One Man - Multiple Faces

 

 

Recently I heard a phrase: “Every human has a unique history.” Indeed, Terry Sanders, the hardest working entertainer in the music town of Branson, Missouri, has a unique history. However, Terry wears multiple faces. He has created a story and a history for numerous characters in his creative career. Terry is one of those college drama graduates whose parents kept asking, “When are you going to get a real job?” However, Terry had his plan for a career. With a degree from Southwest Missouri State University (now Missouri State University), he headed to Branson. He worked at various jobs and especially gained from “The Toby Show” founded and directed by the late Shad Heller. Working in concessions, Terry memorized every line of every performer in the show. One evening when an actor fell ill, his break came. One break was all he needed. With a flair for transforming himself into different characters, Terry landed a job at Silver Dollar City, an 1890’s themed park a few miles from Branson. For 34 years, he has developed and played multiple characters throughout his days in the park.

A visitor might suddenly find himself being measured with a long yardstick by Mr. E. Balmer, who never speaks a word. Later in the same day, a wacky genius with powder burns in his lab coat might pass by muttering something about experiments and traveling in time. That would be Doc Harris. Often, a Southern gentleman, Colonel Paisley Parnell, greets guests in a honey-coated voice. Sometimes getting off the tram at the City, a no-nonsense prison warden, W.P. Warburton, barks orders to stay behind the white line until the tram comes to a complete stop. At Silver Dollar City’s Old Time Christmas, he is Clarence Peabody, Santa’s helper at Kringle’s Krossing.

Once at a fall festival, scarecrows decorated the City, standing in the flowerbeds, hanging from tree limbs, and lounging on benches. One life-sized scarecrow perched on the end of a bench near the entrance. A lady sat down to catch her breath and silently, with no discernible movement, the scarecrow’s white-gloved hand slipped behind and tapped her on the shoulder. Yes, inside those overalls stuffed with straw, Terry Sanders worked his magic for visitors to Silver Dollar City. The screaming woman recovered and the scarecrow gave her a huge hug. All in a day’s work to make a visit to the City memorable.

Nevertheless, work does not end with the daytime for Terry Sanders. For many years, he finished at Silver Dollar City and made his way to Braschler’s Music Theater where he filled the role of Homer Lee, the theater’s janitor. His character and the name Homer Lee have become synonymous with Terry Sanders. In fact, most of his fans think his real name is Homer Lee.

At the Braschler’s Theater, Terry honed his impersonation skills in a Joan Rivers look alike character. He often appeared in the show as the acclaimed star—and began making personal appearances as Joan Rivers at other venues. He also changed into his own grandmother, Grandma Beulah. Soon, Terry’s face appeared as Terry the Tour Guide on Branson’s Vacation Channel. For 16 years, he has played his tour guide role, as well as seven other characters in a one-hour show called “Branson Country.” The show airs several times daily on the Vacation Channel.

For twelve seasons, Terry played two characters at the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama: Doc Coughlin, the doddering old man whose repeated phrase, “What would Sarah and the girls say?” became the character’s signature, and Ollie Stewart, the city slicker who blew onto the scene in his fancy uptown car to claim the heroine’s hand. All those years, Terry and his wife Dede raised two sons, who each performed as Little Pete in the “Shepherd of the Hills.” The drama turned into a family affair as Dede played Mrs. Wheeler and Evan Sanders recently played “Ollie” on Monday evenings when his dad performed the role of “Doc.” The cast of “Shepherd of the Hills” took their final bow as the drama closed on October 19, 2013.

For six seasons in September and October, Terry Sanders has led one-hour campfire/wagon rides at Big Cedar Lodge on select evenings. As “Deputy Birdy Tweedle,” he tells the history of Big Cedar Lodge—and adds a few tall tales. Playing “Barney Fife,” he has performed for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) on several dates and at different locations.

Also for six seasons, Terry has written, produced, and performed in Bass Pro’s Christmas celebration. For 2013, he has written, produced, and directed a new show for Bass Pro in Springfield called “Rock n Roll Breakfast with Santa.” Scheduled on five Saturday mornings starting on November 23 and running through December 21, a breakfast buffet opens at 8:00 a.m. Terry’s show starts at 8:30 a.m.

Terry is in his second season performing on Kelly’s Kountry Junction, a locally produced TV show currently shown on local PBS stations in Joplin and Springfield, Missouri. The show follows a format similar to “The Carol Burnett Show” with many characters and skits. Terry stretches his creativity in many characters.

