2019 BRAC Theatre Musicals & Plays Announced

The Branson Regional Arts Council is pleased to announce the 2019 Season of Theatrical Musicals and Plays.

NOTE: Show schedule or titles subject to change.

Advance Reserved 2019 Season Ticketing Options will be announced soon. Individual Tickets for all shows may also be purchased online at BransonArts.org/tix.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

 

 

Disney’s Beauty & The Beast – Feb 21-24, 2019 & Mar 1-3, 2019 (9 shows)

“A Tale As Old As Time!” The Academy Award-winning film comes to life at the Historic Owen Theatre in this romantic and beloved take on the classic fairytale. This classic story tells of Belle, a young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end and he will be transformed into his former self. But time is running out. If the Beast does not learn his lesson soon, he and his household will be doomed for all eternity.

Into The Woods – April 4, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 2019 (6 shows)

BRAC and Forte Theatrical Productions present a modern twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales in a musical format that follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel-all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife, their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch who has put a curse on them.

Chicago the Musical – May 2-5, 2019 (5 shows)

Chicago is an American musical with music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and book by Ebb and Bob Fosse. Set in Jazz Age Chicago, the musical is based on a 1926 play of the same name by reporter Maurine Dallas Watkins about actual criminals and crimes she reported on. The story is a satire on corruption in the administration of criminal justice and the concept of the “celebrity criminal”.

Shrek Jr. – June 6-9, 2019 (5 shows)

BRAC’s Youth Troupe Institute presents Shrek Jr. Beauty is in the eye of the ogre in Shrek The Musical JR., based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks Animation film and fantastic Broadway musical. It’s a “big bright beautiful world” as everyone’s favorite ogre, Shrek, leads a cast of fairytale misfits on an adventure to rescue a princess and find true acceptance. Part romance and part twisted fairy tale, Shrek JR. is an irreverently fun show with a powerful message for the whole family.

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – July 18-21, 2019 (5 shows)

Rated PG-13 | Winner of the Tony and the Drama Desk Awards for Best Book, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee has charmed audiences across the country with its effortless wit and humor. An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves! At least the losers get a juice box.

Hamlet – Shakespeare In The Park – July 28-29 & Aug 4-5, 2019 (4 shows)

Shakespeare In The Park! Forte Theatrical Productions presents Hamlet. Set in Denmark, the play dramatises the revenge Prince Hamlet is called to wreak upon his uncle, Claudius, by the ghost of Hamlet’s father, King Hamlet. Claudius had murdered his own brother and seized the throne, also marrying his deceased brother’s widow. Hamlet is Shakespeare’s longest play, and is considered among the most powerful and influential works of world literature. It was probably one of Shakespeare’s most popular works during his lifetime.

Steel Magnolias – Aug 29-31 & Sept 1, 2019 (6 shows)

PG-13 | Steel Magnolias is a comedy-drama about the bond among a group of Southern women in northwest Louisiana. The action is set in Truvy’s beauty salon in Chinquapin, Louisiana, where all the ladies who are “anybody” come to have their hair done. Filled with hilarious repartee and not a few acerbic but humorously revealing verbal collisions, the play moves toward tragedy when, in the second act, the spunky Shelby (who is a diabetic) risks pregnancy and forfeits her life. The sudden realization of their mortality affects the others, but also draws on the underlying strength—and love—which give the play, and its characters, the special quality of this fine production.

Of Mice and Men – Sept 19, 22, 23, 2019 (5 shows)

Forte Theatrical Productions presents, Of Mice and Men, a highly celebrated play adapted from John Steinbeck’s 1937 novel of the same name. George, an affable migrant farm worker, and Lennie, a towering simple-minded pleasantly humble young man, are the subjects. They are bound by George’s devotion and Lennie’s “pathetic helplessness”. George’s guardianship keeps Lennie out of trouble, but we soon see this is a slippery slope. Lennie’s displays of love result in several deaths ranging from mice and puppies to a beautiful woman. Eventually, in the face of a lynch mob, George kills Lennie to put him out of his misery.

South Pacific – Oct 31 & Nov 1-3, 7-10 (8 shows)

A Rodgers & Hammerstein classic, set in an island paradise during World War II. The plot centers on an American nurse stationed on a South Pacific island during World War II, who falls in love with a middle-aged expatriate French plantation owner but struggles to accept his mixed-race children. A secondary romance, between a U.S. lieutenant and a young Tonkinese woman, explores his fears of the social consequences should he marry his Asian sweetheart.

