There's still plenty of traditional country music and tribute bands at the Little Opry, as well as shows starring generation-spanning families (Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers, Presleys' Country Jubilee, the Duttons).
But you also can choose from shows devoted to the 1950s (“New Jersey Nights”), baby boomer favorites like Bill Medley, tributes (“Legends in Concert”) and flashy glitz (“Puttin’ On the Ritz”). "The Legend of Kung Fu: Return of the Dragon" and the religious-themed shows at Sight & Sound Theatres add diversity.
Performances are year-round, with the majority from March through December. Brochures and free newspapers publish current show schedules. If you want to see a certain show at a particular time, call ahead.
Most evening shows start at 8 p.m. Matinees usually begin at 3 p.m. There are also a couple of morning shows that usually begin at 10 a.m., including the Bretts Show and “A Tribute to John Denver” at the Little Opry Theatre.
Adult ticket prices range from about $20-$60; children's ticket prices range from free to about $30. Tickets can be purchased at the theater box office or through various ticket agencies in the area. You'll find special offers in free show guide brochures and coupon sheets, available at most hotels, restaurants, theaters and attractions. AAA members can purchase discounted theater tickets at any AAA Missouri branch office.
Branson is a conservative town, and traditional values are emphasized. Flag-waving patriotism and pro-military sentiments are often expressed in production numbers, and evangelical Christian themes are presented at some shows. Most shows also include a merchandising spiel during intermission, encouraging customers to buy CDs, DVDs, autographed posters and other memorabilia. Many of the performers come out to meet fans during intermission and sign autographs in the lobby after the show.
It would take weeks to see every performance in town, and few visitors have that luxury of time. The following theater rundown emphasizes proven longevity and popularity and includes current big-name stars as well as newer acts.
Note: In some theater parking lots the rear slopes sharply; visitors with limited mobility or special needs should be dropped off at the main entrance.
Yakov's Theatre , just off US 65 on SR 248 used to be the home of Russian-born comic Yakov Smirnoff. Now it’s where you’ll find The Acrobats of China. This is the kind of show where poised performers balance spinning plates atop sticks—and that's the easy part. It's all fast-paced, colorful and thrilling.
Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai put on a similar show at the Mickey Gilley's Grand Shanghai Theatre (at 3455 SR 76W). This eye-popping spectacle will have you cheering as these athletes perform one amazing feat after another.
The stars are out in force at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater , on SR 76 across from Dolly Parton's Stampede Dinner Attraction, where impersonators in the “Legends in Concert” tribute show portray country icons like Garth Brooks and Shania Twain, plus Ray Charles, Judy Garland, Justin Timberlake and, of course, Elvis. Video screens flanking both sides of the stage project footage of the real-life legends. The good news: no lip syncing.
The Welk Resort Theatre on SR 165 (3 miles south of the SR 76/Gretna Road intersection) presents a variety of concerts by such stars as Trace Adkins as well as other performers year-round.
One of the flashiest shows in town is at the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway (near the Branson's IMAX theater complex). Tabuchi, his wife, daughter, a troupe of dancers and a band put on a show with music ranging from swing and big band to gospel, Dixieland jazz and Broadway show tunes, as well as Japanese Taiko drums.
The Mabe family is still going strong at the Branson Famous Theatre , on SR 165. They carry on a show-business tradition that began in 1959. The show, Branson’s Famous Baldknobbers (formerly The Baldknobbers Jamboree Show), has a little bit of everything—comedy routines, classic country, hot new country hits, gospel music and a patriotic finale.
Three generations of the Presley family star in another longtime Branson favorite at the Presleys' Country Jubilee theater, on SR 76. It's a fast-paced show with Southern gospel singing, classic and current country hits. Herkimer and Cecil provide comic relief.
King's Castle Theatre , on SR 76 across from the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre, presents varied entertainment including Puttin' on the Ritz, Broadway's Greatest Hits, Christmas Wonderland, New Jersey Nights and Dublin's Irish Tenors & Celtic Ladies.
Forty-five family members and a five-piece band take the stage at the Hughes Brothers Theatre . The brothers' bond shines both vocally and during moments of good-natured banter. Their schedule includes a poplar Christmas show.
Another family, the Duttons, display their multiple talents at the Dutton Family Theater on SR 76. With a repertoire that includes both Pachelbel's “Canon in D major” and the revved-up surf tune “Wipeout,” the Duttons obviously have music in their genes.
The Oak Ridge Boys appear throughout the year at the The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts . Clint Black, Charlie Daniels, Johnny Mathis and Kenny Rogers also appear here. Longtime Branson entertainer Clay Cooper headlines his own show at the Clay Cooper Theatre , on SR 76 across from Titanic—World's Largest Museum Attraction. The Haygoods, #1 Hits of the ’60s, and Hot Rods & High Heels (yet another '50s tribute) also appear at Clay Cooper's.
Hamners' Variety Theater on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway (across from the Pierce Arrow Theater) offers several shows, including the Hamners' Unbelievable Variety Show, co-starring comedian and ventriloquist Jim Barber and the Hamner family's exotic illusions, which incorporate a bevy of colorful macaws and cockatoos. Other performances include the Magnificent 7 Variety Show and a Conway Twitty tribute.
Sight & Sound Theatres , 1001 Shepherd of the Hills Expwy., presents Bible stories as elaborate live theatrical and musical performances packed full of dazzling sets and special effects.
Many theaters also present their own special Christmas shows during November and December. Contact the individual theaters for details.