Shows - Branson Critic

The Haygoods
Music City Centre  1835 W. Hwy 76
website:  http://www.hotbransonshows.com/

The first thing I noticed at the theatre was an usher escorting a young lady in a wheelchair.  The usher guided the entire family around the line of ticket holders to a door where the wheelchair could easily be maneuvered into the theatre.  This is what I like to see and in Branson I’ve seen it often.  And also, the usher who lead me to my reserved seat was very friendly.

At 8:07 the Haygoods took to the stage singing “How Sweet It Is” and continued with a medley of songs made famous by the Temptations.  The harmony was very good and they delivered it with enthusiasm.  Their energy was impressive but I thought it could not possibly last the entire show.  Boy was I wrong!

The Haygoods Show is all live music.  The family; Patrick, Dominic, Shawn, Michael, Matthew, Catherine, and Aaron each play several instruments.  In addition to the Haygoods there is an excellent drummer, Dino Phillips, and the very talented David Brooks on keyboard.

Catherine Haygood sang “Bubbly” (a Colbie Caillat song) in a sweet, mellow voice that was absolutely charming.  And with her brothers’ backup vocals this was one of my favorites.  They mentioned that she plays twice as many instruments as the boys.

I won’t be naming each brother and what he performed since I lost track of who was who.  There were some very good solos but, in my opinion, the family harmonies were the best.

Their music includes all genres.  Imagine three brothers and a sister sitting in a semi-circle with their violins.  Now try to imagine that they proceed to play “Johann Pachebel Canon in D Major”.  Bravo!!!  Then a brother launches into “Great Balls of Fire” on the piano with powerful guitars, drums, and keyboard accompaniment.  Awesome!!!  Or, the entire family singing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” with Catherine and the youngest Haygood, Aaron, carrying the perfect tone which blends the voices into harmony.

The imagination that went into this show is brilliant.  The set décor, the black light dancing to “Mack the Knife”, the use of a clip from the Vacation Channel to introduce the “Blues Brothers”, the “Stomp (tap)” segment, and much more.

If you like doo-wop, rock, swing, classical, Celtic, piano, saxophone, harp, violins, guitars etc., in other words, if you like good music along with lots of energy, I highly recommend The Haygoods.  All ages were represented in this audience.  I sat next to a couple from Arizona, in their 60’s, who said they really enjoyed the show.  The two young boys seated behind me, about 12 years old, said the show was “great”.

I wish I could bottle just a small portion of their energy.  These guys and gal put their heart into what they do and; another thing I noticed, their smiles are genuine.  I will be taking my visitors to see them, especially my teenage great-niece!

Velva Cort, Editor

We are excited to announce the 5th Annual Branson Critic Awards. Please read below on how and where to vote, and what the rules are for 2008.

We try to make it as simple as possible for the public and the editors but remember that this is sophisticated voting. It requires a thoughtful write-up on the part of the reviewer. If we wanted a push button awards system, we would have installed it, but that minimizes our ability to know if the voter truly has seen the show, understands why they should vote, and can give a logical argument for the show/person they want to win. If someone interested in voting would read these instructions carefully, they would see clearly how to influence our decision.

Rules for the 2008 Branson Critic Awards:

1) No review under 100 words will be accepted. All reviews must be at least 100 words or more. If you wish to just make a comment about a show of less than 100 words, please do it someplace other than the vote topic area.

2) Two reviews from each computer/ip address will be allowed throughout the voting period for each show. The voting period begins 7/11/2008 and ends at midnight on October 15, 2008. Fans who have already written 2008 reviews may move them to the appropriate category or categories as they wish and according to these rules.

3) Only one (1) picture per review. Pick your favorite and attach it separately under your review in “additional options.” All pictures should be approximately 400 x 400 pixels.

4) When writing a review, you need to pick a category (see list below). You may place the same review in multiple categories. However, they won’t be counted multiple times, and won’t count double against your limit of two reviews for each show.

5) Remember to write an individual review for a specific performer. You can write a review for a show and then write a review for a specific person in that show. Why? Very few singers, comedians, or band members have their own show, so point them out to us, individually.

