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Snowdeer Christmas Musical Takes Flight This Saturday

The Branson Regional Arts Council’s Youth Troupe presents Randy Plummer’s SNOWDEER® Christmas Story at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson this Saturday, December 16th at 2pm and 7:30pm. [download high rez photo]

General Admission and VIP tickets are available online at BransonArts.org. Seating is limited.

 

 

Featuring a cast of 30 talented area youngsters, this original family holiday musical is presented as a fundraiser to assist future Arts Council productions at the Historic Owen Theatre!

SNOWDEER® is a Christmas story about a 7 year old buck who lives in the small town of Doe Run. His Christmas Wish is to pull Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve to deliver gifts to all of the children and animals in the world. It’s a story for adults and children of all ages, filled with the fun and fantasy that only Christmas brings, along with the true meaning sprinkled within.

Jim Barber, Executive Director of the Branson Regional Arts Council, said, “We are thrilled for this opportunity to present another Youth Troupe Christmas production at the Owen Theatre before we transition into the facility in January as our full-time home for community theatre, arts programs, special events and more. The current theatre residents, Diana Lynn, Keith Allyn, and Debi Wills have been terrific to work with and are big supporters of our efforts to establish more arts opportunities in the Branson area.”

Barber, also shared his excitement about working with Randy Plummer, the creator of the musical. “Randy is one of the most talented, and humble people I’ve ever met. His love for the Ozarks is evident throughout this story, and his original music score is just spectacular. We have an amazing cast of talented kids, with loving, dedicated parents. Everyone has worked very hard to present a fun, memorable show for our community.”

The SNOWDEER® Production Team Includes: Randy Plummer – Writer and Composer; Kim Hale and Lisa Murphy – Producers; Jim Barber – Director; Roz Slavik – Assistant Director; and Daniel Groff – Choreographer.

SNOWDEER® Cast Members Include: Nathanael Bond as Grandpa Deer; Brynleigh Hill as Snowdeer; Abigail Sundahl as Deerlores; Hunter Hull as Jim-Buck; Jordan Kendrick as Plum Puddin’; Emrie Straka as Pinecone; Bryan Campbell as Santa; Courtney Poe as Mrs. Santa; Kylee Sikes as Strike The Bell; Sean Campbell as Harvey Elf; Dylan Pratt as Jay The Disc Jockey Elf; Johanna Luthardt as Dee The Disc Jockey Elf; Halle Horn as Halle Elf; Landon Comer as Landon Elf; Layrie Payne as Layrie Elf and Snowdeer Understudy; Liam Hill as Liam Elf; Hannah Hamilton as Hannah Elf; Caleb Sundahl as Caleb Elf; Betsey Sundahl as Betsey Elf; Libby Sundahl as Libby Elf; Luke Sundahl as Luke Elf; Katie Sundahl as Katie Elf; Charli Gillan as Charli Elf; Aleah Oltjenbrun as Aleah Elf; Jonah Conque as Jonah Elf; Bradie Conque as Bradie Elf; Hallie Groff as Hallie Elf; Sophia Brown as Sophia Elf; Ember Straka as Purple Mouse; Cole Hill as Branson The Balladeer.

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Celebrate New Years Eve at the Historic Owen Theatre

Branson Missouri New Years Eve

Branson New Years Eve

Click to Download Printable NYE Event Poster


Join us on Sunday, December 31st for an HISTORIC New Year’s Eve Celebration at the Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson.

Event: Dec. 31st, 8pm until 12:30am
Place: Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S Commercial St, Branson, MO 65616

This is an exclusive Branson Regional Arts Council event, and is limited to the first 200 people who register. Tickets are on-sale now for $75 per person and all funds raised benefit the BRAC.

This will be THE BRANSON NEW YEARS EVENT of the year!

Participants are invited to dress as though they are attending a 1930’s Movie Premiere in the Golden Age of Hollywood, but we welcome any festive attire that our patrons wish to wear that evening. Live cabaret entertainment will be provided by Forte’ Theatre Company as well as other surprise guest performers. A delicious assortment of finger foods and hors d’oeuvres will be served, as well as a nice variety of refreshments, from sodas, water, wine and even a champagne toast! Party favors for everyone and surprises galore!

