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Youth Choirs Present Christmas Concert At Historic Owen Theatre

Branson area residents are invited to enjoy a special, one-of-a-kind Holiday Showcase Christmas Concert featuring the young talented members of the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Showstoppers Youth Performance Troupe as well as the Staccato Show Choir.

There will be two performances on Saturday, December 1st at 2pm and 7pm at the Historic Owen Theatre. All seats are $10 and proceeds benefit the BRAC Youth Education Fund, which provides performing opportunities for area youth between the ages of 8 and 18.

GET TICKETS

Showstoppers Youth Troupe is a group devoted to all things theatre! Students in the Youth Troupe meet weekly at the Historic Owen Theatre and encounter intensive, interactive studies in Voice, Acting, Stage Presence, Dance Choreography, and Team Work. The students develop both self confidence and respect for the skills required to be successful in the  Theatre Arts.

Staccato Show Choir is an energetic advanced musical group that combines a challenging music repertoire with entertaining choreography. The choir focuses on elevating and applying its formal training into lively, breath taking “show” style performances. Students meet at the Historic Owen Theatre and study advanced music theory, vocal warm up, stage etiquette, presence and showmanship, as well as multi-part choral music.

General seating, no reservations required. Tickets may be purchased in advance online at BransonArts.org/showcase, or at the door.

The Branson Regional Arts Council is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and provides a wide variety of artistic events and theatrical programs for all residents in the Ozarks. Financial support for many of these programs is provided by the Missouri Arts Council and through the generous contributions of private donors and Arts Council members.

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Lennon Brothers Swing Music Show Returns Thanksgiving Weekend

The Lennon Brothers Swing Music Show Returns To Historic Owen Theatre Thanksgiving Weekend

Bill, Dan, Joe and Gail Lennon

The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon will be reuniting for two special shows this weekend, Saturday November 24th at 8pm, and Sunday November 25th at 2pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson. The shows will feature the All-Star Lennon Brothers Band.

BUY TICKETS

The group first came to Branson in 1994 as the morning show at The Welk Resort. At the end of the year, they were voted Best Breakfast Show and Gail was named Best Female Vocalist at the Branson Entertainment Awards.
Through the years, the show garnered many accolades…
CHICAGO TRIBUNE – “The Best Show in Branson!”
TULSA WORLD – “…subversively hip!”
ST. LOUIS POST DISPATCH – “…one of Branson’s most respected shows.”
And entertainers agreed…
ANDY WILLIAMS – “…the best four-part vocals I’ve heard in years! Nobody sings like this anymore…”
PETE FOUNTAIN – Jazz Legend – “They’re the best. The show was over way too soon!”
SUNNY SPENCER – The Sons of the Pioneers – “…my favorite singing group in the whole world!”
Part of the talented Lennon Family that includes The Lennon Sisters, the brothers… Dan, Bill, and Joe, and Bill’s wife Gail… are excited to be taking the stage again. They’ve gathered some of Branson’s finest musicians, led by Michael Cathcart on the keyboard.
Advance tickets are recommended at BransonArts.org/lennon or by calling the Historic Owen Theatre (417) 336-4255.
A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council.

The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon

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Adopt-A-Student Fundraiser Launched

Adopt-A-Student Fundraiser Launched

The Branson Regional Arts Council is sending our STACCATO Youth Show Choir to represent Branson in the National Show Choir Competition at Disney World this March 10-17, 2019.

It costs $2,500 per student to participate in this week long competition trip. Our goal is to send each member of the choir (ages 8-18) on this once-in-a-lifetime experience free of charge to them. They have worked so hard to develop their performing skills, and we have no doubt they will make everyone in the Branson area proud of their achievement! There will be a sufficient number of adult chaperones and BRAC instructors joining them for security and support.

Our total goal for this fundraising effort is $50,000, however any donation amount would be appreciated.

Can you help make this National Show Choir Competion Dream Come True for our students? Please make a tax-deductible contribution using a major credit card via this order form link, or mail your personal check to: BRAC, Youth Education Fund, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615.

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Talent Show Benefits Youth Arts Education

The Branson Regional Arts Council’s 1st Annual Talent Show benefitting the BRAC Youth Education Fund will be presented this Friday, November 16th at 7pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson. A wide assortment of talent will be presented for the delight and entertainment of everyone in attendance.

