<p>My parents have generously offered to take us (D and husband and son and I) on a graduation trip to Branson, MO. My stepmom apologized for it not being Cancun or someplace amazing like that because they spent a pretty good chunk on helping us with D's car and they intend to help some with her college, so it has to be someplace drivable as airline tickets are too pricey. Obviously I think in light of all that they have already done, that a trip to anyplace at all is beyond generous and we haven't had one of these big vacays for three summers now, we used to do them just about every summer. (my parents have a quirk that family visits have to happen at a vacation destination so they can use their timeshare. I am certainly not going to argue!) </p>
<p>I don't really want to suggest a different city, I think that would be ungracious of me.</p>
<p>D said sure! but I'm looking at what is there, thinking that SURELY the Broadway touring companies do shows there - but either my google fu is weak or they <em>gasp</em> don't go there. </p>
<p>I realize Branson is famous for country music but surely they have SOMETHING that's not gospel or country, to do there? My parents never can seem to remember that except for Johnny Cash and Austin roots/alt country, that I (and my husband and kids) are the funny chicks that didn't end up quiiiite like the rest of the family. (We are Broadway, they are...not...you put the rest of the picture together lol.) There's a lot of country music out there that frankly I would rather have dead silence...it's just not my cup of tea nor D's. Mind you I'm not complaining, but I'm just sure there has to be something that would excite us all.</p>
<p>Actually they do know we aren't much for country but this is a vacation destination they are able to afford and they graciously offered and it's not about where we are but that we are having a big extended family vacation and we will all have a great time just enjoying the timeshare and all.
BUT - if I could possibly locate at least one Broadway show even within driving distance, the first week or so of June - that would really thrill the little graduate (wouldn't bother me too much either). </p>
<p>Is anyone familiar at all with that part of the country and what we might find? I'm Googling tours and cities and dates and am not finding much but perhaps someone can suggest something I'm overlooking? Or are there some shows there that a girl whose tastes run to The Producers and The Heights as opposed to the Patsy Cline Experience, might enjoy?</p>
<p>This is not at all a bad problem to have, I know. ;-) But if anyone has been there and has specific suggestions for a typical MT kid's tastes, I'd like the input!
Thanks!</p>
<p>I’m probably the last person who could help you as I have never been to Branson. I know there are a lot of country music shows there but I did a quick look and they are not all country music. For example, there is a show that is a revue of music from the '60’s that could be fun. </p>
<p>Branson is not near any of the big cities where tours come, unless you drive pretty far.</p>
<p>I noticed that in Springfield, MO (not too far), there is a local theater, Springfield Little Theater, that stages musicals and starting on June 10 they are performing Children of Eden.</p>
<p>My kids did a touring show of Joseph that played in Branson a few years ago. They discovered that Branson is an “acquired” taste. If the Three Redneck Tenors are in town - definitely go see. We are friends with two of the three (one graduated from my kid’s HS). The joke is that they are all classically trained singers. My kids’ voice/acting coach was one of the originators of the group, although he is no longer with them. Cute, family friendly show - but the guys really are talented.</p>
<p>When we were in town, we did go see the big Noah’ Ark extravaganza. It was worth the price just to see the live animals troup down the aisles. However, the music is still the butt of several jokes around our house.</p>
<p>The Irish Tenors were also in town when we were - and they are very good and “not hard on the eyes.” My D wanted to marry them all.</p>
<p>Check and see if there is anything special going on at Silver Dollar City – in April (and maybe May), they have World Fest with acts from all over the world and they are very good.</p>
<p>Is there such a thing as a spa in Branson?</p>
<p>There are usually lots of tribute shows so you might find one of those that would be fun to attend. None of the actors we know who have done national tours have ever had a stop in Branson so I think it’s unlikely that you’ll find anything like that there. </p>
<p>How nice of your parents to do this! I’m sure the family time with everyone there will make it special, regardless of the type of shows you may prefer. :)</p>
<p>Yes, it’s very generous of them and we have had family vacations in all kinds of places and the fun part is being together. My stepmom and I feel that anyplace that we have maid service and can go out to eat for most meals is a good place. haha. We can generally find things to do that everyone enjoys but the most important part is having fun together. Around ten years ago, a light bulb suddenly went off in my dad’s head and he wanted to take every opportunity to spend time with his kids and grandkids so they got timeshares for the express purpose of being able to take us kids on vacations so I just enjoy the time spent no matter where we go. </p>
<p>Spa…<em>eyes light up</em> I just bet there is…whoo hoo…thanks for the other suggestions too, I will check them out.</p>
<p>We had so much fun at Dixie Stampede. It’s worth it!</p>
<p>We went several years ago (met the grandparents at a timeshare, in fact). We saw the Chinese acrobats, Yakov Smirnoff, went on the Branson Belle lunch cruise, and went to Silver Dollar City. We didn’t go but I’ve heard good things about the Shoji Tabuchi show. </p>
<p>Schedule is at: [Branson</a> Shows Tickets and Schedules](<a href=“http://www.bransonshows.com/bransonShows.cfm]Branson”>2023 Branson Shows Tickets and Schedules)</p>
<p>Looks like John Tweed does numbers from musicals - Oklahoma, South Pacific, and Showboat are mentioned. The Twelve Irish Tenors are also there - I saw them on PBS and they were enjoyable. So it’s not all country music.</p>
<p>We loved the Branson Belle, too, but the show has now changed, so I don’t know what they are now offering. I remember it was going to be an all male cast.</p>
<p>Kansas City is 211 miles away. Starlight Theatre is doing The King and I June 6-12. </p>
<p>Tulsa, Oklahoma is 219 miles. The Tulsa Performing Arts Center has Cats May 31 - June 1.</p>
<p>Springfield, Missouri is a lot closer - only 43 miles.</p>
<p>My nephew is performing at the Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City, but that’s a lot further and I don’t think the timeline will work. He’s in Oliver, Hairspray, Ragtime, and A Chorus Line. He’s (not surprisingly) a Musical Theater major.</p>
<p>Those sound pretty good! Thanks for the suggestions.</p>