When the clock strikes Midnight, we will all participate in a very special ceremony as the keys to the venue are handed over to the Branson Regional Arts Council Board of Directors.  On January 1st, 2018, the Historic Owen Theatre will become… YOUR COMMUNITY THEATRE and the new home office of the Arts Council.

PURCHASE NYE TICKETS NOW

More information on this exciting event will be announced in the coming weeks, but NOW IS THE TIME to get your tickets!  Only 200 seats are available! We also have a small block of discounted overnight lodging at the Branson Convention Center Hotel, which is a short, 5 minute walk from the theatre. Why drive home after the event when you can check in early, then walk over to the theatre for our event at 8pm!

The curtain is rising on a new-era of Arts Entertainment in Branson, Missouri. Join us for this fun and historic event!

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Snowdeer Christmas Story Tickets On Sale


BUY SNOWDEER TICKETS NOW

Advance Tickets are on-sale now (see below) for the Branson Regional Arts Council Production of Randy Plummer’s SNOWDEER® CHRISTMAS STORY!

Featuring a cast of 31 talented area youngsters, this Holiday musical is a fundraiser to assist future productions of the Arts Council’s Youth Troupe! There will be two performances only, on Saturday, December 16th at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson.  Show times are 2pm and 7:30pm.

SNOWDEER is a Christmas story about a 7 year old buck who lives in the small town of Doe Run. His Christmas Wish is to pull Santa’s sleigh on Christmas Eve to deliver gifts to all of the children and animals in the world. It’s a story for adults and children of all ages, filled with the fun and fantasy that only Christmas brings, along with the true meaning sprinkled within.

“We are thrilled for this opportunity to present another Youth Troupe Christmas production at the Owen Theatre, before we transition into the facility in January as our full-time home for community theatre, arts programs, special events and more,” said Jim Barber, Executive Director of the Branson Regional Arts Council. “The current theatre residents, Diana Lynn, Keith Allyn, and Debi Wills have been terrific to work with and are big supporters of our efforts to establish more arts opportunities in the Branson area.”

Barber, who is also acting as the production Director, shared his excitement about working with Randy Plummer, the creator of this fun musical. “Randy is one of the most talented, and humble people I’ve ever met. His love for the Ozarks is evident throughout this story, and his original music score is just spectacular.  We have an amazing cast of dedicated kids, with loving, dedicated parents. Everyone is working very hard to memorize their lines, music and choreography.  We want to extend special appreciation to First Presbyterian Church of Branson for providing rehearsal space over the past few weeks.

TICKETS ONLY AVAILABLE VIA THE PURCHASE LINKS BELOW

Note: ARTS COUNCIL MEMBERS SAVE ALL YEAR LONG… Receive a $5 Discount on SNOWDEER General Admission Tickets. Not a member? JOIN HERE.
VIP Tickets are guaranteed seats in the front 3 rows, first come basis.  Limited Availability.
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SNOWDEER Production Team Include:

  • Writer & Composer: Randy Plummer
  • Producers: Kim Hale and Lisa Murphy
  • Director: Jim Barber
  • Assistant Director: Roz Slavik
  • Choreographer: Daniel Groff

SNOWDEER Cast Members Include:

  • Nathanael Bond as Grandpa Deer
  • Brynleigh Hill as Snowdeer
  • Abigail Sundahl as Deerlores
  • Hunter Hull as Jim-Buck
  • Jordan Kendrick as Plum Puddin’
  • Emrie Straka as Pinecone
  • Bryan Campbell as Santa
  • Courtney Poe as Mrs. Santa
  • Kylee Sikes as Strike The Bell
  • Sean Campbell as Harvey Elf
  • Dylan Pratt as Jay The Disc Jockey Elf
  • Johanna Luthardt as Dee The Disc Jockey Elf
  • Halle Horn as Halle Elf
  • Landon Comer as Landon Elf
  • Laurie Payne as Laurie Elf and Snowdeer Understudy
  • Liam Hill as Liam Elf
  • Hannah Hamilton as Hannah Elf
  • Caleb Sundahl as Caleb Elf
  • Betsey Sundahl as Betsey Elf
  • Libby Sundahl as Libby Elf
  • Luke Sundahl as Luke Elf
  • Katie Sundahl as Katie Elf
  • Charli Gillan as Charli Elf
  • Aleah Oltjenbrun as Aleah Elf
  • Jonah Conque as Jonah Elf
  • Bradie Conque as Bradie Elf
  • Hallie Groff as Hallie Elf
  • Sophia Brown as Sophia Elf
  • Ember Straka as Purple Mouse
  • Olivia Fennell as Mistletoe
  • Cole Hill as Branson The Balladeer

