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Win A Cruise Aboard A State Park Marina Pontoon Boat

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce the support of our friends at State Park Marina on beautiful Table Rock Lake.  Their Boathouse Boutique is providing the nautical themed hats and many costume pieces for our upcoming production of Anything Goes at the Historic Owen Theatre.

In addition, two lucky winners will each receive a FOUR HOUR CRUISE aboard a private PONTOON BOAT courtesy of State Park Marina.

All ticket holders for Anything Goes will receive one entry for each seat purchased into the contest, but additional “raffle tickets” may be purchased online to greatly increase your chances of winning.

$5 - BUY 2 RAFFLE TICKETS   $10 - BUY 5 RAFFLE TICKETS   $15 - BUY 10 RAFFLE TICKETS   $20 - BUY 15 RAFFLE TICKETS

BUY TICKETS FOR ANYTHING GOES

 

The winning tickets will be selected at random during the intermission of the Sunday, April 29th 2pm show, however, you do not have to be present to win.  If you are unable to attend the show, you may also just purchase a raffle ticket and still be in the running for the prize. There will also be a variety of smaller prizes drawn at the show as well.

 

All proceeds from this raffle benefit the community theatre program at the Historic Owen Theatre, and help make it possible for us to continue to grow and expand our arts activities.

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Invitation To Artist Reception at Branson Convention Center Gallery

The Branson Regional Arts Council invites the public to attend a FREE Community Event, this Friday (April 13th) from 7-9pm at the Branson Convention Center Art Gallery on the 2nd level concourse. 

Join in celebration of 12 area artists, featuring dozens of new works now on display at the gallery. Featured artists include: Kwaku Addai, Glenda Roberson, Jane Parker, Galina Nikiforova Foulconer, Raine Clotfelter, Jim Tindall, Mary Arneson, Dee Giles, Marty Goodnight, Alpha Morrow, Thia Schuler, and Meadows Images.

The Branson Convention Center Gallery is about to begin it’s 3rd season and has been visited by approximately 100,000 people annually, according to General Manager Marc Mulherin. Several of the current featured artists will be attending the reception to discuss their work, and members of the Branson Regional Arts Council Board will be there to answer any questions. Refreshments will be available as well.

Bring yourself, or a group of friends and enjoy this FREE community event.

 

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Anything Goes Musical Tickets On Sale Now

Anything Goes Tickets On Sale Now…

The Branson Regional Arts Council presents, Anything Goes, a 1934 musical with music and lyrics by Cole Porter. The story concerns madcap antics aboard an ocean liner bound from New York to London. Billy Crocker is a stowaway in love with heiress Hope Harcourt, who is engaged to Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Nightclub singer Reno Sweeney and Public Enemy #13 Moonface Martin aid Billy in his quest to win Hope. The musical introduced such songs as “Anything Goes”, “You’re the Top”, and “I Get a Kick Out of You.”

The high energy dance musical features a cast of 24 actors, and will be presented at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616.

BUY TICKETS FOR ANYTHING GOES

Performance dates are:

  • Thursday, April 26th – 7pm
  • Friday, April 27th – 7pm
  • Saturday, April 28th – 2pm & 7pm
  • Sunday, April 29th – 2pm

After the successful, sold-out run of the Arts Council’s previous show, Annie, patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets for Anything Goes soon.  Reserved seats are on-sale now at BransonArts.org/tix.

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Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon Reunion Concert Announced

After many years, The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon are excited to announce a reunion concert in Branson, Missouri for TWO SHOWS ONLY!

  • Saturday, November 24th at 8pm, and Sunday, November 25th at 2pm.
  • $25 (plus transaction fee) Reserved Admission for all seats at BransonArts.org/lennon.  (No discounts available)

LENNON REUNION CONCERT TICKETS

Enjoy authentic swing harmony, inside of Branson’s oldest and most historic entertainment venue!

This concert will not only be fun for Lennon fans of all ages, it will also be of benefit to the Branson Regional Arts Council and their new visual and performing arts programming being developed at the Historic Owen Theatre.

If you love the vocal swing harmony that was America’s favorite music in the 30’s and 40’s…you need look no further than The Lennon Brothers and Gail Lennon.

The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon

The Lennons capture the sound of legendary performers such as The Modernaires, The Pied Pipers, The Delta Rhythm Boys and The Four Vagabonds. They sing the works of some of the greatest American composers… Hoagy Carmichael, Johnny Mercer, Duke Ellington, Irving Berlin and more.