$10 General admission tickets will be sold at the door, however, it is recommended that patrons purchase tickets in advance online as the venue only seats 200 people. Tickets are available online at BransonArts.org/talentshow.

All proceeds from the Talent Show will go to the BRAC Youth Education Fund. BRAC provides artistic educational opportunities for young people in theatre, music and dance, and currently has a full time Youth Troupe Theatre group as well as as STACCATO, a Youth Show Choir that will be competing at the National Show Choir competition at Disney World in March of 2019.

“This is going to be an amazing display of talent,” stated BRAC’s Executive Director Jim Barber. “We had such a terrific response to our auditions last week, and I know that folks who attend will have a great time at the show. There will be something for everyone, with all kinds of music including country, gospel, film scores, and broadway musicals. We’ll have comedy and magic, dancing, gymnastics and more! This is a true variety show that your entire family will love.”

Over 55 entertainers will appear in this entertainment filled talent show.  The show will be MC’d by BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber, and the line up of stars include: BRAC’s Show Choir Staccato, Lisa Straka, Johanna Luthardt, Ember Straka, Corey Bunker, Carey Principato, Rylan Stone, Hallie Groff, Rebecca White, Alex Knudsen, Daniel Keaton, Lex Pearson, Dylan Pratt and Katie Wright, Brandi Ely, Ashley Rodgers, Emma Heseman, Gracelin Marie Garibay, Dani Groff, Brenna Kellem, Micah and Sheri Kuenzle, Megan Rodgers, Emrie Straka, Jessica Barber, Savannah Jewsbury, Robert Morris, Keith Rawls, Michelle Deck, Loreli Morrison, Heather Grace Spencer, Carter Hendrickson, Pillage Antoinette Gallifrey (Sydney and Sicily), Cassandra Carter, Dani Groff and Jacob Deeter,  Kaitlyn Schumacher, Noah Beyer, and the BRAC Youth Theatre Troupe Showstoppers.

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History Of Traditional Ozark Music Revealed

The Branson Regional Arts Council, in association with Ozark Mountain Music, will present a program on the history of traditional Ozark music, emphasizing fiddle music and other historical songs familiar to the early settlers of the region.

This free community concert takes place on Saturday, November 17th at 7:00pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson.

The presentation will trace the history of Ozark fiddle music from its mid-1600 origin in Scotland through Ireland, Appalachia and on into the Ozarks at the signing of the Louisiana purchase.  Still common in the Ozarks today, this style of music was the foundation for many others including gospel, country, and bluegrass. In this lively program, accomplished musicians will explain the progression of the music, and perform many traditional tunes and songs.

Historically, old time fiddle music helped sustain the early Ozark settlers.  At the signing of the Louisiana Purchase an onslaught of setters, mostly of Scot descent, poured across the Mississippi River leaving behind their already depleted land in the Appalachian Mountains as they sought new homesteads in a familiar terrain, the Ozarks.  These hardy folks already felt comfortable settling in the lonely river bottoms and isolated valleys of the Ozarks.  To sustain themselves in what could have been a very stark life, the Scots brought their fiddles with them and continued with traditions established back in their homeland generations before.  Through community parties and festivals, these agrarian settlers imprinted the Ozarks with its first music.  Today, following in that early tradition, there are still weekly community fiddle jams as well as yearly festivals and contests that celebrate the fiddle.  We believe that in this time of social upheaval it is particularly important to continue to bind together our present with our past. 

In addition to the free concert at the Historic Owen Theatre on November 17th, a second performance is also scheduled on Saturday, November 24 at 7:00pm at the Library Center, 4653 S. Campbell, Springfield.  Anyone interested in learning more about traditional music and its impact on music today is encouraged to attend one or both presentations.

About Ozark Mountain Music

Ozark Mountain Music was incorporated by Bob McGill as a 501 (C) (3) not-for-profit corporation ins 2012 with the mission of teaching, learning, and keeping alive the history and culture of the Ozarks.

The organization has sponsored fiddle camps for young people ages 11-17 who desire to learn old-time Ozark Fiddle music. From these camps, a select group of students were invited to join The Possum Holler Fiddlers, and have given over 100 performances in Churches, festivals, nursing homes and pre-schools in the Branson area. They have traveled and performed at the Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland, twice at the White House in Washington D.C., and three members of the group traveled to Haiti in 2017 to conduct a week-long fiddle camp featuring gospel music. Ozark Mountain Music also began an after school program offering fiddle music to young aspiring musicians.

