Christmas shows, events keep visitors coming back to Branson w/ Branson Christmas parade & kids slide shows

By Dave Woods

dwoods@joplinglobe.com

BRANSON, Mo. — Some come to Branson during the holidays for the shopping, some for the Christmas shows.

Mary and Joseph McAfee made the trip from Del City, Okla., for a little of both. The sixty-something couple — and a busload of their friends from the choir at Sunny Lane United Methodist Church near Oklahoma City — decided the new production of “The Miracle of Christmas” would be a good chance to take in a show and reaffirm their Christian faith.

As an omnipotent voice tells the audience before the show begins, the “fictional account of a factual occurrence” tells the Biblical tale of Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus. The story follows the young couple from their betrothal in a synagogue in Nazareth to the birth of Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem.

Flying angels, live and animated animals and a healthy dose of the word were what the couple, who play Mary and Joseph in their churches Christmas pageants, were looking for.

“It’s fantastic and emotional too,” Mary said. “I liked the angels. It’s something how they accomplish all of this.”

“Joseph is outstanding,” Joe said about his theatrical namesake. “He’s so biblical and an inspiration.”

“Joe could never grow a beard that good,” Mary said.

Eileen Musgrave, a member of Sunny Lane UMC, was inspired by the Sight & Sound Theatre’s production and didn’t mind the dramatic license taken in the script.

“It was wonderful,” she said during the show’s intermission. “I know a lot about the Bible, and it does add a lot to the true story. Christmas is a big deal for my family.”

Parade of stars

Not everyone who trekked to Branson for some holiday cheer sought an inspirational experience. Allen and Chastity Muster, of Peoria, Ill., came for the shopping and Branson’s holiday kickoff parade, which featured floats and vintage cars.