwagon dinner and
The Vigilante Extreme ZipRider There’s no better way to escape holiday stress than by zipping above the historic homestead at speeds over 50 mph while you are safely and comfortably seated. The ZipRider is open 7 days a week through the holidays and will be open until January 11, 2014. The ZipRider will re-open February 14, 2014 just in time for Valentine’s specials. Just check their website for the schedule during your visit. For more information visit www.oldmatt.com or call 1-800653-6288.
What’s Happening … Christmas and beyond! W The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
By Sydney Stone
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Visitors to Branson during the holiday season — Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s — have exciting options for entertainment, dining, sight seeing, relaxing … can you really relax when you’re having so much fun?!
This 2013 season is the final Branson season for Tony Orlando. His Great American Christmas has just a 20-show engagement at the Welk Resort Theatre in November. It’s a beautiful Christmas show. Tony is such an engaging entertainer … and you’ll love his rock ‘n’ roll guests
Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Elvis, Bill Haley, and the Everly Brothers! Tony also hosts his 20th Yellow Ribbon Salute to Veterans Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. It’s an amazing, amazing show.
Branson offers a wide medley of The Grand Village (down the street west from Christmas shopping and dining options. Moon River Theatre on Hwy. 76) is another great Chateau on the Lake has two place to shop. Wander from TJ Charleston’s Books & Gifts to the Kringles Christmas dining areas and the cozy LiStore to … wait for it … my favorite shop: brary Lounge. There’s a wonMulberry Mill! I can’t even begin to describe derful lake view — the Chateau all the wonderful gifts and accessories there; sits high, right on the lake. The trust me when I say there’s something for everyhotel’s interior is lovely at one. Christmas; some evenings choirs perform. Something nice Another bonus at Grand Village is Sugar Leaf to enjoy before your dinner! And Chateau on the Lake Spa Chateau is the ultimate for reBakery — scrumptious soups, salads, quiches and laxing! Check out Linda Burlingame’s dingorgeous, delicious desserts. Mel’s Hard Luck Diner ing article in the fall issue of The Shepherd of the Hills offers great food and great music. The servers, hosts, Gazette for more unique dining in Branson at Shep- cooks and cashiers are professional singers, songwriters and musicians. It’s a full service menu served up with herdGazette.com your favorite tunes. Clothing stores, galleries, jewelry Shopping options are sensational. (Don’t forget stores, there’s something for everyone at Grand Village. theater gift shops!) You’ll find an amazing variety of See WHAT’S HAPPENING, Page 20 things at Branson Mill Craft Village out on Gretna
The Shepherd of the Hills Historical Society Publisher LINDA BURLINGAME L SHARENA NAUGHER ROBIN WITHROW Editor Advertising Executives PAT SNADON JAPHETH CAMPBELL Contributing Editor Technical Director PHIL AMES Distribution
Road. From hand-tooled leather items to amazing mosaics, clothing to home accessories, paintings to prints. The Branson Mill is 40,000 sq. ft. of retail space and working artists and crafters, all under one roof.
S Subscribe to the Gazette and keep up on the fun in Branson - even from home!
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The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette is published five times per year and is distributed free of charge at state and regional outlets or by mail at an annual subscripton rate of $10.00 for five issues. If you have any problems with your paper delivery, please call 417-332-1099 or write us at 118 State Drive, Hollister, Missouri 65672.The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette reserves the right to edit or delete any and/or all objectional wording or decline any advertisements.
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Winter 2013/2014 September/October 2013
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Branson Honors Veterans!
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By Linda Burlingame
And no place in Branson does it better than the Veterans Memorial Museum, “Honoring those who served.” Veterans of WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Persian Gulf War and all major battles and campaigns are recognized.
Veterans Homecoming Week in Branson, Nov. 5-11, is a perfect time to visit the Museum. All ages are fascinated by the thought-provoking collections. There are touching letters, posters, so many things showing the love and support of
everyone back here in the U.S. The museum is an extraordinary look at our nation’s history.
There are astounding bronze sculptures by Fred Hoppe, Jr., a sculptor
whose work is known and respected worldwide. One of his most impressive works is inside the museum, an amazing
piece depicting 50 life-sized soldiers storming a beach. Each soldier is modeled from a real-life combat veteran, one from each of the 50 states. The 70 ft. long piece is the world’s largest bronze memorial sculpture. The lead soldier is modeled on the late Fred Hoppe, Sr., one of the most decorated combat Veterans of World War II.
