Best Live Shows in Branson

In a small city that draws thousands of visitors each year, Branson offers streets lined with theaters large and small. Many are amazingly large, beautiful palaces that offer ongoing shows as well as nationally known stars. Others are small and lesser known but for the traveler who wants to enjoy live shows, there's no better place than Branson, Missouri.

Shows cater to all tastes and first time visitors often wonder what shows to see. No one could see all the many shows offered in one trip but the following shows are the best of the best, the must-see shows for Branson visitors.

Looking for a laugh? Don't miss the zany comedy served up by Yakov! Yakov Smirnoff is a Russian immigrant whose personal take on his new country is often hilarious as well as moving. His theater is the first that visitors see if they arrive from the north via Highway 65. Kids twelve and under are free and family passes are available. Kids of all ages (and the young at heart) love Yakov.

Fans of Broadway, take heart. "Broadway: The star-spangled celebration" appears at the Branson Variety Theater. For those who are fans of Irish dance, don't miss the international dance sensation, "Spirit of the Dance", also at the Branson Variety Theater.

For a dose of patriotism, try the "Celebrate America" show at the Mansion America theater. If Bible stories are prefered, the same theater offers "Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat". This musical tells the timeless tale of Joseph and his coat of many colors in an all new, amazing, fantastic fashion.

If the music of a certain decade brings back memories, get "Lost in the Fifites", "Stuck on the Seventies", or bop to the tunes at "50's At The Hop." Les Brown and his Band of Renown plays the Big Band tunes of the Forties with Les Brown Jr. leading the orchestra.

Country music fans will enjoy Branson's original music show, The Baldknobbers or The Hughes Brothers or Country Tonite. Jim Stafford, Moe Bandy, Mel Tillis and Ray Stephens all have their own theaters in Branson so look for their headline shows and shows offered by their friends.

For a show like no other, visit Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede. The Queen of Country Music has combined a four course feast with rodeo riding, a buffalo stampede, song, and much more into an action packed dinner show that is like nothing else. Or enjoy a meal aboard an old time style paddle wheeled boat on the Branson Belle. Dinner and the show is a combination package that will win your heart. Indulge exotic tastes with the New Shanghai Circus.

Both major theme parks - Silver Dollar City and Celebration City - offer music shows featuring many performers. Admission to all shows at the parks is included in the price of the ticket. Season pass holders can enjoy a visit to the park and all the shows for one low price. Shows and schedules change weekly so be sure to pick up the current schedule as you enter the park.

The best free show in Branson happens downtown at the historic Owens Theater. The Ladies of Motown put on a rocking show that many visitors see again and again.

Other shows include everything from dazzling piano music accompanied by a light and water show, a lumberjack show, a basketball show, and even tribute shows that offer performances in the style of favorite personalities that include Elvis, Red Skelton, Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, and more.

At the Shepherd of the Hills homestead, the story of Harold Bell Wright's classic novel comes to life each evening in a spectacular performance that uses horses, many actors, and more. Watch as the cast burns the Shepherd's cabin nightly.

The Christmas season rings in a new round of holiday themed shows and performances for year-round enjoyment.

Shows for every taste, shows for each season can be found in Branson, Missouri.