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Welcome to the Branson, MO, fans website where you will find everything you need to know about the shows with over 2000 reviews. Read what the average person has to say about Branson Shows and area attractions – they are our Branson Critics.
The opinions of people who frequent the shows are most important to the traveler who visits Branson. That is why Branson Critic makes it easy to submit reviews, give comments about the shows or our site, ask questions and give answers, submit pictures, or volunteer as a columnist writer.
The Editors at Branson Critic also share wonderful reviews with digital pictures to give you the inside look into the shows.
We have developed a complete Branson Show Directory which contains each show or theatre website link as well as a link to their individual show reviews.
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2009 Branson Critic Awards Presentations
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EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARD BEST NEW SHOW – TOP TEN ROCK & ROLL REVUE
November 6, 2009, 7:00 PM
A six-member BransonCritic awards team attended the Top 10 Rock & Roll Revue on Friday night for the presentation of the 2009 Best New Show, Editors’ Choice Award. Chad Ray, Director of Operations, made the presentation to Marvin Short, backed by the entire cast on stage. Chad gave a brief background of BransonCritic.com and then read some quotes from Top 10 Rock & Roll Revue fans and Branson Critic editors, including:
Kathy Bennett, Editor:
Top 10 Rock and Roll Revue definitely is the BEST New Show for 2009. Each of these musicians is seasoned; and together form an awesome group. Top 10 performs the type of music everyone loves; the transition from one decade to another is smooth; and the vocals are excellent! There is comedy and interaction with the audience interspersed throughout the program. It's the total package, amazingly well-done!
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EDITORS’ CHOICE: A MUST SEE SHOW – RANKIN BROTHERS
November 5, 2009, 8:00 PM
A six-member BransonCritic staff entourage attended the Rankin Brothers Show on Thursday night for the presentation of the 2009 Must See Show, Editors’ Choice Award. Chad Ray, Director of Operations, made the presentation to Mark and Matt Rankin, backed by the entire cast on stage. Chad gave a brief background of BransonCritic.com and then read some quotes from Rankin Brothers fans and Branson Critic editors, including:
Some of Editors:
Editor Kathy Bennett wrote: The Rankin Brothers continue to be a favorite for locals and area visitors. Mark and Matt are brimming with talent. Their vocals are so smooth and are so close to the original artists, it's unbelievable. The musicians are cream-of-the-crop, and the beautiful and talented Rankinettes know their stuff while performing the girls' rock and roll songs! The friendliness, enjoyment, and love displayed by all on stage are genuine, and are displayed off-stage as well.
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EDITORS’ CHOICE AWARD BEST TRIBUTE ARTIST – TOM MULLICA
October 29, 2009
On Thursday, October 29, 2009, Chad Ray presented the Editors' Award for Best Tribute Artist 2009 to Tom Mullica who portrays Red Skelton at the Mansion Theatre. Also on hand were Kathy and Joe Bennett. Kathy recently wrote regarding Tom's portrayal.....
Tom's resemblance to Red Skelton is remarkable. He has Red's voice, expressions, and timing down pat. My husband,Joe, is a huge Skelton fan and almost cried when he saw him; and I almost cried from laughing so much. He is most deserving of this recognition!! Congratulations, Tom!
Tom, our other editors are in total agreement - congratulations from Branson Critic Online Magazine!
Sandi McKim, Editor
p.s. I think Red approves, too!
Photos courtesy Kathy and Joe Bennett
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FANS’ AWARD BEST PERFORMING CAST – LEGENDS IN CONCERT
October 30, 2009, 3:00 PM
Eight members of the BransonCritic awards team attended the Legends in Concert show on Friday afternoon for the presentation of the 2009 Best Performing Cast, Fans’ Award. Chad Ray, Director of Operations, made the presentation to the Blues Brothers performers, Bucky Heard and Justin Clark, on behalf of the Legends in Concert cast. Chad gave a brief background of BransonCritic.com and then read some quotes from fans of the show, including:
Lisa from Springfield, MO:
Legends in Concert gets better each and every time I see it. It is the only show I recommend to others to see in Branson. Why you ask? It is the wonderful cast who portray some of the biggest talents in the World.
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Fans' Choice Award Best Musical Family 2009 - Haygoods
October 29th, 2009, 8PM
Chad Ray presented the Fan's Award for Best Musical Family in Branson to the Haygoods during the October 29th show. Five editors joined him in cheering for them. As usual, the show was great and the audience loved it. Chad read the following fan quotes.
Mr. Beck from Ozark, MO
The Haygoods have a HIGH energy show that keeps you wanting more. Their fantastic talent and showmanship make them appealing to all age groups. They all play many different instruments and harmonize beautifully - both with music and a cappella. They are always finding ways to make their show more exciting, even though you think that is impossible. It is obvious by the way they perform, that they all truly love music and love sharing it with their audience. They are humble and very appreciative of their followers. They are truly talented and Branson is very lucky to have them. What a FANTASTIC show!!!!