The museum artfully displays more than 2000 pieces of sculpture, art, weapons, uniforms, medals, motorcycles — and captivating memorabilia. The Veterans Memorial Museum is on Hwy. 76 east of Dixie Stampede, and celebrates Veterans all year long.
ExploreBranson.com has complete listings of Branson’s Veterans Homecoming Week events.
The Keeter Center … cozy, rustic elegance The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
By Linda Burlingame
The Keeter Center, on the campus of College of the Ozarks, is unique — a wonderful lodge, dining room and meeting center. The Keeter Center is modeled after the State of Maine Building at the 1904 World’s Fair. That original building was bought and moved to the Ozarks and then moved to the College. Much of the Keeter Center construction was done by 250 C of O students; 200 work there now. Students pay no tuition; they work at one of more than 80 campus work areas to help defray their education costs.
Dobyns Dining Room in the Keeter Center is perfect for lunch, dinner and their famous Sunday brunch. The menu is unique, with something to suit every palate; many ingredients are produced on campus, from the mill, the dairy, the fruitcake and jelly kitchen, the vegetable garden. Executive Chef Robert Stricklin says, “We built the menu around traditional Ozark flavors and added a contemporary take.”
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Touring the campus is fun and includes some of the work areas. The Williams Memorial Chapel with its bell tower and 3000 bells is magnificent. Edwards Mill is
fascinating; water flowing through the wheel comes from Lake Honor, which gets water from Lake Taneycomo. Downstairs you can view the workings of the Mill. On the main floor you can buy products made and produced there, like flour, corn meal,
baskets, the Edwards Mill Cookbook, and placemats made on the looms upstairs. See THE KEETER CENTER, Page 19
The Duttons … generation after generation! Page 6 T Winter 2013/2014
By Linda Burlingame
Five of Sheila and Dean Dutton’s children are on stage at the Dutton Family Theater — Abby, Amy, Benjamin, Jonathan and Timothy; Tim’s wife Judith also stars in the show as pianist, vocalist and dancer. There are three generations of Duttons in the show. The third generation, like their parents, began mastering musical instruments and performing at an early age.
This year 10year-old Timmy, son of Timothy and Judith, has captured audiences’ hearts with his sassy routine of Danke Schoen, looking quite Hollywood in a suit and hat. (Judith says he’s also learned the art of negotiation. “He demanded — and got — a new bean bag chair for his room as part of the compensation package for doing a solo!”)
His older sisters, 17-year-old Jessica and 13-year-
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old Rachel solo on rock ‘n’ roll tunes and amaze crowds with their yodeling to Cowboy’s Sweetheart. They are beautiful young ladies, talented and very accomplished on stage. The youngest Duttons are showstealers, too. Jonathan and Belle’s daughter Leila joins Abby’s son Luke and Amy’s son Damien center stage to wow the crowds with I’m Trying to Be Like Jesus.
The “grownup” Duttons continue to produce and perform exciting new shows. They produce the show, run the lights and sound, do the advertising, sell the fudge — tons of it actually — choreography, musical arrangements and, well, everything. They’re talented, creative, innovative, hardworking and successful. They continue to have one of Branson’s most popular shows. Their 2013 Rock This Town show is their best yet. New songs and segments, a 60’s medley (my music era!) … and I LOVE Footloose and Mambo Italiano! Amy, a violin virtuoso dazzles with Vivaldi and Czardas. (Love it. Can’t pronounce it but love it.) The family really is fun;
audiences enjoy their quick-witted antics. And with all those little ones, there can be hilarious surprises! Serious music shows off their talent; and crazy and fun segments reveal their funny sides. I’ve known them all since they’ve been in Branson; I love this family.
Benjamin’s twin cousin (you read that right, twin cousin) Julio is still with them. (Not sure if he has his papers yet but….) If I were a better writer, I could explain him. Suffice it to say, you’ll be in stitches. Oh, and the “little” Village People. It’s all just the best fun.
The Dutton Christmas Show is extraordinary. Your heart will be touched in surprising ways and you’ll laugh with the little elves and much more Christmas merriment. The show includes highlights from their 2013 show.
“Abby’s Tourist Trap” is right next door to the theater here; and the Dutton Inn just behind the theater is a great place to stay when you are visiting Branson. If you head to Arizona this winter, be sure to see the Duttons at Dutton Theater Mesa, at East Valley High School. They perform select dates there Dec. 13 through April 5.
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Year ‘round fun at Dixie Stampede!