Terry and other Branson stars filmed “Boonie Woonie,” a local movie that premiered at the Branson IMAX Theatre on September 8, 2013, to a sold-out crowd. The movie will be available on DVD in time for Christmas 2013. In May 2013, Terry staged a sold-out “Homer Lee Reunion” at the former Braschler Theatre in Branson. Terry says, “I knew every single person in the audience.” Of course, he knew every single person onstage, as well, entertainers with whom he has worked over the past four decades. Bob Leftridge of the Baldknobbers was the “voice” of the show. Former cast members of “The Toby Show” that gave Terry his first break appeared on the stage: Jae McFerron, Ray Jones, Rick Medlin, and Greg Becker. Also appearing were Berry Wynne and South Wynne, the Braschler Quartet, four singers from the Braschler Show: Merissa Braschler, Susie Sims, Raphel Thompson, Dee Schrock-Dolloff. Barbara Fairchild, Clay Cooper, Toni Roi, Doug Gabriel, Shoji Tabuchi, Dino Kartsonakis, and the “real” Joan Rivers also made guest appearances on the show.

Terry Sanders says he plans to do personal appearances “everywhere” for the rest of his life. Although he is the busiest entertainer on the Branson scene, going from his regular job at Silver Dollar City to his regular job at Big Cedar Lodge, and now his regular job at the Shoji Tabuchi Theatre, he books appearances at special events, anniversaries, birthdays, family reunions, corporate meetings—and even at the Baker Creek Seed Company. His parents finally conceded that he has a “real” job.

The Facts About The Haygoods and Branson's Future... by Catherine Haygood

The Haygoods have performed as a family in Branson for 20 years. We love it here. Branson is our home and where we choose to raise our families. There has been a lot of interest concerning our recent announcement to move to the Clay Cooper Theatre for the 2014 season. We wanted to share some insight...

The Haygoods have worked with other shows for a few years, while performing our own show and operating two theatres with 12 shows. A few months ago, we received notification that Roy Rogers Jr., Jeerk, and Todd Oliver were leaving Branson for various reasons. Additionally, the Redneck Tenors management team said they needed a larger theatre and would be moving from the Americana Theatre. The Branson shuffle of shows is something that commonly happens every year. Theatres don't run without shows in them, so we elected to make some changes that we had been considering for a while now.

Our current facility at RFD Theatre is on a year-to-year lease. We have been looking at investing in new technology and production equipment for our show to take it to the next level. We needed a long term commitment in order for it to make sense financially. Clay Copper has our vision for the future, and gave us the commitment we were looking for. Also, our fans know we have been experimenting with new music for fun. We wanted to try out that music on the road on Fridays and Wednesdays. Again, the schedule at Clay’s theatre worked out great for us to do that.

Presently, we have about 35 employees. They will move with us to Clay Cooper Theatre or stay at Americana with the new show leasing it, Some will stay at RFD Theatre or move with the other shows to their new facilities. RFD and Americana Theatre are NOT closing. They are simply leasing to other shows who are shuffling around as well.

Many have commented on the economy in Branson. Our show and the shows from our theatres that are staying in Branson are doing well. Take a look at the pictures we recently posted on our web page. We have crowds like this every night, five to six nights a week. The Redneck Tenors are having an awesome fall season. They are doing quite well. Barry Williams’ show is growing very nicely. Cassandre' is sold out two complete weeks in November. Joseph Hall is the new "King" of Branson. The Tweeds are moving up again. These shows will announce new locations shortly.

Drive down the strip anytime and check out the large crowds at SIX, Presley’s, Pierce Arrow, Clay Cooper, Duttons, Sight and Sound, and Dixie Stampede. Customers may have different tastes than they did even five years ago, but some Branson shows are doing well. SIX, Clay Cooper, and The Haygoods are doing very well!

Branson showgoers’ tastes are changing. This is natural and to be expected. We believe in the future of Branson. That is why the Haygoods are making a long term commitment to perform at the Clay Cooper Theatre.

Branson is an awesome, wholesome place to vacation and a place where you can bring your family to enjoy some of the finest clean entertainment in the world. We look forward to many more years of fun. We look forward to growing and changing as Branson heads into a new era of growth and prosperity. We are counting on it and doing our part to make it happen. Thank you Branson!

Clay Cooper Theatre Home of the Haygoods for 2014!