 

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Neil Diamond and Karen Carpenter Appreciation Shows To Benefit Arts Council

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites all area residents to experience two amazing Branson shows for equally amazing prices!

Keith Alynn’s A Neil Diamond Tribute and Dianna Lynn’s Carpenters Christmas Once More, are both showing their support of the Arts Council by inviting area residents to see their award-winning shows in exchange for a $10 per seat donation to the Branson Regional Arts Council.  These seats can only be reserved through the payment links below.  All major credit cards or PayPal is accepted.

If you prefer to pay by check, please send payments to: Branson Regional Arts Council (Carpenters Show or Neil Diamond Show), P.O. Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615

Checks should be made payable to: Branson Regional Arts Council

Please join the Arts Council in showing appreciation for these wonderful performers who have endeared themselves to the Branson community for many years.  Their shows are tremendous, and their support of the Arts Council’s upcoming transition into the Historic Owen Theatre is appreciated.

 

The Carpenters Christmas Once More | Friday, November 17th – 1:00pm Showtime – $10 Donation Per Seat

“The Carpenters Christmas Once More” features the incredible hits from the brother and sister duo that delighted the world with their love songs! This show stars Dianna Lynn and her amazing ability to replicate the unique vocal qualities of Karen Carpenter; an exceptional singer and gifted drummer whose smooth and beautiful vocals made you smile and cry as she helped create the soundtrack for dances, weddings, and other celebrations in the 70’s and 80’s. She may have left us far too soon, but her legacy lives on in gorgeous songs that have endured throughout decades of hair bands, hard rock, house music, and rap. Good music never loses its appeal!

Come celebrate one Unforgettable Voice and one unforgettable duo, with the sounds of The Carpenters Christmas Once More featuring Branson Show Awards 2016 Tribute Show of the Year. From the birth of this dynamic duo to the last of their public performances, this heartwarming show highlights hits like Close To You, For, Postman, Ticket To Ride, No Place Like Home, I’ll Be Home For Christmas, Sleigh Ride, The Christmas Song and many more! You never know who might pop in to Celebrate the Sounds of Carpenters Christmas Once More during the show. Quick Change, multi media, comedy and incredible vocals round out this 90 minute, heartfelt tribute.

CARPENTERS CHRISTMAS ONCE MORE
CLICK “ADD TO CART”,THEN SELECT # OF SEATS DESIRED







A Neil Diamond Tribute | Wednesday, November 15th – 7:00pm Showtime – $10 Donation Per Seat

“A Neil Diamond Tribute” gives Branson its very own pop legend, or the closest thing to the real Neil Diamond you’ll ever see and hear, courtesy of veteran tribute artist, Keith Allynn! It’s not hard to find look- alikes; it’s not hard to find sound-alikes, it’s rare to find both embodied in one sensational artist, and he’s performing right here in Branson’s historic downtown district. Few artists ever achieve the level of superstardom enjoyed by Neil Diamond; he’s won both a Golden Globe and a Grammy, been recognized at the Kennedy Center Honors in 2011, and found a long list of his songs on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, including #1 hits, Cracklin’ Rosie, Song Sung Blue, and You Don’t Bring Me Flowers. His other Top Ten hits include America, Sweet Caroline, I Am…I Said, and Longfellow Serenade. It’s a daunting task to take on such a legend, but Keith Allynn assumes the role with ease…the look, the voice, even the mannerisms; it’s not merely an impersonation, it’s a passionate tribute of epic proportions!

