Music and Family Fun in Branson, Missouri

Getting In on the Acts

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Branson CVB

Without a doubt, most people come here for the shows. Tiny Branson is home to more than 40 performance halls featuring some 80 live acts -- music, comedy, dance, magic, ice skating, even acrobatics. Headliners include Vegas-type entertainers like Andy Williams, Tony Orlando, Mel Tillis, Bobby Vinton, the Osmond Brothers, violinist Shoji Tabuchi, and even Russian comedian Yakov Smirnoff.

Most shows are located on Branson's "Strip." But not to worry. Unlike Vegas, nothing is X-rated. Presley's Country Jubilee is a family favorite. The show, which has been running since the 1960s, features four generations of this Ozarks family performing country favorites, southern gospel, and comedy routines. Also, The Jim Stafford Show, a mix of comedy and guitar music, has a part that asks the audience to don 3-D glasses.

And there's always a chance to rub shoulders with the stars; performers often chat with the audience during breaks, sign autographs, and pose for photo ops. You can typically count on at least two performances a day, some even at breakfast time.

Tickets can be purchased directly from theater box offices. But if you're planning a visit during peak season (fall and Christmas), reserve in advance; these shows sell out fast. A listing of theaters is located on the Branson, Missouri Visitors Bureau Web site.