MUSIC MARATHON IN MISSOURI
By Gerrye Wong
Branson, Missouri has long been called the Music Center of the Ozarks, and rightly so with its 50 theatres exuding entertainment throughout this small town of 12,000 inhabitants. Five couples from the Bay Area, who had heard of Branson but never been before, came with me to experience what a small town in the Ozark mountains known for its music could have in store for a mere 5 days visit during its Christmas season. Branson is known as the most Christmasy city in the country, and it held true with the shows and places we ventured to.
PHOTO: LYNN BERRY AND NICOLE STEARNS OF BRANSON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE WELCOME VISITORS.
Picture being welcomed by newspapers advertising every type of entertainment you could imagine in its busy theatres in town, featuring from illusionists to comedians, country music to pop tunes of every era, dance groups in their 20s to well known entertainers climbing into their 70s, tenors from Texas to Ireland, Chinese acrobats to Elvis look-alikes, and musicians who can play hillbilly music of the area as well as popular show tunes of bygone days. Branson has it all so it was a mind-boggling task to try to select two shows daily to see – totaling 10 in a five-day adventure. Lynn Berry of the Branson Lakes Chamber of Commerce is the best spokesman for the area and explained why over 9 million travelers visit annually, saying “Live shows is the number one reason folks say they come to Branson but we have outdoor attractions too which make it fun for all ages. Seniors especially enjoy Branson because it is easy to get around with minimal traffic, and the many shows and museums make it a great place for the over 55 crowd.”
PHOTO: FIVE CALIFORNIA LADIES MEET THE THREE LENNON SISTERS
Since we are fans of the 60s music, we went immediately to the Andy Williams Music Theatre which was starring Jimmy Osmond as a solo since his siblings, he said, are either entertaining in Europe or Vegas right now, but his heart still belongs to Branson where they had appeared with Andy Williams and Glen Campbell during the past 20 years in this small town music scene. Also on our popularity memory list was seeing the Lennon Sisters again, shades of our old Lawrence Welk memories of seeing them on television as little girls with big voices. Since Christmas season had opened in Branson already, they sang many of the holiday favorites and even had two granddaughters dancing beside them. Busloads of seniors packed the theater reminiscing with the rest of us.
PHOTO: SEE JIMMY OSMOND CENTER BACK IN PHOTO
Of course, however, the all-time favorite for the past 20 years has been SHOJI TABUCHI, known as the Fiddler of Branson, who has charmed thousands of visitors with his fanatical fiddler prowess and his sincere unassuming stage presence. He tells of growing up in Japan, obeying his mother who had him start playing the violin at age 7. Although trained as a classical violinist, when he graduated from school, he told his mother that country music was his passion and followed his dream to come to America.
PHOTO: SHOJI TABUCHI AND DAUGHTER CHRISTINE POSE WITH CALIFORNIA FRIENDS
San Francisco was his first stop, and he remembers his little group played at Louis Columbano’s Rainbow Club while also headlining at San Jose’s Corral Club billed as the “Osaka Oakies” no less. Several decades later took him to Texas and Nashville following his country western dream, and ultimately ended up with his own fantastic show in one of the largest theatres in Branson…but that ’s not the end of the story. Shoji performs with his daughter, Christine Lingo-Tabuchi who also produces the show which is the best high energy, sparkling family variety show in town. Annually he has outgrossed all theatres in popularity for the past 20 years, and only in Spring 2017 did he disappoint fans when his large theatre had a fire and has been closed since. We were lucky that Clay Cooper helped out his old friend by allowing him to use the Cooper Theater for a few holiday performances. To prove his popularity, Shoji Tabuchi told me that a lot of bus tours changed their Branson visit schedules to accommodate their clients being able to see his special shows. He charmed everyone as usual with a dozen changes of his signature elaborately trimmed sequined jackets and music miracles he performed on his violin, whether it be his favorite country western tunes, to holiday favorites to classical melodies. A very likable fellow on and off the stage, he proudly told us he had performed at the Grand Ole Opry an impressive 27 times so he has certainly fulfilled that dream to be a Country Western performer.
