Rock U Mentally Announces 2010 Dates in Branson

An official press release from the Dick Clark American Bandstand Theater:

What do you get when you combine creative original music, energizing choreography, “larger than life” costumed characters, innovative music videos, a mind blowing magician, two zany mad scientists, a chorus of harmonizing birds and a powerful educational message? You get a hip, educational, musical adventure for kids of ALL ages.

“Rock U Mentally LIVE”, announced December 16 that they will be returning to Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, in 2010, for their second exciting season! This highly acclaimed children's variety show will be performing an 8 week LIMITED ENGAGEMENT, beginning July 17th and running through September 4; Thursday - Saturday at 10am. In addition, the Rock U Mentally gang is also proud to announce their first, “SPRING BREAK BASH!" Four special shows that will coincide with the Branson and Springfield school system's Spring Break; Friday/Saturday; March 19th 20th, 26th and 27th; at 10am.

“Join us, and some of our very special friends, as we learn how to deal with bullies, unlock the power of the imagination, find out what to do if a stranger approaches, and explore all of the things we can do to protect our extraordinary planet", said Rock U Mentally creator, Bucky Heard. "Our show is a labor of love for kids everywhere!” We truly are a "one of a kind" in the Branson entertainment market!"

Jeannie Horton, General Manager for Legends in Concert at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater said, “We love the educational and environmental focus of the show. Families will have a very special time experiencing this unique show together!”

Branson White House Theater Sold to China Heaven Creations

The White House Theater in Branson, Missouri officially has new owners. On Monday afternoon, more than 50 people joined with the China Heaven Creation International Performing Arts Co. Ltd for a formal ribbon cutting in the 57,000 square foot, 1,200 seat theater.

This is the first ever successful purchase of an American Theater by a Chinese company. The theater will focus on Chinese productions. Its first show, “Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu,” will begin its first season in Branson in May of 2010. The production will feature acrobatics, modern dance and original music telling the story of a young boy pursuing spiritual and physical harmony.

CHC productions plans to incorporate more shows as they integrate their performances into the Branson show scene.

The theater will keep its White House Theater name and will retain its collection of photographs of presidents, located in the lobby.

The purchase of the theater cost the Chinese-based company 3.54 million dollars.

Hamner Barber Theatre in Branson Welcomes Two New Shows

The Hamner Barber Theater Branson is welcoming two new shows to its venue in 2010.

The Keatings, who currently perform at the Branson Star Theatre, will bring their show to the Hamner Barber Theater starting April 29, 2010. They will perform at 3pm on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. This father and son musical experience features numerous genres, including pop, jazz, rock, country, opera, standards, gospel and Broadway.

In addition to The Keatings, the Hamner Barber Theatre in Branson is welcoming Ricky Boen & Texas Mud as a new show. This new show will highlight world championship western swing music and will perform in the mornings.

Of course, the Hamner Barber Variety Show in Branson will return in the spring for the 2010 season.

Titanic Museum Branson Hosts Ice Sculpture Competition

The Titanic Museum Branson is hosting its 4th Annual Ice Sculpturing Competition Saturday, January 16, 2010.

The event will be held in the Titanic Museum’s parking lot. The National Ice Carving Association’s Titan’s of Ice will compete during the event, scheduled from 9am-3pm. This event is completely FREE to the public. Last year, more than 7,000 people attended the event to view sculptures in progress, talk to the ice artists and learn the secrets of what it takes to be a great ice sculpturist.

The Titanic Museum will also be welcoming two new friends to the attraction starting March 19, 2010. Molly & Carter, two adorable King Charles Spaniels, will join the attraction as it pays tribute to the dogs aboard the Titanic. These two dogs will become the new mascots of the Titanic Museum Attraction and will welcome passengers, among playing other roles at the museum.

Branson New Years Eve Celebrations feature Festive Fun

As soon as the Branson Christmas season ends, shows get festive with celebratory New Years Eve productions. From magic to music to comedy, there is a Branson show that will fit perfectly into your New Years Eve plans. Reserve your New Years Eve getaway today for the best seats and best discounted rates.

The Acrobats of China are hosting a New Years Eve celebration, with festivities starting at 9pm. The Acrobats of China New Years Eve Celebration will feature traditional Chinese hor d'oeuvers, sparkling non-alcoholic wine, party favors & hats, a special Chinese souvenir and balloon drop.