White Christmas – Dec 5-8, 12-15, 2019 (8 shows)

Based on the beloved, timeless film, this heartwarming musical adaptation features seventeen Irving Berlin songs and a book by David Ives and Paul Blake. Veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis have a successful song-and-dance act after World War II. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautiful singing sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, which just happens to be owned by Bob and Phil’s former army commander. The dazzling score features well known standards including Blue Skies, I Love A Piano, How Deep Is the Ocean and the perennial favorite, White Christmas.

BRAC New Year’s Eve Gala – Dec 31, 2019 (1 Event)

NOTE: Show schedule or titles subject to change.

 

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A Tara-ific Event Is Blowing Into Branson

A Tara-ific Event Is Blowing Into Branson!

The Branson Regional Arts Council and the Taneyhills Community Library are co-sponsoring an incredible Gala Film and Art Fundraising Event.

“We are so excited to present this award winning film that received 8 Academy Awards in 1939, including Best Picture as well as an Oscar for Vivian Leigh’s portrayal of Scarlett.”
– Adele Groote, Taneyhills Community Library Liaison

On Saturday, September 29, 2018, the American classic film, Gone With The Wind, returns to the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson, 78 years after it was first released in 1940. Written by Margaret Mitchell, this famous film stars Clark Gable and Vivian Leigh and is one of the most recognized films of all time.

“The Branson Regional Arts Council has been seeking a means to collaborate more often with our community library, and this opportunity has worked out beautifully. The Historic Owen Theatre opened in 1936 and uniquely brings a sense of nostalgia to the film. We want to thank Marc Mulherin, Clint Cross, and the entire team at the Branson Convention Center for their enthusiasm and contribution in making this after-movie artist reception possible.”
– Jim Barber – Executive Director of BRAC

GONE WITH THE WIND EVENT TICKETS

A Tara-themed gala at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery will immediately follow the movie. The reception includes a large assortment of hor d’oeuvres, cash bar, music and visual art exhibition with an opportunity to meet the amazing local area artists on display. Participants are encouraged to dress in period costume.

“This event came about through The Great American Read project with PBS. The library is a co-sponsor of this 7-part television series exploring and celebrating the power of reading, and told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels. The television series, beginning September 11th at 7:00pm on Ozark Public Television, is the centerpiece of an ambitious multi-platform digital, educational and community outreach campaign, designed to get the country reading and passionately talking about books. Our local PBS station is very excited that the library and the Branson Regional Arts Council is hosting this Gala to celebrate Margaret Mitchell’s iconic Pulitzer prize novel through the showing of the epic film.”
– Marcia Schemper-Carlock – Taneyhills Community Library Director

The event kicks off with the showing of Gone With The Wind at 1:00 pm, followed by the Tara-ific Gala Reception at 5:45 pm. Cost to attend is $29.95 per person which includes a reserved theatre seat to the film, and the Gala Art Reception, just one block away at the Branson Convention Center. A portion of your ticket is tax deductible as this event is a fundraiser for both organizations.

With only 200 seats available, advance reserved tickets are recommended by visiting BransonArts.org/gonewiththewind.

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BRAC Performance Selected For Cider Days on Historic Walnut

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to have been selected to perform at the 21st Annual Cider Days on Historic Walnut Street in Springfield, MO!

BRAC Cast members will present a delicious assortment of tasty tunes from our upcoming musical “Little Shop of Horrors” on the Show Wagon Stage on Sunday, September 16th beginning at 3:15pm. The public performance of the full musical runs from October 25 – November 4th at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson. Advance reserved tickets available at BransonArts.org/tix. The show is directed by Jordan Alexander-Holt and has a PG-13 Rating.

The 21st annual Cider Days on Historic Walnut Street will be held on September 15 and 16, 2018 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. This two-day fall festival will feature regional artists and crafters, three performance stages, fall-themed activities for kids, and, of course, delicious apple cider!

Artists and crafters from across the region exhibit at Cider Days, selling a variety of handmade products including jewelry, pottery, glass, wood, furniture and much more.

Admission is $4 per person; children 10 and under are free.