Bob Holt – Ozarks Fiddler

The Ozark Mountain Music program began as a result of a Traditional Ozark Music concert at Juanita K Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts in Springfield, Missouri honoring long-time Ozark fiddler, Bob Holt.

A famed American fiddler, Mr. Holt was known for his lightning-fast, energetic old-time style. He played his signature song “Ninth of January” at as much as 144 beats per minute while playing for square dances.

In 1999, Mr. Holt was honored in a ceremony at the White House as a recipient of a Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, which is the United States’ highest honor in the folk and traditional arts. At that time he played in concert at the Kennedy Center.

Bob Holt passed away in his home town of Ava, Missouri on March 19, 2004 at the age of 73.

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Buy-A-Seat At The Historic Owen Theatre

Buy-A-Seat At The Historic Owen Theatre

The Branson Regional Arts Council has a long term goal of restoring the Historic Owen Theatre and preserving the legacy of former Branson Mayor Jim Owen who built the venue as a movie theatre in 1936.  Theatre patrons and area businesses are invited to “Buy-A-Seat” at the Owen Theatre as a way of showing their support and appreciation of the arts in our community.

“There are 203 cushioned theatre seats available for adoption in our Buy-A-Seat campaign. For a $500 deductible donation to the Arts Council, each donor will received an engraved brass plate with their name, the name of their business, or a dedication to a loved one; permanently fixed to the back of their seat. Their support of the arts will be on display for as long as the Branson Regional Arts Council has management of this historic facility. We hope that will be for generations to come!” – Jim Barber – Executive Director, Branson Regional Arts Council

To submit a donation to “Buy-A-Seat” at the Historic Owen Theatre, mail a check to: BRAC, PO Box 2004, Branson, MO 65615 and notate the seat number you wish to “adopt” in the memo line.  If donors would prefer to pay via any major credit card, please click on this link and select your seat via our Vendini ticketing system.

BUY-A-SEAT NOW

The seating chart below shows which seats are currently available for adoption.  Once a seat is “adopted” by a donor, it will never be available to anyone else. We thank everyone who has “adopted” a seat to date….

Current Buy-A-Seat Patrons include:

  • A1 – DELYLA & RICH UEBEL
  • A2 – RICH & SUE SPOLEY
  • A3 – PAUL A SLICER (by Patty Slicer)
  • A4 – VENEDA B SLICER (by Penny McDermott)
  • A5 – SUE R HEAD
  • A6 – HAYDEN HEAD
  • A7 – DIANE W BARBER (by Jim & Jessica Barber)
  • A8 – ROBERT (BOB) COHN (by BRAC)
  • A9 – JEAN CANTWELL (by BRAC)
  • A10 – RON & DIANE MATHES
  • A11 – THE HALE FAMILY
  • A12 – SMITH BROOKHART (by Gail Brookhart)
  • B5 – ALAN “CHIP” MASON
  • B6 – DAWN ERICKSON
  • B8 – BARBARA COHN
  • B9 – DARLENE REA (to be announced)
  • B10 – DARLENE REA (to be announced)
  • B11 – GRANDMA SANDY PLATE (by Kim & Art Hale)
  • C5 – ANN M McDOWELL
  • C6 – ROBERT F McDOWELL
  • C7 – CHRISTMAS SURPRISE (to be announced)
  • C8 – STEVE & RAEANNE PRESLEY
  • D-11 – DIANE WALLAHAN BARBER (by Mary Jane Wallahan)
  • F3 – RUTH & BOB ABBOTT
  • F4 – BOB & RUTH ABBOTT
  • F9 – FRED PFISTER
  • F10 – FALECIA PFISTER
  • F11 – FAYE PFISTER
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Audition Workshop Announced for Disney’s Beauty & The Beast

An Audition Workshop for the Branson Regional Arts Council‘s production of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast, will be held Sunday, November 18, 2018, at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO, 65616 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO REGISTER

For the workshop, participants are asked to prepare a 1 minute vocal selection, or a 16-32 bar cut, to present to the directors for critique and constructive feedback.

Please bring sheet music in the correct key. An accompanist will be provided. If you do not have sheet music, the use of an mp3 accompaniment track is acceptable. 

Participants will also be taught an audition dance combination, so dress comfortably in clothing that won’t restrict your movement in any way. 