 

Clay Cooper performed in Branson as a teenager with a group called the Texas Gold Minors. Most of the troupe exited the music city on different paths, but Clay made Branson his home, emceeing Country Tonite for numerous seasons. In 2010, he and his wife Tina took ownership of the Osmond Theatre from Jimmy Osmond and renamed it the Clay Cooper Theatre. Together, the duo made each residing show feel important as part of the Clay Cooper Theatre family.

During the years that Clay Cooper became a recognized name in the Branson music scene, the Haygoods spent eight years of their young lives building a solid reputation, performing five shows a day, five days a week, at Silver Dollar City. Perfecting their craft, the seven brothers and one sister kept up music, dance, and gymnastic lessons, as well as a full schedule of school work. Known throughout the Midwest for their energetic, modern, and well-honed musical style, the Haygoods, now performing as five brothers and one sister, are taking the stage in 2014 three nights a week, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., at the Clay Cooper Theatre. Clay says, “Tim, Patrick, Dom, Michael, and Matthew have been great friends for years. I feel like I’ve watched their little sister, Catherine, grow up on stage! I think this is an excellent opportunity for both of our shows at this time. We can offer even more variety to our customers and provide three knock-out family-owned, and yet completely different, night shows under one roof. I am excited about an extraordinary 2014 season!”

Clay Cooper will continue as the headliner at his theatre, featuring Clay Cooper’s Country Express, a big production, high-energy, variety show with 22 veteran entertainers singing and dancing into the hearts of audiences. Clay features all the cast members in a variety of old country, new country, and rock ‘n’ roll, spotlighting ten dancers, a six-piece band, two youth performers, trick-roper, Johnny Lonestar, and comedian, Matt Gumm. Clay and his cast will have a regular schedule of four nights a week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday at 7:30 p.m. plus morning shows on Tuesdays and Thursdays during May and again, September through December, at 10 a.m.

The Clay Cooper Theatre will also be the home of Red, Hot...& Blue!, Buckets N Boards, and Mel Tillis. Red, Hot…& Blue! travels over decades of music from the Big Band Era of the 1940’s through the fun music of today. The cast of seven singer/dancers, along with their three piece band, provides non-stop, high-energy singing, dancing, and reminiscing. The show displays over 100 costume changes. Red, Hot…& Blue! will be performing morning shows at 10 a.m. in the spring and fall.

Buckets N Boards will return for their 5th season with Clay Cooper Theatre. Gareth Sever and Matthew Levingston have handcrafted a hilarious and high-energy show chock-full of precise percussion, ridiculous songs, spectacular tap dancing, inventive instrumentation, and unique musical talent. Buckets N Boards is an experience that entertains the entire family. Show time is 2 p.m. during March and then again, June through August.

Mel Tillis and his band, The Statesiders, will return to Clay Cooper Theatre for the 2014 fall season, September through December. Mel has recorded over 60 albums and written 1,000 songs. He has 36 Top Ten Singles with nine of them going to Number 1 on the charts. His 2 p.m. performances on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays and selected Mondays at 7:30 p.m. will feature his son, whom he fondly calls Sonny Boy.

Along with this incredible lineup, Clay Cooper has plans for additional renovations in the theatre this winter. He says, “Since the day we moved in, our biggest concern has been the theatre seating. This winter, we plan to bring in all new theatre seats with a completely different floor plan in hopes of providing more leg room for our guests. We will also be getting a new roof, if weather permits.”

Regarding his 2014 season, Clay Cooper adds: “We’re just real people, havin’ a real good time!”

DEAN Z winner of the 2013 Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist Competition in Memphis

Legends in Concert is “All Shook Up” with excitement and pleased to announce that Dean Z, a long time Legends Branson performer and a show favorite, was crowned the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist 2013” on Saturday, August 17th at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis, Tennessee.

Dean’s rendition of “Jailhouse Rock”, as his final number in the competition, literally rocked the house and garnered him not only the title but also a grand prize of $20,000 and a performing contract with Legends in Concert. In this case, that contract is merely an extension, since Dean is already one of Legends’ best tribute artists and performs in the Branson show.

The Ultimate Elvis® Tribute Artist contest, sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc., consists of 29 preliminary contests, held at various venues throughout the world and involves hundreds of Elvis tribute artists competing for a spot at the finals, which are held in Memphis annually during Elvis Week. Dean earned a trip to Memphis by taking 1st place at the “Rockin’ Elvis Fest” at the Pala Casino, in Pala, California. in March.

“I have no words that can express how much this honor means to me,” said an elated Z. “This is something I have been working toward my whole life, and the whole thing is just so surreal."