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Fans' Choice Award Best Morning Show - Rocky Mountain High
October 30th, 2009, 10AM
For the third year in a row, Chad Ray walked on stage to present James Garrett and the show cast with the Fan Award for Best Morning Show in Branson. Four editors snapped photos as the audience clapped. James invited all his guest performers on the stage for the presentation. He acknowledged Fay, a 90+ year-old fan who attended the show to see him receive the awards.
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Editors’ Choice Award Best Variety Show 2009 - Grand Jubilee
October 22, 2009, 8:00 PM
Seven BransonCritic staff members and spouses attended the Grand Jubilee show on Thursday night for the presentation of the 2009 Best Variety Show, Editors’ Choice Award. Chad Ray, Director of Operations, made the presentation to Mike Patrick, Producer/Director/Emcee/Entertainer, backed by the entire cast on stage (Music Director, Danny Yancey, was not available). Chad gave a brief background of BransonCritic.com and then read some quotes from Branson Critic editors, including:
“Grand Jubilee overflows with strong vocal performances backed by expert musicianship. Hilarious comedy is appropriately spaced throughout the first half. The Grandpa Dandinio magic bit is the funniest comedy routine this writer has ever seen, anywhere, by anyone.”
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Fans’ Choice Award Best Headliner 2009 - Tony Roi
October 23, 2009, 8:00 PM
A four-member Branson Critic Awards Team led by Chad Ray, Director of Operations, attended “The Elvis Experience” show to present the Best Headliner Award to its star, Tony Roi. Tony invited Chad to the stage during the first half performance and introduced him to the audience. Chad gave a brief description and history of BransonCritic.com and pointed out that in the six-year history of presenting awards, this was the sixth visit to Tony Roi’s show to present an award. Chad then read some of the many comments made by fans of the show, including:
Shirley from Leavenworth, Kansas:
“There is one show that keeps me coming back to Branson every year. Tony Roi’s Elvis Experience! What an experience! Tony Roi has the voice, the charisma, the moves… the looks, as well as humorous side.
”Tony puts his heart and soul into each performance. He takes time out of his show for you to come up on stage to have your picture taken with him; and if you can’t come up on stage, Tony comes to you. Tony Roi… captures the heart of all age groups. And he always tells the fans, and the veterans, how much he appreciates each and every one of us.”
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Fans’ Choice Award Best Show and Entertainers of the Year 2009 - SIX
October 24, 2009, 8:00 PM
A 12-member BransonCritic Awards team attended the sold out SIX show on Saturday night for the presentation of the 2009 Best Show and Entertainers of the Year awards. At the end of the intermission, Chad Ray, Director of Operations, was invited to the stage to join the six Knudsen brothers; Barry, Kevin, Lynn, Jak, Owen, and Curtis. Chad gave a brief background of Branson Critic Online Magazine and then read some quotes from fans of the show, including:
Diane from Missouri:
“SIX is the choice above all others for Best Show. Whether you see it once or 50 times, it is still the most energetic, entertaining show we have seen. The brothers are perfectionists, and have phenomenal skills both vocally and with their ‘instrument ability.’ While there are many great shows (in Branson), if you only had time for one - SIX is the best!”
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Latest Editor Reviews for Branson Critic
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TAKE IT TO THE LIMIT – EAGLES TRIBUTE
August 18, 2009
Take it to the Limit is an incredible show with powerful harmonies, strong solo vocals, and superior musicianship. The entire show is a tribute to Eagles music that will amaze you even if you are not necessarily an Eagles fan. The talent on stage is captivating. This is a perfect show for those who want to see something other than country, and because the Eagles did many crossover songs on the country charts, country music fans will enjoy this show as well. Regardless of your genre preference, watching these talented artists, as they precisely project the Eagles sound and enthusiasm for their audience makes for a totally enjoyable afternoon.
Larry Holiday is Joe Walsh, reincarnated. Greg Morton gets sounds from his guitar that are absolutely incredible - if you didn’t see it you wouldn’t believe it. Jon Sousan gives new meaning as you watch him perform, “Desperado.” He performs the essence of the lyrics and melody but his feelings expressed in timing and gestures are like he is telling a story. Scott Lancaster performs the Glenn Frey songs as well as playing a mean bass and acoustic guitar. Larry, Greg, Jon, and Scott harmonize in a way that is convincingly Eagles. Close your eyes and you’ll believe you are at an Eagles concert.
Cody Titus on keyboards and TAZ on drums round out the band and give body to the music experience. The sound throughout the show is perfectly balanced for each instrument in the six-member cast. From the audience you can hear the total Eagles sound and still single out each instrument. Every song performed in this show is done with everyone giving 100%. There is minimal conversation and maximum music.
