Branson Shows Reviewed

The blue highlighted parts of the comments are shows or entertainers that the person mentioned in their comment. I just want the reader to understand the comment so I might add some things. I do correct spelling errors if I catch them. I have had a multitude of comments from the shows, but I do not think it is appropriate to share them. I will not share a negative comment about a show or star but I will write back to the sender. I am also completely honest with any person who takes the time to call me with comments and suggestions of shows to attend. 417-337-8045 home 417-230-0155 cell.

12/28/2009 Mark Rankin

Gary,

I know we got to thank you and some of your committee members at the award presentation but just wanted to let you know again how honored our whole cast is to have received the awards. We are truly thankful for the time and effort that you and your committee members dedicate to making the awards possible.

On a side note we wanted to let you know that we will be performing at the Caravelle Theatre in 2010. Tuesdays-Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. We and our whole cast will be moving to the new venue.

We will be using the awards on all of our marketing for the new year. We will also be sure to state www.BransonShowaAwards.com when posting the awards. We have already used it in some group advertising.

Hope you had a Merry Christmas and have a very Happy New year!

Thank you again and God Bless!
The Rankin Brothers

12/25/2009 Debra Burris

Gary,

Willie Makeit is Phil Baker. I wonder if you remembered that Diana Wyman Hoseman Ponder worked at Presley's Music Show in the late 60's performing around the same time that Janice Presley was still on the show. I was pleased also that you mentioned Stacy Gravatt. I first recall seeing Stacy at the Wild Rose Nightclub owned by Bill and Jamet Daily many years ago and he was with the Britten Brothers Band. I believe at the same time, Dan Britten was there and I remember Stacy jumping out on stage in a red costume and cape playing his guitar, quite impressive and very much Stacy. I have visited his grave at FT Thompson in South Dakota on the reservation about 6 years ago and it was a sobering experience. His grave is on a hill overlooking the river and people have placed stuffed animals and memorabilia at his grave. I remember watching him perform in the opera house at Silver Dollar City the year he died and you could tell he was not quite up to the same enerby level he usually had. But he was still the consummate performer. He was able to pull of his impeccable performance despite the fact that he was dying of cancer. I believe this was prior to the diagnosis of cancer but cannot say for sure. He died that fall I believe. I am over 50 so my memory is not always the best, anyway. Those Branson memories are so important to me. Our kids went to Branson every year from the time they were born and on still today they go to Branson with their own families. Branson is definitely a family tradition for us. Anyway I ramble on but thanks for the return reply.

Deb

You Have Wildcat in your email address. Do you have any connection with Kansas State? No Arizona Wildcats.

12/25/2009 Howard Stephenson

Hi Gary ,

In looking thru google today for some Branson information , I discovered your review site by accident

and thoroughly enjoyed your reviews as we have seen many of the shows that you reviewed in 2009 .

My wife & I have been visiting Branson annually every Sept. or October since 2003 when we discovered

this wonderful area just full of very talented and friendly folks .

We especially enjoyed your reviews of Clay Cooper , John Tweed & James Garrett as they are among

some of our favorites that we visit every year . We book 10-12 shows in a 4 day span and take in as

many as possible during our short stay . I envy you living in Branson where you have easy access to

all the shows at any given time . We book morning , afternoon & evening shows every day well in advance

of our arrival so we can take in as many as possible during our visit .

One of our favorites over the years has been Jim Owen who also lives in Branson year round . Jim is

a good friend of John Tweed's and is considering 2009 as being his last year entertaining in a theatre

in Branson but John told us that he is going to try and talk him out of it . Jim's friend Susan told us that

at this time of the year he is tired and thinks about quitting but she too is going on work on him to see

if they can convince him to keep entertaining as he really enjoys the interaction with the audience. We

sincerely hope they are successful in this endeavor as we would miss visiting with Jim every year .

John Tweed's daughter is back home from college now and is once more singing with John . What a

talented family the Tweed's are and we hope that they can catch on with a theatre in 2010 .

I assume you heard Clay Cooper discuss this fall that they had just bought the Osmonds Theatre and

will be moving in 2010 . Have you seen Lisa Layne's show ? She had been with Jim Owen for many

years & had her own show last year at the God & Country Theatre but was not entertaining in Branson

in 2009 due to economic reasons although she too lives in Branson year round . A friend of hers that

she has sung with told us that she is hopeful of getting on with a theatre in 2010 and she has also

told us this on her website so we can hope she is successful . She does a great Patsy Cline .