Celebrating its 30th year, “Legends in Concert” is a live musical celebration featuring the world’s greatest celebrity tribute artists. The product is owned and operated by Las Vegas-based On Stage Entertainment, Inc. Widely recognized in the entertainment industry as the original celebrity tribute show, “Legends in Concert” has not only performed throughout the United States, but the show has traveled to 15 countries on five continents, entertaining more than 25 million fans. In addition to Las Vegas, "Legends" is presented year-round in numerous cities including Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Branson, Missouri; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Foxwoods, Connecticut; Waikiki, Hawaii, and on the high seas onboard the Norwegian EPIC.

In addition to Dean Z’s performance as Elvis Presley, Legends in Concert in Branson hosts tributes to Johnny Cash, Celine Dion, the Blues Brothers™, and The Temptations. Upcoming acts September through December include Stevie Wonder, Cher, Alan Jackson, Buddy Holly, and Whitney Houston.

For more information: www.legendsinconcert.com

Kid Testing Silver Dollar City

Silver Dollar City is the ultimate fantasy—the playground to top all playgrounds with over 30 rides to fit children of all ages. Although my big kid, Lee, is an aficionado of the City’s roller coasters, we took a look at our favorite theme park through the eyes of Timothy, our four-year-old great-grandson. When he first stepped inside the reproduction 1890’s town, he exclaimed: “This is amazing!”

We made our way along the winding, shady walkways to The Grand Exposition, an area specially designed for families. More than ten rides take their themes from the Grand Expositions and World Fairs of the late 1800s. The rides thrill little ones, yet accommodate a parent or grandparent to ride with them.

With his Pap-pa Lee, Timothy rode a miniature roller coaster, giant twirling teacups, flying elephants, and pirate ships braving imaginary high seas. We did not get to hopping frogs and whirling ladybugs. A spinning butterfly ride especially suits the youngest rider.

Older kids get thrills on rides with names such as the Magnificent Wave Carousel, Mighty Galleon, Racing Regatta, and the Electro Spin. The Grand Exposition area also features games of skill and glimpses of history, combining the latest technology and innovation in rides with the “Golden Era of Discovery” that was popular in the late 19th Century.

Because of Timothy’s young age and height restrictions, we skipped rides that older kids enjoy—the roller coasters: Powder Keg, Wild Fire, Thunderation, and the City’s newest, Outlaw Run. Riders are promised splashes and spritzes on American Plunge, Lost River, Flooded Mine, and Fire in the Hole. We saved those rides for Timothy’s next adventure—when he is older and bigger.

However, he and his Pap-pa Lee made a tough team for Tom and Huck’s River Blast, a wet and wild river adventure. Passengers on the river barges and spectators along the 567-foot river channel wage a fierce water war, both shooting streams from super soakers mounted on the rafts and at strategic look-outs along the shore line. Boy and grandpa emerged soaking wet—and I never knew who won the battle.

For a slower pace, we took a 20-minute ride on Silver Dollar City’s authentic steam train. Although Timothy’s imagination soars, he did not understand why the train stopped rumbling along its tracks through the woods for a staged train robbery. Most of the wacky, hillbilly dialogue between the train conductor and the train robbers went over his head.

Stepping off the train, we took the walkway to Half Dollar Holler, one of Silver Dollar City’s newest play areas designed especially for visitors ages three to seven. The playground, described as a playscape, provides a safe zone with a single access entrance. Treetop fun houses and climbing nets set the stage for youngsters to expend energy climbing through a maze of elevated structures.

Timothy and several other children his age enjoyed the Lil’ Swings. The operator set a friendly and secure tone when she made note of each child’s name as they climbed into the bucket swings. Throughout the ride, she announced they were going higher and higher, and then they were reducing their speed to the crawl of a snail.

Timothy also rode a bear on Hugo and Mary’s Carousel, a beautifully restored old-fashioned carousel with hand-carved horses and bears. Children of all ages, heights, and weights can ride the Carousel with an accompanying adult or teenager at least 17 years of age.

Our next adventure took us to Geyser Gulch, the World’s Largest Tree House towering three stories and stretching out over Silver Lake. The area sets the stage for children to explore—and Timothy stayed busy. He giggled as he raced back and forth through the unpredictable water spouts on the outside deck. Next, there were water guns to shoot at targets in the lake and stairs to climb reaching a three story slide. After at least a dozen trips down the slippery red slide, he was off to the main tree house, fitted with air guns to shoot soft foam balls into the air and quietly fall to the bottom floor. Quickly, he caught on to the method for retrieving pastel balls from a bin and loading them into one of several guns mounted on three levels of the giant play house.