The Haygoods New Years Eve Celebration has a pre-show starting at 8:15pm with the main show starting at 9:00pm. Appetizers will be served at intermission with a balloon drop and live TV countdown at midnight.

The Jim Stafford New Years Eve Show is offering several options to guests. Guests can choose to attend the Jim Stafford New Years Eve Show only, which will include incredible guitar playing, hilarious comedy, party favors & hats, special keepsake gifts and lots of New Years Eve surprises, or they can choose to do a combo ticket that includes the Jim Stafford New Years Eve Show, plus a delicious dinner and evening of dancing before the show begins at 9:30pm.

The Kirby VanBurch New Years Eve Spectacular begins at 9pm and this magical evening will include a box dinner, party favors, non-alcoholic champagne and balloon drop.

The Legends in Concert New Years Eve Show features crowd favorites Reba McEntire, Lionel Richie, Buddy Holly, The Blues Brothers, and Elvis. The New Years Eve production will include party favors, hors d'oeuvres, seasonal beverages and a midnight celebration with the stars of Legends in Concert.

Several Branson shows will also be open New Years Eve Day. Christmas on the Trail, Circle B Supper Show, Comedy Jamboree, Dixie Stampede, Grand Country's Amazing Pets and the Showboat Branson Belle will all be open and available for daytime fun.

Be sure to reserve your Branson hotel for New Years Eve early in order to get the guaranteed lowest rates available.

Ring in the New Year in Branson for a fun and festive night of celebration.

Christmas Shows in Branson Available for Limited Time

Christmas is well under way in Branson, Missouri but for a few of the Branson Shows there are only a few more days to catch their Christmas productions. Those that want to catch one of these festive productions need to act quickly, before the New Year arrives and a new show season in Branson begins.

The Baldknobbers Jamboree Christmas Show is available now through December 29. The first half of the show features the best of the 2009 season, while the second half showcases Christmas carols and the yuletide spirit. Broadway’s Spirit of Christmas ends its season December 12, so there are only a few days left to catch this magnificent production. Christmas on the Trail, a cowboy-style Christmas celebration featuring festive music and a delicious chuckwagon dinner, is available through December 31. The Dino Christmas Extravaganza, a very popular and dynamic Branson Christmas show, ends December 12, so visitors will want to hurry to see this festive show.

The Dixie Stampede Christmas Show runs through December 31, but visitors who want to experience this exciting show will need to reserve tickets now, as shows do fill up quickly. The Hamner Barber production Wings of Christmas, a show that features magic and comedy in the first half and a magical Christmas journey in the second half, ends its 2009 season December 13. Miracle of Christmas, Branson’s newest Christmas show, will continue its production through December 30.

A variety of shows will still be available in Branson, though, including visitor favorites Acrobats of China, Haygoods, Legends in Concert, Pierce Arrow, Grand Jubilee, Showboat Branson Belle and the Twelve Irish Tenors. Shows like Country Tonite, the Hughes Brothers and Shoji Tabuchi will be ending their shows December 12 and 13, respectively.

The Branson Christmas season is a busy one for shows, so it is recommended visitors reserve their Branson show tickets in advance. Hurry – before Christmas 2009 is a memory and New Years Eve celebrations are underway.

Titanic Museum Branson Ends Movie Exhibit

The Titanic Museum Branson will soon be closing its exclusive tribute to James Cameron’s movie masterpiece “Titanic” after a successful two year run. The last day to see this exhibit will be January 1, 2010.

This special exhibit offers guests the chance to go behind-the-scenes of this Oscar-winning movie. The film’s hand-crafter props, set pieces and costumes are on display, including two of Rose’s (Kate Winslet’s character) magnificent dresses. The beautiful heart-shaped diamond and sapphire necklace is also on display. Additional behind-the-scenes videos, photos, on-location stories and the shooting script Cameron used are also on display.

The World’s Largest Titanic Museum Attraction in Branson has been in operation for 3½ years and has welcomed aboard almost 2 million guests. The 17,000 square-foot ship-shaped structure is built half-scale to the original Titanic and towers more than 100 feet above its anchored position on Highway 76. A 90-minute self-guided or optional audio tour covers 20 galleries on two decks displaying more than 400 priceless artifacts that once belonged to Titanic passengers or crew.