The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
By Linda Burlingame
For dining as well as entertainment, Christmas at Dixie Stampede is a tradition for many visitors to Branson. Thirty-two wonderful horses and three dozen cast members present the beautiful, spirited show. In the musical fantasy Magic of Toys, the Sugar Plum Fairy arrives one night in a sleepy toyshop to bring the toys to life; the segment is highlighted by a stunning aerial display. There are exquisite equestrian feats and fun competitions between the North and South Poles. When Santa arrives in his sleigh, pulled by a beautiful white horse, the arena becomes a winter wonderland of freshfallen snow. The Live Nativity features Mary and Joseph, Three Kings atop camels, a donkey, shepherds, sheep and goats. Colorful and fun, moving and memorable — with a four-course holiday feast — Christmas at Dixie should be on your Christmas list. It runs through January 4, 2014. Dixie Stampede opens in February for the 2014 season.
Plan to arrive early so you’ll have time to enjoy the Horse Walk. The horses are gorgeous and exquisitely groomed; their stalls are elegant. There are Appaloosas, Belgian draft horses, quarter horses, paints, horses schooled in “airs above the ground” … all magnificent. The pre-show in the Carriage Room is entertaining, too. The 35,000 sq. ft. main arena is a magnificent venue. From fast and furious to light and elegant, the show is remarkable and gallops along at full speed, and so do the servers!
The mouth-watering meal is fresh and hot, from creamy vegetable soup to a whole rotisserie chicken, savory hickory-smoked pork loin, flaky biscuits, herb-roasted potatoes, corn on the cob and a turnover for dessert. Any time you visit Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction, you’ll leave with good memories and make it your family’s tradition!
Quilts & Quilts The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
By Linda Burlingame
… any time of year!
Quilts & Quilts Fabric Shoppe is a wonderland of quilts, fabrics, patterns and books, “notions” — I love that term, reminds me of my mother and grandmother. The store is all about family, too, three generations — Marlys, her daughter Cindy and Cindy’s daughter Lacey.
handmade quilts. They are very selective when buying handmade quilts to sell in the shop. Many quilt makers would love to have their creations sold there. But “few are chosen!”
Quilters who come to the store say it’s “like a quilt show every day.” (I’ve seen eyes glaze over.) Even if you don’t sew, there are lovely things to buy if you’re shopping for a special gift. (Think Christmas shopping!) If you don’t sew, the handmade quilt from Quilts & Quilts becomes a treasure.
Cards, jewelry, all kinds of home accessories … it’s just a fun place to shop. Whether you want to make a quilt for your new grandchild or buy one for a Christmas gift … whether you want to swaddle a baby or cuddle up in a quilt to read away a winter afternoon, there’s not a better place to shop than Quilts & Quilts Fabric Shoppe!
And knowing how time flies, it won’t be long until Lacey’s daughter Evelyn will be working there, too.
Quilts can be such a part of family history. Quilts made and given with love for weddings, births, new homes, birthdays and Christmas, quilts handed down from one generation to the next. Quilts & Quilts Fabric Shoppe is the perfect place to go if you want to buy a quilt, make a quilt or sew something else. The last time I checked, the store has more than 13,000 bolts of fabric (13,000!) and 2000 book titles (2000!). Many of the patterns for jackets, dresses, shirts and other items are made for display. (You’ll know what yours should look like!) There are machine-made as well as
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King’s Castle Theatre
Three exciting shows for the holiday season!
By Linda Burlingame
During November and December at King’s Castle Theatre you can enjoy three of their great shows — Christmas Wonderland, Twelve Irish Tenors and New Jersey Nights.
The talented singers and dancers at King’s Castle make Christmas Wonderland a show you won’t want to miss this Christmas season. Through song and dance, with beautiful Christmas sets and costumes, the show is a winter wonderland of favorite Christmas songs, a magical musical sleigh ride! Their last show is Dec. 21. New Jersey Nights is packed with classic songs, the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Performed by not only four guys but also a female vocalist, it’s a de-
lightful way to enjoy some of your favorite tunes. There are backup singers and dancers; and choreography and costumes all make it a feast for the eyes. Unforgettable songs include Oh What a
Night, My Boyfriend’s Back and Who Loves You … you’ll be singing. Hurry though, their last show is Dec. 20.