Brothers Dan, Bill, and Joe grew up in Los Angeles as members of a celebrated musical heritage. Their father, Bill, was the lead singer in the original Lennon Brothers, who performed in the 1940’s and 50’s. It was their sisters, however, who sang their way into America’s hearts as young performers on The Lawrence Welk Show. The Lennon Sisters’ “girl next door” beauty and charm endeared them to millions, but it was their harmonies that led them to be inducted into The Vocal Group Hall-of-Fame in 2002.

The boys have been singing from the time they were born. And as the times were a’ changing so was the music. They sang The Beatles, Crosby Stills and Nash, Jefferson Airplane…but also the music of an earlier time: Al Jolson, The Mills Brothers, and the original Lennon Brothers.

Bill, Dan, Joe and Gail Lennon

In 1983, Bill met his wife-to-be Gail. Gail was among the top studio singers in L.A. at that time. They discovered a mutual love for the music of the Swing Era and, with brother Dan, put together a vocal group called The Fatells. This was the fore runner of The Lennon Brothers of today.

In 1994, thirty members of the Lennon family moved to Branson, Missouri to perform at the new Welk Resort. The brothers and Gail opened the resort with a morning show that The Chicago Tribune hailed as “The BEST show in Branson!” The show featured not only a hot live band and tight swing harmonies, but also the brothers’ “…Monty Python meets Vaudeville” style of comedy.

Gail was voted “Female Vocalist of the Year” in 1994 at the Branson Entertainment Awards. Over the next several years, the group won awards so often they were given a spot in the Branson’s “Hall of Fame”.

The critics agreed:

St. Louis Dispatch “..one of Branson’s most respected shows.”
Tulsa World “…subversively hip!”
Springfield News Leader “Smoothly entertaining…Branson’s best!”
Chicago Tribune “The BEST show in Branson!”

And so did their fellow performers:

Andy Williams “…the best four-part vocals I’ve heard in years!”
Pete Fountain “They’re the best…unbelievable talent…the show was over way too soon!”
Les Brown Jr. – Band of Renown “Gail is a wonderful singer!”
Sunny Spencer – Sons of the Pioneers “They’re my favorite singing group in the whole world!”

The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon have released 3 CD’s: “Swing Away!”, “Swing Sandwich”, and “The 9:30 Special”. In The Groove magazine praises the recordings “…outstanding quality” and called the groups performances “…amazing!”

Since last headlining in Branson, the group has traveled for special events. They’ve been the headline performers at the “Indian Wells Jazz Festival”, have performed on the S.S. Rotterdam and have played venues throughout the Midwest and West Coast.

The Lennon Brothers & Gail Lennon Reunion Concert will be an exciting event for area locals and Branson vacationers alike.  Early purchase of tickets is highly recommended as both performances are expected to completely sell out. Visit BransonArts.org/lennon.

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Learn the Art of Ventriloquism with Jim Barber

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

 

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Auditions For Anything Goes This Week At Historic Owen Theatre

  • dateMarch 13, 2018
  • userBranson Regional Arts Council
  • commentNo Comments
  • view1999 Views

The Branson Regional Arts Council announced last week, that auditions for the 2nd major musical of the year will take place this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (March 14-16, 2018) evening from 6pm until 9pm at the Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial Street, Branson, MO 65616.

Anything Goes is set aboard the ocean liner S. S. American, where nightclub singer/evangelist Reno Sweeney is en route from New York to England. Her pal Billy Crocker has stowed away to be near his love, Hope Harcourt, but the problem is Hope is engaged to the wealthy Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Joining this love triangle on board the luxury liner are Public Enemy #13, Moonface Martin and his sidekick-in-crime Erma. With the help of some elaborate disguises, tap-dancing sailors and good old-fashioned blackmail, Reno and Martin join forces to help Billy in his quest to win Hope’s heart. – Broadway.com

Following the completely sold out run of Annie the Musical, the bar has been set a bit higher for this production, but Show Producers Kim Hale and Lisa Murphy are up to the challenge, as well as Director Lloyd Alexander-Holt and Choreographer Kristen Dasto.

Casting auditions are open to actors, singers, and dancers ages 15+, sorry, there are no child roles in this production.

