Jim Stafford: The Comedy Genius

Heath Hawkins

GOOD, clean FUN! The Jim Stafford show is just that - GOOD clean FUN! I guess that almost every show in Branson is clean. The city prides itself on being a destination where anyone can see any show without any concerns of what they might see.

The Jim Stafford Show is designed to offer something for the whole family. There is music and singing, black light puppets, a 3-D movie, tons of comedy and even a flying saucer. I have seen the Jim Stafford many times in the past, but there is always something new to see.

Jim Stafford has been awarded the Branson Comedian of the Year more times that I can count and his show has won tons of accolades. He is one of the most recognized names and one of the highest attended shows in Branson. All the hype is well deserved. You don’t make it in Branson, or anywhere for that matter, if you don’t have a good product. He is one of the few shows that is open almost every month of the year. I attend his new 2005 show in mid March. Branson is still really not in full swing, and yet the show was almost sold out the night I was there.

The show is almost all Jim himself. There is not a band or company of dancers. You get Jim, Jim, his daughter G.G., son Shea, Jim, a couple stagehands, and finally a little more Jim. Not that Jim is a bad thing. When he is on stage you are guaranteed a good time, and you are guaranteed a laugh.

The opening act of this show is wild. It starts off with an amazing lazar light show. I thought I was at the closing ceremony at Celebration City, where they also have an amazing laser light show. Then out came Jim with a song and an interactive video that was truly unique.

There are so many surprises for the eyes that I cannot even begin to remember all that I saw that evening. I do not want to give away any surprises, but know that the kids will love this show. Most of Jim’s songs are fun songs with funny words. The songs that don’t have funny words are illuminated with a comedy routine or action segment. You are guaranteed to have a blast.

I could not believe my eyes, and I did not think I believed in UFOs, but Jim even has a segment in the show when a flying saucer glides out over the audience. It was very cool. Don’t worry, I did not see any little green men.

One special treat came when Jim sang his signature song I Don’t Like Spiders and Snakes. There was a wild black light sequence with puppets that seemed to float in mid air and glow in the dark. I am a puppeteer, so I thought this was really neat. From the faces of the people around me, everyone thought it was awesome.

The only part of the show that I did not enjoy was a 3-D segment. During intermission the ushers handed out 3-D glasses and I was so excited to see the movie. I had not seen a 3-D movie since the Grand Country Square closed down their 3-D movie theatre. Most of the kids in the audience did not even know what the glasses were for.

Finally, half way through the second half it was time for the 3-D part of the show. Everyone put on their glasses, but things did not seem to work. Either the movie or the glasses did not work right. It did not seem like 3-D at all, just blurry pictures. The people around me were also confused and were switching glasses with their neighbor to see if it helped. I though the poor quality might have been because I was setting on the side and not in the middle, but afterwards I asked several people setting in the seats in the middle of the theatre what they thought.

Everyone agreed that the 3-D was bad and very disappointing. I hope they decide to improve the quality or take it completely out of the show. Honestly, I had to close my eyes for the last several minutes of the segment to keep from being dizzy and light headed.

Having said all that, I would not let the 3-D keep me from seeing the show again. The show overall is hilarious. There are many people who do not consider it a successful trip to Branson unless they get to see Jim Stafford. I can understand why. Just like the rhinestones that adorn several of his costumes, Jim is a gem.

The seats in the theatre are also very nice. The first ten rows are brand new. They are oversized and very plush. They even had headrests. I was seated near the back, and even though I was not close enough to land one of the new seats, mine was also very roomy and comfortable. Every seat in the theatre came with an cup holder as an added bonus. I would rate all the seats in this theatre as tops. They may be some of the best in town. I am not a small person, so in my opinion a nice large seat is a great asset to any theatre.

Make plans to include Jim Stafford on your next trip to Branson. It will not take you long to see why he is one of the most celebrated performers in town. The sign out front that says, “Caution: Comic Genius at Work” is not an exaggeration.

The Jim Stafford Theatre is located in the heart of the Hwy 76 strip. For more information or to reserve tickets call the theatre at (417) 335-8080. Tell them that Heath from the Branson Critic Online sent you.

Heath's note: AMENDMENT - AFTER I REVIEWED THE SHOW IN MARCH OF 2005, I TALKED TO SOMEONE AT THE JIM STAFFORD SHOW. THEY ADMITTED THAT THERE WERE SOME PROBLEMS WITH THE 3-D SEGMENT. THEY SAID IT IS BETTER SOME NIGHT THAN OTHERS. THEY HAVE PURCHASED SOME NEW EQUIPMENT TO HELP MAKE THE 3-D SEGMENT WORK BETTER AND BE MORE EFFECTIVE.

I HAVE NOT SEEN THE SHOW YET SINCE THE CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE. IF I GET A CHANCE TO SEE IT AGAIN, I WILL LET YOU KNOW IF THE NEW EQUIPMENT HELPS. EVEN WITH THE POOR QUALITY OF THE 3-D, THE JIM STAFFORD SHOW IS STILL ONE OF THE BEST IN TOWN.

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

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