We're keeping a close watch on Mickey Gilleys recovery from his July '09 fall at his home in Branson &

the Branson World Newsletter recently stated that he plans on being back in his theatre when it opens

in April 2010 . I hope Mickey is able to pull it off as he is younger than me but in October we heard

that he hasn't yet been able to get out of his wheel chair & stand on his own at the rehab hospital in

Houston . Mickeyis very talented and always puts on a good show .. We are praying for his recovery .

Howard Stephenson

Torrington, Wyoming

12/25/2009 Debra Burris

The comedian at the Echo Hollow with the Branson Brothers was Merciful Pervus. I think that is correct. I enjoy looking thru my memories via your site. Thanks.

12/02/2009 Phyllis Rickard

We discovered the performers in the Branson Mall a couple of weeks ago. We saw Flynn Ward, he was great!Also, we saw Johnny Rogers. He is the most talented entertainer in Branson. He could do about any artist the audience suggested, but his Buddy Holly was fabulous. Trey Dees does a great Marty Robbins. We loved all the mall stage performers, even better than a lot of the shows we have paid big bucks for. Spread the word, they are great, and the biggest bargain in Branson.

Phyllis

11/29/2009 Carol Hunter

Hi Gary:

Thanks for your reply! That's great that you are already aware of Ray's (Ray Anthony) talent. I am of the same "era" you are and do some writing myself. I've written about Ray several times and also think he is a tremendous performer and entertainer. Glad to hear that you will include the Branson Mall Acts.

Another of your favourites is also a big favourite of mine: Dean Z. I'm an Elvis fan from the l950's and Dean Z is fantastic as far as I'm concerned.

BTW...Ray is also a big Elvis fan and can sing Elvis songs with the best of them..he worked for a while with Charlie Hodge and JD Sumner and the Stamps. However, his tribute to Ritchie is really unparalleled.....no-one else comes close. He also does a great rock and roll act singing the "oldies" songs. Be sure to let me know how you like his Branson Mall show.

Carol

11/29/2009 Carol Hunter

I hope you have a chance to check out Sting Ray Anthony, who performs at the Branson Mall. Ray is also a member of the renowned "Winter Dance Party" troupe which pays tribute to Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper. Ray's "Ritchie Valens" is highly endorsed by Ritchie's family and the real "Donna" of "Oh Donna" fame. At the Branson Mall, Ray performs a wide variety of rock and roll oldies songs and has a large fan following. He is also a gifted guitar player. Be sure to check out Sting Ray Anthony!

Carol

11/23/2009 Sharon Coleman

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11/14/2009 Bonnie Wykoff

Just got back from our first of many trips to Branson. Had a great time. We really enjoyed Smoke on the Mountain at the Imax theater. Also saw Jim Stafford, the Acrobats of China, Spirit of Christmas, Tony Orlando/Lennon Sisters, Tom Mullica's Red Skelton, The Ozarks Imax Movie, Silver Dollar City (busy weekend!), and Hamner Barber. Loved them all, we probably both liked the Acrobats best, with my husband's second favorite being Red Skelton tribute and mine Smoke on the Mountain. Can\'t wait to return!
Love your site!

Bonnie

11/11/2009 Cody Wills

Gary,

Hello, I was reading several of your reviews and I feel as if you have left out the singers at Branson Mall Center Stage. I was there last week and saw Flynn Ward from London, England. I think you need to go watch his show and add him to your review because he is the best in Branson.

Cody

11/04/2009 Mike Bohn

Dear Gary,

I was just looking over your website and noticed all of your nominees in each category. I love what you are doing because it is helpful for people to come to Branson with a good idea on how best to spend their money.

I have come to Branson several times and have enjoyed seeing most of the shows you have nominated. I'm sure you will be deciding on winners soon, so I thought I would give you my two cents.

I am one who is very musically inclined and have become well known among family and friends as a trusted critic of entertainment. I get bored easily and they know it so they trust my opinion.

I have been to some shows hear in Branson that bored me to tears and I could not wait to leave. At other times, I have been thoroughly entertained.

However, I've discovered the past ten years that there really is only one show that entertains me from beginning to end. I seriously could see this show 3 times in a row and not be bored. It is most likely no surprise to you that I am referring to The Duttons. They do it all and have it all like no other group in Branson!

