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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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UNIQUE MUSICAL OPENS IN BRANSON
April 6, 2010, 2PM
God & Country Theatre opened its production of the international hit musical, Always, Patsy Cline. This musical first opened in New York in 1997 and continues to this day to play throughout the world. Branson is fortunate to have the best possible person for the lead role; Lisa Layne. I have compared Lisa’s CDs with Patsy Cline’s CDs - there is no difference in the quality, timing, and tone of their voices. And it is not just the songs. Ms. Layne captures the voice inflections, typical phrases, and physical gestures that are convincingly Patsy Cline. Some say, close your eyes and you’ll swear you are hearing Patsy Cline when Lisa is on stage. Go ahead and open your eyes and you’ll also swear you are looking at Patsy Cline, live on stage.
Lisa Layne in Always, Patsy Cline, is as close as you will ever get to seeing Patsy Cline live, on stage. This show gives the audience a view of Patsy and her abbreviated career through the eyes of her devoted fan, Louise Seger from Houston. Sandy DePriest is outstanding in the role of Louise. She instantly connects with the audience. Louise explains how she became a fan and how she first met Patsy in person when she came to Houston. Sandy, as Louise, had the audience in stitches throughout the show. The show also had its tender moments causing a lot of teary eyes. The title of the musical came from the way Patsy signed her letters to Louise.
As for the music, it is awesome. A live 5-piece band backs up Ms. Layne as she sings more than 20 of Patsy Cline’s songs. The band authentically produces the music right down to the subtle tinkling on the piano by Jeff Olson. Patsy introduces him as Jay Bob. Then she introduces Lou Colbe as Ray Bob who plays the upright bass. She introduces lead guitarist Ralph Lowe as Jim Bob. Next is Boo Miller on the pedal steel; Patsy calls him Billy Bob. Last but not least is drummer, Paul Oney, who is introduced as Bob Bob.
As the audience filed out of the auditorium the comments ranged from total amazement to pleasant shock. This show has everything; authenticity, exceptional talent in musicianship, vocals, and acting. It tugged at all the emotions and left everyone with a keen inside and entertaining look at a legendary singer whose music is as popular today as it was before her untimely death.
Always, Patsy Cline was written by Ted Swindley. The show is playing weekly at 2:00PM on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday at the God & Country Theatre through 11 December 2010.
Bob Cort, Editor
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New South Gospel Opens!
April 1, 2010
Grand Country Music Hall
New South Gospel opened on 1 April 2010 and they got the show kicked off with a bang. We got up at intermission and went into
the lobby and found we were trying to catch our breath. The clapping
and foot stomping in the first half was almost non-stop.
The entire audience was enthusiastic about this new show. As
exhilarating as it was, we were all anxious to return for the second
half where the entertainers picked it back up right where they left
off. Beautiful music that brings a tear to the eye, hilarious comedy,
toe-tapping southern gospel, and the best collection of musicians
you'll find anywhere, all make for a great afternoon of spirit-lifting
fun. The New South Quartet, with Tracy Heaston on piano, do an
educational demonstration of the early years of southern gospel music.
Grand Country Music Hall listened to their many gospel music fans and
created this show to fill a void; and they filled it well. I'm not
aware of any other weekday show dedicated to gospel music.
Those who are in town on Thursday afternoons now have a place to
satisfy their thirst for good ole gospel music performed the way it
oughta be.
Bob Cort, Editor
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