A special thanks to the Branson CVB and the amazing shows listed below for this complimentary experience.
Did you know that Branson, Missouri is the live entertainment capital of the world? Seriously, there are over 60,000 theater seats in Branson, more than Las Vegas or Broadway! Over 50 theaters can be found on the Branson “strip” and throughout the area. We were able to get a small taste of the vast array of shows available during our recent visit with all the live entertainment options in Branson.
Live Entertainment Options in Branson
The first show we saw was Grand Jubilee at the Grand Country Music Hall. Grand Jubilee is a variety show featuring the popular New South quartet. New South members include a fantastic bass singer who has a commanding stage presence and a former American Idol finalist. Award winning female vocalist Jackie Brown also joins in with some powerful performances. The entire show was action packed with outstanding vocals, quick comedy sketches, and non-stop entertainment. Mike Patrick, the emcee, kept the show light and the energy high, along with his sidekick “Jim Dandy”.
The second show we saw was the Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai at the New Shanghai Theater. I’m not sure if I can even adequately describe all the amazing talent these young performers showcased during the two-hour production. Mind-blowing feats of balance and strength and gracefulness, along with beautiful costumes and artistic backgrounds and props, take your breath away as you sit motionless in your seat because you don’t want to miss a second of the action. Two of the young acrobats were roughly the same ages as my two sons, and their physical strength, endurance, and stamina was awe-inspiring.
Our third show was the one that started it all in the Branson region back in 1959, Baldknobbers Jamboree. The Mabe family has been producing the show for three generations now. Baldknobbers memorabilia is even on display in the Smithsonian. It’s also a variety format, with a large helping of hillbilly comedy that kept the packed audience roaring with laughter. The vocal performances were outstanding, including a very moving and rousing tribute to the dozens of military veterans present. Actually, all of the musical shows we watched incorporated some sort of tribute to the military and the veterans. Coming from military roots, that really struck a wonderful chord for me.
On our last day we saw two more amazing shows. The first one, Unbelievable, at Hamners Variety Theater, was a magic show with some fantastic twists. The emcee, Jeff Brandt, also happened to be a world-class impressionist and thrilled us all with spot-on impressions. We also thought the 16 year-old Russian gymnast was outstanding. There were other fun musical numbers with a talented cast. The best parts of the show, however, were the magical illusions performed by Dave Hamner and his beautiful birds. Their slogan “Birds Appear, People Fly, Voices Soar” says it all. I wish photography had been allowed!
Our final show on our last night was the world famous Legends in Concert at the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. The performing lineup for the show was Reba McEntire, Nat King Cole, The Blues Brothers, and of course, no live tribute would be complete without the King himself, Elvis! Most of the performers were dead ringers for their celebrity counterparts, and they all gave thrilling vocal performances. Our favorite was Elvis, no doubt, but they were all very good. My children were mesmerized and even collected autographs and pictures of the performers afterwards. Actually, all the shows we saw offered opportunities to meet and greet the entertainers which I thought was fabulous.
Overall, we loved all the shows. I liked all of them for different reasons, and honestly if I had to pick a favorite I don’t think I could. I knew we were in for a real treat but what surprised me was how enthusiastic my children were. They loved every minute of it and have gained a new appreciation for musical genres they weren’t very familiar with. Best of all, we did it as a family and made some wonderful memories.
Have you visited any of the live entertainment options in Branson?
Lauren Harmon says
I actually used to live in Branson and LOVED going to see shows while I was there, Legends has been around forever and the show they put on is amazing! I can’t wait to go back and visit sometime soon so I can check out some of the other shows you have listed. 🙂
Missy says
That must have been great living in Branson, I loved the whole area, it’s such a warm and vibrant community! And yes, we loved Legends, it was fantastic!
Cat Davis says
We are in driving distance of Branson but we’ve never actually gone there. I had no idea they had so much going on. That Legends in Concert would be pretty amazing.
Missy says
It was about a 7 hour drive for us. Totally worth it! I actually live a little closer to the Smoky Mountains, and we love that area too, but Branson was different and unique and a really wonderful experience!
Nina Say says
All of a sudden I wish I were closer to Branson! We have very little entertainment options where I live.
Karen says
We have never been to Branson but I have heard of some great entertaniment options. The ones you mentioned would be so fun to attend.
Missy says
All the shows we saw were great, and there are literally dozens of other shows as well, I can’t wait to go back and see some more, I’m hooked!