In addition to his uncanny Neil Diamond act, Keith Allynn has captured the true essence of Elvis Presley, landing himself on Graceland’s Top Ten Elvis Artist list, and he’s racked up the laughs as a stand-up comedian opening for the likes of comic legends, Robin Williams, Chris Rock, and Tim Allen. But it’s his “Neil Diamond Tribute” that’s gained him fans and endorsements from folks like Tom Jones and Tony Orlando. Come see why Branson audiences just can’t get enough of “A Neil Diamond Tribute!”

A NEIL DIAMOND TRIBUTE
CLICK “ADD TO CART”,THEN SELECT # OF SEATS DESIRED







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Old Fashioned Wooden Christmas Toys Benefit The Arts

Old Time Christmas Handcrafted Toys are simple and safe gifts, built to last a lifetime!

Looking for a unique Christmas gift that will not only be treasured for years to come, but will also make a difference in our community? When you order a Louis Allen original hand crafted wood toy, you are also supporting the Youth Troupe Theatre program of the Branson Regional Arts Council.

Louis Allen is an amazing area artist, whose works of art can be seen up and down the Branson strip, as well as on many of our Branson theatre stages. From the giant Rooster in front of the Great American Steak & Chicken House, to a huge, outdoor Duncan Donut, Louis has left his mark on our community in a BIG way!  He also has a heart for kids, and appreciates the work the Branson Regional Arts Council is doing for area youth.  That’s why he offered to create this series of five classic wooden toys… just like your Great Grandpa might have had as a young boy.

A limited quantity of these one-of-a-kind vintage style toys will be available, so place your order now!

Place your order below, and we will contact you as soon as your custom toys are ready!

TIP: If you wish to order a variety of toys, click “Add to Cart” then “Continue Shopping” to return to this page!

WOOD SLEIGH
$22.00

AIRPLANE
$22.00

PUZZLE BOX
$27.00

WOOD HORSE
$12.00

WOOD TOP
$12.00

 

SHIPPING: If you request to have your items shipped, we will need to invoice you for a modest shipping/packaging fee. Branson area purchasers may pick up your items when they are ready.

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CofO Musicians Present Free Community Concert This Sunday

The Branson Regional Arts Council and First Presbyterian Church will present “And He Walks with Me” as part of the Old Stone Church Community Concert Series this Sunday, October 29, 2:00 p.m.

Musicians Elizabeth Stuart (soprano), Josh Whisler (tenor), and Josiah Mullins (bass) will present a variety of musical selections ranging from familiar hymns to music of the Great White Way.

The three singers are students at College of the Ozarks, where they met and have participated together in numerous college productions and events. They sing to express their belief that “we can do all things through Christ who gives us strength.”

While the concert is free, donations for the group will be accepted.

The Presbyterian Old Stone Church is located at the corner of 4th and Pacific Streets in Branson, Missouri.

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Exciting Young Actors Workshop Begins November 6th

Branson Regional Arts Council presents Young Actors Theatre Movement Classes!

Join us this Fall for a new Theatre Movement Class for Young Actors ages 6-11 and 12-18.

All classes will be held on Mondays in November and December (see schedule), culminating in a fun, Christmas production on Thursday, December 14th at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson.

These workshops are led by Justin and Kristen Ables from Forte Theatre Productions.  Justin recently directed Forte’s collaboration production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with the Branson Regional Arts Council. The talented couple also taught a Young Actors Shakespeare Workshop this past summer in conjunction with that Shakespeare in the Park event. They are excited to jump back into another unique Youth Acting Program with the Arts Council.