PHOTO: BIG CEDAR MARKETING MANAGER MATT McQUERY SHOWS CALVIN WONG LOCKER ROOM OF BUFFALO RIDGE GOLF COURSE
Knowing Shoji is a dedicated golfer, we invited him to join us on a brand new golf course, Ozark National, which had just opened November 1st, a mere two weeks before. There we met Big Cedar Golf Marketing Manager Matt McQuery who welcomed us to the Ozark National Golf Course and told us more exciting plans for the area which will make Branson the fastest growing golf destination in America today. Quoting Matt, he proudly said, “Three courses opened in the past few years and three are planned to debut very soon. And they’re not just any courses. They’re mind blowers with ones designed by Nicklaus, Fazio, and Player.”
PHOTO: SHOJI TABUCHI, LEFT, JOINS YAMAGUCHIS AND GERRYE WONG TO OZARKS NATIONAL GOLF COURSE ON A COLD DAY.
The Ozark National which we and Shoji played was a Bill Coore and Ben Crenshaw layout and we saw another adjoining landscape designed by Tiger Woods being bulldozed and set to open in late 2019. The man behind this golf destination project is Bass Pro Shops founder, Johnny Morris, and not only has he built the Big Cedar Resort surrounded by acres of unspoiled Ozark Mountain wilderness, but he has planned for the area to become a world-class golfing destination with acclaimed courses besides. Managing the Mountain Top Golf Course pro shop, Joey Johnson, Missouri’s Amateur champion in 2013-14, and our golf partners, Shoji Tabuchi, Jim and Carole Yamaguchi,echoed Matt’s praise, saying that the design of Ozarks National is a striking display for the golf senses, talents and a fitting tribute to the Ozarks region. Mountain Top, the adjoining course, is a family friendly 13 hole course by World of Golf famer Gary Player and is designed to bring a more accessible golf experience to families, juniors and golfers to enjoy its routes through unforgettable rock formations which provide some of the best views of the region during the course of play. Make plans to make your next golf destination to Branson because this area, in the next years, will definitely be THE place to come for a special golf experience.
PHOTO: MISSOURI 2013-14 AMATEUR GOLF CHAMPION JOEY JOHNSON SHOWS MERCHANDISE IN BIG MOUNTAIN GOLF SHOP
Back to showtimes, Samson was the year’s biblical journey production which is a tradition in Branson. Its spectacular sets, live animals on stage, and large cast continued this Christmas tradition of being the most lavish production for the holiday season, according to visitors Fran and Victor Gin. We met a great Elvis impersonator as well as look-alike Brooks Brothers in a Legends Show, and laughed continuously to the humor of comedian Yakov, who not only insists everyone leave with a smile, but also inspires everyone to be proud to be Americans with his accounts of the hard life his family endured as Russian immigrants coming through Ellis Island.
PHOTO: SILVER COLLAR CITY PR HOSTESS MARTHA BOHNER WELCOMES OUR CALIFORNIA GANG TO SILVER DOLLAR CITY.
Our last day, was a true highlight visiting Silver Dollar City, to bring out the Christmas spirit to California visitors Pat and Howard Lum, Aaron and Maelene Wong. Any visitor during the holiday season could not escape getting into the Christmas traditions spirit at Silver Dollar City as they gazed at its over 6.5 million lights (that’s 680 miles of lights) and over 1000 decorated Christmas trees. It takes a crew starting in July to put up the over 3 miles of garlands and over 15,000 yards of ribbon also used in holiday décor. Our charming SDC hostess Martha Hoy Bohner welcomed and directed us through the throngs of holiday visitors to the Broadway-style production A DICKEN’S CHRISTMAS CAROL, an original musical adaptation of the famous Dicken’s classic with elaborate sets, flying spirits, vanishing ghosts, and pyrotechnic special effects. We walked past the 5 story special effects Christmas tree with its 350,000 energy saving lights while featuring incredible synchronization of lights with Christmas music. As nighttime came, the lights lit up the whole area in a fantasy land which I know must be THE place to bring families to during the holiday season. It was a magical scene lighting up the Frisco sing-along steam train, the Santa Claus Lane, and the Holly Jolly Christmas Light Parade with its parade of musical lighted floats illuminated with another 200,000 ultra bright LED lights. There were glass blowing, candy making, and woodworking shops to visit, and a brand new ground-breaking roller coaster Time Traveler with 30 miles of new lights in the launch area. California and Florida can have its Disney parks, but for a truly eye-popping adventure in a colorful fantasy land, I’d say Silver Dollar City is a great Midwest destination for anyone who loves Christmas lights.