The cost of the workshop is $20.00. Pre-registration is preferred, however, we will accept registrations at the door.

CLICK HERE to register online. Call 417-336-4255 for information.

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Audition Information*
*It is not required to take the Audition Workshop to attend the actual Auditions, however, the workshop will better prepare you for success.

Auditions for the BRAC’s production of Disney’s Beauty & the Beast will be held on Monday, November 26 and Tuesday, November 27 from 8:00-10:00 p.m. at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO, 65616. These auditions are for ages 13+. Auditions for children, will be held on Wednesday, November 28, from 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Call backs: Wednesday, Nov. 28, 7-10pm & Thursday, Nov. 29, 6-9pm – Historic Owen Theatre

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 if absolutely necessary.

Singing:
 Ages 13 and up: Prepare TWO contrasting songs, one up-tempo and one ballad, 16-32 bars of each only in the style of the show. Please no pop songs.
 Kids: can prepare ONE short song of their choosing.
 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.)

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 director, Melissa Rivera, with any questions regarding auditions at casting@bransonarts.org.

About the Production:
Step into the enchanted world of Broadway’s modern classic, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, an international sensation that played a remarkable 13-year run on Broadway and has been produced in 37 countries worldwide. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature, the stage version includes all of the wonderful songs written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. The original Broadway production ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The 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.

The BRAC’s production Disney’s Beauty & the Beast is co-directed by Lloyd and Jordan Alexander-Holt, musically directed by Lloyd Alexander-Holt, and choreographed by Jordan Alexander-Holt. It will be presented at the Historic Owen Theatre February 21-24, and March 1-3,2019. Rehearsals will be held Sunday-Thursday evenings from 6:00-9:00 p.m.

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1st Annual Talent Show Auditions Thursday

  • dateNovember 5, 2018
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
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The Branson Regional Arts Council wants to help area residents let their talent shine in the 1st Annual BRAC Talent Show at the Historic Owen Theatre in Downtown Branson. Proceeds from the show will benefit the Branson Regional Arts Council’s Youth Education Fund.

Auditions are Thursday, November 8th from 6pm-9pm at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616.

All types of talent are welcome! Singers, musicians, magicians, comedians, jugglers, impressionists, or even talented pets will be considered. Family friendly performances only please! All acts should be no longer than 3-5 minutes in length.

There is no cost to audition or participate in the show if selected. Anyone with talent to share is invited to participate in this exciting event. 

 

The public performance will be on Friday, November 16, 2018 at 7pm, and there will be prizes for the top performers as selected by our panel of celebrity judges (to be announced).  All seats are $10.00 and may be purchased at BransonArts.org/talentshow.

To audition, send an email with contact information and description of your talent to info@bransonarts.org. Please put “BRAC Talent Show” in the email header. For other information, call 417-336-4255.

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History Of Ozarks Fiddle Music In Educational Concert

Let’s Jam – The Music of the Hills
A Free Community Event at the Historic Owen Theatre

This fun and informative concert traces the 350 year odyssey of Ozark fiddle music from Scotland (1650) to the fiddle jams of today at McClurg, Taney County, Missouri. Learn about the heritage of Ozark Fiddle Music.

Date: Saturday, November 17, 2018
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: Free Admission (donations encouraged)
Place: Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616

Come and enjoy this historical presentation on the rich and varied nature of this music that is still prevalent in the Ozarks today.

Presented by the Possum Holler Fiddlers and Sponsored by Ozark Mountain Music with additional support from the Missouri Arts Council and parents and friends of Ozark Mountain Music.

This program is supported by the Missouri Humanities Council, and hosted by the Branson Regional Arts Council at the Historic Owen Theatre.

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Little Shop Ticket Holders Could Win A Pair Of 2019 Season Passes

The fast growing, singing, blood thirsty plant “Audrey II” may have a few TRICKS up her… ah, stem.  But the Branson Regional Arts Council has lots of exciting TREATS to offer ticket holders at the 7pm October 31st Halloween performance of Little Shop of Horrors.

The festivities will begin with a pre-show performance by BRAC’s Youth Show Choir group STACCATO, followed by an audience costume contest with some cool prizes for the best in various categories. 

[fac_icon icon=”hand-o-right”]  If that wasn’t enough… everyone who has purchased ticket(s) to any of the Little Shop of Horrors performances before 6pm on October 31st, will be included in a drawing to win (2) 2019 Full Season Passes to experience 10 amazing theatrical productions! That’s valued at OVER $250.00!!! 