6) Each show, can only win one award (except they would still be eligible for Entertainer of the Year). Those with their own self-named show would NOT be eligible for singer/performer or instrumentalist of the year but would be eligible for Best Self-Named Show and Entertainer of the Year.

7) Strong suggestion - formatting reviews: Use normal formatting in a word processor document, preferably MS Word, or use www.writely.com (now google docs) or another online word processor. Copy and paste your review as a new topic in the proper category or categories at the following forum link: http://bransoncritic.com/chat/index.php#11.

8)Remember to use the spell-check and grammar-check options! Use periods and commas! Any review that is one giant, run-on sentence will be rejected. Do NOT write your review in all caps or all lower-case letters. Start all sentences with a capital letter. Do NOT use the smiley faces or other “characters” in your reviews as it makes for harder reading for some.

As you can see, you don’t have to be an English Major. It doesn’t have to be Shakespeare and it doesn’t have to be perfect. It does, however, have to be readable. We can tell when effort has been made. Make sure your review is FAIR. All shows have positive aspects as well as some negative. Concentrate the review on the positive and make sure any criticism is constructive or helpful. Content is most important! As best you can, try to cover all aspects of a show such as:

-Seating: Adequate, comfortable, etc.
-Music: Tell us the name of some of the songs?
-Comedy: What was funny?
-Acting: Fantastic, good, so-so?
-Hold a child’s interest?

Please tell readers of your review what to expect when they see the show. Give them some of the “goodies.” You know, the stuff you would want to know before you see a show. Tell them if you’d visit the show again and why. Have fun!

9) Points awarded:
Reviews = 2 points
Reviews with picture = 3 points
Poll Voting will used for tie-breaking, if necessary.

10) Editors have the right to accept or reject any/or all reviews.

Nine CATEGORIES for the 2008 awards:

· Best Comedian
· Best Instrumentalist
· Best Morning Show
· Best Self-Named Show
· Best Show
· Best Show Family
· Best Singer/Performer (Female)
· Best Singer/Performer (Male)
· Entertainer of the Year

Editors awards will also be awarded.

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Remember the days when you could enjoy a good stand up comic and then be disappointed when his time was cut short?  In the last several years I’ve tried to enjoy stand up comedians but too many think the use of four letter words make their act funnier.   Nothing could be further from the truth.  The vulgarity simply lowers the bar for what is considered talent and what is funny.  How talented do you have to be to cuss?  There are many comedians that simply glorify indecency.  Kind of makes you wonder about the audience, too.  Do they really enjoy that stuff?  I don’t.  What I do enjoy is good-clean-laugh-out-loud comedy and that’s what we have right here in Branson.

After being featured on late night TV, Las Vegas, movies, comedy clubs, and his own HBO specials, etc., nationally known Emmy award winner, Bob Nelson, brought his kind of comedy to Branson.  He has settled in and currently performs Tuesday through Saturday at 6:00 PM in the Imaginary Theatre at the corner of Gretna & Roark.

No longer do we have to see good comedy interrupted after just 7 - 10 minutes.  In Bob Nelson’s show you get non-stop comedy for 70 - 75 minutes (more than that if you get seated about 10 minutes prior to show time).  When I took my son and his family to this show, they were nearly rolling on the floor laughing before the show ever started.

The show begins with Bob giving the audience some personal history and information about the art of comedy.  While doing this, he includes several hilarious remarks that require the audience to be alert to get the point.  I wonder if he is gauging the audience while he does this so he can tailor his delivery during the rest of the show.  He also explains the differences in the way people react to some of his comedy, and why, depending on which part of the country he is performing in.  Then he moves to more straightforward comedy that nobody can miss.  Once he has the entire audience laughing hysterically he treats them to some of the many characters he has perfected during 30 plus years of comedy.

