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.

“He loves parades and old cars,” Chastity said of her nine-year-old son, David. “He’s a parade nut.”

“The cars are cool,” David said. “They’re like Hot Wheels. The horses are cool too.”

Allen said he was skeptical when his wife suggested the long drive to Branson.

“I though It would be kind of cheesy, but it’s been a good time,” he said. “It has been a long time since I was in Branson. There is a lot to do and the kid loves it.”

Jerry Haviltom and his wife, Diane, from rural Alberta, Canada, drove for days to make Branson in time to catch the Christmas Parade.

“I think Christmas in Branson is spectacular,” Diane said as she watched the stars ride down The Strip. “I love a parade and there are so many stars. It’s the people who keep us coming back.”

Jerry, who his wife called a “Grinch,” smiled and waved at the passing stars and high school bands.

“The music I love,” he said. “Everyone is really friendly, the food is great and the price is right. In just three days, I’ve been Christmas-tized.”







Lineup

The Branson theaters and attractions running through the Christmas season include:

Debbie Boone & Country Tonight

Where: The Oak Ridge Boys Theatre.

Information: (417) 239-1333 or www.oakridgeboystheatre.com

Peter Pan

Where: The Mansion Theatre.

Information: (417) 239-1333 or www.themansiontheatre.com

Branson Area Festival of Lights

Where: Highway 248.

Information: (800) 214-3661 or www.explorebranson.com.

Andy Williams Christmas Show

Where: The Moon River Theatre.

Information: (417) 334-4500 or www.andywilliams.com.

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Christmas Show

Where: Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction.

Information: (800) 520-3000 or www.dixiestampede.com.

An Old Time Christmas

Where: Silver Dollar City.

Information: (800) 831-4FUN or www.silverdollarcity.com.

Showboat Branson Belle Christmas Cruise

Where: Showboat Branson Belle

Information: (800) 475-9370 or www.showboatbransonbelle.com.

Christmas on the Trail, Trail of Lights & Inspiration Tower

Where: The Shepherd of the Hills.

Information: (800) 653-6288 or www.theshepherdofthehills.com.

Tony Orlando & The Lennon Sisters Christmas Celebration

Where: Welk Resort Branson.

Information: (417) 337-SHOW or www.welkresortbranson.com.

Hamner Barber Wings of Christmas

Where: Hamner Barber Theater.

Information: (417) 334-4363 or www.hamnerbarber.com .

The Haygoods Christmas Show, Red Hot … and Blue & Cassandre’: Voice of an Angel

Where: New Americana Theatre.

Information: (417) 339-4663 or www.thehaygoods.com.

A Grand Jubilee Christmas & Comedy Jamboree

Where: Grand Country Theater.

Information: (417) 335-2484 or www.grandcountry.com.

The Baldknobbers’ Family Christmas Show

Where: The Baldknobbers Theatre.

Information: (800) 998-8908 orwww.baldknobbers.com.

Presley’s Country Christmas Show

Where: The Presleys’ Country Jubilee Theater.

Information: (800) 335-4874 or www.presleys.com

The Miracle of Christmas

Where: Sight & Sound Theatre.

Information: (800) 377-1277 or www.sight-sound.com

The Hughes Brothers Christmas Show

Where: Hughes American Family Theatre.

Information: (888 )518-9925 or www.hughes-brothers.com

Pierce Arrow Theater Christmas

Where: The Pierce Arrow Theatre.

Information: (417) 336-8742 or www.piercearrowtheater.com



Dave Woods is new media editor at The Joplin Globe