by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com
Home to several of Branson’s most decorated award-winning shows (The legendary Baldknobbers (And Baldknobbers Vintage Show) “Mr. Branson” himself, Doug Gabriel, and award-winning master illusionist, Reza, Branson’s Famous Theater also has housed many spectacular black-tie events, including the prestigious Branson’s Terry Awards.
I was given the opportunity to return to this iconic theater to highlight the incredible, award-winning shows which await behind its doors.
THE BALDKNOBBER VINTAGE SHOW:
A successor of the wildly popular Baldknobber main show, the Baldknobber Vintage Show is a two-hour celebration of classic, vintage country (just like they used to make it), with a thoughtfully curated line up of songs that will surely have you reminiscing about the country music industry’s golden era.
This rousing, high energy two-hour show kicks off in stellar fashion with the comic stylings of Hargus Marcel (portrayed with pitch perfect comic timing by local comedy legend Jerl Adams), serving up his signature hapless wits, ridiculously off beat observations and hilariously over the top punch lines that will keep you laughing throughout the performance.
A few of the many stand out numbers include a searing rendition of “Burn Me Down” by VanCamp, the lovelorn “When Will I Be Loved,”, an unforgettable performance of Johnny Cash’s “Highway Man”, Jolene by Dolly Parton, and a touching tribute to Emmylou Harris and Earl Thomas Conley.
Fans of traditional gospel will surely delight in the vast array of toe tapping spirituals featured in the Vintage Show including “Keep All the Fire in Line,” “Power in the Blood” and a powerful, yet touching, rendition of “Great is Thy Faithfulness.”
Megan Mabe’s powerhouse vocals shine brightly consistently throughout the show, including a beautiful and poignant performance of the Dolly Parton/Whitney Houston Ballad “I Will Always Love You”, and a beautifully performed tribute to the Judds, featuring some of greatest smash hits from the myriad of charttoppers.
Brandon Mabe carries the show with his easy Southern drawl and country charm, gamely playing the “straight man” to all of Marcel’s outrageously funny antics and serving as the emcee, providing interesting artist facts, details, and informative song history throughout the duration of the show.
THE BALDKNOBBERS:
The Baldknobbers — named for the fiercest and most revered vigilantes in the Ozarks — bears a rich, fascinating history as Branson’s very first professional show, exciting and delighting audiences since its inception in 1959.
The Baldknobbers, who have entertained legions of fans from all over the world since their relatively humble beginnings, continue to carry on the legacy of world class, top quality, family friendly entertainment that the Mabe Brothers started all those decades ago.
The show, a high-octane mash up of a multitude of genres including classic and contemporary country, Top 40 pop, soul, acoustic, and lots of rock and roll, the Baldknobbers Show is guaranteed to have content that whets the entertainment appetite of everyone in your group.
The award-winning band plays stellar instrumentals completely live, with pitch perfect rhythm and precision throughout the show, and the show kicks off with a high energy rendition of Garth Brooks’ “All Day Long,” the ultimate “Girl Power” ballad: Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman” and “Play Something Country” by legendary country music duo, Brooks and Dunn.
Resident funnyman Hargus Marcel garners lots of laughs throughout the duration of the show with laugh out loud dialogue (which he usually shares with Branson Mabe, the show’s emcee and lead vocalist), as he offers his hilariously hapless wits, wisdoms, and life observations.
Megan Mabe wows with her signature smooth, polished, and powerful vocals on her numbers throughout the show.
Get ready to rock and roll as the show shifts genres with a hand clapping variety of numbers.
The show concludes with a heartwarming tribute to the veterans, complete with red, white and blue attire, patriotic musical numbers, and a rousing round of applause for the veterans in attendance at the evening’s production.
Special thanks to the wonderful Brandon Mabe and the entire Baldknobbers crew for facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature.
WEBSITE: http://www.Baldknobbers.com
PHONE NUMBER: (417) 231-4999
INSTAGRAM: @baldknobbers_bransonsfamous
REZA:
One of the most influential illusionists of this generation, Reza has taken the world by storm through an array of international television appearances (including Penn and Teller’s “Fool Us” and the smash hit reality series “Duck Dynasty”) and sold out shows across the nation ranging from New York to Chicago.
Reza, impishly charming and playfully engaging with his audience throughout the two-hour show, masterfully oscillates between grand scale illusion (motorcycle stunts and edge of your seat “sawing in half” acts) to classic parlor style magic (sleight of hand and various intimate card tricks).
The show has often been described by critics as a “rock concert meets a magic show.” Reza’s tremendously talented cast of dancers and assistants help carry the show with dazzling reality- defying stunts, contortion, and more.
Reza frequently summons numerous lucky volunteers during the span of the show including a vanishing act.
WEBSITE: http://www.Rezalive.com
PHONE NUMBER: (417) 231-4999
INSTAGRAM: @rezaillusionist
DOUG GABRIEL:
Starring “ Mr. Branson” (as many media outlets and peers have lovingly dubbed him) himself, Doug Gabriel, “The Doug Gabriel Show” holds the honor of being the third longest running show in Branson, featuring Doug’s family, all musically/comedically gifted.
Gabriel, relentlessly personable and gracious with all of his fans, maintains a warm rapport with the crowd throughout the duration of his two-hour morning show.
Jasmine and Stephanie Haygood present a dazzling tribute to the ladies of country music followed by Dolly Patton’s lovelorn classic “Jolene”, and Gabriel shortly thereafter returns to the state with a pulse pounding tribute to Elvis.
Resident comedian, Jordan Gabriel (multi time winner of the prestigious “Comedian of the Year” award, brings uproarious laughter as the show’s comic relief.
Witness a true Branson legend up close and in person starring in one of the most awarded and iconic morning shows you’ll find in town.
WEBSITE: http://www.DougGabriel.com
PHONE NUMBER: (417) 337-8300
INSTAGRAM: @douggabrielshow
