There are so many TOP NOTCH shows, you get to thinking that everything is top notch in Branson. Unfortunately, my wife and I found a real BOTTOM FEEDER. The Jim Reeves "Tribute" by his nephew at the Nova Theater. Cost was $24.50 for a guy who couldn't sing, singing to karioke type recorded music, stumbling on his lines between songs. The comic didn't come in that day, so another family member "entertained" us with extremely long boring stories at the beginning of both parts. (My wife felt it'd be rude to leave at intermission.) Then, we found out that the "DooWop" person also called in to not work that day for another show at the NOVA complex. We were not planning to attend, but it's another example of how poorly the NOVA Theater is run. Avoid or

It's a shame Branson has so many poor shows (and there are so many of them this year), but how do you tell someone they can't come to Branson and perform? The problem is they all come here with a dream, a dream of making it really big in Branson. And once they're here and settled into a venue, they realize that dream takes many years and thousands and thousands of dollars. Success does not happen overnight. So most of them lower their ticket prices or give it away for 'free' just to survive. This hurts the really great entertainers because how do they compete with 'free' or a heavily discounted ticket. And with everyone so price conscience today, they tend to go to the less expensive shows and then they leave Branson with a bad taste. Coming to Branson? Then open your wallet and expect to spend some money. After all, you get what you pay for and you are on vacation! And do Branson a favor; stop going to 'free' shows. Pay for a show and support the wonderful folks who are here to entertain you and make your visit a great one.

My advice? Be wary of shows that have been in Branson less than 5 years unless you KNOW for certain they are worth the bucks. If a show can survive in Branson for 5 years or more, that is usually a good indication they have been tried and proven. Of course, just because they've been in Branson over 5 years doesn't always mean that they're a good show.

I would say you could go ahead and say if a Show survives One year, you could consider it.

Look at Darren Romeo's Music and Magic. That's a first class Show. I am glad I took a chance and saw it last year.

I don't think that some of the New Shows this year will make it thru one Season.

Has anyone seen that Boxed Lunch and Murder Mystery Show?
Or the other one at the same theatre - Tatinia?

Thanks

Oh I'm so excited to see Darren Romeo. We will be seeing him on Sunday afternoon for the first time. We are leaving from Wisconsin to visit Branson for a week as of tomorrow morning. I'm glad you said it was a first class show because now we really can't wait to see it. Does he sing all throughout the show? I listened to some of the audio clips on his website and his voice is awesome. Thanks again.

Darren Romeo does have a good show. I was speaking in general terms about the 5 year survival test. There are over 100 shows in Banson and I know for a first-time visitor that can be a little overwhelming so to quickly 'sift' through the available shows, you can knock those out that are just getting going UNLESS you've been hearing fantasic things about them (such as shows like Darren Romeo).

I learned years ago to never step foot in the Owens Theater in downtown Branson, The Nova Theaters (used to be a movie theater) or The Branson Mall. The shows in there come and go and are lucky to even last a year. The last show I saw at The Branson Mall, they had an emcee that came out plastered after intermission. I'll refrain from saying which show as they are no longer in town anyway. The emcee could hardly stand up on stage...it was pathetic. My family and I got up and left. So spend you money wisely and see the shows that have been around a long time and have paid their dues to perform in Branson.

Bobby - I read on another forum where Tatiano walked out on an audience and left them just sitting there because she won't perform for less than 100 people. Don't think her attitude or her show is going to last very long in Branson. And if that's her attitude; then I say good riddens.

Nova (on 76) still shows movies. Older movies $5.00 for movie, drink and popcorn.

Wow.....Branson is Branson.....The Nova is a showplace for

I didn't know they still did movies. Each time I drive past I only see live show titles on their marquee. Do they post their movie listing somewhere?

I do not believe they show movies any longer. Wish they did. Sorry, but anything would be better than what's in there now. Branson should have a committee to approve shows that come to Branson. People leave with a bad taste after seeing some of the shows that are really not up to par.

They do because I still get the times and movie listings emailed to me every week. It is $5.00 for movie and popcorn and drink. But the popcorn wasn't worth eating, and the movies are usually ones that have been off the "regular" theaters for a while.

I got a coupon for $2 off to see the Lowes.........saw some unfavorables about it on another board.......is this a show to MISS?

Don't you think this is an odd thread.........
If you are pushing Branson and its venues........why ask for what to miss? Why not play the optimist and ask what to see..........sounds better, looks better, if you are going to compete with the other really successful message boards.

If you are drumming up Branson Business.....this thread sure shoos business away......it's not very classy.

The Lowe family show is definitely one NOT to miss! This fabulously talented family does a WONDERFULLY entertaining show. There are different styles of music, but it's very much like the Duttons in that it's a family that can play many different instruments and have great voices, only they're mainly girls, where the Duttons have more guys. I'd rank them equal as to quality and "good-ness" of shows.

Unlike most forums, this forum doesn't censure what people say (except in obvious cases of profanity or abuse). Everyone is entitled to their opinion and whether people want to report the positive or negative of Branson, they are free to do so.

I have NEVER read anything unfavorable about the Lowe Family on any forum; and I am a member on 2 others. I also recently read many favorable reviews about the show on www.bransoncritic.org (pictures on this site also) and on another forum (getaway saver forum)--there are no unfavorable comments at all about their show...all were very favorable. That's why my husband and I decided to see them on our last trip to Branson (the Haygoods also) and as I mentioned on a previous post, it was the highlight of our trip. We feel their talent is unmatched by any in Branson and we can't wait until we see them again for their Christmas show.

With respect to Pepsibar mentioning a show to be sure and miss; I appreciate his honesty. I'm sure there are some shows in Branson, like everywhere else, that you shouldn't waste your time and money on. That's why I love the forums I'm on; I get so much information and from there, I base my own opinion on how my husband's money will be spent!

How about considering a show on the merit of whether you think it will be of interest to you?
Waiting a year (or two or three) is what most of the local receptive companies (motorcoach) do and it all but starves the shows out of existence. I've seen many GOOD shows not make it because of this ridiculous "wait and see" attitude. Look at Daniel O' Donnell. He's the biggest draw in town now and yet when he started 5 years ago at the Americanna he was playing to less than 100 people. If he hadn't already been a huge star in Ireland with a deep financial pocket, he couldn't have lasted long enough for the audience to find him.

I think PBS also had something to do with Daniel's rapid rise to success in the U.S.

Why not warn people that don't know much about Branson about less desireable shows. Tell bad experiences so others don't waste their money behind you. ESPECIALLY if people are specific about why a show is undesireable. There's a big difference between performers walking off stage or fumbling thru the show (a show to post) vs. a good show that didn't click for you (I wouldn't post that here.) A few posts talk specifically about why the shows mentioned were a bad purchase. I believe this forum is to inform potential Branson travelers about how to enjoy their vacation. I appreciate knowing where I wouldn't want to spend my money. Again especially when WHY is also posted.