I watched Bob’s show on 25 June 2008 with my wife.  We were there specifically to write this review; I take the pictures and my wife takes the notes.  I apologize for the pictures accompanying this review as they are second best.  The best pictures didn’t get taken or were too blurred because I was laughing too hard and couldn’t hold the camera still.  My wife had the same problem taking notes.  She tried but did you ever try to write while you were laughing?  It’s not easy, and when you’re laughing hard it’s almost impossible.  Even though this was the third time we’ve seen Bob’s show in Branson we had to let the camera and notepad take a back seat as we just really sat back and enjoyed the show, again.  If you’re interested in a fun place to go where you will get non-stop laughter you really should see the Bob Nelson Comedy Show.  To read more about him check out his website:  http://www.bobnelson.com/

Bob Cort, Editor

NOAH – The Musical

From the time you enter this new theatre you are presented with a feeling of expectation; one that is fulfilled. The Sight & Sound Theatre claim of “Inspiring Stories and Spectacular Shows,” is definitely not an understatement. While you have probably read or heard about “Noah – The Musical,” the experience that awaits you is truly spectacular. In an attempt to give you an understanding of this performance, even as I write I know that my words will be inadequate.

Since 1976, Sight & Sound Theatres, located on the east coast, has brought the most beloved stories of the Bible to life on stage including: Miracle of Christmas, Behold the Lamb, Daniel: A Dream, A Den, A Deliverer, Ruth, and In the Beginning. In the spring of 2008, one of the most popular theatres on the east coast – Sight & Sound Theatres – opened its doors in Branson, MO with Noah. Imagine a 300-foot wraparound stage with 40 foot high sets, a cast of 50 actors, elaborate costumes, breathtaking special effects, and hundreds of live and animatronic animals. The entire theatre is used in this production, including the live animals that are brought down the aisle as they enter the Ark. It is a show of unbelievable proportions.

The performances and numerous stage settings transport you from the pages of the Bible to become a member of Noah and his family; sharing the triumphs as well as the struggles. Brought to life is the very realistic human side of Noah and his family as they doubt the possibility of such a daunting task and then the gradual unfolding of the plan and its final completion. Daily routines of caring for the animals and struggles of day to day living are shared. Only their belief that this voyage was ordained by God and that He will sustain their courage allows them to complete this daunting task. With a smooth and realistic flow, the story of Noah, his family and their struggles are lifted from the pages of the Bible and place you at the very scenes from inspiration to preparation to completion. Available to you also is a behind the scenes tour which will give you an even better understanding of the scope of this production. This timeless story, you’ve always loved, will become a memory you will never forget. Yes, go ahead; build your expectations for a gala experience, presented in grand style.

Sally Reinhardt, Editor

LISA LAYNE COUNTRY, 5 June 2008

Veteran singer/songwriter, Lisa Layne has her show at the God & Country Theatre where she performs at 2:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday.  What makes this show a favorite is the sound and quality of Lisa’s voice, the song selection, the talented musicians, and the relaxed and humorous interaction among the cast and audience.  Of course some of the most comfortable theater seats in town also contribute to an overall pleasant experience.

Lisa performed as Patsy Cline for over 12 years.  She toured the U.S. and Canada starring in the Patsy Cline tribute show, “A Closer Walk with Patsy.” From 1998 through 2000 she performed the Patsy show at the Texas Troubadour Theater in Nashville.  She is one of only three performers sanctioned by the Patsy Cline Estate.  The Lisa Layne Country Show is more about Lisa’s music but she satisfies the audience demand by including a Patsy Cline segment.  It is amazing to see Lisa change her image, speech, and demeanor to that of Patsy Cline.  The Patsy segment lets the audience experience what it was like to see Patsy live in concert.  Lisa becomes Patsy Cline, reincarnated for this segment.

Then the show gets back to Lisa Layne, her One Layne Road Band, and her music.  The songs are original, classic country, or new country that has the traditional country sound.  Lisa’s music lets you hear a soft smooth voice with attitude.  This Texas redhead, with natural comedic instincts, gives you everything from soft tender ballads, to hard driving blues, to classic country, and then Bob Wills-style Texas swing. 