NOTE: CLASS SIZES ARE LIMITED TO THE FIRST 15 REGISTRANTS IN EACH CLASS

CLASS SCHEDULE & REGISTRATION INFORMATION

JUNIOR STUDENT MOVEMENT WORKSHOP (Ages 6-11)
TOTAL COST: $55 per student, or $50 for active BRAC Family Members

  • Nov 06, 2017 (Monday – 4pm to 5:30pm at First Presbyterian Church of Branson)
  • Nov 13, 2017 (Monday – 4pm to 5:30pm at First Presbyterian Church of Branson)
  • Nov 20, 2017 (Monday – 4pm to 5:30pm at First Presbyterian Church of Branson)
  • Nov 27, 2017 (Monday – 4pm to 5:30pm at First Presbyterian Church of Branson)
  • Dec 04, 2017 (Monday – 4pm to 5:30pm at the Historic Owen Theatre)
  • Dec 11, 2017 (Monday – 4pm to 5:30pm at the Historic Owen Theatre)
  • Dec 14, 2017 (Thursday – 7:30pm PERFORMANCE at the the Historic Owen Theatre)

Our Junior Young Actors will be exploring acting, movement, and folklore as we prepare our own special version of a classic Christmas tale. This workshop series is for ages 6-11.

Age 6-11 Workshop is SOLD OUT
(sorry, please watch for future workshops in 2018)

SENIOR STUDENT MOVEMENT WORKSHOP (Ages 12-18)
TOTAL COST: $55 per student, or $50 for active BRAC Family Members

  • Nov 06, 2017 (Monday – 6pm to 7:30pm at First Presbyterian Church of Branson)
  • Nov 13, 2017 (Monday – 6pm to 7:30pm at First Presbyterian Church of Branson)
  • Nov 20, 2017 (Monday – 6pm to 7:30pm at First Presbyterian Church of Branson)
  • Nov 27, 2017 (Monday – 6pm to 7:30pm at First Presbyterian Church of Branson)
  • Dec 04, 2017 (Monday – 6pm to 7:30pm at the Historic Owen Theatre)
  • Dec 11, 2017 (Monday – 6pm to 7:30pm at the Historic Owen Theatre)
  • Dec 14, 2017 (Thursday – 7:30pm PERFORMANCE at the Historic Owen Theatre)

Our Senior Young Actors will receive a crash course in the advanced movement training of Viewpoints by Anne Bogart. In this training our students will learn how to explore space, create stories through movement, and build an ensemble piece around what the holidays mean to them. This workshop series is for ages 12-18.

REGISTER HERE…


Young Actors Workshop (age 12-18)
Name of Student(s):



*each class size limited to 15 students max

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Youth Troupe Auditions for Snowdeer Christmas Musical

  • dateOctober 9, 2017
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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‘TIS THE SEASON TO BE ACTING…

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to present a new Youth Troupe production of Randy Plummer’s SNOWDEER Christmas Story.  Community area youth ages 8 to 18 are invited to audition for this fun, fantasy filled Holiday Musical. 

This production also has ONE ADULT CHARACTER who can audition for the part of GRANDPA (Santa type Character).

Audition Date & Time: Sunday, Oct 15, 2017 – 2pm until 4pm
Place: First Presbyterian Church of Branson – Fellowship Hall – 420 W. Main St., Branson, MO 65616

Auditioners should be prepared to sing one, up tempo song (bring your own tracks on CD or MP3 Player, or sing a cappella, no piano available). BRAC will provide a sample script to read, and actors will participate in some fun audition exercises! No need to be nervous! This promises to be a fun experience for everyone who participates!

Parents, please accompany your child during the audition as they may not need to stay until 4pm.

REHEARSALS & PERFORMANCES

Tentative rehearsal schedule is posted below. There will be two performances at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson on Saturday, December 16, 2017 – 2pm & 7:30pm.

NO FEE TO AUDITION or PARTICIPATE

Most of our Youth Troupe Productions and Workshops require a registration fee to participate, however we will not be charging cast members of this production.  We do ask that all participating families have an active Branson Regional Arts Council Family Membership, available online here for $50/year. This helps support our mission to serve area youth, and provides your family with additional perks and discounts to upcoming events throughout the next year.

