by VICTORIA HENLEY
CTFashionMag.com
One of the most diverse and dynamic theaters to grace the iconic “Country Boulevard” in Branson, Mo., the “live music capital of the world,” Americana Theatre serves up an exhilarating array of live shows, ranging in genre from classic country to Broadway to traditional variety theater to celebrity tributes and much, much more.
I was afforded the exclusive opportunity to return and provide you the inside scoop on what to expect during your next visit to this award winning theater.
AWESOME 80’s
Fans of the rousing, rocking music of the 80’s will undoubtedly delight in this high-octane tribute show, featuring a roster of talented performers paying homage to some of the music industry’s brightest stars, including Stevie Nicks, Mick Jagger, Janis Joplin and more.
The performers, bearing uncanny resemblance in vocal tone, performance aesthetic, style, and appearance to the artists they tribute, bring to life a stellar variety of chart toppers.
This show features a regularly rotating line up of artists and songs ensuring a thrilling and fresh experience each time you visit.
BROADWAY TO BUBLE: STARRING GEORGE DYER:
Starring the enigmatic, outrageously talented and classically trained performer, George Dyer, “Broadway to Buble” features a plethora of show tunes, operettas and theatrical ballads, sure to strike the fancy of even the most discerning Broadway enthusiasts.
The only show in Branson to serve up an almost exclusive catalog of theatrical fare, this show is sure to be the most sophisticated and culturally immersive morning show you’ll ever experience, featuring two hours of jaw dropping, high energy entertainment.
A show stopping tribute to the award winning movie musical “The Greatest Showman” was brought to life by George and his wife Christine featuring particularly heartwarming renditions of “Tightrope” and “Never Enough.”
Dyer nods to his vast operatic background with numerous pieces from the riveting Italian opera “Rigolletto.”
Additional standout moments include a tribute to the Broadway staple “Phantom of the Opera” and “Hamilton,” and “Les Miserables.”
Dyer closes the show with a patriotic tribute to the troops, a spiritually charged segment on the resurrection of Jesus, and a breathtaking rendition of Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman’s “Time To Say Goodbye” to close out the acclaimed show.
MOTOWN AND MORE:
A joyous, relentlessly feel good celebration of music’s most soulful genre is one of the newest additions to the Americana Theatre’s wildly impressive roster of shows. This dynamic show is already a smash success among ardent Motown fans and enthusiasts brand new to the genre, alike.
The cast, brimming with charisma and top notch bluesy vocals kick off the show with a rousing rendition of “Cloud 9” and “I Wish it would Rain” by Motown Legends The Temptations.
The cast exhibits keen skill and precision with the numerous dance numbers performed throughout the duration of production, seamlessly blending powerful vocals with visually impressive choreography.
This brand new powerhouse show closes with a sweet and heartfelt performance of “My Girl” and is sure to leave you with a spring in your step, as well as a whole new appreciation for the Motown era.
ELVIS STORY OF KING
This award-winning musical illustrates the humble beginnings and meteoric rise to superstardom of “The King of Rock and Roll,” narrated in the voice of Elvis’s supportive, yet trepidatious and protective mother.
Intriguing and informative video packages play intermittently throughout select portions of this dynamic two-hour show, featuring clips of Elvis’s early recordings days at his first record label, Sun Records, interviews with major press and media outlets of his era, and rarely seen behinds the scenes footage and content from some of his most major concerts and tours.
Action-packed from start to finish, the show kicks off with a high octane rendition of “Jailhouse Rock” (performed with great passion and aplomb by the show’s headliner, Matthew Boyce), and subsequently slows in pace for a bit with bluesy renditions of “Love Me Tender” and “Heartbreak Hotel.”
The ensemble cast, all supremely and diversely talented in song, dance, and musicality, brings to life a variety of stellar songs from the 1950s and beyond.
Any Elvis tribute show would not be complete without the inclusion of gospel music, a genre which was very near and dear to the performer’s heart, and the poignant, exquisitely performed gospel segment included earth-shaking spirituals and hymns such as “Saved,” and “If I Can Dream.”
An “American Trilogy” patriotic segment honoring the United States Military spotlighted Elvis’s unwavering love for his country including a stirring performance of “Dixie” and a star-spangled salute to the troops, which brought the audience to its feet.
C.J. NEWSOM’S CLASSIC COUNTRY AND COMEDY SHOW
The headlining show at the Americana Theatre stars owner (beloved Branson singer and entrepreneur CJ Newsom) as well as a dazzling cast complete with dancers, remarkably talented ensemble singers, and laugh out loud comedy that will surely have you in stitches.
The show kicks off with CJ showcasing her powerhouse vocals on numbers like Elvis’s “Trouble,” as well as covers of smash singles by country superstars Barbara Mandrell and Patsy Cline. The stellar supporting vocalists star in show-stopping acts throughout the duration of the two hour show including a tribute to Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty, and a lively performance of the legendary Oak Ridge Boys’ “Elvira.”
Additional standout moments include Newsom, the evening’s headliner, placing her unparalleled yodeling skills in the spotlight with an unforgettable rendition of Patsy Montana’s “Cowboys Sweetheart” and Glen Campbell’s “Rhinestone Cowboy.”
Movie musical lovers will surely delight in the “film tribute” portion of the show, which pays unforgettable homage to “Blazing Saddles,” “Smoky and the Bandit” and Dolly Parton’s “Best Little Whorehouse in Texas.”
Highly decorated and critically acclaimed comedian Terry Wayne Sanders steals the show with his world renowned impression of Joan Rivers.
The show closes with a salute to the troops and a soul stirring performance of the beloved Christian classic “He’s Alive.”
Shout out to the incredible C.J. And Chris Newsom for having us back and facilitating our visit for this spotlight feature.)
WEBSITE: https://americanatheatrebranson.com
PHONE NUMBER: (417) 544-8700
INSTAGRAM: @americanatheatre