The season pass drawing will take place during the Halloween night performance. Selected winner need not be present to receive their prize! Prize may not be sold by the winner, but may be used by them or transferred to another couple of their choice.

To be included in this drawing for two 2019 full Season Passes, you must have already purchased a Little Shop of Horrors ticket(s) or get yours before 6pm Central on October 31st at BransonArts.org/tix!

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

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STACCATO Show Choir To Perform At Mercy Clinic Grand Opening

Join the Branson Regional Arts Council and friends from across the area for an exciting Grand Opening Celebration for the new Mercy Branson Multi-Specialty Clinic this Wednesday, October 31st.

Our STACCATO Youth Show Choir will be providing entertainment starting at 11:30am! Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to tour this new medical facility and preview STACCATO’s new performance presentation!

This is a FREE community event sponsored by Mercy Branson Multi-Specialty Clinic!

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Little Shop of Horrors Opens This Week

Excitement is growing as the hit broadway musical Little Shop of Horrors prepares to open this Thursday at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson.

Performances are on October 25, 26 and 27 at 7pm. October 28 at 2pm. Halloween Costume Contest Show on October 31 at 7pm, November 2 and 3 at 7pm. November 4 at 2pm. The production is rated PG13 – Parental guidance suggested for younger patrons.

HISTORIC OWEN THEATRE TICKETS

Produced by Kim Hale and Lisa Murphy, this is the 8th major theatre production to be presented by the Branson Regional Arts Council since they moved into the Historic Owen Theatre in January 2018. As producers, they have been extremely busy bringing in new talent to act and direct, along with the many areas of production, sound, lighting, props, costumes, and set design. Lisa Murphy stated, “We are thrilled to have such wonderful people that share our vision for bringing live musical theatre to our community. They spend countless hours working to create a quality production for your viewing pleasure.”

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.

The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names “Audrey II” – after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II’s out of this world origins and intent towards global domination!

The show is under the direction of Jordan Alexander-Holt, who also choreographed the entire production.  Jordan stated, “This play has endured and thrived due to it’s universality and the fact that, despite its fantastical events, audiences get to see themselves, or at least part of themselves, in Seymour’s mild-mannered love for Audrey: in Audrey’s kind sweetness despite heartbreaking circumstances; Mushnick’s greed and desire for advancement; and maybe, if we’re honest, even a little of Orin’s self assured violence and desire for control.”

Doo-Wop Girls & Audrey – Photo: Meadows Images

“This will be the biggest production of all the shows we’ve produced to date this year, with 8 public performances,” said Jim Barber, Branson Regional Arts Council’s Executive Director. “As area residents and local businesses become aware of what we are doing, we are seeing more and more interest from folks wanting to get involved,” Barber added. “We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Richard Tallon and the great folks at Branson Dental Center (417Dentist.com) have stepped up to co-sponsor this production. Pardon the pun, but it’s like pulling teeth to find a great production partner, and Branson Dental Center had no hesitation to become our “Center Stage Sponsor” assisting us to pay for the performance rights and music licensing of this popular production.  They believe in what the Branson Regional Arts Council is doing for our community, and want to see our efforts prosper and grow in the future!”

Cast members starring in the production are: Matthew James (Seymour Krelborn), Amelia Harper (Audrey), Sean Neal Myers (Mr. Mushnick), Michael Horn (Orin Scrivello D.D.S.), James Allen (Audrey II puppetteer/Snip/Ensemble), Kyle Bradley (Voice of Audrey II/Ensemble), Kellsey Bradley (Crystal), Emily Alphin (Ronnette), Cadence Miller (Chiffon), Jonathan Kirkland (Radio Host/Bernstein/Ensemble), Stanna Brown (Mrs. Luce/Ensemble), and Kayleigh Dominish (Customer/Ensemble).  Jeremy James is the creative artist behind the series of animated Audrey II plants, as well as the Technical Director for the production. Audrey II plant illustration for the Playbill and set is by professional artist and BRAC volunteer Larry Waggoner.

Ticket will be available at the door for each performance, however the public is encouraged to select preferred seating in advance as shows may sell out beforehand.  Visit BransonArts.org/tix to order tickets, or BransonArts.org/pass for information about 2019 BRAC Season Pass Discounts.

 

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