Doug Gabriel

3-30-06 Heath Hawkins: I start every review this way. Let me start off by saying that I am a 70 year old trapped in a 29-year-old body. I say that because I am in love with Branson and always have been. I have vacationed in Branson almost every year since birth, and seen too many shows to remember. I consider myself a real Branson critic.

I am almost embarrassed to admit this, but I severely underestimated the Doug Gabriel Morning Show. My regular readers know that I love the comedy shows. I often choose a show based on how funny I think it will be. I like music, but I LOVE comedy. After seeing the ads for the Doug Gabriel Show I saw no mention of comedy, so I was very apprehensive about seeing the show. I just knew I would not enjoy it.

For the most part, my intuition about the comedy aspect of the show was correct. The emphasis was the music, not the comedy. But after the first song I forgot about the comedy. I was knocked over by the music.

Doug Gabriel is one of the most awarded performers in Branson. He has been in Branson since 1985. On his arrival, there were only nine shows playing, compared to over 100 now. With staying power like that, he must be doing something right. Throughout his time in Branson he has been awarded Best Morning Show three years in a row, Male Vocalist of the Year five times, plus Entertainer of the Year and Instrumentalist of the Year. With accolades like that I should have known that his show would be good, but I just never imagined how amazing the show would be.

The concert started with a couple great numbers including, "You Get a Line and I’ll Get a Pole", which I had never heard on a Branson stage before. He then led right into a tribute to Conway with songs like "Tight Fitting Jeans", "Hello Darling", and "Only Make Believe". Doug also includes music from some of the singers he grew up singing too, like Elvis and Tom Jones.

The first half really got started when Doug brought out his Mufftar. He tells the story of how his father made his first guitar out of a car muffler, thus the name mufftar. The show takes a turn when he battles it out with each member of the band: Drums vs. Mufftar, Guitar vs. Mufftar, Banjo vs. Mufftar. I am not sure who won, but it was great fun to watch. You could really tell the band was having a great time on stage.

This gave all the band members a chance to show what they had to bring to the show. When it was over, they all rejoined Doug at the front of the stage and performed one of my favorite movie themes. From O’ Brother, Where Art Thou they played and sang, "I am a Man of Constant Sorrow".

By this point, I was exhausted just watching them, but it is not even intermission yet. There is still time to be dazzled by the vocals of Susan Burr, witness a hilarious audience participation sketch and see Doug show off his ability on the piano.

It has to be intermission now. I need a Coke and a breather. But NO! The best is yet to come. Doug closes the first half with a tribute to his friend Roy Clark and a guitar solo. He performs a Spanish song that I will not even try to spell. But know that it is too amazing for words.

After intermission, no time is wasted as we hear from some of music’s most loved duos like the Everly Brothers, The Judds and even Johnny & June Carter Cash just to mention a few.

The audience is also treated to a very funny music video created by Doug himself. You will laugh so hard as you get a look into everyday life at the Gabriel house.

Just before the big patriotic close, I was very touched as Doug unashamedly shared his faith in Jesus Christ. He shard with true conviction of heart. The full cast joins him in several gospel songs and hymns. My spirits were lifted.

I mentioned in the opening that there was some comedy in the show. I do not want to finish without talking about the guest comedian. The Incredible Andre offered some comic relief though his juggling antics. During the second half he does a routine that is so funny. Without giving anything away, let me say that it involves and audience member, three frying pans and a half-dozen plungers.

This show really is a family affair. Doug’s wife Sheryl is a co-star in his show. She sings with Doug quite a bit, but she also has several opportunities to show that she has an impressive set of vocals herself. The audience was awed by her rendition of the Martina McBride classic, Rose Garden. Their son is also the drummer in the bad. And the entire Gabriel crew tickles your funny bone in the music video.

Before I close I do have to give my customary seat review. The seats in this theatre are some of the best in town. The Jim Stafford Theatre added new seats to the theatre in 2005, and they do VIP right. Though there are not any VIP seat charges for the Doug Gabriel Show, you sill have the pleasure of sitting in these oversized wonders. They are even large enough to satisfy a big boy like me.

Another huge plus for this theatre, they have a nursery/cry room. Now that my wife and I travel with a three-month-old baby, I look for these types of things. The room was soundproof and very comfortable, while you were still able to see and hear the show. In case you are wondering, the baby did get to meet Doug. At the beginning of the show Doug comes down into the audience. Being the only baby in the audience, Doug found him right away. After a kind word and touch on the cheek, Jaron offered a huge smile.

I hope you can feel the passion in my words. As I admitted before, I made a critic's cardinal error. I prejudged this show. I was dead wrong. This morning show is in its 13th season because you get to hear great music and meet an incredibly humble family. I loved this show and learned my lesson. I see as many shows in Branson as anyone and I have to say, this really is one of the very best. It will be one that I will be recommending to all my friends.

The Doug Gabriel Show is performed at the Jim Stafford Theatre. The theatre is located in the heart of Hwy 76. The show is in the 10:00 a.m. morning slot on Tuesday-Thursday and Saturday. For more information visit www.douggabriel.com or to reserve tickets or check the show schedule call the theatre at (800) 954-8554. Tell them that Heath from the Branson Critic Online sent you.

What do you think? Your opinion is your opinion. Let me know at hhawkins@waynesville.k12.mo.us.

 

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