Stampeding towards Jim Stafford, Murder Mystery and a shining Silver Dollar
When I was kid, I often sought out anything on television which connected with country music.
One such show that I watched was “The Jim Stafford Show.” Stafford found hits in the music scene with songs such as “Swamp Witch” and “Spiders and Snakes” in the early 1970s.
His comedic abilities and musical talents were always appealing to me. I had watched him on many of the classic talk and variety shows of that period.
His varied career includes star-studded shows with some of the biggest talents that once performed in Reno and Las Vegas, gold records, film appearances, music for films, awards and accolades.
Twenty-two years ago, he settled in then a little Ozark community that was exploding with theater opportunities for people to enjoy and made a home for his show there.
I recently was honored to be his guest at his show in Branson, Mo. and I must say I have haven’t laughed that much since sitting and watching the Red Skelton Show so many years ago.
His show is a feast for anyone who needs and uplifting meal of heart-warming funny storytelling. To me, Jim’s talents reflect the seasoned abilities of the greats of comedy – Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, and George Burns.
His musical talents on guitar and banjo are out of this world. His show also exhibits the talents of his daughter and son – G.G. and Shea on the show. Both are virtuosos on the piano.
Should you ever plan a trip to Branson, I encourage you to make his show part of the experience. He said many times that evening that he was having fun… It is sure that is what the audience had. I know I did.
You can get tickets in advance by visiting his website www.jimstafford.com or at the door they are in the $35 range.
Another show that I enjoyed while visiting Branson was Ozark Murder Mysteries performed at the Circle B Theater.
My brother and I had a pleasant dining experience with the folks from Minnesota seated next to us. The actors presented our meals as they prepared to serve up a fun evening of murder surrounding a conclave of comedic characters in the production “Speak Easy, Die Hard.”
The Branson setting of the play, crafted by playwright and actor Fred Athay, combines comical local moonshiners, an aspiring country singer and a host of big city hoods all converging towards one ultimate climax of hilarity.
The company includes a variety of actors and actresses who shine in this production and bring a full-on comedic spoof to life. One of the shining highlights of the evening was members of the cast who doubled successfully and convincingly in dual roles – one of those – the talented Helena Lee.
I would be sure to add this to your plans in Branson no matter which show they may be sharing, they are now doing their Christmas show – Who Killed Mr. Scrooge?
Ticket prices range from $30-50. Find out more by visiting www.killerflea.com or www.facebook.com/ozarkmysteries.
Speaking of Christmas shows and entertainment, whether you are nearer to Branson, Mo. or Pigeon Forge, Tenn., it’s a great time to take in the spectacular of Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede (dixiestampede.com/) combined with a visit to and An Old Time Christmas at Silver Dollar City or Smoky Mountain Christmas at Dollywood.
I visited this season’s Christmas Show at the Stampede and it is an outstanding evening of horse riding, acrobatics and comedy, combined with a wonderful meal. This is something everyone should enjoy at least once, if not again and again.
There is nothing like seeing millions of lights – 4 million to brighten the Christmas season along with seasonal plays, music, crafters and rides. Why not make this one of your Christmas traditions. Visit www.silverdollarcity.com or www.dollywood.com to find out more.
