Part of the spectacular ending to the "Miracle of Christmas"

Only One is still alive from that first Christmas over 2000 years ago that could bear witness to that spectacular event, but there are thousands who can bear witness to the quality and spirit of its reenactment in Sight & Sound’s spectacular production, the “Miracle of Christmas.” In drama, spectacular sets, music, and dance it conveys the spirit of the greatest miracle of all, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.”

The “Miracle of Christmas” is more than the nativity scene in Bethlehem. It’s an entertainment experience about God’s promise to send a Savior, how He fulfills that promise through the faithfulness of Mary and Joseph and the price His Son would ultimately pay. That entertainment experience shares the human aspect of God’s plan as he uses the faithfulness of a simple couple from Nazareth to bring His Son into the world.

It should be made clear that the “Miracle of Christmas” is a fictional account of the factual events conveyed in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. While consistent with the biblical account of the birth of Jesus and the events leading up to it, the productions has added characters and drama to enhance its entertainment value and explore the human side of the birth of Jesus.

That starts with a lively and spirited betrothal ceremony displaying the first of the shows spectacular sets, a large two story edifice surrounding a court yard in the center of Nazareth. It takes up the entire center of the 20,000 square foot 300 foot long wrap around stage. The talent of the cast is immediately apparent as Mary and Joseph sing of their love for each other and the cast joins together in a beautiful and lively celebratory dance.

It ends with flying angels and magnificent music, camels and wise men and shepherds at the manger honoring the Son of God after his birth. It is one of the most spectacular things most people will ever experience on a stage in terms of production, grandeur, entertainment, and sensory appeal. It is truly an amazing ending for a wonderful experience about what the celebration of Christmas really is all about.

In between, there is a musical drama about the times, what type of Savior some were expecting, the oppression of not only Roman rule, but King Herod, and the strictness of Jewish law and custom. However, it is the personal glimpse into the lives and relationships of the biblical characters associated with the birth of Jesus such as Simeon, Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph which creates the drama and, even within the context of a story that everyone knows the outcome to, suspense. The personal turmoil that Mary and Joseph, their families, and community had to work through because of the miraculous pregnancy of Mary and the faith and perseverance that it took to get from the betrothal ceremony in Nazareth to the birth of Jesus in a manager in Bethlehem is in itself a miracle.

It is a modern production miracle that the cast members; animals, from camels to horses, riders and more; flying angels coming down from on high and the effort necessary to change the spectacular sets used, come together in a production that flows as smoothly and enjoyably as this show. Combine that, with the talent of the cast, both dramatically and musically, lavish costuming and the story of the greatest gift this world has ever received and the “Miracle of Christmas” is not only an exciting entertainment spectacle, but a spiritual blessing for those who know the baby Jesus as their Lord and Savior as well as those who do not.

For additional information on the “Miracle of Christmas” please call the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Daniel O'Donnel will be performing in Branson Nov. 2 through Nov. 24

With Daniel O’Donnell returning to Branson November 2 through 24, a story entitled “The open but inscrutable showman,” by Keith Duggan, appearing on line October 31 at www.IrishTimes.com would be good reading for O’Donnell fans. From its take on his delivery when he sang “Whatever Happened To Old Fashioned Love?” to the type of audience he attracts, this piece provides some unique and interesting information about the man and his career.

It’s a detailed piece that covers the “Kincasslagh man” from the start of his career in 1983 and performances at The Squirrel Bar in the Barras to his stardom and eventual appearances in Branson, Missouri “the live music show capital of the world.” Among other things, the article provides insightful information about O’Donnell’s initial start in Branson, meeting Garth Brooks early in his career and his thoughts on a performance of Johnny and June Carter Cash he saw while he was in Branson.

Duggan has a neat style of writing that will hold the interest of the reader. Diehard O’Donnell fans should enjoy it and it would be an excellent primer for those planning on seeing O’Donnell perform in Branson.

Article Excerpts:

And he has subtly moved from being Margo’s younger brother, Wee Daniel, to one of the music scene’s great survivors. He has done this without once altering his sound, his message or his haircut. He has done this by standing serenely in the wake of a critical reception that has ranged from good-humoured parody to more vicious dismissal.

Then hundreds and finally thousands of Daniel acolytes came running from the prairie towns to Branson, as helpless to his charms as the women who flock to see him in Ireland and England. Now, he can sell out the big venues in Branson in advance and a television show over there is the next logical move for him. He tours for six months and spends the other six …

Click here to read entire article.