PHOTO THOUSANDS OF COLORED LIGHTS BRIGHTEN UP SILVER DOLLAR CITY
During our visit, we were lucky to view the Veterans Day Parade in the middle of Branson Old Town, and it was very heartwarming to see how military veterans are honored and recognized by Branson citizens and visitors. At every show, the performers acknowledge and ask all military men, past and present, to stand up to be thanked for their service to the country. Even the Army Veterans in our little California group were often stopped by citizens who wanted to shake their hands in thanks for their military service. Now I ask you, do you see this kind gesture of gratitude being extended to military servicemen in your area on the west coast?
Lynn Berry continued her praise of Branson, adding, “For over 100 years, Branson/Lakes area has been attracting visitors to the Ozarks, lured by its natural beauty and outdoor recreational activities. First public attraction was the Marvel Cave, which is underneath Silver Dollar City today, and was explored as early as the 1860s. Branson got noticed in the 1950s first when Red Foley hosted an early TV show, Ozark Jubilee” in nearby Springfield, and the Mabe Brothers began performing in a converted roller skating rink with country music. From then on more performers opened theaters and Andy Williams, our most celebrated performer, opened his own theater show in 1993, and the area continues to grow and grow with more attractions of musical theater, and best of all, the new golf courses coming up soon.” Yes, the beauty of Branson with its magic of music will continue to draw us back, and I totally recommend you should venture out there too for a wonderful vacation spot with much to offer, no matter your age.
BACK TO THE BAY AREA SCENE
PHOTO: MURDER IN THE FORBIDDEN CITY CAST ASK AUDIENCE TO GUESS THE MURDERER.
MURDER IN THE FORBIDDEN CITY was a comical farce presented by local actors in San Francisco’s Chinatown in the newly opened Clarion Music Center on Waverly Street. Members of the Grant Avenue Follies Darlene Mar, Pat Nishimoto, Pat Chin, and Mimi Chin played key roles in the show, while Doris Grover played the key role of Madame Lola, who ultimately was murdered perhaps by the cast listed above. Cynthia Yee showed off her magical talents as part of the Murder at Forbidden City’s entertainment.
PHOTO: DARLENE MAR SHOWS OFF THE ENGAGEMENT RING SHE GETS FROM THE FORBIDDEN CITY CHEF.
The fun part was that the audience, following the play’s end, was to decide who was the culprit in Lola’s demise. This gathered enthusiastic audience participation from George Grover, Bea Wong, Maggie Wong, Anita Lee, cameraman Ed Hay, Gloria Hom and many others in this small compact little theater.
PHOTO; MADAME LOLA AKA DORIS GROVER WELCOMES GLORIA HOM AND GERRYE WONG
As Cynthia Yee explained to the audience, “This is just a fun experience for all of us to tell the story of Forbidden City in a nonsensical way.” Actually, two performers Cynthia and Pat Chin are actual veterans of Chinatown’s nightclub era many years ago.
PHOTO: MURDER CAST WELCOMES VISITORS BETTY LOUIE AND JAN YANEHIRO AND GERRYE WONG
I couldn’t decide who was having more fun in the play, the audience or the actors, but it was a fun night out on the town seeing amateur theater at its best right in the middle of Chinatown. Stay tuned for its next showing for surely it should be shown again to capture a new audience’s attention.
MUSIC IN THE SOUTH BAY
Down in Redwood City, BEST OF BROADWAY presented one of its most elaborate shows, AIDA by Elton John and Tim Rice. The sets were fantastic, and the singing by Raquel Nicole Jete in the title role of Aida was superlative. No wonder Broadway By the Bay recently was recognized for excellence in production with seven nominations for the 2018 Theater Bay Area awards. It spotlights local talent in its seasonal productions and has brought fine theater to Redwood City in the old historic Fox Theatre. Take a well-deserved bow, BBB. Your shows keep getting better than ever, and we Silicon Valley-ites don’t have to brave San Francisco big city traffic to experience musical theater because Best of Broadway brings it close to our appreciative audiences.
