Pat is the author of several books including: They Came Home: Korean War POWs and the soon-to-be released title, The Sharon Rogers Band.  She created Benny Books and co-authored The Sunchon Tunnel Massacre Survivors.  She is the editor of the Branson Veterans Task Force Bugle and the co-founder of the Branson Veterans Book Awards.

She loves going to Branson shows and writing about them.

Send a message to Pat on Branson Critic Chat.

Pat's Latest Reviews

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!!!!

[Read full review]

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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.

[Read full review]

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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.

[Read full review]

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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.

Cathy’s successful career as a gymnast is well-tested throughout the performance. She tumbles, cavorts, and flies through each scene – from the Darling children’s bedroom to Captain Hook’s pirate ship. After more than 3,000 performances as Peter Pan, she displays as much energy at the final curtain as the opening scene.

Cathy becomes Peter Pan. She takes every child’s fantasy and re-creates an enthusiastic, fun-loving characterization that is all her own.

The production makes the most of the theatre’s state-of-the-art technology. It’s easy for the audience to believe in fantasies of flight and adventure when it all happens so effortlessly.

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Captain Hook, played by Robert Westinberg, revels in his villainy. He gloats about his wicked deeds, but his moments of glory are too often spoiled by a ticking crocodile, or even worse, his archenemy, Peter Pan. You will hate him and laugh at him – and he’ll love the attention.

More than 30 cast members join in the mayhem and fantasy, each adding to the adventure. From Wendy to Tiger Lily to Smee, each character is true to the story.

See this show, let Peter Pan sprinkle fairy dust in your soul, and become a kid again – if only for a little while.

Pat Avery Editor

Peter Pan comes to Branson

May 6, 2009

I met Peter Pan and fairy dust filled the air.

Cathy Rigby and the cast of the new Branson Peter Pan production, set to open this weekend at the Mansion Theatre, made their first appearance at a Meet the Cast Reception at the Titanic Museum.

After the evil Captain Hook darkened the famous grand staircase, Peter Pan appeared, complete with fairy dust, an infectious smile and a slide down the wooden banister.

“I already love Branson and the people are wonderful…everyone’s so friendly,” Rigby’s smile lit up her face. She charmed everyone who came to catch a first glimpse of the star and her new show.

[Read full review]

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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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Cassandre at The New Americana Theatre

April 20, 2009

The Voice of An Angel is an apt description for Cassandré Faimon-Haygood. Backed by a live orchestra, she enthralls audiences from beginning to end with multiple styles of music. Early in the show, she gives us a beautiful rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. She takes us on a musical journey from Danny Boy and Beyond the Sea to Vincent and Fever. In each style of music, the audience falls more in love with her vocal talent.

It’s truly amazing that she carries a full two-hour show all on her own. Aunt Irma, Cassandré’s alter-ego, entertains us with her Wisconsin accent, her flamboyant hat, and her own rendition of Dolly Parton’s Nine-to-Five. She is funny with just enough realism that everyone can identify with her.

Catherine Haygood, of The Haygood Show, joins the orchestra on the violin and accompanies Cassandré on the harp. The orchestra understands and enhances Cassandré’s vocal style.

For the past nine years, Cassandré delighted audiences as a featured performer in Silver Dollar City productions including For the Glory, Dicken’s Christmas Carol, and Headin’ West.

Cassandré’s singing is well matched by her choice of repertoire, beautiful gowns, and charming personality.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this show and experience the vocal style of the beautiful and talented Cassandré.

Pat Avery, Editor

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Strait Country

April 11, 2009

If you like George Strait, Patsy Cline and country music, you will love this show. James Garrett, star of The John Denver Tribute Show, once again gives us a feel for one of America’s favorite performers.

James offers a well-rounded selection of George’s numerous hits from Write This Down to The Chair and Amarillo By Morning. He has a homey way of letting us into his experiences in the entertainment world. He adds glimpses of George as he talks about each song.

Karina Glaspy joins him with a tribute to Patsy Cline. Country music lovers will know and appreciate every song. She covers many of Patsy’s famous hits. Both her voice and style do justice to each of them.

Randy Plummer, long-time Branson performer and bass player, delights audiences with his music and his personality. Jim Glaspy shares his musical expertise on the dobro, banjo, and guitar. Both are outstanding musicians and integral parts of the show – as musicians and singers.

With its small, intimate setting, the theater allows the performers to freely interact with the audience. Add the natural charm of James Garrett and the variety of musical selections, and the show entertains. It’s a show with no intermission but the last song comes before you are ready for it.

Specialty fun songs include Poor Boy Boogie and Dueling Banjos. With the diversity of talent and the personalities of the performers, the audience never knows what’s in store next.

James Garrett and his band headline the award-winning John Denver Tribute Morning Show at 10:00 am. You can catch Strait Country at 5:00 pm Monday through Saturday.

Pat Avery, Editor

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Magnificent Variety Show

April 11, 2009

Energy, action and beautiful costumes all define the Magnificent Variety Show. In its eighth year, the show, featuring Joe and Tamra Tinoco, entertains from a vibrant opening routine to a beautiful patriotic finale.

The show opens with a 1940s video and classics like Chattanooga Choo-Choo and I’ve Got Rhythm. Then it’s on to the ‘50s and hit after hit. The youngest Tinoco, four-year-old Talya, enchants with You Are My Sunshine. The casts offers an array of songs from Que Sera, Sera and Tennessee Waltz to Little Darlin’ and Great Balls of Fire. Joe does a rousing rendition of Johnny Be Good.

The ‘60s brings us more hits from Going to the Chapel to Hard Days Night and R-E-S-P-E-C-T. Joe and Tamra capture the beauty of dance in Dance to the Music. The entertainment goes on through the remaining decades to bring us to today. Their arrangement of Thriller, choreography, costumes and Tamra’s voice, are a delight.

The second half is strong as the cast takes the stage with musicals ranging from Phantom of the Opera to Bye Bye Birdie to Funny Girl. Joyous praise fills their gospel segment.

The salute to the veterans starts with an impressive video of presidential quotes from Franklin Roosevelt to George W Bush. The show closes with God Bless America and God Bless the USA.

Over 30 costume changes and high-energy routines keep the audience clapping and singing along.

The show moved this year from the White House Theater to its new location at The Osmond Theater on 76 Blvd. If you saw the show at the old location, you’ll feel the difference immediately. The talent and energy are the same, but the ambiance has changed. The White House Theater seated more people and boasted a large stage. The Osmond Theater is smaller and the stage is more intimate. The audience is closer to the action and to the entertainers. The cast does a great job of playing to the audience – getting up close and personal.

Several of the band members and entertainers are familiar from other Branson shows. In addition to the Tinoco family, the cast includes Stephani Haygood, Rachel Martin, Tami Griffith, Elisha Conner, Dusty Woolridge, Evan Bosworth, Ryan Walton and Larry Foster. All are talented singers and dancers. Band members are Doug Gifford on the drums, Geoff Clark on guitar, Brandon Hanson on the bass, JT Lyman on keyboard and Ricki Homes on piano.

It’s a must-see show. You’ll not only be well entertained but you’ll have the opportunity to get to know the cast at intermission and after the show. They’re all waiting to meet you.

Pat Avery, Editor

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