Paul Miller, General Manager, Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging said, “O’Donnell’s performances are one of the hottest tickets in Branson.” Paul also points out that O’Donnell’s performance dates cover “Veterans Homecoming Week” and the start of “Ozark Mountain Christmas,” the busiest season in Branson and recommends early reservations for not only O’Donnell’s show but other Branson shows and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Add a ride on the “Polar Express” to the unique and exciting things to do in Branson during Ozark Mountain Christmas. Paul Miller, General Manager for the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) and 12 year veteran of providing Branson vacation planning services said, “From spectacular lighting displays to great shows, shopping, attractions and restaurants, Christmas in Branson is special. The addition of the ‘Polar Express’ is yet another exciting way that families can enjoy a special Branson Christmas experience together.”

The “Polar Express” is based on the 2004 award winning Warner Brothers movie of the same name. According to a recent press release, Branson Scenic Railways is the only Missouri location licensed to host a “Polar Express” event. Illa Kamp, Branson Scenic Railway vice-president and general manager feels that the Polar Express will start a new Christmas tradition for families.

Branson’s “Polar Express” train will have special decorations and lighting for the night time rides from the Branson Scenic Railway station to the “North Pole. The “North Pole” destination will be a decorated Hollister Depot where Santa Claus will board the train and give each child a gift. While on the journey the “Polar Express” story will be read to the passengers as they enjoy hot chocolate and cookies.

The “Polar Express” is scheduled to make 60 trips to the “North Pole” between November 6 and December 19. The trips are scheduled Thursday through Sunday with the exception of November 26, Thanksgiving Day, and December 6 and 13. For additional information on the Polar Express or to make reservations call the Branson Scenic Railway at 1-800-287-2462 or visit their web site www.bransontrain.com. For information, tickets, or reservations about other Branson show, attractions, or lodging please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

“A visit to Branson over the Halloween weekend provides plenty of opportunities for Halloween trick-or-treating,” said Paul Miller, General Manager for Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. Paul points out that children in Branson on Halloween, whether local or visiting, will be able to dress up in costumes and have a variety of convenient safe ways to celebrate Halloween.

Branson Landing is promising a “Boo-tacular good time” at its free 3rd Annual Safe Street Trick or Treat event. Costumed children age 12 and under may trick-or-treat up and down the Branson Landing promenade from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Halloween where participating stores, identified with a Halloween sign in their window, will be handing out treats.

In addition, three other Branson malls will be having free safe alternative Halloween trick-or treat events from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 pm. on Halloween. Participating merchants at The Factory Merchants Mall (Red Roof Mall) located off of Gretna Road, the Tanger Outlet Center and the Shoppes at Branson Meadow will give candy to costumed trick-or treaters.

One of the biggest events will be the “BOOnanza” sponsored by the city of Branson at the Branson Rec-Plex in Branson Hills between 4:30-8:00 p.m. on Halloween. BOOnanaza is for children 12 and under and will be held on the soccer field of the Rec-Plex. It includes seven events: haunted hay ride, trick-or-treat maze, pumpkin carving contest, a costume contest, jumping inflatables, kettle corn or cotton candy, and hot chocolate, lemonade, or coffee. The cost is $2.00 for a punch card good for five of the seven events and more than one card may be purchased.

A new Halloween event this year will be the “Splash Bash” at the new Castle Rock Resort and Indoor Water Park located on Green Mountain Drive. It will run from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the resort and includes the water park activities, a costume parade, games, a treat bag and more. The ““Splash Bash” is for children through age 12 and costs $20.00 per child for those not staying at the resort.

Branson Tourism Center’s Miller also reminds potential Branson visitors that the busiest time of the year is about to start in Branson and advises advance reservations be made to ensure availability and the best choices in terms of accommodations or seating at shows. For additional information on the Halloween events or Branson shows, attractions or lodging he suggests calling the Branson Tourism Center, toll free, at 1-800-785-1550.

Pictured below at the CAA recognition ceremony October 22, 2009, left to right are: Ms. Xu Ying, shareholder and Artistic Director; Mr. Lizhi Zhao, President and shareholder, Jerry Adams, Public Information Director City of Branson; Jim Strafus, Western District Taney County Commissioner; Mr. Jian Lin, President of the Chinese Acrobats Association; Mr. Ziqian Tan, shareholder and Mr. Jianhua Gu, shareholder.

On October 22, the “New Shanghai Circus,” founded in Shanghai, China by Mr. Lizhi Zhao in 1991, received a plaque of recognition from Mr. Jian Lin, President of the Chinese Acrobats Association (CAA), honoring the “New Shanghai Circus” for sharing Chinese talent, entertainment and culture with the United States and other nations. What’s remarkable is that the award was presented to Mr. Zhao, not in Shanghai, China, but over 7,254 miles away in Branson, Missouri.

