Dixie
Stampede
4-30-06 Heath Hawkins: I start
every review this way. Let me start off by saying that I am a 70
year old trapped in a 28-year-old body. I say that because I am in
love with Branson and always have been. I have vacationed in Branson
almost every year since birth, and seen too many shows to remember.
I consider myself a real
Branson critic. This show is one I see every year.
 Families
come to Branson to have a good time. That is what Branson is all
about. Mommy and Daddy, Brother and Sister, Grandma and Grandpa,
even friends and neighbors come in cars, trucks and buses all with
the same intent—Vacation! What is a vacation but a time to escape
from the reality we face every day. It is a chance to get away
literally and in the mind as well.
Dixie Stampede offers that escape. They take you back to a
rivalry almost as old as our country. A rivalry that that split
families right down the middle. I am talking about the North vs.
South. The difference is that here, all end up coming together in
the end to have a great time.
Anyone who has been to Branson in the last ten years knows about the
Dixie Stampede. It is the huge arena on the hill where the show is
full of horses and they make you eat with your hands. Well, that is
all true. You cannot miss the beautiful southern plantation home
that is the theatre. The show is full of incredibly talented horses
and riders and you do eat a yummy meal with just your hands. It is a
blast!
Dixie is my wife’s
favorite show in Branson. I make all of our plans and she just
climbs in the car for the trip. However, she always asks if Dixie is
on the agenda for this trip. In fact, not only does my wife love it,
this is probably one of the most popular shows in Branson. Every
seat sells out for most performances. So you will want to plan
ahead.
I do have a complete review of the Dixie Stampede at
BransonCritic.org that you can read by clicking on this link:
http://www.bransoncritic.org/Heath_Hawkins_Dixie_2005.htm
I will let you read that review for a good idea of what to expect
while you are there. Much of the show is the same.
But if you have not been in a couple years, you will be excited to
know that a few new scenes have to added to the show. I hope that my
descriptions will do them justice.
I last saw the show early in the 2005 season, so the changes caught
my attention.
The show has always looked at the Civil War rivalry between the
North and South, but most of the show still focused on the southern
side. That was okay with me, as I am a proud southerner. However,
they added a glance into northern territory this time. A new scene
and song lets us see how the north was growing by the way of
innovation and industry. The costumes and the spectacle was perfect.
The costumes were unique and they even brought out a trolley, which
was a modern marvel in transportation at the time.
The creators of the show also added a truly unique section that
included a gentleman on a stunning horse and graceful women who
floated in the air. You did read correctly. She actually descends
from the ceiling and glides gracefully around the arena as she
interacts with the horse and rider. If you have seen the show Cirque
in Branson, then this reminds me of that. So beautiful and graceful.
This love story plays out in such an exotic way.
The final changes that I noticed to the show included revamping the
patriotic closing. Every show in Branson has one, but Dixie
Stampede really makes it special. You will love the new costumes
and staging.
Seating at the show is unusual. You are assigned a section and a
row, but not a specific seat. Your waiter will tell you where to sit
when you get there. Some rows have chairs while there have one long
bench. If you prefer one style, you might ask when you order your
tickets. Your body size determines your seat size, but they do put
as many people in the row as possible.
No matter whether you have seen Dixie Stampede a dozen times or are
considering it for the very first time. You will fall in love with
this experience. Truly a show for everyone! Parents come with
wide-eyed children and grandparents come alone, but everyone leaves
with a big smile.
The Dixie Stampede is performed every day during the busy summer and
Christmas months. Shows start at 5:30 and 8:00 p.m. Don’t forget the
horse stable tour and pre-show in the saloon. Plan to arrive an hour
early. You can’t miss the beautiful theatre. It looks like and
enormous southern plantation home, and it is one of the first
theatres you pass on Hwy 76 when you arrive in Branson.
For more information visit dixiestampede.com or to reserve tickets
call the theatre at (800) 520-5544. If you also plan to visit Silver
Dollar City and/or the Showboat Branson Bell while in Branson, let
the ticket operator know. You can save about $5 per ticket when you
order them at the same time. 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.
If
you liked this article - Link it |
|
