Blues Brothers, left to right Justin Clark as "Elwood" and Buck Heard as "Jake," performing this action packed routine.
In a review of this show written last year this writer said, “Saying the ‘Legends in Concert Show’ is just another tribute show is like saying the ‘Kentucky Derby’ is just another horse race. There are horse races and there is the ‘Kentucky Derby.’ There are tribute shows and there the ‘Legends in Concert Show.’” Well it’s a year later and after seeing the show on March 13 this writer would say, “Ditto.”
One central theme of the Legends in Concert is the recreation of the super star performers by the celebrity impersonators. Each is a masterpiece and creates an experience that is about as close as most people will ever get to actually seeing these legendary stars perform in terms of looks, mannerisms and voice without seeing the original star being recreated.
Although, there are two main acts that perform virtually all year in Branson, Bucky Heard and Justin Clark as the “Blues Brothers” and Tony Z as “Elvis,” there is a constant rotation into the lineup of “stars” throughout the season so there is always something new and exciting to see and experience at the Legends in Concert. Currently performing until May 18 is George Trullinger as “Buddy Holly” and “Ed Sullivan;” Todd Sullivan as “Tim McGraw” and Jazmine Hyytia as “Whitney Houston.”
Each of the stars does a set of four or five numbers to the accompaniment of a live band with vocal back up and dancing. The costuming, sets, and dancing is different for each act adding so much to the entertainment experience. It’s almost like seeing five mini shows in one.
Todd Sullivan performing as "Tim McGraw."
Each of the “stars” did a fabulous job with their recreations. Buddy Holly performed the warm up duties and got the audience into the show. Although certainly subjective, this writer’s personal favorite number from each “star” set was “Peggy Sue” by Buddy Holly; “I Like It I Love It” by Tim McGraw; “Shout” by the Blues Brothers; “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston and “Peace in the Valley” by Elvis.
As great as the recreations of the stars are it is the synergy resulting from the recreations, live band, dancing, choreography and the general flow of the show that makes “Legends in Concert” a very special entertainment experience. The ability of the Legends in Concert Band and Dancers to enhance the overall entertainment experience provided by each of the different “stars” is amazing. One outstanding example, of many throughout the show, is the performance of “Shout” during the Blues Brothers performance.
The Legends in Concert Band is composed of Kevin Allen, Guitar/Band Leader; Mark Owen, Keyboard; Lynn Brown, Drums and Brian Zerbee, Bass Guitar. The Legend in Concert Dancers are Dance Captain Stephanie Drey, Tiffany Powers, Darcie Jones, Cindy Dardas, Jamie Curry and Stephen Feemster. Powers and Jones also provide vocal backup.
Branson, called by some the “Live music show capital of the world.” has over 100 shows of every variety. However, there is none that offers the unique Branson entertainment experience that the “Legends in Concert” offers and a chance to see so many “legendary stars” at one show.
For additional information or tickets for Legends in Concert or any of Branson’s other shows, attractions and activities or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. Branson Tourism Center can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
