Todd Oliver & Friends up in the wheelhouse of the Showboat Branson Belle
“Two press releases this week announced the first major show changes of the 2011 Branson Show season,” said Tammy Johnson, the Director of Operations for the Branson Tourism Center, one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. “The net result for Branson show goers will be two exciting new shows for the 2011 season, a brand new show on the fabulous Showboat Branson Belle and the brand new Todd Oliver and Friends Show at the Jim Stafford Theatre.”
The release from Silver Dollar Attractions announced, “The final days of one of Branson’s top-rated shows, ‘Showstoppers!,’ featuring Todd Oliver and his Amazing Talking Dogs aboard the Showboat Branson Belle.” In commenting on the 13 year relationship with Oliver Jim Moeskau, General Manager of the Showboat Branson Belle said, “We have enjoyed a 13-year relationship with Todd as a highly-talented performer and a good friend of the Silver Dollar City family. We think it’s exciting for Branson that Todd and his repertoire of talent will be showcased in his own show at The Jim Stafford Theater in 2011. This move for Todd is another great example of how Branson introduces and then nurtures talented performers who become favorites with our 8 million visitors.”
The release said although the ” detailed plans are tightly under wraps” the Showboat Branson Belle will have “an all-new show for 2011, plus a new menu and new look…” However, Moeskau did say, “When the stage lights come on in 2011, we promise a show like no other ever presented– one of drama and awe, comedy and laughter, song and dance.” He further indicated that the details would be available in the late fall.
The other release, from Todd Oliver, announced that he would be appearing at the Jim Stafford Theatre in his own show, “Todd Oliver & Friends,” in 2011. The show will begin on March 1, 2011, and run through December 30, 2011. Oliver is known nationally for his comedy, amazing talking dogs and has been described by David Letterman as one of the “Top 5 Ventriloquists in the World.”
Oliver said that he has been developing his new show over the course of several years. In describing the show he said, “Along with my canine friends – Irving, Lucy, and Elvis – I’ll be joined by a ‘real’ cast of characters like Pops, Miss Lilly, Joey, and my outstanding Smiling Eyes Band. We’ve got a lot of audience participation segments, original music, and outrageous comedy.” Todd Oliver & Friends will be performing at 12 noon and include a lunch served prior to the show except for some 6:00 pm shows in December with dinner served prior to the show.
Jim Stafford said, “I’m thrilled about having Todd Oliver at my theater. Todd’s got a fall-down funny, hip comedy style and a totally different show that audiences of all ages love. Not only have Todd and I been great friends throughout the years, we’ve talked about what great fun it would be to perform in the same theater.”
Lisa B. Rau, Director Publicity/Public Relations for Silver Dollar City Attractions said, “There is still time to make nautical history and see Todd Oliver, his talking dogs and the award winning fast paced Showstoppers! show aboard the Showboat Branson Belle.” They will be performing on the Showboat through December 31.
Johnson suggests that anyone wanting to see the show during it’s remaining 2010 performances should make early reservations to avoid disappointment. For additional information or tickets for the Showboat Branson Belle or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) by calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