WHAT TO BRING
Each performer needs to prepare a one minute, uptempo and ballad vocal selection. They should also please bring sheet music in the appropriate key, or provide CD accompaniment tracks. No acapella singing will be allowed. All actors should be prepared to stay for the dance call toward the later portion of the audition schedule.

Dancers, please come prepared to do a jazz and a tap combination. Appropriate dance footware, ie Jazz and Tap shoes, is suggested. Ladies if you have character tap shoes, please wear them. NO BARE FEET.

Rehearsals will be each Sunday-Thursday from 6-9pm at the Historic Owen Theatre. Saturday rehearsals will be held from 12pm-6pm on April 7 and April 14, Tech Week begins April 21-25. Performances are April 26, 27, 28 at 7pm, and April 28 and 29 at 2pm.

Performers who are unable to attend these auditions are invited to send a video audition link to info@bransonarts.org no later than 9pm Central this Friday, March 16th.

Public performances of Anything Goes will be April 26-29th at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson. Reserved tickets are expected to go on-sale on this website before Monday, March 19th.

Here are a few clips from the actual Broadway show for inspiration:

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Community Theatre Production of Annie Completely Sells Out

If the standing ovations and rave reviews weren’t enough, the fact that all five productions of Annie the Musical SOLD OUT before the second show, says that there is a real need for high quality community theatre in the Branson Tri-Lakes area!

“This first production of our first season in the Historic Owen Theatre shattered all of our expectations! We knew we had a stellar cast, incredible directors and an amazing production team… but we didn’t expect the unbelievable show of support from our community.  We are humbled and inspired to continue to develop performing and visuals arts programming for all residents in our area. ” – Jim Barber, BRAC Executive Director

The final performance was bittersweet for the entire cast, and tears were flowing on the faces of many as the final curtain closed. They won’t stay closed for long, however, as auditions for the next big musical production, Anything Goes, begin tomorrow… “tomorrow, you’re only a day away!”

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The Musical Annie Brings Broadway Theatre Back To Branson

The Branson Regional Arts Council production of Annie is bringing Broadway style musicals back to the Branson Tri-Lakes area!

Lloyd Alexander-Holt, Zoe Allie & Bandit

Annie, the musical, is the premiere production for the Arts Council’s first season in the Historic Owen Theatre in downtown Branson. Performances are March 8-11. 7pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday. 2pm, Saturday and Sunday.

  • Show: Annie
  • Place: Historic Owen Theatre, 205 S. Commercial St., Branson, MO 65616
  • Date/Time: March 8-11, 7pm (Thu-Fri-Sat) and 2pm (Sat-Sun)
  • Reserved seats are required and be purchased online at BransonArts.org/tix.
The Arts Council assumed operations of the Historic Owen Theatre on January 1st and, just three weeks later, officially merged with Tri-Lakes Community Theatre in an effort to preserve the 35 year history of the organization and to provide Branson’s only year-round venue devoted to community theatre, arts and education.
The Arts Council’s Theatre Advisory Committee oversees the selection of all plays and musicals throughout the performance season. Committee members include: Justin Ables, Kristen Ables, Tina Cool Anderson, Jean Cantwell, Kimberly Hale, Jim Barber, Lisa Murphy, Roz Slavik, Greg Slavik, Patty Slicer, Sue Head, Hayden Head, Darlene Graham, Michelle Inskeep, Delyla Uebel, and Rick Uebel.

Ozarks Live! hosts, Jeremy Rabe and Kelly Smith, interviewed BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber on their daily talk show on KOLR-10 in Springfield, Missouri.They discussed how Annie the musical was selected, as well as what is in store for the Historic Owen Theatre this season.