The show is in its second season and Lisa brought in Susan Burr to sing backup and lead vocals.  Susan is a Branson veteran who harmonizes perfectly with Lisa’s voice.  Talk about harmony; listen to Susan singing lead on, “Never Again, Again” with Lisa singing the backup harmony.  These gals have got talent to spare.  Bassist, Mark Abbot also sings lead and backup vocals during the show.  He keeps the pace lively with his rendition of, “Highway 40 Blues.”

A twist in the show demonstrates the versatility of the cast when Lisa plays bass guitar while Mark Abbot plays the fiddle.  Speaking of versatility; how about some conga drums in a country show!  Steel guitarist, Boo Miller wears a sombrero while Lisa sings, “Mi Vida Loca (Welcome to My Crazy Life).”  This is a number that is fun to watch as well as listen to. 

If you have never heard Lisa sing and would like a preview, take a listen at the following link:  http://www.rhapsody.com/lisalayne.  Select a song from the list.  One of my favorites is, “One Man’s Opinion” from her “Shade’s of Blue” CD.  You can also hear the #7 all time most requested Christmas song, “All I Want for Christmas is You.”  Lisa sang the lead vocal when this song was made popular by Vince Vance and the Valients.  Listening through computer speakers doesn’t do the music justice but you can see her in person at the Lisa Layne Country Show in the God & Country Theatre.  You can also get copies of her CD’s at the theatre and she will autograph them for you.  She always takes the time to talk to fans before and after the show.

Bob Cort, Editor

GRAND JUBILEE 2008
at the Grand Country Music Hall, Hwy 76

The Grand Jubilee Show has been a favorite since my wife and I started coming to Branson five years ago.  Start with the dynamic Grand Band; top musicians in their field who can produce music of any genre you care to hear, and they all do it extremely well.  For the Grand Jubilee show, the music is country, rock and gospel.  Award winning Danny Yancey is the music director and plays the pedal steel, banjo, and rhythm guitar.  Danny is endorsed by the Gibson Banjo Company and in this show you can see why.  Matt Hanshaw plays lead guitar with a vengeance and he does some flattop picking in the bluegrass segment that the audience just can’t watch fast enough.  Robbie Blackwood lives behind his drums, he plays for 3 shows per day at the Grand Country Music Hall, and then again on the live Branson Country USA radio show on Friday nights.  He is fun to watch as his solid driving beat is precise, moving, and colorful with the occasional twirling drumsticks, and yet he doesn’t dominate the other instruments or vocals no matter how soft the songs get.  I’ve watched Larry Allred closely on electric and upright bass.  His light-hearted personality would make you think he doesn’t take his musicianship seriously.  Wrong.  Larry is very serious about his bass playing.  He is as much into the tempo of the music as the drummer and if you watch closely, you can see him coordinate with the others by eye contact and body gestures.  I really like to see and hear him walk all over that bass on several numbers - almost like he were playing lead guitar.  Larry is also very serious about his singing; he provides backup vocals during this show but is a fine solo performer as well.  The wild man on the fiddle just can’t be beat.  Wayne Massengale is a master on the fiddle and a veteran entertainer.  He gets the crowd into his music every time he is featured.  Not only is Wayne expert on the fiddle for bluegrass and country numbers, he also provides the smooth violin sound for more classical songs - you know, the sweet background sound in a sad, serious song that conjures up a tear in the eye and a lump in the throat.  Wayne uses that fiddle to elicit the desired emotion from the audience.  Wayne also plays rhythm guitar, mandolin, conga drums, tambourine, and sings backup vocals.  The piano/keyboard sounds come from Michael W. Davis.  Michael does all the vocal arrangements for the Grand Jubilee show.  When you watch him play the piano you immediately see, as well as hear, the musical talent.  He is all over that keyboard like he was born with it and he is versatile in singing various backup vocal parts.  He is also terrific as the lead vocalist on, “Born to be Wild” and, “Crocodile Rock.”  And there is more instrumental talent on display when comedian Jim Dandy is featured playing nearly every instrument on the stage.  A favorite is when he plays twin fiddles with Wayne Massengale.  Host Mike Patrick is also an accomplished piano player and vocalist; he performs the Jerry Lee Lewis hit, “Great Balls of Fire.”  His piano playing makes him one of my favorites because he is so much fun to watch as well as listen to.  He is a fine singer who sings what I consider my kind of music.  I also enjoy his talents on the Sunday Gospel Jubilee and Ozark Mountain Jubilee shows at Grand Country Music Hall.