The Twelve Irish Tenors are favorites in Branson. These clever, handsome lads are exceptionally
talented, extremely personable and possess a charming stage presence. From Irish classics to Frank Sinatra, the Beatles … from opera to pop, it’s a marvelous mix of music. The staging is excellent, too, and the show moves at a good pace. Jay shows off some fancy footwork … and sometimes a new hairdo! The Tenors get into the spirit of Christmas, donning scarves and See KING’S CASTLE, Page 16
The Andy Williams Christmas Show The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
By Linda Burlingame
The Legacy Continues…
When Andy Williams moved here and opened his Moon River Theatre, Christmas became an even more popular time to visit Branson. Soon everyone said, “It isn’t Christmas ‘til Andy says it is!” This year to celebrate that, Moon River is hosting the First Annual Andy Williams Moon River Theatre Tree Lighting, November 1 at 5:00, to honor “Mr. Christmas.” The official beginning of Christmas in Branson!
This year marks the 22nd anniversary of the Andy Williams Christmas Show here in Branson. The show this year stars The Lennon Sisters and The Osmonds. It is a spectacular, full stage production, with
beautiful Christmas sets, dancers, other entertainers, the wonderful Moon River Orchestra and a special tribute to Andy. The exterior of the theater is a winter wonderland, with Andy’s 400 trees sparkling with lights, and the interior this year is gorgeous.
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Pasha and Aliona, the magical dancers and quickchange artists, are with the show again. And of course, Andy’s famous dancing penguins and reindeer! Janet Lennon’s three beautiful granddaughters are talented dancers and part of the show. (The Lennon legacy continues!) The Lennons and Osmonds do some numbers together, too — it is really a well-produced and well-staged show, on that wonderful Moon River stage. It’s the only theater ever featured in Architectural Digest. Backstage is incredible, too. The technology and capabilities are second to none.
Neither the Lennon Sisters nor the Osmonds need introduction. These talented families have been famous since they were youngsters. Both the Lennons and the Osmonds have a long history with Andy Williams. The Osmonds got their start on Andy’s TV show and the Lennons often performed with Andy after the See ANDY WILLIAMS LEGACY, Page 20
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Starlite Theatre … exciting shows through New Year’s Eve Page 14 T Winter 2013/2014
By Linda Burlingame
Starlite Theatre is home to Branson’s newest Christmas show, The Toy Shoppe, the Broadway musical written by Kenny Rogers and starring country music star Billy Dean. I got to meet Dean recently and he told me he and Kenny Rogers have worked together, including Christmas tours. When the idea came about to do The Toy Shoppe in Branson, he was excited to accept the offer to star in the production. (Rogers was in the show on Broadway.) It is a story with many layers, Dean says, with a good message as well as fun with the toy maker, toys that come to life, a good storyline … and some original music. Dean’s music career includes eleven top hits on Billboard Country charts, songs like Only Here for a
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Little While, Let Them Be Little, and Billy the Kid. But he smiled when he told me, “It’s my history as a dad that’s prepared me for this role, not music.” Chloe Channell from America’s Got Talent also stars. Some performances will feature local choirs. Toy Shoppe is entertaining for the whole family. The Texas Tenors always have a wonderful show and I especially love Deep in the Heart of Christmas! They are at the Starlite a lot of dates in November; their last show for this season is December 5. These entertainers from America’s Got Talent have become an entertainment sensation. When they’re not on stage here at Starlite, they perform across the country and around the world. Tal-
ented, charming, and yes, quite handsome, audiences love them!
The Gatlin Brothers perform at Starlite in October and December. They have shows late in December, including a New Year’s Eve show. What fun! The Gatlins are legendary, their songs classics. All the Gold in California, Broken Lady, Houston, their songs are part of our American songbook. Their interaction with audiences makes their show even more enjoyable. This year they feature country music singer Teea Goans, a Missouri girl, from Lowry City. Happy to have her here in Branson, too! Be sure Starlite Theatre is on your Christmas and holiday list!
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King’s Castle .......................................................................................................................................................... Continued from Page 10 Christmas vests and adding some much-loved holiday music to their variety of songs, with shows through Dec. 21, then 26-30).
King’s Castle Theatre opens in February for the 2014 season and features a new show: Dublin’s Irish Tenors guest starring the Celtic Ladies. I can’t wait to see it! Also on stage in 2014 at King’s Castle are the popular Dancing Queen, New Jersey Nights and Christmas Wonderland.
Dancing Queen pays tribute to Abba and the 70’s in a show-stopping musical extravaganza featuring singers and dancers in a psychedelic kaleidoscope of color. They bring classic hits to life, from Abba favorites like Waterloo and The Winner Takes It All, to 70's classics like YMCA and In the Navy, and favorite Motown numbers. This same show has been on stage at Planet Hollywood Casino Resort. Most of the King’s Castle shows play in other v e n u e s around the w o r l d . King’s Castle Theatre has well-produced shows, staged with some of the most talented singers and dancers you’ll see on stage anywhere. Put them on your Christmas list ‌ and on your itinerary for 2014!