On the bottom level, he stood ankle-deep in blue, pink, and green balls while dozens more rained down from the upper levels. He again loaded guns and pushed the button to hurl them high above his head. But often he interrupted his sharp shooting to sit on the carpeted floor and suction up the balls in a long clear vacuum hose.  

The balls swooshed up the hose—but where did they go? The kids taking turns did not care. Timothy played for about two hours at Geyser Gulch, a lively, noisy area that intrigues young kids and teenagers alike. 

By late afternoon, we made our way back to the City’s square and to the exit. We had one last ride—the tram back to the parking lot. Timothy declared that as fun! And he asked how many “sleeps” did he have to take before he could return to Silver Dollar City.

One Night With the King

 

Legends in Concert presents Jailhouse Rock®, featuring world renowned Elvis tribute artist, Dean Z. This original production will be performed for one night only at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater on May 25th at 11:00 p.m.  Jailhouse Rock® is a concert experience featuring the stories and music that transformed the Rockabilly Rebel into the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll®. Jailhouse Rock® will feature an all star live band, talented back up vocalists, and a special tribute to the Jordanaires by Branson’s own New South Quartet. Dean’s authentic tribute to the King features pivotal moments in Elvis’s career highlighting his first recording.

On the regular summer schedule at Legends in Concert, see Celine Dion, The Temptations, Johnny Cash, The Blue Brothers, and Elvis, portrayed nightly by Dean Z. Starting at age three with his first rendition of Elvis’ songs, Dean Z presents one of the nation’s best Elvis shows. He’s been around the world with his act, but today Dean Z is a regular performer on Legends’ stage in Branson. With the belief that Elvis was the “…coolest, most charismatic entertainer of the 20th century,” Dean Z continues the legacy of the entertainer who ushered Rock ‘n’ Roll onto the music scene. For almost three decades, he has worked tirelessly to give his audiences an unforgettable performance.

Completely self-taught, Dean Z also plays six different musical instruments. He has written and performed in musicals starring Elvis, Buddy Holly, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Each of Dean Z’s shows is filled with passion and creativity. He now brings the glory of Rock ‘n’ Roll’s King to a generation of fans who were not around to experience the Elvis mania that swept over American stages, movies, and the recording industry. On a weekly schedule, May 23 through September 3, Dean Z rocks the house with his uncanny recreation of the King’s moves and songs.

More information: http://www.legendsinconcert.com/

Order tickets: 1-800-374-7469

 

Movies and Videos Do Not Measure Up to Live Theater

Annie Gill, a young opera artist we met at Opera in the Ozarks near Eureka Springs, Arkansas, posted on Facebook: “Movies and DVDs are great, but, People, get out into the theaters and hear live performances! I was energized and inspired by all of the performing artists.” Annie referred to her own performance in “Opera Night at Sotto Sopra,” and her attendance at “Les Miserable” and the “Lyric Opera of Baltimore Gala,” all in Baltimore, Maryland.

Although miles separate us, I echo Annie’s sentiment. Although we go other places to see plays or musicals, our favorite live shows are in the theaters at Branson, Missouri.

Recently, we made a four-day trip to America’s Live Music Show Capital and took in four stage shows. The Haygoods, playing in the RFD-TV Theatre in Branson, kept a fast pace for their two hour show. I have been following and writing about the Haygood family, seven boys and one girl, since they started their Branson careers at Silver Dollar City in 1993. Today, they have grown up and now produce their own show along the entertainment city’s main thoroughfare. Recently, the group returned to Silver Dollar City to sing the National Anthem at the opening of the City’s newest roller coaster, Outlaw Run.

Today’s show on their own theatre stage features five of the brothers: Timothy, Patrick, Dominique, Michael, and Matthew, and their sister Catherine. The family sets the mood for fun when the audience warms up tossing bags of balloons from front to back in relay fashion. The brothers and Catherine storm the stage in foot-stomping style while Michael literally sweeps onto the stage in a flyover. In life off the stage, Timothy and Michael actually fly airplanes.

Each sibling plays multiple instruments; however, Catherine plays the highest number, including fiddle, harp, saxophone, and drums. Patrick primarily plays keyboards, while Timothy adds a bit of comedy to the show playing his off-key (according to Dominique) banjo. Matthew masters the five-string bass; Michael plays classical guitar, and all the brothers are proficient on fiddle—the instrument that started them on the path to performing. Their vocal harmonies touch the audience’s heart and their rhythmic tap dancing—akin to the musical “Stomp”—energizes the whole theater.