The stars of the show are the New South Quartet, Todd Bradshaw, and Jackie Brown.  The show opens with New South taking the stage by storm and instantly gets the crowd roaring with enthusiasm.  Their powerful harmonies and vocal ranges are amazing; from the goose bumps you get hearing Scott Leven’s powerful, smooth tenor singing to the vibration you feel in the arms of the theatre seats from Mark McCauley’s deep bass voice.  In just a few short years, Trey Wilson has become a quality, high-energy, veteran quartet lead singer.  He was good in his first year here and has only gotten better.  He can deliver the most complex vocal arrangements with the soft, calm voice and build up to a powerful high while taking the audience along for the ride all the way to a standing ovation.  That was the case last year following the quartet’s rendition of, “How Great Thou Art.”  I didn’t think they could possibly replace it this year but they outdid themselves again with their version of, “The Lighthouse.”  Everything these guys sing is done with total energy and absolute perfection but you can see their music comes from the soul when they sing gospel.  Jason Pritchett sings baritone this year.  From the first show of the new season, Jason fit right in with the group.  He provides a smooth baritone voice that brings the extreme vocal ranges together to provide the solid quartet sound.  There is plenty of action on the stage with New South as well as several costume changes throughout the show.  They are all over the stage interacting with the band and the audience.  They make each member of the audience feel like they are performing just for them.  Be ready to do some, “YMCA” with the Village People; a crowd favorite.

Jackie Brown, formerly of The Legends in Concert and The Entertainers, is the featured female vocalist.  What terrific talent this lady brings to the show!  She can sing anything and make you believe it’s her genre specialty.  She is also a terrific dancer, including clogging, in the afternoon Comedy Jamboree 2 PM show.  The other featured soloist is Todd Bradshaw who is exceptional on both old classic country as well as the new country sounds.  He does a great job on Elvis songs, George Jones, Buck Owens, Roy Orbison (last year), Dwight Yokum, and many others that are non-country.

The special lighting effects and sound are superb.  I’m no technician but I can appreciate the special effects and the contribution they make to the mood of the number being performed.  Several shows in town have good special effects but it takes creativity and skill to make the lighting and sound at one with the performing artists on the stage.  The folks at Grand Jubilee, Stan and Phil, have found the right formula.  Great job guys.  And designing the costumes and keeping them up and ready has to be a tremendous task for so many in this cast.  Deb Rainwater does a great job in making it all happen.

Putting the whole show together, holding it together, and making it all flow, are emcee extraordinaire, Mike Patrick, and sidekick comedian Jim Dandy (also musician extraordinaire).  As emcee for the show, Mike is also the straight man for Jim Dandy and his antics.  They both have comedic instincts and work exceptionally well together.  Some of their routines will just have your ribs hurting from laughing so hard.  As many times as I’ve seen this show (I did say it was a favorite) I still enjoy seeing them throw in some one-line, unexpected zingers and then watch the other have to ad lib to keep to the basic script of the show.  This keeps the show fresh and allows the cast to genuinely enjoy performing together six nights every week.  When you leave the show you will know you had a great time and you will know the cast had a great time performing for you.  These folks are all true professionals, and just as important, they are all deep-down good people.

Bob Cort, Editor

Several posts on various internet forums ask for show suggestions for couples coming to Branson with kids.  This show fits the bill.   I went to see it by myself and kept wishing my grandkids were here to see it.  I had fun watching and the kids in the row behind me were having a ball.

Lisa Layne (Elvira), with a cast of performers in current shows from all around Branson, has to act as well as sing in this production and they all do an admirable job.  The audience members of my generation will surely remember the songs; Purple People Eater, Love Potion #9, etc.  The younger generations enjoy the music, the costumes, and the action on stage and in the aisles.  Fog, coffins, dungeon, lighting, and sound all help create the mood for the evening.