SNOWDEER PRODUCTION SCHEDULE

  • Oct 15 (Sun) – SNOWDEER AUDITIONS 2pm to 4pm (First Presbyterian)   
  • Oct 23 (Mon) – 5pm to 7:30pm (First Presbyterian)
  • Oct 27 (Fri) – 5pm to 7:30pm (First Presbyterian)
  • Oct 30 (Mon) – 5pm to 7:30pm (First Presbyterian)
  • Nov 03 (Fri) – 5pm to 7:30pm (First Presbyterian)
  • Nov 05 (Sun) – 5pm to 7:30pm (First Presbyterian)
  • Nov 10 (Fri) – 5pm to 7:30pm (First Presbyterian)
  • Nov 12 (Sun) – 5pm to 7:30pm (First Presbyterian)
  • Nov 17 (Fri) – 5pm to 7:30pm (First Presbyterian)
  • Dec 01 (Fri) – 6pm to 8:30pm (Historic Owen Theatre)
  • Dec 02 (Sat) – 9am to 3pm (Historic Owen Theatre)
  • Dec 08 (Fri) – 6pm to 8:30pm (Historic Owen Theatre)
  • Dec 09 (Sat) – 9am to 3pm (Historic Owen Theatre)
  • Dec 10 (Sun) – 1pm to 3pm (Historic Owen Theatre)
  • Dec 15 (Fri) – DRESS REHEARSAL 6pm to 8:30pm (Historic Owen Theatre)
  • Dec 16 (Sat) – PERFORMANCES 2pm & 7:30pm  (Historic Owen Theatre)

BRAC does not expect changes to this schedule, but all cast members will be notified of updates.

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Branson Convention Center Art Gallery Announces Fall Opening

The Branson Regional Arts Council, is pleased to announce the Fall 2017 Opening of the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery featuring 13 acclaimed area artists. This all-new display features award winning artwork, ranging from oils and acrylics, to photography.

This free, community event is this Wednesday, September 27th  from 7pm – 8pm at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery located on the second floor concourse of the venue at 200 South Sycamore, Branson, MO..

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists and hear about their works and creative process. The Branson Regional Arts Council Board of Directors and staff will also be part of this fun premiere event. Refreshments including a cash bar will be available.

Convention Center General Manager Marc Mulherin is extremely happy with the response he has been receiving from the thousands of visitors and convention center guests, and city officials that pass through the art exhibit every week. Over 100,000 visitors passed through the exhibit area in the past year alone!

Each artist will display a variety of their work in the Concourse of the Branson convention center on a 14’x20′ wall panel. All works are for sale and will be replaced by the artist as they are sold, so it is advisable to visit the exhibition often during the exhibition which runs through December 31st.  Click here to view and purchase artwork online.

Featured Artists Include:

  • Mary Arneson
  • Raine Clotfelter
  • Galina Nikiforova Foulconer
  • Dan Frisch
  • Dee Giles
  • Marty Goodnight
  • Steve McGuire
  • Marshall & Brenda Meadows
  • Josh Mitchell
  • Alpha Morrow
  • Jane Parker
  • Thia Schuler
  • Jim Tindall

*online gallery pieces subject to change throughout the exhibit

Please make plans to attend with your family and friends.

Reception attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists, hear about their works and be part of this exciting Fall Arts Event.

 

 

 

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Branson Regional Arts Council To Purchase Historic Owen Theatre

The Branson Regional Arts Council has entered into a contract to purchase the Historic Owen Theatre at 205 South Commercial Street in downtown Branson, Missouri.

Local residents Ron and Diane Mathes have owned the venue for many years, providing a showcase for a variety of live music shows including the current productions “A Neil Diamond Tribute” starring Keith Allynn, and “Carpenters Once More,” starring Dianna Lynn. Both shows have a full schedule through mid-December, with the Arts Council assuming operation of the venue in January 2018.

“We truly appreciate that the Mathes’s understand and support the vision of the Branson Regional Arts Council in our quest to improve the lives of area residents and visitors by providing artistic and theatrical community programs,” said Executive Director Jim Barber. “After 52 years as an organization, the Arts Council will have, for the first time, a permanent venue dedicated to presenting community theatre and other arts related programming. This investment will be a catalyst for new economic growth opportunities through arts initiatives that serve our entire area,” added Barber.

