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An Escape To Branson Country

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 5, 2008

Mention Branson, Mo., and most people think "country," fancy fiddling, cowboy boots and barnyard scenery. Try this instead: classical violin, sequined costumes and technical effects that might make a Broadway stage set seem antiquated. There are plenty of both with other venues that fit somewhere in between in this entertainment Mecca of the Ozarks and Freedom Plaza residents sampled a bit of it all during their recent Branson visit.

Seven stage shows, numerous dining experiences, plus hours exploring a mountain-top park - all in just three days - kept the group busy, yet still left time for morning walks to enjoy the clear, crisp autumn weather. The fact that more than 50 theaters are within Branson's city limits, and mere minutes away from hotels, makes such a schedule feasible.

Quite a few of our Branson travelers were returnees, some having been there numerous times before, and looking forward to seeing favorite entertainers once again. All of them requested Shoji Tabuchi. A classically-trained virtuoso violinist, he emigrated from Japan to America specifically to learn "country fiddling" and built a successful career as well as the most elegant, sophisticated theater in Branson. His musically diverse show with state-of-the-art stage devices (such as microphones that rise from the floor on cue) is equaled only by the decor of the theater's restrooms. For the ladies there are crystal chandeliers, banks of fresh flowers, orchids at each wash basin and an attendant offering perfumed hand lotion. The men's room features mahogany paneling and a billiards table.

The grand finale to the Branson trip was viewing the newest show, in the newest theater in the area, "Noah the Musical" at the Sight & Sound arena. Seating more than 2,000, the building boasts a four-story-high ceiling that allowed the audience to be seated "inside the ark"; laser lights; a 40-foot-high rotating stage and video enhanced imaging. Live animals led in two-by-two completed the illusion.

What was the consensus of the Branson group? Which show was the best? Even with all the talent embodied there and the theatrical magic offered in Branson, Mother Nature topped the bill. Her plethora of bright flowers and the pumpkins pilled high at Silver Dollar City Park; the rich foliage of hills merging into the blue of distant mountains, all kissed in friendly sunshine, remain unequalled for awe-inspiring, sense-filling spectacle. It is a scene so enticing that requests are already coming for another autumn trip and some more of Branson's "country."

Peggy Burgess is the creative director for Freedom Plaza.

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