Leading cast members of Annie include: Zoe Allie
 (Annie), Bekah Williams
 (Secondary Annie), Kelsey Bradley
 (Miss Hanigan), Lloyd Ray Alexander-Holt
 (Oliver Warbucks), and Sarah Sutherland (Grace Farrell), and Bandit (Sandy).
The Orphans are played by: Sophie Douglas, Laurie Payne, Abby Sundahl, Brynleigh Hill, Jordan Kendrick, Sami Sutlcliffe, Bekah Williams, Aleah Oltjenbrun
, Alexis Fischer
 and Emrie Straka.
Featured actors include: Kyle Bradley, Michael Horn, Sean Myers, Jordan Alexander-Holt, Jim Barber, Alex Harris, Noah Beyer, Kristen Dasto, Sarah Williams, Melissa Rivera, Dani Groff, Brenna Kellem, Haley Bertrand, Jonah Conque and Bradie Conque.
The production team includes; Producers: Kim Hale and Lisa Murphy, Assistant Producer: Roz Slavik, Co-Director & Set Design: Jacob Estes, Co-Director & Vocal Director: Lloyd Alexander-Holt, Marketing: Jim Barber and Hayden Head, Choreographer: Jordan Alexander-Holt, Dance Captain: Kristen Dasto, Piano Accompanists: Dee Uebel and Ruth Abbott, Audio Technicians: Rick Uebel and Steve Stewart, Lighting Technicians: Pamela Meadows and Brian Hissink, Stage Manager: Lori Best, Set Muralist: Larry Waggoner, Set Construction: Louis Allem, Mike Groff, Dave Yeager, Lori Best, Jacob Estes, Nick Batey, Kristen Dasto, Art Hale, KJ Soyland, Michelle Inskeep, and Lex Pearson.

Ozarks Live! host, Jeremy Rabe interviewed the stars of the show, Zoe Allie (Annie), Lloyd Alexander-Holt (Oliver Warbucks) and Bandit from Camp Little Paws (Sandy).  Warbucks and Annie then shared an uplifting song accompanied by Dee Uebel on keyboard.

Annie at the Historic Owen Theatre is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
The Branson Regional Arts Council receives some financial assistance from the Missouri Arts Council, as well as individual and business membership support. Anyone interested in sponsorship are asked to visit BransonArts.org/membership.
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Ventriloquism Workshop with Jim Barber Announced

Have you ever wondered how ventriloquists like Darci Lynn (America’s Got Talent) and Jeff Dunham (Comedy Central) are able to “throw their voices” and make their puppets talk clearly without moving their lips? Well here is your chance to participate in a fun and educational ventriloquism workshop at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson, Missouri.

Professional ventriloquist Jim Barber has agreed to personally teach this course as a fundraiser benefiting the Branson Regional Arts Council.

The workshop will be held over 3 Saturdays in March 2018, for a total of 9 hours of intensive education and technical training.

  • COST: $149 (per person, includes all 3 sessions)
  • DATE: Saturdays, March 17, 24, 31
  • TIME: 9am – 12pm (3 hours each session)

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Jim will not only share his personal vocal techniques that he developed over his successful 40 year career, but he will also include an intensive overview of the official Maher Ventrilquist Studios Course of Ventriloquism, which has launched the careers of thousands of ventriloquists around the world since 1934.

Inclusion of this course is made possible by professional ventriloquist Tom Crowl, who owns and operates the famous Maher Studios.

KIDS OF ALL AGES… GREAT GIFT FOR YOUR CHILD, GRANDCHILD, OR YOURSELF!

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

Jim Barber’s unique blend of comedy, ventriloquism, and vocal music have taken him around the world as a featured entertainer for International corporate events, major cruise lines, and as host of USO shows for our military families stationed across the United States and in the Mediterranean.  Based in Branson, Missouri, Jim is now the Executive Director of the Arts Council and will be appearing in his own show at the Shepherd of the Hills Attraction in a remodeled, indoor theatre this summer. Throughout his career, Jim has shared stage and toured with many celebrities including Glen Campbell, The Osmonds, Tony Orlando, The Bellamy Brothers, Jim Stafford, Eddy Rabbitt, Yakov Smirnoff and many others. His unique act has been featured on many national television shows including the Late Show with David Letterman. Jim also serves as an advisor for Vent Haven Museum in Ft. Mitchell, KY. Vent Haven is the world’s largest museum dedicated to the art of ventriloquism.

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Valentines Cabaret Show This Friday Evening

Love is complicated… Love is forgiving… Love is for fools… or is it?

Forte Theatrical Productions returns to the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson, Missouri for ONE SHOW ONLY this Friday evening, 8pm, with a series of musical duets and solos that will make you fall in love… with LOVE!

The large talented cast of Love Is… includes Melissa Rivera – Emcee, Tom Hallett, Tiffany and Conrad Bear, Michael Parrott, Karrah Fleshman, Tobias Nordlund, Michael Sager, Tina Cool Anderson, DeAnna Bruce, Dan Culleny, Josh and Charis Boulden, Ashlee Heyward, Justin and Kristen Ables, Mary Huff, Jenny Day, Olivia Farrell, accompaniment by Danielle Hardin, Jessica Brown, Perry Harper and Kevin Day.

