The "Spirit of Christmas" is but one of Bransons many Christmas shows.
Branson Missouri, known as the “live music show capital of the world,” is in the middle of its “Ozark Mountain Christmas” celebration. A big part of the celebration is Branson’s Christmas shows.
Below, listed in alphabetical order by show name, are personal reviews of people who purport to have actually seen the show and have posted them on the Show Forum of www.1Branson.com.. They provide a a unique perspective and are presented as posted.
The link from the name of each show will provide a description of the show, pictures, schedules, and pricing and is powered by the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. The name, entry, to the left of each comment in bold is the screen name of the poster.
kbradleyar on November 13 – I have seen the normal show many times AND the Christmas show. I LOVE the Christmas show. It is a blast, it is fun watching how they fit so many songs into the “Scrouge” theme. It will put a smile on your face…and I don’t even work for them.
illinifan on November 10 – “We enjoyed Andy last week more than his Christmas show two years ago. He was on stage and performing through most of the show and had enough variety to keep our interest. It was by far our favorite! Don’t miss it!”
Branson Friend on November 13 – Christmas in Branson will never be the same! The Charlie Daniels Band returns to Branson for the first time in over a decade with an amazing show featuring all of their biggest hits plus a few songs from their new Christmas CD. One night only, Friday December 11, 7:30pm [Authors note: Although not a review it is included because it is a one night event and will be over before a review can be posted.]
oldbranhand on November 8 – “The Christmas part of the show was the first half which runs a full hour. They did two comedy routines from the regular season but that still left lots of time for Christmas. With the Jamboree Singers and Todd Bradshaw all of the music was great. Our favorites were Jackie, John, Gigi and Justin singing “Merry Christmas Darling“. We also loved Tracy Heaston’s piano number. It was great to see Gigi Hutchinson back in the show . She did a great job with “Santa Baby”. The funniest part of the show was Shannon Thomason doing a Christmas song as Elvis. On thing we really liked about this show and the Grand Jubilee was that in both they took time to include a passage from the Christmas story in the Bible.”
Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express
oldbranhand on November 8 – “This year Clay Cooper did all of the Christmas in the second half of the show. In past years it has been mixed into both halves. We really enjoyed it more done all in the second half. It ran about 35 minutes but it was all Christmas music and comedy. One thing that sets this show apart is the quality of the dancing both in the regular season and the Christmas show. Highlights for us were Matt Gumm as the Grinch, Tina singing to her 11 month old son, and an outstanding instrumental medley featuring Melody Hart on the fiddle and Matt Gumm on the hammer dulcimer.”
elvisguitarman on November 14 – “I saw Debbie about 2 weeks ago on her opening show. I think she looks great and sings very well. She does talks about her family, sings some Christmas songs, some old songs by others, and then her trademark song “You Light Up My Life.”
Theoleseagull on November 7 – “From beginning to end, it is like sitting around the Christmas Tree opening gifts. As each new act of the show unfolds and entertains there is an excitement and anticipation for what is coming next.”
Lindsey on November 7 – DD and I went tonight to see the Duttons Christmas Show – love love love it!! What a perfect family Christmas show!! I hope to take my mom and sister to see it!!
preacherman on November 8 – We got to see the Dutton’s for the first time last night. It was great! You just didn’t know what they would do next! And we were surprised to be led to our parking place by Ben. (Learned his name later) We got out of the car and he was standing there waiting to say “hi” and ask where we were from and to welcome us. What a personal touch! Really enjoyed this family!!!”
oldbranhand on November 8 – “The Christmas show was the first half and ran almost 70 minutes. Even with two comedy routines form the regular season there was still lots of Christmas music. With this very talented cast it is hard to pick out highlights. I think my favorite part of all of the Christmas shows we have seen is when Jamie Haage steps out of his comedic role and does a beautiful, moving Christmas recitation. No matter how many times I hear it I still love it. Our favorite musical number was the entire cast doing ”O Holy Night” as the finale. I will repeat the comment about reading from the Bible because we feel that is so appropriate.”
K-2 on November 10 – “We saw Miracle of Christmas over the weekend. Wonderful show with lots of stage changes. The tickets are a little expensive, but for the quality of the show and theater we felt like it was worth the price. We had seen Noah and knew that we wanted to sit in the upper section. Went in the morning of the show and got great seats–just where we wanted to be.”
Crazy4Branson on November 10 – “I could have done without the dramatic depiction of “Mary” going through labor….. I know, giving birth is a “fact of life”…but, that scene could have been presented in a much more tasteful, discreet manner….I had planned to see the show again & take gr children, 10 & 12, but, will not…..Lots of angels flying around!”
K-2 on November 12 – “I felt that the “birth” scene was a little over the top also. Parents would know when this is coming up and maybe could pull out a box of candy or gum and distract the kids. It doesn’t last long. And, like others said–you see worse on TV.”
Showgal on November 13 “Very talented singers. Kim Boyce is a beautiful singer. I love her Christian music. Dougherty is hysterical, as usual. He changes jokes around and adds to the jokes enough to keep it funny. I was with a group and we laughed so hard thought we were going to fall out of our seats. Every single one thought it was the best they had ever seen and they see him quite frequently. House was either a sell out or very close to it.”
moo_kitty on November 13 “I saw this show Thursday night: 1st half was highlights of the regular season 2nd half was the Christmas portion of the show. Large crowd – nearly sell out – maybe a few random seats here and there available. show was lively and well done – very enjoyable and fun. Excellent musicianship by all. Theater was comfortable and NOT TOO COLD (yay) – I even took my sweater off which i don’t generally do inside theatres! Restrooms were clean and the lobby smells heavenly. I’m trying to think of a “negative” to try and keep the reviewed “balanced’ but cannot think of one. VERY GOOD SHOW
Show gal on November 14 Is indeed hard to find any negative words about this show. Just positive things coming from that stage. Glad you enjoyed the show. It got our holiday season off to a great start.
Theoleseagull on November 15 “Spirit of Christmas article just posted on www.news.branson.com entitled ‘”Spirit of Christmas’ a dazzling Branson musical entertainment experience” Excerpt:
The “Spirit of Christmas” at the Branson Variety Theatre is a spectacular Christmas production with great dancing, music and vocals and a “Zippy” little surprise. From the very first number, those familiar with the class, style and format of Branson Variety’s “Broadway, The Star Spangled Celebration” will feel a familiarity with the class and style of the show and have a sense of anticipation as to the unique and exciting entertainment experience that is coming.”