The Hughes Brothers & family transport you to a Christmas wonderland filled with the season’s best vocal harmonies, exciting dances, inspiring instrumentals, and of course, the enchantment & lighthearted humor that everyone loves about the Hughes Brothers Show. Along with all the festive surprises and treasured family traditions, see Santa in a new light when he explains the symbols of Christmas in the most moving Christmas presentation you’ve ever witnessed. “It’s a triumph of everything you want to feel at Christmas time.�
4X AWARDED BRANSON’S BEST CHRISTMAS SHOW "RANSON3HOW!WARDS COM s
(417) 334-0076 HughesBrothersTheatre.com
3425 West 76 Country Blvd. Branson, MO
TM
Also SEE “it� JAN-OCT
The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette SHOW/ATTRACTION
#1 Hits of the 60’s 3 Redneck Tenors 70’s Music Celebration w/Barry Williams Acrobats of China Adventures of Marco Polo Amazing Pets A Miracle of Christmas Andy Williams Christmas Show A Neil Diamond Tribute A Twice Adopted Christmas Ayo starring Voices of Glory Baldknobbers Barbara Fairchild Show Branson Country USA Branson Scenic Railway, Inc. Branson Zipline and Canopy Tours Brett Family Singers Buck Trent Show Butterfly Palace & Rainforest Cassandre’ The Voice of An Angel Cat’s Pajamas Vocal Band Christmas in Hollywood Christmas on the Trail Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express Comedy Jamboree Dancing Queen ABBA’s Greatest Hits Daniel O’Donnell Dinner with Yakov Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction Doug Gabriel's #1 Hits Tribute Show Down Home Country Dutton Family Show George Dyer Show Grand Jubilee Hamner Barber Christmas Variety Show Haygoods Hollywood Wax Museum Hooray for Hollywood Hot Hits of Motown Hughes Brothers Christmas Show IMAX Entertainment Complex Inspiration Tower it ... small word, big show Jim Stafford Show Joseph Hall Elvis Rock n Remember Tribute Kirby VanBurch Show Larry Gatlin & the Gatlin Brothers Legends in Concert Lennon Sisters Little Opry Theatre
.
Show & Attraction Guide
LOCATION
Caravelle Theatre New Americana Theatre RFD-TV The Theatre New Shanghai Theatre White House Theatre Grand Country Music Hall Sight & Sound Theatre Moon River Theatre Jim Stafford Theatre Owens Historic Theatre Hughes Brothers Theatre Baldknobbers Family Theatre Golden Corral Grand Country Music Hall Old Downtown Branson Wolfe Creek Station Dick Clark Bandstand RFD-TV the Theatre Butterfly Palace New Americana Theatre Moon River Theatre King’s Castle Theatre The Shepherd of the Hills Clay Cooper Theatre Grand Country Music Hall King’s Castle Theatre Moon River Theatre Yakov Smirnoff Theatre Dixie Stampede Doug Gabriel Theatre Grand Country Music Hall Dutton Family Theater Dutton Family Theater Grand Country Music Hall Hamner Barber Theatre RFD-TV the Theatre Hollywood Ent. Complex King’s Castle Theatre Old Downtown Branson Hughes Brothers Theatre IMAX Entertainment Complex The Shepherd of the Hills Hughes Brothers Theatre Jim Stafford Theatre New Americana Theatre Kirby VanBurch Theatre Starlite Theatre Dick Clark Bandstand Moon River Theatre IMAX Entertainment Complex
PHONE
417-339-1960 417-339-4663 417-332-2282 417-336-8888 417-335-2396 417-335-2484 800-377-1277 417-334-4500 417-335-8080 417-334-9333 417-334-0076 417-334-4528 417-336-6297 417-335-2484 417-334-6110 417-561-2500 417-336-4222 417-332-2282 417-332-2231 417-339-4663 417-334-4500 417-334-2500 417-334-4191 417-337-7123 417-335-2484 417-334-2500 417-334-4500 800-728-4546 417-336-3000 800-954-8554 417-335-2484 417-332-2772 417-332-2772 417-335-2484 417-334-4363 417-332-2282 417-337-8277 417-334-2500 417-337-7426 417-334-0076 417-335-3533 417-334-4191 417-334-0076 417-335-8080 417-339-4663 417-544-9075 417-337-9333 417-339-3003 417-334-4500 417-335-3533
SHOW/ATTRACTION
Mel Tillis Show Mickey Gilley Show New Jersey Nights New South Gospel Oak Ridge Boys Oh! What a Night Osmonds Ozark Mountain Jubilee Pierce Arrow Presleys’ Country Jubilee Price is Right LIVE Pure Comedy Joey I.L.O Ralph Foster Museum Rankin Brothers Red Hot & Blue RED - Skelton Tribute Reelin in the Years Starring John Tweed Ride the Ducks Ripley’s Believe It or Not Roy Rogers Jr. Show Shepherd of the Hills Historic Homestead Tour Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights Shoji Tabuchi Show Showboat Branson Belle Silver Dollar City SIX Sons of the Pioneers Dinner Show Sunday Gospel Jubilee Texas Tenors The Toy Shoppe Titanic Museum Attraction Todd Oliver & His Talking Dogs Tony Roi's Elvis and More Twelve Irish Tenors Veterans Memorial Museum Vigilante Extreme ZipRider White Water World Famous Platter Review World’s Largest Toy Museum
Winter 2013/2014 T Page 17 .