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Neal McCoy at the Yakov Theatre
June 6, 2009
He wows the audience from beginning to end. It’s easy to see why Neal McCoy has twice earned the Entertainer of the Year Award.
I knew a couple of Neal’s songs but really didn’t know what to expect from his show. I came away a fan. I had the opportunity to interview him for an article I’m writing. He said he and his band work really hard to entertain everyone, those who know his music, and those who don’t. That is obvious from the first minute he walks on stage through the end of the final song, and his time signing autographs afterwards.
His show is unique. It’s unplanned. There’s no set play list. I halfheartedly questioned that when he said it, but I attended two shows in the same week, and they were totally different. Neal spends time out in the audience. As he talks to people, the band waits patiently on stage to find out what the next song will be. They are adept at following his lead.
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Peter Pan
June 2, 2009
When Peter Pan flew through the window of the Darling children’s bedroom in the opening scene, the audience reacted with thunderous applause. A theater filled with adults and children instantly turned into a theater filled with kids at heart.
From that moment until Peter Pan flew over the audience in the final encore, kid-dom reigned. The production is creative, smooth, and filled with a delicious sense of humor.
“I get to be a kid for two hours every performance,” said Cathy Rigby, star of the show. Peter Pan will run a six-day a week performance schedule through June and July and the first week in August. It returns in November and early December with the final performance on December 12.
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Mary Duff – Voice Of An Angel
May 25, 2009
Yes, “Voice of An Angel” is a perfect description of Mary Duff!! It is actually the title of Mary’s newest spiritual album and a definite truth!! What an amazing voice and talent!
Irish comedian, George Casey, opened the show and had everyone laughing and in good humor with his clean, comedic Irish storytelling.
Mary, who comes from Ireland, has been singing since she was 12 years old. She’ll tell you she is doing what she always wanted – singing for an audience. She loves ballads and love songs but mixes in a few country standards and gives you a taste of her newest album selections as well. Some will make you smile while others may bring a sweet memory to mind or even a tear to your eye.
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The Haygoods at The New Americana Theatre
April 20, 2009
The Haygoods blend a new setting and sound with their well-known talent, energy, and enthusiasm for entertainment. There are a couple of surprises this year.
The new theater suits them well. From the remodeled lobby to the enhanced stage and sound, they have created a whole experience for their fans.
Dominic, Shawn, Michael, Patrick, and Timothy continue to grow in their musical ability. As usual, the audience loves them. The surprises this year are in Matthew, Catherine, and Aaron.
Matthew has come into his own. He looks great and is having a good time on stage. He joins his older brothers in giving the audience a top-notch performance. Catherine and Aaron are growing up. This year’s production recognizes their maturity and presents all the family as young adult entertainers. Catherine’s ever expanding ability to play multiple instruments is showcased throughout the show. Whether it’s the sax, violin or harp, she plays well. Aaron continues his growth as an entertainer – with apparent ease.
They touch on many styles of music. Whether you are in to pop, country, rock, nostalgia, show tunes, or Gospel, there is plenty in this show to get your blood pumping.
Pat Avery, Editor
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COME TOGETHER with the Liverpool Legends
April 10, 2009
COME TOGETHER….and join the party at the Starlite Theatre with the Liverpool Legends!!
“One and one and one is three,” as the song goes……..now, add one more because a brand new fourth has very recently been added to the Liverpool Legends! His name is Bob Beahon, and he is their “new Paul!” Welcome to Branson, Bob!
I was more than a little bit anxious to see whom it was Louise Harrison picked to fill Paul’s space onstage. Great job, Louise – I was pleasantly surprised. I think you all will be, too!
The guys have stepped up the list of songs and every song I heard was a favorite of mine – the very first time this has really happened. The first song, “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” started the show.
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RANKIN BROTHERS - Classic Music Revue
March 27, 2009
The Starlite Theatre
The 2009 Rankin Brothers - Classic Music Revue made its debut on 16 March to a packed house in their beautiful new venue, the Starlite Theatre right on the Hwy 76 strip. Expectations were high; after all they were awarded Best Duo Act, Best Male Entertainer and Best New Show of 2008. Would they keep the 2008 show intact? Would they dare venture away from proven success to incorporate new material into the show?
Some of the favorites from 2008 have been retained; e.g., the Righteous Brothers 1965 hit, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’,” the Tokens’, “The Lion Sleeps Tonight,” Chuck Berry’s, “Johnny B. Goode,” etc. What makes their show such a big hit is that they perform songs the way the original artists performed them. Going all the way back to the ‘50’s, the Rankin Brothers bring back memories and emotions as they recreate the authentic sounds of the times.
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