BRANSON Mo. —
When Tracy Gideon sees a theater full of guests laughing, she knows her job is done.
“We bring so much laughter and similes to the faces of people in our theater,” the longtime marketing manager for The Mansion and The Oak Ridge Boys Theatre said. “Times are somewhat difficult these days, so it’s rewarding to see people enjoy themselves, laugh and forget about their troubles for a couple of hours. That makes us feel real good.”
While developing and marketing an entertainment lineup for two Branson theaters is challenging, Gideon said it’s rewarding, too. One challenge, Gideon said, is booking a line up with great variety to fill two of the area’s largest venues. The secret: Bring in big names with loads of appeal.
In the coming weeks, area audiences have the opportunity to see two Carol Burnett Show veterans live onstage. Tim Conway and Vickie Lawrence, in separate engagements, will show off their comedic talents.
Tom “Red” Mullica’s one man show pays tribute to comedy great Red Skelton. The 3 Redneck Tenors and Paul Harris and The Cleverlys -- his band of bluegrass brothers -- add a little off-beat music to the mix. Johnny Mathis will make Christmas a little merrier with two dates in November. The Oak Ridge Boys, Debby Boone, Beatles Tribute Liverpool Legends and The Gatlin Brothers round out the fall lineup.
“We really do have something for everyone here,” she said.
Two theaters, many shows
Of all the acts set to perform at The Mansion and Oaks theaters this fall, Gideon said many are excited to see Tim Conway.
“He’s going to have Chuck McCann and Louise Duart doing some of the skits from the Carol Burner Show,” Gideon said. “It’s going to be fun.”
While The Mansion and Oak Ridge Boys theaters seat many guests, Gideon cautions tickets for fall are selling fast.
“Tim (Conway) has been in Branson before,” she said. “But, it’s been quite a while. People are really excited.”
Vickie Lawrence, another Carol Burnett veteran, brings her two-woman show back to Branson in November.
“She is an incredible entertainer and actress,” Gideon said. “She did a great job and we are excited to have her here during Veterans Week, Nov 4 and 5. She’s bringing her talent along with Mama. We’re excited to have them both back.”
With new material in this fall’s show, Gideon said Lawrence will sing, tell stories and transform into Mama, the lovable grump of a grandma she made famous on television.
“The show is going to be new this year and that will be a surprise,” she said.
Maybe not as famous as Conway and Lawrence, Tom “Red” Mullica has developed a comedy following of his own in Branson. Mullica’s Red Skelton tribute show has been a Mansion staple for years. Gideon thinks it’s easy to understand why.
“He has such an incredible way of entertaining audiences,” she said of the morning show performer. “He can stand up there on stage by himself and really make people laugh for two hours. He portrays (Red Skelton) so well, it’s just unbelievable.”
Beginning in November, Branson’s resident redneck trio will stage their Christmas spectacular at The Mansion. It’s their redneck version of Christmas, which should be interesting and fun, she said.
“It’s called ‘Christmas Spec-Tac-Yule-Ar’ for a reason,” she said, laughing. “Those guys are incredible singers and some of the best we’ve ever worked with.”
The tenors’ redneck shtick is backed up by years of classical training and numerous performances at some of the countries biggest opera houses.
“It’s brought a new level of musical talent to the theater,” Gideon said. “When they sing the whole building starts smiling.”
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Tim Conway
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Mansion Theatre offers packed lineup for fall
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