LOCATION
Clay Cooper Theatre Mickey Gilley Theatre King’s Castle Theatre Grand Country Music Hall Oak Ridge Boys Theatre Moon River Theatre Moon River Theatre Grand Country Music Hall Pierce Arrow Theatre Presleys’ Theatre Welk Resort Theatre Jim Stafford Theatre College of the Ozarks Clay Cooper Theatre Clay Cooper Theatre Hamner Barber Theatre New Americana Theatre Ride the Ducks Ripley’s Museum RFD-TV The Theatre The Shepherd of the Hills
The Shepherd of the Hills Shoji Tabuchi Theatre White River Landing Silver Dollar City Mickey Gilley Theatre Pavilion - Shepherd of the Hills Grand Country Music Hall Starlite Theatre Starlite Theatre Titanic Museum Attraction New Americana Theatre Jim Stafford Theatre King’s Castle Theatre Veterans Memorial Museum The Shepherd of the Hills White Water Tribute Theatre World’s Largest Toy Museum
PHONE
417-337-7123 417-334-3210 417-334-2500 417-335-2484 417-335-2000 417-334-4500 417-334-4500 417-335-2484 417-336-8742 417-334-4874 417-337-7469 417-335-8080 417-690-3407 417-337-7123 417-337-7123 417-334-4363 417-339-4663 417-334-3825 417-337-5300 417-332-2282 417-334-4191
417-334-4191 417-334-7469 417-338-8174 417-336-7180 417-334-3210 417-334-4191 417-335-2484 417-337-9333 417-337-9333 417-334-9500 417-339-4663 417-335-8080 417-334-2500 417-336-2300 417-334-4191 417-339-6806 417-239-1000 417-332-1499
Call 1-800-523-7589 to reserve your shows today!
Little Pete’s Page
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Christmas Decemeber Presents Star Santa Claus
Christmas Word Search
S = Silver • Y = Yellow • B = Brown • G = Green R = Red • T = Tan • L = Light Green
Angel Candy Cane Candle Card Christmas Tree Cracker Decoration Elf Father Christmas Fireplace Holly Lantern Nativity Scene Present Pudding Reindeer Sleigh Star Stocking
Candy Sleigh Tree Red Stockings
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The Keeter Center ............................................................................................................................................ Continued from Page 5 Nearby, twice each day students milk 60 Holstein, Guernsey, and Jersey cows at the W. Alton Jones Campus Dairy. Next door is the Gaetz Tractor Museum. I visited both places with my 11-year-old grandson and 16-year-old granddaughter; we were fascinated, really!
The Fruitcake and Jelly Kitchen is incredible; you’ll toss out all those
fruitcake jokes after sampling theirs. They bake 40,000 cakes from January to October, then start shipping. And 30,000 jars of jelly, 22 varieties — who
can name 22?! The gift shop in the Keeter Center features some of these, along with other products made on campus.
Staying at the Keeter Center is a luxurious treat in rus-
tic elegance. Each suite is uniquely furnished and features local materials, handmade furniture, beautiful décor, spacious rooms and each has a fireplace and private balcony. No mint on the pillow at night: guests are treated to a small bottle of milk from the C of O dairy and cookies made downstairs in the kitchen. The bakery is yummy for breakfast!
Another highlight on campus is the Ralph Foster Museum, awarded Rural Missouri magazine, Readers’ Choice for “Best Museum in Missouri.” Also known as “The Smithsonian
of the Ozarks,” it is a threestory museum dedicated to Ozarks history and culture, named in honor of radio pioneer and philanthropist Ralph D. Foster. There are thousands of objects representing archaeology, history, antiques, firearms, numismatics, natural history, fine arts, geology and mineralogy.