I have lived in 5 states and moved around a lot. Everywhere I go, I refer people to The Duttons if they are going to Branson. I have found that every time I do, they call me back or email and thank me over and over again. It is everyone's most favorite entertainment experience. All that talent bursting from one family!

I have looked through websites and found that The Duttons have not yet been awarded Best Show. Then I saw your website and realized you have them as a nominee. I'm confident you would get thousands of 'thank yous' from Branson tourists if you were the first place to award the long overdue and much deserved 'Best Show in Branson' to The Duttons.

I wish you the best in your decision. I'm hoping that The Duttons finally get the recognition they have earned through top notch, best in town, entertainment.

I thought I would give you my feedback as a long time Branson visitor. My wife and I now live in Fort Worth, Texas. You are welcome to email me back if you have any further questions.

Warm Regards,

Mike

10/26/2009 Heather Reed Morris

I went to school with Lori Locke. So glad to hear she is doing well! Could you send me her November schedule? Thank you!

Heather

10/14/2009 Mona Crowley

Have you determined the winners for 2009 yet? I saw your page listing the nominees but didn't wasn't sure if the winners had been announced.

Thank you!

10/08/2009 Brittney Wilhite

Gary

I stumbled across you reviews of different Branson shows today while I was googling the Wilhite Brothers. I am the daughter of Chris Gentile and Jeff Wilhite. I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your kind words about my family's music career! It was such a joy to read your review! Yes, you are correct about Chris now living in Nashville. Unfortunately my father, Jeff, passed away last Christmas in Oklahoma.

Please feel free to email me back!

Thank you again for such a pleasant review!

Brittney

10/02/2009 Gary Sirman

Gary,

I enjoy reading your Branson Reviews and I find them very helpful. Have you seen Peter Pan. How would you rate it?

Thanks,

Gary

9/28/2009 Tracy Lawson

Saw similar question from someone on email feeback, but no response. Three couples are coming to Branson for initial visit from Oct 17 - 24. Not sure what is best method to obtain show tickets - Online, phone, wait until we arrive??? Planning on definitely going to see SIXand considering Bill Medley/Raiders, Jim Stafford, Yakovand possibly Presley's.
For that time of year can we wait until we arrive to purchase tickets? Are there specials we should be aware of?
You seem to have initimate knowledge of Branson shows, etc.
Feedback would be appreciated....

9/172009 Mary Anne Wehrle

Gary,

I saw the Dalena Ditto Show on 9-17-09 and wanted for you to know that we would just to add to your nice review. This was a great show and she works so hard while seeming to make it effortless. Why she doesn't have a theater and evening show of her own, I don't know. The musicians and singers are great (so much talent in Branson) and the ventriloquist , Patty Davidson, is the best I've seen. They all can ad lib as needed and keep the show upbeat and moving.
The Oak Ridge Boys Theater needs to put her name on the sign board and the marquee.
We don't go to a lot of shows twice, but we will see Dalena again.

Thank you,

Mary Anne Wehrle

9/14/2009 Johnny Long

Hey there, I stumbled onto your artical "Best of Branson Reviews", and read the kind words you said about me.
I will catch you up with what I've been doing.
I was with Starlite until 1987, in 1988-90, I was with the Kirkwood Theatre, with Freddy Fender.
From about 1991-1997 I played off and on with a band called Diamond Jym in Springfield as a bass player and lead and harmony vocals.
We became popular with the college kids and we played there almost exclusivly through the early '90's. In 1997, I joined the Kendalls until Royce Kendall's death in 1998, and then Jeannie Kendall started her solo career, and I stayed with her until 2006, and still do shows with her on occasion. I sang backup on her CD, "JK: Jeannie Kendall" on Rounder. During that same time I was in the house band at B.T. Bones in Branson from 1999-2004.
In 2006, I moved to Nashville and have since joined an independant label, R&R Music Recordings, and have a single, "Neon Highway", slated for release to radio stations at the end of this month.
Right now, I'm with the Wood Brothers at Ghost Town in the Sky theme park in North Carolina,
about 40 miles from Gatlinburg, TN.
Check out my page on Myspace.

Johnny

9/14/2009 Judy Rountree

I am producing the "Buddy and Beyond" show in my area. I would like to have permission to use your review quotes in my advertising please?
Thanks in advance.