(Left to Right) Dr. Hayden Head (BRAC Board Member), Lisa Murphy (BRAC President), Ron & Diane Mathes (Owen Theatre Owners), Harry Styron (BRAC Attorney), Jim Barber (BRAC Executive Director), Kim Hale (BRAC Board Member).

Built in 1936, Branson’s very first theatre was originally owned by Jim Owen, who served as Mayor of Branson for 12 years and achieved International fame as the “King of the River,” for entertaining tourists, corporate executives and even Hollywood celebrities with his popular White River float trips. His passion for promoting the natural beauty of the Ozarks, and his extraordinary entrepreneurship attracted guests such as Gene Autry, Joe DiMaggio, Forrest Tucker, Charleston Heston, and Rose O’Neill.

The Owen Theatre was initially called the “Hillbilly Theatre” and incorporated large, hand painted Ozarks scenes by famed area artist Elsie Bates Fruend, who Mr. Owen lovingly referred to as his “Hill Girl.” Elsie’s paintings and custom jewelry were also displayed in a small, lobby gallery. Several years ago, the City of Branson and the Branson Arts Council commissioned a bronze plaque, which is still on display at the theatre entrance to commemorate Elsie’s work.

Jim Owen had a long list of credentials. His career began as an advertising manager for a Jefferson City Newspaper. After visiting the Ozarks in 1933, he fell in love with the area, making it his permanent home. Before his death in 1972, he had owned a drug store, theatre, and an auto dealership. He was president of a bank and even wrote a fishing column for the Arkansas Gazette in Little Rock, AR. In addition, he owned champion fox hounds and bird dogs, produced his own brand of pet food, and owned a large dairy. In addition to that, he authored a book entitled: “Jim Owen’s Hillbilly Humor” and became the subject of feature magazine articles in Look, Life, and The Saturday Evening Post, with his hilarious and heartwarming stories of life in the Ozarks.

The theatre was designed for Mr. Owen by Carl and Robert Boller of Kansas City, Missouri. The Boller Brothers, who’s family roots were in Vaudeville, are credited with designing, or consulting on the design of, over 300 classic theatre venues nationwide, ranging from small vaudeville houses to large movie palaces. Each theatre was unique, with designs influenced by the history of the towns in which they were located.
Approximately 20 of the Boller Brothers works are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

By the end of the 1920’s, the brothers were well established as specialists in the architectural field of theater and movie palace design. The stock market crash of October 29, 1929, lead to the great depression, nearly destroying the Boller Brothers firm due to cancelled contracts. By June 1932, Robert, now close to bankruptcy, was forced to close the Kansas City office and move his family to a cabin in the Ozarks in hopes of weathering the bad economy. Over the next few years, he received a handful of commissions, including the design of Branson’s very first movie house, the Owen Theatre. These jobs were enough to allow him to move back to Kansas City and reestablish a small home office where he focused on theatre remodeling, as well as a few new venues of simple modern design.

While many of the Boller Brother theatres have now been demolished or renovated, the Branson Regional Arts Council is excited for this opportunity to preserve the original aspects of the Historic Owen Theatre, while providing a wide variety of artistic, cultural and educational opportunities that support, strengthen, and enhance the lives of Branson area residents and visitors from around the world.

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Annual Arts Council Membership Meeting Will Be A Righteous Experience

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites all active members to attend the 2017 Annual Meeting on Saturday, September 23rd on the upper lobby level of the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center. The meeting will begin promptly at 12:30pm, and BRAC members will participate in the election of new Board Members, as well as be the first to learn about several NEW and EXCITING arts programs for 2018.

After the meeting, members will gather in the beautiful theatre of the Andy Williams Performing Arts Center to enjoy the Righteous Brothers Live! The concert stars the legendary Bill Medley and his new sidekick, the uber talented Bucky Heard!