Even more remarkable is the fact that the award was presented to Mr. Zhao, and other representatives of the “New Shanghai Circus,” in the “New Shanghai Circus Theatre” built in Branson specifically to accommodate the performances of one of Branson’ s most unique and beautiful shows, “The Acrobats of China.” Some might ask, “What’s a Chinese acrobatic show doing in Branson, Missouri where the Baldknobbers country music and comedy show started it all 50 years ago?” The answer is, “Doing the same thing the Baldknobbers did, and are still doing 50 years later, providing Branson visitors with a quality entertainment experience.”

What an evolution has taken place since the first Baldknobbers show. The Branson show scene has grown and expanded to the point where, from comedy to outdoor drama and music from country to opera, the Branson entertainment experience has a high quality show available for just about every taste. Thanks the visionary and persistent efforts of Mr. Zhao and his business associates, since 1998 that experience has included the excitement, strength, grace, and beauty of Chinese acrobatics entertaining Branson audiences as the “The Acrobats of China” shares the incredible talents of its cast and their culture with Branson and the world.

In an effort to enhance the Branson experience through a “bit” of information about the area we love and service, BTC Branson Bits is sponsored by the Branson Tourism Center (BTC). BTC is one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-875-1550 or by visiting their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.

Buck Trent shares his banjo talents with the audiance.

“Oh yeah,” the Buck Trent show is one entertaining, lively and exciting way to start a day in Branson. From start to finish, this show is quality non-stop comedy, singing and music presented by some of the most talented singers and musicians in Branson.

Obviously, this show has a star, Buck Trent, who lives up to his billing as a “premier international five string banjo picker, master musician, hilarious humorist, and entertainer extraordinaire,” but from an audience entertainment perspective it’s the way those talents are blended in with the rest of the cast that helps make the show so special. The singing provided by Kenny Parrott and Melody Hart along with their instrumental playing, Parrott on the guitar, Hart on the fiddle and mandolin; Rob Blackwood, drums; Dave Clark, bass guitar; Bruce Hoffman, steel guitar and fiddle and Jonathan Black on the piano and saxophone combine with Buck to provide two of the fastest and most entertaining hours in Branson morning, noon or night!

From the lively opening number “Country Music Has Gone to Town” to the exciting “dueling fiddles, banjo, and guitar” finale there’s is not a dull or unexciting moment in this show. It might be Buck playing a special acoustical guitar while Melody sings the Dolly Parton classic, “My Coat of Many Colors,” Buck telling one of his funny stories, Kenny singing “You Were Always On My Mind” or any one of a number of other things, but the show is a constant stream of entertaining energy leading seamlessly from one thing to the next.

Buck is on stage just about the whole show and keeps things moving with his humor and playing. It’s amazing to watch the versatility of this talented performer on the banjo, guitar, and mandolin in everything from solos to duets and whole cast numbers. His instrumental duet of “Somewhere My Love” (“Laura’s Theme” from the movie “Dr. Zhivago”) and his “Boogie” number in the second half of the show are just two of the highlights of his performance.

Kenny, Buck, Melody and Bruce "duel" it out Buck Trent style

The primary vocals are provided by Kenny and Melody. Kenny does a great job on numbers like “Folsum Prison Blues,” “South of the Border” and others. Melody’s rendition of “Just For What I Am,” her duet with Buck of the Porter Wagner Dolly Parton classic, “If Teardrops Were Pennies” and other numbers were very well done.

As good as the singing is, not only in the featured solo vocals, but in other parts of the show such as the gospel medley, it is the vibrant and exciting musicianship that makes this a unique must see show. From Buck right down the line, each of these musicians is excellent. The first two numbers of the show instantly get the cast involved and by the end of the third number, even before Bruce and Melody fiddle their way through the fiddle standard, “Orange Blossom Special” the audience knows they are in for a special musical treat.

Although there are many highlights, the duet with Buck and Kenny of “Laura’s Theme,” the fiddle playing of Bruce and Melody, particularly their presentation of the “fiddling medley” in the first half and the “William Tell Overture,” in the second half along with Jonathan’s performance of “Yakety Sax” on the saxophone stand out. At the end of the day, well, rather the morning, however, it is the numbers using the full instrumentality and power of the whole cast together that make this show so special.

Although there were many, two can serve to illustrate the point. One was the unique and lively start to the second half of the show, “Down Yonder” with its featured mandolin quartet. What a unique and exciting way to start the second half of the show. The other is the shows “Dueling Banjos” number done Buck Trent show style. It blends fiddles, a banjo and a guitar into a “dueling” version unlike any you have ever heard before.

During the show the question is sometimes asked, “Is this It?” Don’t know about the answer during the show, but if a person was looking for a lively entertaining experience to start their day in Branson, the answer would be “Oh Yeah, the Buck Trent Morning Show is ‘It.”

For additional information on the Buck Trent Morning Show or any other Branson show, attraction or lodging feel free to contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.