The aim of the show is to make rock stars out of all these monsters.  I won’t go into detail about all the characters; you’ve got to see this for yourself.  But, keep an eye on Beetlejuice and those “fearleaders” with their pom-poms. 

This show has a limited run during the summer only.  It plays at 7:00 PM every day, except Mondays, until 17 August 2008.  Call for tickets at (417) 334-6806.

Bob Cort, Editor

The Branson Brothers made a roaring return to the stage on Friday, 20 June 2008 at the God & Country Theatre.  This time as a trio, the Branson Brother Show rocked the house to the delight of new fans and old fans that were getting hungry for the return of this high energy, fast moving show.  The debut in their new theatre was like the whole cast had all this energy built up while they were off and it all came pouring out for their opening show.  The fans were glad they were there, the cast was glad they were there, the theater owner was glad they were there - so we all had two hours of terrific fun-filled entertainment. 

The opening number could not have been more appropriate as they sang this Alabama song directly to their fans:
“Here we are, once again
Stronger now than we have ever been.
Hand in hand, heart to heart
Now we’ve made it through the hardest part…”
Jimmy, David, and Dee had their fans applauding before they got through the first verse.

Next, Diana Ponder takes the stage.  She is beautiful, elegant, and poised wearing a sequined gown, appropriate for singing her favorite type music; Nat King Cole’s, “Orange Colored Sky.”  The band was right on the money for this song with Lyman Clark even providing the horns background from the keyboard.  Diana also shows her versatility later in the show by appearing as Dolly Parton and Tina Turner.  You’ve got to see her walk, talk, sing, and move like Tina and listen to Lyman singing the bass backup in, “Proud Mary.”  Everything she does, whether serious or tongue in cheek, it is done with perfection.  She also sings in duets with Dee Allen and Harley Worthit.

Perry Edenburn as Harley Worthit was there in his prime and as usual, he is never at a loss for fresh material.  He was hilarious in each of his numerous characters.  Between the fast pace of the show from one song to the next and then the appearances of Harley’s characters, there is never a dull moment.  Jimmy is an ideal straight man for Harley.  The band seemed to be enjoying their antics as much as the audience. 

Jimmy introduced a segment of duets that started out with Jimmy and David doing the Everly Brothers, “Wake Up Little Susie.”  Then Diana and Dee came out and did a beautiful rendition of Freddie Hart’s, “Easy Lovin’.”   OK, there have been a few serious songs in a row now so it’s time for Diana and Harley to do their spoof of Johnny Cash and June Carter singing, “Jackson.”  This had the audience in stitches (but it wasn’t the first time and it wouldn’t be the last time during this show).  And then the show gets back to a more serious tone as David and Dee, and Jimmy and Diana, also pair up and sing duets.

During the gospel segment, the Branson Brothers sing, “I’ve Been Redeemed,” and  “He Ain’t Never Done Me Nothin’ But Good,” (written by Dottie Rambo), and “Truth Is Marching On.”

The Branson Brothers begin the second half with, “Listen to the Music,” “Willie and the Poor Boys,”  “I Can See Clearly Now,” and “Joy to the World.” 

The Branson Brothers Band is featured with Lyman Clark singing Charlie Daniels’, “The South’s Gonna Do It” with Michael T. Hermsmeyer playing the fiddle.  This song had all those soft rocking theater seats moving, right in time with the music.  Dino Strunk, Michael T. Hermsmeyer, Brad Allen, Carl Garner, and Lyman Clark are all veteran musicians who work extremely well together in providing just the right sound in support of whoever is being featured.  On their own, the band will rock the house and amaze you with their talent.

The enormous talent of the singers and musicians, the comedy, the many costume changes, the lights and sound, the scripting of the show, and the precision in bringing it all together make this a top-notch show that has earned the respect and following of many fans. Jimmy Ponder and each member of the cast and crew, and the theater management, deserve a lot of credit for bringing this quality show to the public.  Fans have been waiting a long time for the Branson Brothers return and here they are folks; they have returned riding on a storm.  Let’s get out and support them.