Branson Duttons Announce 2010 Schedule

The Duttons last 2009 season show will be December 8, but they will return in early 2010 for to special shows on January 1st and 2nd. In their time away from Branson, they will be performing in Arizona, through March, before they return for the Branson 2010 season.

The January 1st & 2nd shows will both be 8pm performances and will give fans a glimpse of what’s to come for the 2010 season.

The Dutton Family Theater will also be home to several other performers during the 2010 season. George Dyer, who had a limited engagement at the theater earlier this year, will return on February 11th, 2010. On March 9th, The Redhead Express returns for a new season. An all-new show – the Cat’s Pajamas vocal group – will open their show on March 13th. The Duttons will return on April 13th, and the popular Island Fire show will be back during the summer season for their 4th season in Branson.

Haygoods to Air Holiday Special in Regional TV Markets

The Haygoods, one of Branson’s most talented families, are airing a holiday special in select cities in the Midwest. This 30-minute special will feature a combination of holiday music, antics and high-energy fun.

In the Springfield/Branson area, the special will air on the CW Network at 1 p.m. on Dec. 5, Dec. 12, Dec. 19 and at 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 20. It will air at noon on Dec. 6 on KSPR-ABC and at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 on KSFX-FOX. In the St. Joseph area, the special will air on KQTV-ABC at 10:35 p.m. on Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 10, at 4 p.m. on Dec. 12 and at 12:30 p.m. on Dec. 17. In the Joplin area, the special will air on KODE-ABC at 4 p.m. on Dec. 13, and on KSN-NBC at 2 p.m. on Dec. 20.

The Haygoods are currently performing in Branson now through January 2nd, 2010. Haygoods Tickets are on sale now.

61st Adoration Parade Marches into Branson Dec. 6

Branson’s 61st Adoration Parade is set for Sunday, December 6, 2009, at 5pm. This lighted nighttime parade features the theme of “Keeping Christ in Christmas.” The parade begins with the lighting of the Nativity Scene on the Branson Hill, overlooking the Branson Landing. Then, to kick off the event the LeCroix Sisters will sing the National Anthem and Reverend Bob Hubbard will present the invocation.

The Branson Parade will feature 15 marching bands and 40 floats and walking units. The parade route will go through historic downtown Branson and Branson Landing on the Lake Taneycomo lakefront. A good spot to watch the parade is on Commercial Street in Downtown Branson, as is the Branson Landing fountain area, Belk parking lot and sidewalk along Lake Taneycomo.

Awards in various categories will be presented at 7:30pm at the Branson Landing fountains.

Silver Dollar City honored with Awards

Silver Dollar City theme park in Branson, Missouri has been honored with awards from the world of amusement parks. During the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions Expo during a recent awards ceremony held in Las Vegas.

For the first time ever, a Silver Dollar City production – “Headin’ West” – won first prize in the “Best Overall Production” category. “Headin’ West” appears during Silver Dollar City’s National Harvest Festival.

Silver Dollar City also won honorable mention for the Swedish Supergroup Jeerk, a rhythm and dance production featured during National Kids’ Fest.

Silver Dollar City was also honored with a “Brass Ring” award for best overall public relations program for its World-Fest campaign.

December Events in Branson

Shepherd of the Hills Trail of Lights
December 1 - December 31
This 2-1/2 mile Christmas Adventure includes 3 dimensional mechanical displays with themed music and story lines. Once you drive onto the property untiil you leave, you will be in a wonderland that will bring back the magic of Christmas you had a a little child.

Branson Area Festival of Lights
December 1 - January 2
Join the community-wide celebration as all of Branson is aglow for the holidays. Special holiday shows, drive through light displays and spectacular shopping and dining provide all the reasons to celebrate the holidays in Branson. Included is the Branson Area Festival of Lights Drive-Though Display, more than 1 mile of Christmas lights on display.