Liz Mays says
I can see why you liked it there. I think entertainment of this kind is lots of fun for the whole family!
Shell Feis says
I love tribute shows! That looks like a very convincing Reba!
Missy says
She was! She sounded just like her too, and was so nice!
Robin Gagnon says
I really need to get there one of these days. Branson seems to have so much to offer.
Missy says
I can’t even tell you all the wonderful things Branson has to offer, seriously, you should plan a trip and see for yourself! Tons of activities, fantastic shows, delicious food, plenty of shopping, beautiful scenery, you can’t beat it!
Robin Rue (@massholemommy) says
My husband and I were just talking about going there. I want to check it out for myself someday.
Avry Byington says
I’ve never been to Missouri but I would love love love to go as that is where my son lives now 🙂 Entertainment looks awesome
Catherine S says
This looks like a great vacation destination. I bet all the shows are great.
Krystal says
This looks like a wonderful place to take the family. I’ve actually been looking at a trip to Branson next year.
Missy says
I hope you get to go, it is a blast! I never would have thought the kids would love it so much but they did, and are still talking about it weeks later!
Kristin says
I have heard so many cool things about Branson! It looks like a really fun place to visit and have a family vacation.
Liz Mays says
I’d love to see those acrobats perform! It looks like there are some great shows in Branson!
Missy says
The acrobats were stunning! I love those types of shows and this group was so talented and professional!
Audrey says
We have never visited Branson, but will keep this in mind if we get to take a trip there. Who knew it had more seats than Vegas or Broadway! Amazing pictures of all the shows.
Mary O'Malley says
That sounds like a whole lot of things in the area. What a great bunch of info.
Tracy @ Ascending Butterfly says
Haven’t been to branson but looks like you had a great time while you were there! I have seen a similar show in Atlantic City! Great photos!
Debbie Denny says
I love Branson. We go a couple times a year. I have not been to Legends in a while. Think I will put that on the list this year.
Ronni says
Wow! I had no idea Branson had so much now! I was there last in ’86! It was a great time for sure but far less to see and do! I think a trip is in order soon.
Jennifer Williams says
We wanted to stop to see some of the sights when we were relocating from Florida to Idaho. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate. We plan to go back on vacation some time next year though and I can not wait.
Andrea Kruse says
I have heard so many good things about Branson, and this makes me even more interested in going! I wish it was a little closer. This would have to be planned ahead since our family of 5 is on the West Coast.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
I haven’t no, but I am so impressed with all the venues and shows that are offered there. Truly amazing, would love to go one day!
Tiffany (A Mom's Take) says
I had no idea there was so much live entertainment in Branson. My family and I have been wanting to get up there for a vacation.
Raijean says
I went to Branson last year and we had a blast… I can’t wait to go back when it’s warmer.
Chrystal @ Nevermore Lane says
I lived in OK for most of my life and never went to Branson. Now that I am in MI I wish I would have taken advantage of a visit.
Kecia says
I haven’t been to Branson, but I keep hearing all about the great entertainment there. I love seeing live shows, so I think I’d enjoy any (or all) of these!
Rosey says
This looks like such a good time. I’d love to visit the area and see the entertainment.
Tammy says
Wow, you had a chance to take in a lot while you were there! The Shanghai acrobat show would be right up our family’s alley 🙂 We’ve never been to Branson before, but we do enjoy live shows of all kinds.
Donna says
I’d love the acrobat show, but would really love the Legends in Concert! I hope to visit Branson sometime in the near future!
Candy says
Hope to go to Branson one day. Looks like loads of fun and great entertainment!
Tracey says
This looks like a blast! What an entertaining night. I would have to see the Legends in Concert.
Amanda says
I keep seeing all of these fabulous things for the entire family in Branson.We need to plan a trip soon!!
Camesha says
I’ve heard such good things about Branson. Sounds like a great place to take a trip.
Jessica (Savory Experiments) says
Branson looks like so much fun! It is on our “weekend trip” list!
Billie says
I’ve never been there, there are so many options though. Something for everybody.
Jenn says
I think the magic shows and gymnasts would be fun to see!
Anne - Mommy Has to Work says
I did not know there was so much to see in Branson. It is on our travel to lists.
Vanessa: thequeenofswag says
I’ve never even heard of Branson before, so it’s great to learn about it and see that there is so much to see and do there.
Kait says
I love great live entertainment! This would be a fun girls weekend.