Some of the exhibits rotate. The White River Painting Show is in the Edwards Gallery November until the Museum closes December 20. The Museum opens again February 1 for the 2014 season. Everyone enjoys time spent on the campus of College of the Ozarks!
Two great shows at Hughes Brothers Theatre Page 20 T Winter 2013/2014
by Linda Burlingame
In 2013 a new show was added to the lineup at Hughes Brothers Theatre: Ayo, starring Voices o f Glory. Michael, Avery and Nadia Cole. They were To p 5 finalists on America’s Got Talent. They have an e a s y, graceful manner on stage; their voices and harmonies are exceptional. Nadia is just 13 and has an extraordinary voice; she sounds like an older, experienced vocalist.
In their regular season show, they do a wide variety of music styles. I think they really shine when they’re singing jazz and soul numbers. It’s a New Dawn is very stylish number. And I really like their arrangement of Cry Me a River. They do gospel and Broadway, too. Tina Turner would be impressed with Nadia’s Rollin’ on the River. Nadia
The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
‘gets after it!’ It’s an Ayo Christmas runs thru Dec. 18. They open in March for their 2014 season. ~~~~~
The Hughes Brothers Christmas Show stars the five brothers, their wives and 35 children singing and dancing their way through a wonderful variety of Christmas songs and fun. Brothers Marty, Jason, Adam, Ryan and Andy have been singing together all their lives, and the harmony is not just musical. The boys and their families w o r k closely to create the show that has been entertaining Branson visitors for 20 years.
Andy Williams Legacy .... Continued from Page 11
Lawrence Welk Show and the Lennon Sisters’ own TV show. Both families tell marvelous stories about Andy, and audiences love hearing some of the best ones!
I have known the Lennons and Osmonds for many years. And “what you see is what you get” is so very true for these amazing families. Thoughtful, hardworking, clever and quick-witted as well as talented. They have a charming, easy stage presence. And those incredible family harmonies! The a cappella numbers are astounding.
The world started celebrating Christmas with Andy in 1963, when his first TV Christmas show aired. When it ended in 1971, NBC signed him for three more Christmas specials. Then he “took the show on the road,” appearing every year all across the country. “Christmas is my middle name,” Andy told me once. He was a sweet man. He told wonderful stories — he had an incredible life. “Everybody who was anybody” was on his TV show. He worked hard all his life entertaining America. And Andy loved producing his shows and entertaining audiences here in Branson. He and his wife Debbie loved Branson; Debbie still lives here. I know he would be proud of the Andy Williams Christmas Show this year. I hope you see it: as Andy sang, It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year! NOTE: Daniel O’Donnell has the matinee slot at Moon River, also Nov. 1 – Dec. 7. Those tickets are selling fast but at press time some seats were still available. Call now for reservations for both shows!
The show is festive, also featuring some treasured family traditions, celebrating the true meaning of Christmas. Santa Claus (Hughes brothers’ dad) tells the children about Christmas, explaining the symbols of the season in a very meaningful way. The show runs
thru Dec. 28 and they’re back for a New Year’s Eve show, From Christmas to New Year’s, a combination of Christmas and their regular season it show. it opens January 21 for the 2014 season. Your family will enjoy their family!
What’s Happening .................. Continued from Page 3
Titanic Museum Attraction is open all year long, always something new. For Christmas the ship is beautifully decorated, and all the girls and boys will want to meet the ‘Fantasy’ Princess. Her appearances begin Thanksgiving weekend. To me, Titanic is a new experience every time I visit.
Sightseeing: The view from the top of Inspiration Tower is a must! Enjoy the seasons from autumn leaves to Christmas lights, winter snows to leafy spring greens. Of course, we have some beautiful lake views. Showboat Branson Belle cruises Table Rock Lake with dinner and a lively Christmas show. Down on Lake Taneycomo Main Street Lake Cruises offers two beautiful dining and cruising options, the Landing Princess and the Lake Queen. The Paddlewheel Pub is a fun, on-the-water place to eat, gather with friends. Upstairs is the pilot’s wheel from the original Lake Queen. Remember it? And the Sammy Lane Pirate Cruise?! There are wonderful old photographs up there, too, along with a great view. This 2013 season is the last for Roy Rogers, Jr., and the Highriders. Their show is at RFD -TV the Theatre. The final performance is December 7. I love the show; it’s great western music and “Dusty” shares wonderful stories about “growing up with Roy and Dale.” His son, Dustin Roy Rogers, guests on the show. I hope you can fit their show into your show schedule!