White Flight at The Butterfly Palace
December 1 - January 15
9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Thousands of white butterflies flutter like living snowflakes amid a rainforest sparkling with thousands of twinkling lights . . while fantastic holiday music fills your soul. Simply unforgettable! Back for the 2009 holidays - Living Statues! These breathtaking angels will amaze you with their quiet beauty and joyful peace . . and will stun you when they suddenly come to life! Each self-guided holiday journey also includes a 3-D movie about butterflies, a sneak peek at some amazing creatures inside the Living Rainforest Science Center, and a chance to get lost inside the Emerald Forest Mirror Maze.

Ride the Ducks Holiday Light Tours
December 1 – December 13
See the Lights and Tour the Sights on this 60 minute adventure through Branson.

Santa Claus at Town Square in Branson Landing
December 1 - December 24
Santa Claus is coming to town - Branson Landing’s Town Square that is! Don’t miss your chance to visit Santa Claus in his very own 50-foot Christmas TreeHouse, complete with a cozy fireplace, holiday cheer and memorable photo opportunities. Visit the Branson Landing Website to view Santa’s 2009 Schedule at Branson Landing. Mark your calendars and be sure to join us as we welcome Santa Claus back to Branson Landing this holiday season with a very special Santa Arrival and Tree Lighting Ceremony produced in conjunction with our friends – The Twelve Irish Tenors and The Spirit of Christmas Dancers from the Branson Variety Theater.

Polar Express Train Ride
December 1 - December 19
The Branson Scenic Railway is proud to bring the officially licensed Polar Express Train Ride event to Branson this holiday season! The Polar Express Train Rides are based on the holiday feature film from Warner Bros. Pictures and the beloved children’s book, by Chris Van Allsburg, about a doubting young boy who takes an extraordinary train ride to the North Pole on Christmas Eve. Set to the sounds of the motion picture soundtrack, pajama clad passengers will relive the magic of the story as this nighttime train whisks families away for an unforgettable ride to the North Pole. During the journey, the Conductor will punch tickets and chefs serve hot chocolate, followed by a reading of Van Allsburg’s classic. At the North Pole, Santa will board the train, greet the children and give a gift for those who truly believe — a silver sleigh bell. For tickets and event information, call the Branson Scenic Railway at 800-287-2462 or visit www.bransontrain.com or www.polarexpressride.com. Be sure to make your reservations early as these trains are expected to sell out quickly.

An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City
December 1 - December 30
See all your family’s favorites along with new surprises amidst the glow of over 4 million dazzling lights. You’ll create special holiday traditions, celebrate the true meaning of this magical season and take home memories that will last a lifetime!

Santa's Reindeer at the Titanic
December 4 - December 5; December 11 - 12
Titanic’s parking lot will turn into a winter wonderland again when Santa and his reindeer stop by for two special weekends. Last year’s visit was a magical holiday experience for hundreds of boys and girls, and this year’s Christmas visit promises to be even more exciting. This free family attraction gives parents and kids the chance to pat real-live reindeer while having their pictures taken with these relatively rare creatures.

Christmas Tour of Homes
December 4 - 5
2009 Christmas Tour of Homes in the Table Rock Lake area near Branson. Tickets may be purchased at the Country Mart in Branson West, and in Kimberling City at the Kimberling Area Library, Metropolitan National Bank, People’s Bank, Summer Fresh Supermarket, and Harter House. Included with the Tour of Homes is a Hospitality Room at the Kimberling Area Library offering complimentary refreshments, a Unique Boutique of craft items, Silent Auction, Prize Drawing, and Bake Sale. A light lunch will also be available for purchase at our Christmas Tea Room located at the Hospitality Room. The Tea Room will be open both days of the tour from 11:30 AM until 2:30 PM. For more information, contact Sue Spoley at 417-779-2626 (sespol@reisenbach.com).

61st Annual Adoration Parade & Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, December 6, Lighting ceremony 5:30 p.m.
Festive night-time parade and Adoration scene lighting ceremony.

Victorian Homecoming
December 19 - 30
During the Christmas Season, Chateau on the Lake has planned a number of events with family in mind. From bonfires and roasting marshmallows to a traditional Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day Brunch there is so much to do for both young and old alike. Festivities start on Dec. 19th with the annual benefit for a local charity, Breakfast with Santa, and continues with daily Afternoon Tea at 3 pm in the Chateau Grille and complimentary warm apple cider in the lobby each evening.