Come experience the first days of fall among the historic Victorian homes on picturesque, tree-lined Historic Walnut Street! Cider Days is presented by CoxHealth, managed by the Downtown Springfield Association and hosted by Historic Walnut Street Association. For more information on Cider Days, visit itsalldowntown.com.

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2018-2019 Youth Performance Troupe & Show Choir Cast List

The Branson Regional Arts Council is pleased to announce the final cast selections for our ALL-NEW Youth Performance Troupe, and Show Choir. The following individuals will be contacted and are invited to register and participate for the 2018-2019 season.  Congratulations, and thank you to everyone who attended the auditions.

2018-2019 BRAC Youth Performance Troupe Cast Selections…

  • Derek Brown
  • Morgan Brown
  • Noah Beyer
  • Sophie Douglas
  • Alexis Fischer
  • Dani Groff
  • Hallie Groff
  • Carter Hendrickson
  • Brynleigh Hill
  • Cole Hill
  • Molly Jones
  • Jordan Kendrick
  • Jake Musser
  • Megan Rodgers
  • Bekah Williams

About Youth Performance Troupe: Youth Troupe is a group devoted to all things theatre! Students in the Youth Troupe will meet weekly and encounter intensive, interactive studies in Voice, Acting, Stage Presence, Dance Choreography, Team Work. Students will develop both self confidence and respect for the skills required to be successful in Theatre Arts. The Youth Troupe will be run in a serious “conservatory master class” style meaning from the moment the students enter the theatre until they leave the theatre…training is in process. The Youth Troupe will be a congregate group that will have regular break out sessions based on age. All Youth Troupes will perform at various festivals, concerts, and gatherings throughout the academic year.

Please note that there will not be a Concert Choir for 2018-2019 as we didn’t have enough expressed interest for this year. If your name is listed above, and you auditioned for Concert Choir, you have the option of being in Youth Performance Troupe.

2018-2019 BRAC Show Choir Cast Selections…
*some additions are expected to the final cast list

  • Joey Blackwood
  • Noah Beyer
  • Dani Groff
  • Carter Hendrickson
  • Cole Hill
  • Brenna Kellem
  • Jordan Kendrick
  • Megan Rodgers
  • *(TBA)

About Show Choir: Show Choir is an energetic advanced musical group intended to combine challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. The choir will focus on elevating and applying its formal training into lively, breath taking “show” style performances. Students will study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage etiquette, presence and showmanship, and multi-part choral music. The directoral leadership will be both demanding & rewarding. The time at rehearsal will be run in a serious “conservatory master class” style meaning from the moment the students enter the theater until they leave the theater… training is in process.

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Gone With The Wind Gala Artists Reception Announced

The Branson Regional Arts Council and the Taneyhills Community Library are co-sponsoring an incredible Gala Event. Join us Saturday, September 29, 2018 for a special reserved showing of the 1939 American classic film, “Gone With The Wind” at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson.

A Tara-themed reception will follow at the Branson (Hilton) Convention Center Promenade Art Gallery. The reception includes a large assortment of hor d’oeuvres, cash bar, music and opportunities to meet the amazing artists on display. Participants are encouraged to dress in period costume.

Gone With The Wind Film & Gala

WHEN
Saturday, September 29, 2018
1:00pm – Gone With The Wind Film (Historic Owen Theatre)
5:45pm – Tara-ific Gala Reception (Branson Convention Center)

WHERE
Historic Owen Theater, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616
Branson Convention Center – 2nd Level Art Gallery

COST TO ATTEND
$29.95 per person – includes reserved seat theatre ticket to Gone With The Wind film, followed immediately by the Gala Reception just one-block away at the Branson Convention Center. A portion of your donation is tax deductible. ONLY 200 SEATS ARE AVAILABLE – RESERVE YOURS EARLY!

GONE WITH THE WIND EVENT TICKETS

[fac_icon icon=”credit-card-alt”] Advance Reserved Seats Available At: BransonArts.org/gonewiththewind

This is a special fundraising event for the Branson Regional Arts Council and the Taneyhills Community Library. All profits will be split by the two organizations. The wearing of period costume will be enjoyed by all, but not required attire.

