50’s At The Hop

Heath Hawkins

Let me start by saying that my growing up years consisted of the late 1980’s and 1990’s. I was not even a thought in the 1950’s. My parents were not even born until the middle of that decade. So needless to say, this is not the music I grew up with. But that does not mean I can’t appreciate and enjoy it.

There is just something special about the birth of rock-n-roll that was taking place in the 50’s. The first “boy bands” burst on the scene and Motown hits were topping the charts. One would be hard pressed to find many similarities between the rock music from the 1950’s and today’s rock. One of the biggest differences would be the fact that you could actually understand the worlds in early rock songs. But even then, rock was a shock to the music world.

Though songs like Peggy Sue, It’s My Party, Splish- Splash, The Wonderer, Great Balls of Fire and Jim Dandy to the Rescue will not likely even raise an eyebrow today, they were controversial in their day. You will hear all those songs and more in the opening set at 50’s At The Hop. The very first set was packed with music that I knew from the oldies radio stations that my parents listened to when I was a kid. Every singer in the show was featured with a solo within the first twenty minutes of the show. It was high energy from the first note.

My wife was not able to make this trip, so my mom and two aunts were happy to attend the show with me. This show put a smile on their face and a tap in their toe. I thought they were going to dance in the aisles, or they would if we weren’t good Baptists. They loved this show and are still thanking me a week later for the invitation. One of them was old enough to remember this music from her teenage years and the performers mesmerized her. When the four lead male singers closed the first half with a series of love ballads, my aunts were swooning. I thought I would be sick! I guess the men were pretty good looking. Maybe it was a good thing my wife was not there.

In the second half they said that this was the eleventh year this show has been in Branson. I can see why. As you drive down Hwy 76 you will see other “decade” type music shows. Though I have not seen them yet, I do understand why they would hope to emulate the success of 50’s At The Hop.

The second half brought a tribute to Doo-Wop music, Motown, and of course, the Supremes. However, the show would not have been complete without an Elvis tune. Elvis came down into the audience to serenade the ladies. My mom blushed as she received a hanky from the king.

Though it was a seamless transition, I am still not sure how they transitioned from the king of rock-n-roll to the king or kings. But they even included a rockin’ set of gospel music. Imagine a sacred hymn played by an amazing rock band, without an organ in sight.

This show is performed in the afternoon at the Jim Stafford Theatre. The first ten rows or so of seats are brand new (March 2005) and are very comfy. I would have to say, that even for a big boy like me, these are some of the best seats in Branson.

I would highly recommend this awesome show. It is not the music I grew up with, but I almost wish it were. I would not hesitate to take anyone to see this show. The kids will love it almost as much as you will. I will close this review with one thought. Yes, that is his real hair. (You will understand when you see the show.)

Hit the Road Jack, but you will want to come back. So Take Those Old Records of the Shelf and prepare yourself for 50’s At The Hop

The 50s At The Hop show is performed in the afternoon at the Jim Stafford Theatre. For more information or to reserve tickets call the theatre at (417) 335-5300. Tell them that Heath from the Branson Critic Online sent you.

What do you think? Your opinion is your opinion. Let me know at hhawkins@waynesville.k12.mo.us.

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