Bob Cort, Editor

Rankin Brothers - Classic Music Revue
Now Playing at The Welk Resort Theatre
1984 State Highway 165
Branson, MO. 65616
Phone: 1-800-505-9355
Website: http://www.welkbranson.com/default.asp?idno=10230

My wife and I finally made it over to the Welk Resort Theatre to see the Rankin Brothers after so many friends said, “You’ve got to see it.” Now we know why. We should have known a first rate resort with a first rate theater is going to have a first rate show. The Rankin Brothers deserve this beautiful venue where so many talented big names have played.

Our evening started with a quiet dessert at the Stage Door Restaurant right before show time. Then, when we went into the theater and got settled in the comfortable seats, we were ready to be entertained. The Rankin Brothers; Matt, Mark, and the entire cast, were ready to entertain. They came out and the brothers explained who they were, how they came to be in Branson, and what the show was about - and then the Classic Music Revue began with Bob Seger’s 1978 hit, “Old Time Rock N’ Roll.” This was well-performed and a perfect opening for two hours of music from the 50’s through the 90’s. The brothers were learning the music of the 50’s and 60’s when they were in their teens. They proved how well they learned with their second song of the evening, Eddie Cochran’s 1958 hit, “Summertime Blues.” By this point in the show they had the audience convinced they were for real, they knew their stuff, and they knew how to entertain.

Now the audience was expecting great things from these guys and they continued to deliver. Mark Rankin sang Neil Diamond’s 1969, “Sweet Caroline.” He did it just the way Neil Diamond did, sounded just like Neil, and got a response from the audience like they just watched Neil Diamond sing his old classic. With this kind of audience reaction, both the cast and the audience knew it is going to be a great show. Here is the rest of the cast:

THE BAND:
Bill Reder on keyboards, tenor and bass sax, and vocals
Cameron Streck on lead guitar
Casey Robertson on drums
Paul Stephens on bass guitar
Galen Butler on keyboard (music director)

THE RANKETTES on backup and lead vocals:
Lori Kelley Cathcart
Chris Spencer
Betsy Cathcart

Both of the brothers play guitar with Matt Rankin alternating lead guitar parts with Cameron throughout the show. This collection of talented musicians and singers sound like they have been playing together all their lives.

Now back to the music with Bachman-Turner Overdrive and the 1974 hit, “Takin’ Care Of Business” and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers 1989 hit, “Runnin’ Down A Dream.” By this time you could look around at the audience and see everyone singing (or at least their lips were forming the words), smiling, clapping, and reminiscing.

A segment in the show called, “Listen To The Radio” begins with the Everly Brothers 1957 hit, “Wake Up Little Susie” and 1959’s, “Let It Be Me.” Yes you guessed it, they do sound just like Don and Phil Everly. But just as your mind returns to reality, Matt and Mark come out sing the Righteous Brothers 1965 hit, “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’.” This was just an unbelievable performance but wait, there’s a lot more still coming. Next up was Mark and Lori as Sonny and Cher doing their 1965, “I Got You, Babe.” I don’t know if it was funnier than good or vice-versa; we’ll settle for both. Rounding out the segment is Matt and Mark singing the 1966 hit by Simon and Garfunkel, “Sounds Of Silence.” Yep - all together now - “they sounded just like them.”

Mike Bliss provides a break in the music with his crazy antics, his unicycle, a little magic, a jump rope, and a willing volunteer from the audience. During this time the stage is being set for the next segment.

When the curtain opens a screen is in the back showing Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings. In 1971 Don McLean wrote a hit about Van Gogh that was released again in 2001 by Josh Groban; “Starry Starry Night.” Mark Rankin gave the audience a beautiful rendition.

Now the Rankettes come to the front of the stage and perform, back to back:
The Ronnettes 1963, “Be My Little Baby”
The Chiffons 1963, “One Fine Day”
The Shangri-Las 1964, “Leader Of The Pack”
The Marvelettes 1961 and the Carpenters 1975, “Please, Mr. Postman”
The Shirelles 1961, “Dedicated To The One I Love”
These ladies are talented solo artists and they work extremely well providing group backup vocals for the Rankin Brothers throughout the show.