I’d been friends with Bucky for years, but when I caught his show he just killed me! The next day it hit me – that’s the guy, someone I could sing hard with, laugh hard with, love and respect – on and off stage. He fits The Righteous Brothers live performance show perfectly. And, we’ve even recorded some new material together, I’m really excited!
– Bill Medley

With a string of #1 classics, including the most played song in radio history, You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo of Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield topped the charts in four decades. After Bobby’s death in 2003, Bill Medley continued to perform to sold-out crowds around the world, but fans and friends pleaded with him to keep The Righteous Brothers alive. Says Medley … No one could ever take Bobby’s place, but when I caught Bucky Heard’s show it all came together – I found the right guy to help me recreate the magic. The concert experience features their biggest hits – Lovin’ Feelin’, Soul & Inspiration, Unchained Melody, Rock and Roll Heaven, Medley’s Grammy-winning Dirty Dancing theme The Time of My Life, and much, much more!

Bucky and his wife A.J. were honored as our 2012 Arts Citizens of the Year, and I’m especially excited that our members will be able to experience Bucky Heard and Bill Medley in this amazing new show, direct from Las Vegas!
– Jim Barber, Executive Director – Branson Regional Arts Council

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited! And if that wasn’t enough to encourage your attendance, Bill Medley personally offered to give a $10 discount to all Arts Council members in attendance! So, if you are not a member yet, this is the perfect time to join! An annual individual membership is only $20, and you’ll get additional discounts to most of the arts council events throughout the year! This concert alone, pays for half of your membership! How Righteous is that???

NOT A MEMBER YET? CLICK BELOW & JOIN US TODAY!

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Shakespeare In The Park – Steampunk Style!

Shakespeare In The Park – Steampunk Style!

The Branson Regional Arts Council has partnered with Forte Theatre Productions to present one of their most unique entertainment events yet, a steampunk version of William Shakespeare’s classic  A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

There will be four performances of this fun, family friendly show on Sunday July 30th, Monday July 31st , Sunday August 6th, and Monday August 7th at Chad A. Fuqua Memorial Park, 312 Espanade Drive in Historic Hollister.

Local area artisans will display their work at 6:30pm, leading into the pre-show and main performance at 7pm each evening. The show will end around 10pm, and tickets are available for pre-sale at BransonArts.org or at the park entrance.

Advance ticket prices are $15 for adults, $10 for Students and Branson Regional Arts Council members, and $5 for children ages 12 and under. Audience members should bring their own folding chairs or blankets to sit on.

In a community packed full of amazing live music shows, this Theatre-In-The-Park production is sure to stand out with it’s beautiful outdoor location, clever use of puppetry and imaginative, one-of-a-kind make-up and costumes.

The seasoned troupe of professional actors known as Forte, not only produce a fantastic production, but pave the way for future artists by directing members of the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Youth Troupe, who will perform a pre-show specifically designed for this event.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a comedy written by Williams Shakespeare over four hundred years ago. The dominant theme is love, and the play portrays the events surrounding the marriage of Thesus, Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, former queen of the Amazons.

Produced by Tina Cool-Anderson and Directed by Justin Ables, the Forte cast members include Parke Fech as Oberon, Randi Shetley as Hippolyta, Jacob Waid as Nick Bottom, Kristen Ables as Titania, Tommy Anderson as Theseus, Mellisa Rivera as Hermia, Joshua Boulden as Demetrius, Charis Bartenslager as Helena, Jon Leicy as Snout, Ashlee Heyward as Mustardseed, Cliff House as Egeus, and Christopher James as Starveling.

BRAC Youth Troupe actors include Derek Brown, Tobias Collins, Morgan Brown, Cole Hill, Izzy Hall, Olivia Fennell, Danielle Groff, Jordan Kendrick, Carter Hendrickson, Gianna Reding, Jacob Deeter, Gemma Reding, Carlie Strong, Austin Cardwell, and Dakota Cooner.

Mark your calendars now, and make plans to bring your family and friends out for some big fun, in this intimate park setting next to the Historic Train Depot in Hollister, Missouri.

For information on Forte, visit ForteTheatreProductions.com or search facebook for “Forte Theatre Productions LLC.”

For information on the Branson Regional Arts Council, visit BransonArts.org or search facebook for “Branson Regional Arts Council.”

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