August 2, 2008

Owen's Theater – Downtown Branson
Showtime: Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 5:00pm

I read somewhere the other day a suggestion that everyone should see at least one smaller-sized show every time they come to Branson.  I agree with that statement – after all, you never know who or what you may be missing – and, most big stars all had to start somewhere!  I really enjoy the more intimate venues.  You actually get more one-on-one time with the performers and they also can make each person in the audience feel special by being able to greet each person coming in or going out, or maybe even during the show!  How many of the bigger shows can accomplish that? 

My most recent visit to a smaller venue was downtown at the Owen’s Theatre and John Wayne and America’s Yodeling Sweetheart! 

Paula Cravens opened the show with several country songs – “Back in Baby’s Arms” and “She’s Got You” made famous by Patsy Cline, and “Fancy,” a Reba McIntire hit.  Besides Patsy and Reba, she pops in and off the stage throughout the show taking on the likenesses of Patsy Montana, Lucille Ball, and Katharine Hepburn.

Ermal Williamson is John Wayne!  When he takes the stage, you really feel like the “Duke” is standing right before you!  How did he get his nickname, “Duke?”  He’ll tell you during the show!  Ermal’s portrayal is very convincing as he relates (in first person) how the rugged and masculine Marion Morrison eventually became John Wayne, how long he worked at acting before he “became” an actor, and just how long it took for him to win the coveted Oscar!

Together, Paula and Ermal recreated scenes from several famous movies from John Wayne’s monumental career including the details surrounding several stunts, too.  Ermal demonstrated the six-shooter fast-draw, and also taught a lucky audience member how to do John Wayne’s famous and one-of-a-kind walk!

In between these marvelous scenes, Paula graced us with several western songs displaying her amazing ability to yodel.  Ever try it?  It takes talent, and Paula nails it with every yodel – as evidenced by her own award-winning career.  I loved hearing her sing “I Just Gotta Be A Cowgirl,” “Cowboy’s Sweetheart,” and “Ladies Cattle Call” which Paula wrote in answer to the famous Eddy Arnold “Cattle Call.”

There are several wonderful patriotic songs that Paula sings intermittently while Ermal does a recitation.  Bound to bring a tear to your eye are "God Bless America," "Shenandoah," and "God Bless the USA."  And I’ve always loved John Wayne’s recitation “America, Why I Love Her.”  A flag salute brings the show to an end as Ermal and Paula have definitely expressed their love for God and our great country!

During the show, we enjoyed hearing the tales from “The Quiet Man,” “She Wore A Yellow Ribbon,” “Stagecoach,” “Sands of Iwo Jima,” and “True Grit.” Of all the fabulous movies he left for us, I’d have a difficult time picking a favorite.  Before we left the theater, though, I had to ask Ermal what his favorite John Wayne movie was to which he answered (without hesitation in his best western John Wayne drawl), “Well, Ma’am, that would likely be “The Searchers.”  That’s one of mine, too, Ermal!  I recommend everyone “search” out the Owen’s Theater and see award-winning Ermal and Paula perform as America’s Favorite Actor and America’s Yodeling Sweetheart!

Sandi McKim, Editor

Check out the
John Wayne & Amercica's Sweetheart Photo Page

Return to
Sandi McKim, Editor