PHOTO: HORSE HUMOR IN OPERA SAN JOSE’S PAGLIACCI PRESENTATION.
On the same vein, OPERA SAN JOSE continues to bring great opera to Silicon Valley. Just saw OSJ’s PAGLIACCI in the historic Fox Theatre in the center of San Jose’s downtown. I could tell the audience enjoyed this old opera favorite with wonderfully masterful voices of Anthony Clark Evans, Cooper Nolan, Mason Gates, Emmett O’Hanlon and Maria Natale getting standing ovations at the conclusion. This production was made special with the participation of the Ragazzi Boys Chorus and the Vivace Youth Chorus, adding their young voices and appearance on stage. This excellent production closes on December 2, so if holiday fever doesn’t compact your entertainment schedule, this is a good production to enjoy. Thank you, Opera San Jose, for continuing your 35-year tradition of bringing opera to the South Bay music lovers.
HOLIDAY COMEDY COMES TO SAN JOSE
PHOTO: CITY LIGHTS SHOW, MAKING GOD LAUGH FEATURES A FAMILY HOLIDAY DINNER.
CITY LIGHTS THEATER COMPANY has done it again by bringing good clean comedy in its holiday production of MAKING GOD LAUGH. This Sean Grennan’s comedy gives audiences a chance to laugh, tear up and shudder sometimes at the festivities on stage. It is the story of a family, Ruthie, Bill, and their three adult children as the parents try to keep the home fires burning while the five of them look back on 30 years of family holidays. Think of your own family history of holiday get-togethers, and you can, no doubt, remember what twists and turns of life happened during your own family holiday events. In the case of this fictionalized family, there are many comic moments the audience can laugh at. MAKING GOD LAUGH plays until December 23, so if you’re looking for some good laughs during the sometimes stressful holiday season, CITY LIGHTS has it in downtown San Jose for you to let loose with a large guffaw. Congratulations to CITY LIGHTS which is donating a portion of the show’s proceeds to Downtown College Prep which prepares first-generation students for college success. DCP is tuition-free as a public charter school serving 1780 students in grades 5-12. Ticket info: cltc.org/making-god-laugh or call 408 295 4200 and any seat in the house has you sitting only a few feet away from the actors!
PHOTO; COLORFUL ACROBATS SEEN IN JOY PRODUCTION
I just love to hear about a holiday show with circus, dance and live music and that is just what TANDY BEAL & COMPANY’S PRODUCTION “JOY”. As Sydney Albin of the Carla Befera Office handling publicity tells us, JOY is an exuberant family-friendly mix of brilliant visuals, rib-tickling circus comedy, and stunning acrobatics.” Capturing original Candy Land flavored tunes will be the award-winning acapella group SOVOSO. Go see the show November 23-December 2 at University of California at Santa Cruz Theater Arts Center Mainstage Theater, and on December 7-9 JOY will play for San Jose audiences in the downtown Hammer Theatre. Award-winning director Tandy Beal has helmed acclaimed productions over four continents and has been the acting Director of the Pickle Family Circus for 10 years. Her shows bring glamour and glitz besides fun and fantasy to enchant families and adults together. Schedule and ticket info: holiday-joy.com
PHOTO: COLORFUL COSTUMES ADORN STAGE.
THINKING OF OTHERS
It’s time to send some well-deserved bouquets to people in our community who, through special thoughtful acts, make others happy.
PHOTO: CHI AM CIRCLE DANCERS PERFORM AT SARATOGA ADULT CARE CENTER
Bouquets to Helen Kwan and her Chi Am Circle dancers who accompanied her to perform at the Saratoga Adult Care Center on Veterans Day before an audience of ex-military veterans. The Chi Am Circle dancers included Helen Kwan, Eva Wong, Kelly Matsuura, Linda Toda, and Rose Low who danced along with another volunteer local group called the “Dancin’ Shamrocks”. At this Center, clients receive a nutritious lunch program and any needed special care, which can be a variety of needs, including dementia and support with daily living activities. As Helen related, the audience cheered and applauded the girls’ efforts to bring music and fun to the Center’s patients. Good work, ladies!
