Peter Pan soaring above the Darlings teaching them how to fly and, to the excitement and delight of everyone, fly they do.
Any time is a great time for kids in Branson, Missouri. From zip lines to lakes, go karts, water parks and, of course, Branson’s most popular paid attraction the award winning Silver Dollar City along with the Titanic Museum and dozens of other attractions. One would be hard pressed to find a place anywhere in the world where a family can have the unique fun filled type of vacation that Branson offers.
Branson is often cited as the “live music show capital of the world” and the vast majority of the content of its shows are suitable for children. Tammy Johnson, Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center says, “However, certain shows will appeal to most younger children more than others, while at the same time provide an entertaining experience for adults.”
In this writers opinion, based on seeing Branson shows over the last 24 years, a younger child’s enjoyment of a show will be directly proportional to the parts of the show that appeal to the things that they like. Generally this involves color, action, and something they can relate to such as characters, story, performers, music etc. and the longer that relationship lasts the more they will enjoy the show. The following shows are among the Branson shows that do just that.
Cathy Rigby is currently starring in the spectacular production of Peter Pan. As this writer reviewed the show earlier this week he sat in the back behind everyone. He could not help, but observe the enjoyment and involvement of the whole crowd in the show, but it was particularly the children’s reaction that was telling.
How many shows does one go to where the children are hurrying the parents to get back in their seats after intermission? Not many and Peter Pan is one. It has wonderful costuming, sets and a story in which the kids attending become part. From Peter Pan and the Darlings flying high above the stage and out over the audience, sword fights and to walking the plank of Captain Hook’s ship, there is a constant stream of captivating action throughout the entire performance. This show is performing a limited engagement in Branson that will end on August 15.
Just a splash of the color, pagentry and skill of the Acrobats of China
Acrobats of China is a colorful fast moving “circus” type of show appealing to children because of its many different acts of strength, agility, coordination and daring; constant action, colorful costumes, beauty and pageantry. As was the case with Peter Pan, the same thing that makes it a great entertainment experience for children makes it a great show for adults. At the show this writer reviewed earlier this year “there was a large number of children. One very large group was sitting about five rows in front of us. The looks of amazement on their faces and their excitement as they walked up the aisle at intermission was a joy to see.”
Yakov’s Moscow Circus is a fairy tale story about Andre, the clown and Marina the ballerina. It is a tale of love and hope triumphing over power set in the exciting environment of a Russian Circus. The tale is beautifully and artfully woven around the acts in the circus and its characters.
From graceful performance on the aerial hoop high above the stage to the final act, a beautiful and exciting combination adagio dance and aerial silk act, with animal acts and much more in between, Yakov’s Moscow Circus is a constant flow of excitement, action, variety and entertainment for the whole family. Adding to the fun this year, the show also includes a Russian meal of items prepared from Yakov’s mom’s recipes served and eaten “Moscow Circus” style.
Amazing Pets is another show that will hold children’s interest from the beginning to the end. It combines the antics of well trained cats and dogs, many of whom were rescued from animal shelters, and beautiful exotic birds with costuming, and an execution that provides a great entertainment experience for children and adults. Without spoiling the surprise, one thing is for sure, whether it’s the most unusual marriage ceremony most people have ever seen or a duplication of the cat jumping from the wire in the movie “Big Fish,” the antics of these pets is truly “amazing.”
Rock U Mentally is an exciting fun filled kids show. From its original music, colorful costumes, kid friendly characters and the performance of the cast and the way they relate to their young audience, it is obvious that the show has been developed and is being presented by some very grown up people who have a passion for what they are doing. Young children seem enthralled as they meet characters like “Big Al the Alligator” “Ben the Recycle Bag,” the “Mad Professor” and “Honey Bee” as are entertained while they learn and have fun. This show is a limited engagement performance Thursdays through Saturdays from July 17 through September 4.
Kids and adults alike love the magic of the Hamner and Barber Variety show. The illusions of Dave Hamner and his wife Denise are fantastic. Couple that with the zany antics of comedian and ventriloquist Jim Barber and his “friends” and the result is an exciting and magical entertainment experience for kids and adults alike.
For additional information or tickets for any of these shows or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