This is a perfect show for couples, singles, or even entire families. As a performing troupe, Forte was featured in last summer’s Branson Regional Arts Council production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as the featured entertainment at the Arts Council’s recent New Years Eve Gala in celebration of their move into the Historic Owen Theatre.

Advance tickets are on sale now at BransonArts.org.  General Admission is $10 per person, and active Art Council Members are only $8.00. 

I WANT LOVE IS... TICKETS NOW!

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New Young Actors Musical Theatre Workshop Announced

The Branson Regional Arts Council is excited to announce a new Musical Theatre Workshop Class that begins this weekend (Feb 10, 2018)

This Young Actors Workshop is taught by Branson based actor and director Jacob Estes. The workshop will be held over a four week period, with classes on Saturday mornings from 10am until 12pm at the Historic Owen Theatre in Branson, Missouri.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP

This class is designed for students ages 12-18. Students close to that age range will be considered at the discretion of the director.

In this class, students will explore the various components required to become a musical theatre performer. Students will train in various areas of Musical Theatre including singing, dancing, and acting through a variety of games, lessons, and intensive style workshops. In addition, the students will get a one-on-one audition workshop and feedback with the director! This class will prepare young actors with a secure feeling to take to the stage!

Jacob has traveled America performing and directing in various theatres throughout his professional career. Some of his favorite credits include Next to Normal (Dan), Les Miserables (Javert), Peter Pan (Captain Hook), Beauty and the Beast (Gaston) and Young Frankenstein (The Monster).

Currently, Jacob can be found directing and choreographing The Little Mermaid for Forsyth High school and Co-Directing Annie for The Branson Regional Arts Council at the Historic Owen Theatre.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR THIS WORKSHOP

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Tri-Lakes Community Theatre Merges With Branson Regional Arts Council

In an official announcement, the Branson Regional Arts Council announces that they have merged Tri-Lakes Community Theatre into their organization.

State of Missouri Secretary of State, John Ashcroft, signed the merger as official on January 23, 2018 after several months of discussion and preparation between both non-profit organizations, as well as unanimous votes of support from their active members.

“When the Branson Regional Arts Council entered into our agreement last Fall to assume operations of the Historic Owen Theatre, we knew this would create an opportunity to provide a permanent home venue for community theatre in the Branson Tri-Lakes Area,” stated BRAC Executive Director Jim Barber. ” TLC (Tri-Lakes Community Theatre) has struggled in recent years to find available performance space, and therefore, financial support to sustain it’s operations into the future. We felt that this merger, with the goal of preserving the amazing 34 year history of TLC productions, would be very beneficial to our community, and provide TLC with additional management and marketing support.  I want to thank Jean Cantwell, Harry Styron, Phoebe Fox-Head, Sean Neil Myers, Della Mason Stacy, and the Branson Regional Arts Council board, for their cooperation and vision during this merger process.” added Barber.

There were some interesting connections between the two organizations that made this merger a natural progression.  Both groups were founded by long-time Branson resident Jean Cantwell and other area arts enthusiasts.  The Branson Regional Arts Council was founded 53 years ago in 1965 as the Taney Arts Council, and Tri-Lakes Community Theatre is now celebrating it’s 35th year having been formed in 1983.  Jean was extremely excited to learn that both organizations she help give life to, would now continue forward as one, combining her love of the visual arts and live community theatre.

The Arts Council plans to document and preserve every past TLC production on it’s website, thereby preserving the historic roots of community theatre in our area.

Excitement is high for this opportunity to improve the quality of community theatre in the Branson area.  Audition turnout for the first 2018 season production of Annie, was much higher than expected, with an enthusiastic and extremely talented team of actors, directors, musicians, set designers, electricians and painters, who understand and want to participate in building a thriving theatre arts community in Historic downtown Branson.

Area businesses or individuals interested in underwriting portions of this and other theatre productions are asked to contact the Arts Council at info@bransonarts.org.

Public performances of Annie run March 8-11th at the Historic Owen Theatre.  Tickets are on sale now, and expected to sell out for each performance. Visit BransonArts.org/tix to reserve seats before they are all gone.

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