Judy

9/9/2009 Sharon Walker

Gary,

Thank you for the information. It was very helpful. I have booked The Rankin Brothers and SIX. Tried to reserve Peter Pan w/Cathy Rigby but apparently this is not available Oct 2-4. My thoughts ae to book one more show for either Friday or Saturday night and leave the other night for a relaxing dinner and time to look over the area (any recommendations for a nice restaruant to dine? We're not a fan of buffet dinners.) Also, if you could only see 1 show in Branson (other than the 2 I've already booked) what would it be?

Thanks again for responding.

Sharon

9/04/2009 Sharon Walker

I have read your reviews and they are very helpful. I have a very simple question that I would love to get an answer from someone that knows what they're talking about-and obviously you do! My husband and I are retired and coming to Branson for the first time. We are confused as to the best way to purchase show tickets-through an outlet shop, order over the internet, wait until we get there, etc. We will only be there 3 days the first of October so we need to have most everything planned before arriving to maximize our time. I started to reserve over the internet but so far, have not been able to view the seats we would be purchasing.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Sharon Walker

8/15/2009 Tiffany Coughenour

Hi Gary,
This is Stacey Gravatt's daughter. I stumbled upon your page today and just wanted to say thank you for the warm comments about Stacey. He really was an amazing man.

8/15/2009 Barry

I too became a fan of Lori Locke the first time I saw her at Presleys years ago. Was devistated to learn of her accident and been trying to get a 2009 update on her. Will she be able to walk sometime? Would really appreciate an update on her and any future performances in Branson. Planning on coming in 2010 or pehaps this Oct. Thank you

7/23/2009 Mary Gray

Are Ben and Jonathan (The Duttons) twins or are they a year and a half apart? If you could help us out, we would appreciate it.

Mary

6/21/2009 Michael Parrot

who are you and what are your qualifications, please respond. I don't see any real evidence that makes me want to take your word for anything. Please qualify yourself as I have an interest in knowing about these shows. Thanks.

5/28/2009 John Weber

We saw two of your five favorites:

1. Six, which we loved. Absolutely creative and entertaining.

2. The Haygoods. Very lively and quite good. We liked it a lot. I really enjoyed the energy.

I am with you on the dubbing of musical instruments/voices. There is a balance between keeping costs down and having live bands, such as the recorded tracks we saw on the struggling show “4 Ever Motown”. I am surprised “12 Irish Tenors” needs dubbing and recorded tracks. I am with you, seems like this is not necessary. I know you said that was one of the reasons you did not include Jim Stafford in your top five shows and recommend “Jim Stafford”. However, I find Jim very funny and an entertainer. Not all musicians/performers are entertainers.

The other things Branson should emphasize and you might consider in your reviews is the access and friendliness of the entertainers. Most of the performers mingle with the crowd at intermission and at the end of the show. That adds a classy touch that Broadway and Las Vegas could learn from! A great example at the “12 Irish Tenors”, they line up after the show. My 84 year old Mom was thrilled to casually go through the welcome line and say hello.

Overall, Branson is an excellent entertainment value and not just for the elderly. Not to mention the Ozarks are beautiful. The city planners need to attempt to limit growth or put in open spaces as much as possible.

5/28/2009 John Weber

My wife and I sat next to you at the May 18th 3pm Pierce Arrow show. We appreciated the tips of your five favorite shows. We were in town a week and saw ten different shows. In fact among the four of my extended family members in Branson we saw 14 different shows. I think my favorite was 12 Irish Tenors. My wife would say Jim Stafford. My Mom probably 12 Irish Tenors and my sister probably The Haygoods. We read your reviews of the shows we attended and enjoyed your comments. Branson is fun. A bit conservative, but great value for your money.

4/17/2009 Frank Denton

Mr. Wackerly, really appreciate your reviews. How can I obtain a video mentioned in your review of the Baldknobbers? Here in Carrollton, Tx after moving from Jeff City, and had a small lake cabin at Hurricane Deck. Love the Redheads(Redhead Express). They have performed here in Texas at the Southwest Bluegrass Club where I am a director. Thank you so much.

2/15/2009 Carol Schwenk

I am glad you enjoyed the show, I do think it is much better this year and of course you know I always think Dean is great. I don't know if Dean (Dean Z of Legends In Concert) has had a chance to read it, but I will talk to him. Sometimes I send him e-mails he does not read for two days so I end up calling him if I need an answer right away. I will get back with you on it and thanks Gary.