Branson’s shows are diverse, meeting the tastes of different audiences. Three Redneck Tenors, appearing in patched overalls and denim cut-offs that might embarrass the most committed hillbilly, juxtapose their trained opera voices against the characters of Billy Bob, Billy Joe, and Billy Billee. Their show, based on adventures of the three rednecks is narrated by a city slicker agent they call the “Colonel.” In real life, Dinny McGuire is a former Ring Master of both Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circuses. The new adventures of these three singers, lacking in manners and stage savvy, follows a circuitous musical path from a broken-down Texas trailer park to New York’s Carnegie Hall. Along the way, their voices—nothing hillbilly in their sound—belt out theme songs from television series ranging from "Bonanza" and "Beverly Hillbillies" to "Green Acres," "Rawhide," and "The Jeffersons."

In the second half of their show, the three tenors appear as the experienced opera and Broadway stars that they are: Blake Davidson, Alex Bumpas, and Matthew Lord, clad in a more expected operatic style of tuxes and tails. Their magnificent voices—in solos and harmonies—swell over the audience at the New Americana Theatre in arias, Broadway tunes, and gospel melodies.

Cassandré Haygood and Friends, also at the New Americana Theatre, entertained us in a morning show. Vocally trained at the University of Nebraska, Cassandré has performed in Branson for the past 13 years, nine of those years in productions at Silver Dollar City. The last four years, she has headlined her own show on Branson’s famed “Strip.” Her passion for performing comes across in her singing, dancing, and acting, as well as her interaction with audiences.

Accompanied by a nine member orchestra, Cassandré’s theme for the show centers on a celebration of music from the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. She shines equally in classical works and “oldies” tunes. In duets, she sings with Jeremy Rabe, challenging their voices in such songs as “Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better.” Cassandré radiates joy in her stage act and in her life as the wife of performer, Timothy Haygood, and the mother of their baby girl. Her performance is enhanced by numerous changes into sequined and glamorous gowns.

Cassandré also loves the comedic side of performing, as we had previously witnessed in her performance in “A Dickens Christmas Carol” at Silver Dollar City. For her own show, she developed the character, Aunt Erma, and writes the comedy skits for the matronly woman with a “hitch” in her hips as she dances. Aunt Erma comes to Branson from Lake Wannaputasockinit where she is the five-time defending champion of the “Put A Sock In It” Karaoke Contest. Costumed in a frumpy house dress and a Dolly Parton wig, Aunt Erma wows the audience with both country and popular vocals. Her quick-step dancing comes as an entertaining surprise.

On our last evening of this trip to Branson, we went to “It,” produced by the Hughes Family. Started by the five Hughes brothers: Marty, Jason, Andy, Ryan, and Adam, the brothers explained the renaming of their show, saying “You must see ‘It!’” They related that many entertainers and advertisers refer to “it,” and surely, they must mean the Hughes Family Show, “It.”

The show claims they are “The World’s Largest Performing Family.” With a 55-member cast, no doubt, they are. The five brothers’ wives perform with them, (the brothers say they audition their wives!) as well as 34 (and counting) children ranging in age from babes in arms to young adults. As brother Jason says, “The kids have been onstage since conception, so they come into this family with stage presence.” Indeed, that is proven in act after act: five sons imitating their dads in western outfits at the beginning of their careers; 19-year-old Kristina performing on the violin and joined by six cousins on violins; six sons of the brothers in overalls singing and dancing to songs from “Big River,” “Oklahoma,” and “Paint Your Wagon,” and the smaller kids in a musical act all their own. In all their years of performances, the family has always produced a baby for the nativity scene in their Christmas productions.

The show is a blend of music from country and classics to Broadway and gospel. The brothers—the dads—suit up for a rendition of “My Girl.” Their wives, Cindy, Mara, Carina, Becky, and Vikki, parade on stage with bright colored dresses and umbrellas, singing and dancing to “I’m Walking on Sunshine.” The show’s pace is fast; the choreography, spirited. One minute the audience is laughing; the next, wiping a tear in response to heart-strumming harmonies. The entire show is uplifting and inspirational. The Hughes present an entertaining family that exhibits their love for each other, for God, and for country.

Marty Hughes, the oldest brother, sums up their obvious connection with audiences: "There is nothing better than being able to do the thing you love, and having your audiences love the thing you do."

As Annie Gill says, “There is no substitute for live theater.” Get to Branson and find your seat. Maybe Lee and I will sit next to you!