Up to this point in the show, Mark keeps trying to insert his Elvis numbers into the act and the band is eager to oblige. Matt cuts everyone short as if he wants to stick with the script. Matt wants Slovakian folk music but Mark keeps coming up with Elvis. Well Mark finally gets his way and enters the stage in his Elvis attire. He also brings his Elvis moves and voice. What follows is an excellent presentation of Elvis’ music that had the audience going wild. The songs Mark sang were, “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You,” “Suspicious Minds,” and “American Trilogy.” You can hear a preview of “Suspicious Minds” and other songs by going to the link at the beginning of this review and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

A new theme follows intermission and the setting is that of a 1962 high school prom. The “Soda Jerks” band is playing, “Rock Around The Clock.” The singing teenage heartthrobs are Matt as, “Jimmy Lonely” and Mark as, “Johnny Cool.” The senior’s class song is Del Shannon’s 1961, “Runaway.”

Lori takes center stage to perform Connie Francis’, “Where The Boys Are.” Then the Soda Jerks and the rest of the cast gets into Sam Cooke’s 1962 hit, “Twisting The Night Away.” Matt then slows the pace down when he sings the Bobby Hatfield, “Unchained Melody.” What a job on that one!

I didn’t intend for this review to be a song list of the Rankin Brothers Show so let me just say there are many more songs presented, not just professionally but also, entertainingly. What I’m trying to say here is there is a big difference between a singer who sings a song very well and a singer who entertains while singing a song very well. The cast of the Rankin Brothers Classic Music Revue know how to entertain. You’ve got to see Matt’s portrayal of Buddy Holly and watch how he gets the crowd wanting to dance in the aisles with his performance of Chuck Berry’s, “Johnny B. Goode.” That includes the Chuck Berry shuffle across the stage like nobody has done since Chuck Berry himself.

Bob Cort, Editor

Noah, The Musical, at Sight and Sound Theatre
1001 Shepherd of the Hills
800-377-1277

www.sight-sound.com

FYI - Plan to get there early for two reasons. 1. The street traffic was backed up quite a bit for Saturday’s 4:15 p.m. show, but parking was easy once we turned into the theatre’s parking area. We had no problem getting out of the parking lot after the show. 2. When the curtain opens the other audience members will appreciate not being disturbed. In other words, please be in your seat before the show starts. There is a notice on your ticket stating that you may be detained until intermission if you arrive late, after the curtain goes up.

The use of cameras, video or audio recording devices or laser pointers is prohibited. A camera’s click or flash would have ruined the carefully planned lighting and also the mood.

I don’t think there are any bad seats. The center (right and left) sections, beginning at the fifth row and back, seem to be the best. Even the balcony would be good.

Now, about Noah, The Musical.

I don’t know if it’s possible to write a review about an experience almost beyond belief. How do I describe being in Noah’s ark when there is nothing, absolutely nothing that I can compare it to?

But we were there. We were there from the beginning as we witnessed Noah receiving instructions from God. We were there for the construction, the destruction, and the rebuilding of the ark.

We watched as the animals arrived, two by two, and unafraid.

We were in the ark with Noah, his family, and the animals, when the first drops of rain fell. Together with Noah and his family we grieved for those who had refused Noah’s invitation because we knew their fate. We could hear them outside the ark, but it was too late.

We were there when the ark was lifted from dry land by the flood water.

And after many weeks of confinement, anxiety, and the unrelenting rain we observed family members quarreling and then forgiving. We watched in anticipation when the dove was released and flew over our heads in search of dry land.

Noah, The Musical; you’ll laugh, cry, be in awe of the technology, and appreciate the talents of the cast (75 - ? on the stage). This was an experience I will never forget. This isn’t just food for the soul, it’s a banquet!

And you really don’t need pictures. The music, live animals, and visuals are so magnificent that even now I can close my eyes and relive the extraordinary adventure.

Velva Cort, Editor