Of course, one of the most beautiful sights of Christmas in Branson is The Trail of Lights at The Shepherd of the Hills. I love the elves in the bunkhouse, the reindeer “spa,” the many animated holiday scenes. They remind me of displays in department store windows in downtown St. Louis years ago. And don’t miss Shepherd’s Christmas on the Trail Chuckwagon Dinner Show.
When you come back to Branson in 2014, you’ll find The Haygoods at the Clay Cooper Theatre. I love both those shows. There’s a lot goin’ on at that theatre!
There will be a new Historic Homestead Tour at The Shepherd of the Hills. Inspiration Tower is always fun, for the view AND for the Vigilante Extreme ZipRider. I love the ZipRider. You’re snuggly seated and sent sailing away. (You don’t have to take that first step to plunge away!) The Vigilante is open through January 11 and opens again February 14. Hey, that would be a great time and place for a proposal. “Honey, will you take the plunge with me?!” Happy Holidays to you, and we’ll see you back here in 2014!
New Shanghai Circus amazes audiences
The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
Winter 2013/2014 T Page 21
Acrobats of China By Linda Burlingame
Audiences of all ages are in awe of the young performers in the New Shanghai Circus. They have been training since they were very young. Amazing feats of contortion, flexibility and balance, “mystical music and magic” — it’s all dazzling!
Some favorite segments over my years of seeing the show include how many acrobats balanced on chairs, one on top of the other in a tall tower of precision?! And the it-looks-so-easy balancing of plates on spinning poles! The Rolling Cups balancing act is incredible, too. (That makes the pole climbing seem easy.) And how many acrobats were balanced on that one bicycle? The costumes and sets are gorgeous. Beautiful silks and brilliant colors help make the show a feast for the eyes. The show is well staged, from one astonishing segment to the next. Some pro-
duction numbers fill the stage with cast members; others, like the aerial ballet, feature individual acrobats.
The 1000-seat New Shanghai Theatre is just south of the intersection of Green Mountain Drive and Hwy. 165. A three-legged bronze pot dominates the courtyard. From Xi’an, China, the Chinese name for it is “Ke Ding.” Acrobatics, magic, fabulous costumes and sets, state-of-theart lighting and sound — it is an exciting, entertaining show. Don’t miss New Shanghai Circus featuring the Acrobats of China!
CHURCH DIRECTORY Page 22 T Winter 2013/2014
Assembly of God First Assembly of God 600West Main, Branson 417-334-3803
Baptist First Baptist Church 400 South Sunshine, Branson 417-334-7437 Calvary Baptist Church 625 Truman Dr., Branson 417-336-3475
Skyline Baptist Church 949 State Hwy. 165, Branson 417-334-6729
Bible Church Branson Bible Church 533 Branson Landing Blvd., Branson 417-334-3678 Fellowship at Cross Creek T Hwy. - T-10, Branson 417-335-8008
The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
Catholic Our Lady of the Lake Vaughn Dr., Branson 417-334-3350
Christian Branson Christian Church 213 S. Commercial, Branson 417-334-3453
Church of Christ Church of Christ 432 Eagle Rock Road, Branson 417-239-1036 Church of God Church of the Apostolic Faith 100 East Main, Branson
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Church Road, Branson Episcopal Shepherd of the Hills Episcopal 107Walnut, Branson 417-334-3968
Foursquare Branson Foursquare Church 2287 Fall Creek Rd., Branson 417-339-5911 Full Gospel River of Life, Church Alive! 1307 Bird Rd., Branson 417-334-8287
Jehovah’sWitnesses Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’sWitnesses Hwy. 65-70, Branson 417-334-5507 Lutheran Faith Lutheran Parnell & Malone St., Branson 417-334-2469
Peace Lutheran Church ELCA 350 State Dr.,Hollister 417-334-1499 Methodist United Methodist 1208W.Hwy. 76, Branson 417-334-3423
All VisitorsWelcome ~ Call for Service Times Non-Denominational Salvation Army Church 1819W.Hwy. 76, Branson 417-339-4434 Unity of the Hills 4868 Hwy. 248, Branson 417-334-6224
Pentecostal Old Branson Pentecostal 2201 Gretna Rd., Branson 417-334-0920 Presbyterian First Presbyterian 420West Main, Branson 417-334-3468
Spirit Filled Faith Center 8537 State Hwy. 76, Branson West 417-338-8537
The Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
Winter 2013/2014 T Page 23