The Great American Read

The Great American Read is a 7-part series exploring and celebrating the power of reading, told through the prism of America’s 100 best-loved novels (as chosen in a national survey). It investigates how and why writers create their fictional worlds, how we as readers are affected by these stories, and what these 100 books have to say about our diverse nation and our shared human experience.

The television series, beginning September 11th at 7:00pm on Ozark Public Television, is the centerpiece of an ambitious multi-platform digital, educational and community outreach campaign, designed to get the country reading and passionately talking about books.

The Taneyhills Community Library is a sponsor of the Great American Read and is excited to join with the Branson Regional Arts Council in celebrating the reading and the art of storytelling through the showing of Margaret Mitchell’s epic novel, “Gone With The Wind.” She received a Pulitzer prize for the book in 1937. The iconic novel became an international phenomenon that has sustained the public’s interest for over 75 years.

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Little Shop of Horrors Auditions Announced

Audition to join the cast of Little Shop of Horrors, with public performances Oct 25-28 and Oct 31-Nov 4th at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson, Missouri.

A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, and Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.

Public performances will be October 25-28, 31, November 1-4, 2018, with rehearsals beginning September 4, 2018.

The show is Directed and Choreographed by Jordan Alexander-Holt. Music is under the Direction of Lloyd Alexander-Holt.

[fac_icon icon=”file”] [download & print audition information & character breakdowns packet]

General Audition Information:
Tuesday, August 28 & Wednesday, August 29 at 6pm – No appointment required!

Call backs: Thursday, August 30 starting at 6pm (Possible extension into Friday, August 31 starting at 8:30pm)

Place: Historic Owen Theatre 205 S. Commercial St. Branson, MO 65616

Requirements:

  Bring audition form and one copy of your head shot and resume.

  We greatly prefer a LIVE audition, but will accept video/online submissions through August 29th at midnight if absolutely necessary.

Singing:

  Prepare TWO contrasting songs, one up-tempo and one ballad, 16-32 bars of each only.

  An accompanist WILL be provided. We greatly prefer that you utilize the accompanist, but will allow the use of tracks if absolutely necessary.

  Please bring a clean copy of your music in the correct key, preferably in a binder. Lead sheets will not be accepted. (If using a track: the music must be in a digital format. No CDs or tapes.)

  Those interested in being considered for Audrey MUST prepare a selection that shows off their belt voice.

Dance Call:

  All auditioning MUST attend the dance call AND have a singing audition, unless otherwise specifically stated.
  Bring proper dance attire and dance shoes.
  A combination will be taught in groups.

Please contact the casting coordinator, Melissa Rivera, with any questions regarding auditions. casting@bransonarts.org

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Audition Workshop Announced for Little Shop of Horrors

Why do some actors get cast in a stage production, while others don’t? Would you like to improve your audition abilities with one, fun afternoon workshop?

Preparation is crucial, and to help make the audition process easier, the Branson Regional Arts Council is presenting an Audition Workshop on Saturday, August 25, 2018 from 12pm – 4pm at the Historic Owen Theatre, 2015 S. Commercial Street, Branson, MO 65616. Registration fee to participate is $25, payable by credit or debit card, or check.

NOTICE: Actors must be at least 16 years old to participate.

Directors Jordan Alexander-Holt and Lloyd Alexander-Holt will teach you how to maximize your chances of landing that important role at your next audition for the hilarious Broadway musical, Little Shop of Horrors, coming to the Historic Owen Theatre in October. Class size is limited to the first 50 students who register.

The attendees will get a chance to workshop their vocal audition selection and receive vocal critique and feedback. All attendees will learn the audition choreography combination in advance as well.

This workshop is especially recommended for anyone Interested in auditioning for the Little Shop of Horrors musical (Performances Oct 25 – 28 and Oct 31 – Nov 4).

Click here to register in advance online.

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Art Class by the Glass Returns to Mount Pleasant Winery

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce return of a new painting event called “Art Class by the Glass,” to be held at Mount Pleasant Winery in Branson, Missouri.  This “Cork & Canvas” type event is scheduled for Saturday, October 20, 2018 from 3pm – 5pm.

The $30 registration fee (per person) includes all painting supplies and direction to create the “Starry Night” painting seen above, and one glass of wine, courtesy of Mount Pleasant Winery.  Additional wine servings available.

The class size is limited to between 10 and 20 participants, so early registration is recommended. Click here to register.

CLICK TO REGISTER FOR ART CLASS BY THE GLASS

The painting class will be led by professional artist and teacher, Kelly Wren.

“I have enjoyed several careers before retiring to Branson last year. My Clothing and Design degree from the University of Missouri led to an exciting career in the fashion industry throughout the country. When family brought me back to my roots in Missouri, I went back to school for my Masters in Education. I then taught high school art and adult classes in my hometown of Nevada, Missouri. As a member of the art communities of both Nevada and later Stockton, I developed art shows, classes, city murals, and workshops. My love of art and community always find a home wherever I live.” – Kelly Wrenn (Art Instructor)

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Family Fun This Week with Seussical the Musical Jr.

Seussical Jr. Provides Fantastic Family Fun This Week In Branson!

The Branson Regional Arts Council’s Youth Troupe Production of Seussical Jr. opens this Thursday evening at 7pm, with five public performances at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson.

Show are Thursday, August 2nd at 7pm, Friday, August 3rd at 7pm, Saturday August 4th at 2pm and 7pm, and Sunday August 5th at 2pm.

Advance reservations are recommended at BransonArts.org/tix or by calling 417-336-4255.
Adult tickets (18+) are $14.95, and Youth Tickets (4-17) are $9.95.  A small service fee applies to each order.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

Horton the Elephant, the Cat in the Hat and all of your favorite Dr. Seuss characters spring to life onstage in Seussical JR., a fantastical musical extravaganza from Tony-winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty.

Transporting audiences from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus, the Cat in the Hat narrates the story of Horton the Elephant, who discovers a speck of dust containing tiny people called the Whos. Horton must protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, and he must also guard an abandoned egg that’s been left in his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.  Although Horton faces ridicule, danger and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.  Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family and community are challenged and emerge triumphant!

The Youth Troupe actors are between the ages of 6-18, and include: Emrie Straka (JoJo), Joey Blackwood (Horton the Elephant), Maddy Hatfield (Mayzie La Bird), Sami Sutcliffe (Gertrude McFuzz), Emma Hesseman (Sour Kangaroo), Samuel Hesseman (Mr. Mayor), Jordan Kendrick (Mrs. Mayor), Gloria Bennett (Yertle the Turtle), Morgan Brown, Jake Musser, Johanna Luthardt (Wickersham Brothers), Grace Clark, Aleah Oltjenbrun, Ashleigh Rodgers, Megan Rodgers (Bird Girls), Colin McAdara (Vlad Vladikoff), Dani Groff (The Cat In The Hat), Hallie Groff (Young Kangaroo), Lee Brown (Thing 1), Josslynn Silvy (Thing 2), Korey Brown (The Grinch/Jungle Creature), Alexander Greenamyer, Amelia Johnson, Anastacia Petri, Dru Straka, Ember Straka, Lauren Tiefry, Addy Williams (Jungle Creatures), and Sylvie Barbour (Who).

The Production Staff of Seussical Jr. include: Lisa Murphy and Kim Hale (Producers), Jacob Estes and Lloyd Alexander-Holt (Directors), Kristen Dasto (Choreographer), Karie Dykeman and Roz Slavik (Assistant Producers), Kyle Bradley (Assistant Director), Danielle Groff and Maddy Hatfield (Student Directors), Kellsey Bradley (Education Specialist), Nicole Dasto (Stage Manager / Audio Technician), Pamela Meadows (Lighting Technician), Jacob Estes (Scenic Design), Larry Waggoner (Muralist), Roz Slavik and Stephanie Groff (Costumers), Marshall Meadows (Photographer), Jacob Estes, Nick Batey, Tyler Straka, Michelle Rodgers, Megan Rodgers, Ashley Rodgers, Hallie Groff, Emrie Straka, Mia Johnson (Set Construction), and Jim Barber (BRAC Executive Director / Marketing).

Seussical Jr. musical marks the 7th major theatrical production presented by the Branson Regional Arts Council this season alone, with 3 more to go: MISCAST Cabaret, Little Shop of Horrors, and A Miracle on 34th Street. Thanksgiving weekend, the Arts Council is also hosting the Branson return of the Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon as they perform two exciting reunion concerts at the Historic Owen Theatre on November 24 and 25th.

The 2019 Season of musical theatre and dramatic plays will be announced very soon.

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