The
Rebirth of the Branson Brothers
The shake-up at the
“other theatre” last year was shattering and pivotal to the birth of
a much better and a more innovative creation, hence, the birth of
the Branson Brothers Show featuring Terry Sanders with Diana
Ponder and Natalie Nicole.
 Apparently
Jimmy Ponder, the ‘fearless leader’ of the group, was part of
another version of the Branson Brothers which had dominated the
Branson scene long before my introduction to the area. Thus
comparisons to this current combination of singers are impossible
for me…but the blend of talents in this version cannot be matched in
my opinion!
The Bart Rockett Theatre calls itself home for the 2006 season of
this first-run show. Since opening night in February, 2006 many
renovations have taken place, including a brand new sound system, a
repaired roof with pending stage enlargements and enhancements
forthcoming. Beware though of the condition of the parking lot—a few
holes need to be avoided!
Upon opening, a new seating style was introduced to the theatre. The
first few VIP rows were
reserved for a slightly increased price, but the majority of the
remainder of the seats was open seating. Unfortunately, new ideas in
Branson at times are not warmly welcomed and this concept was
squashed early in their tenure.
The lobby, though small in size, offers a variety of Bart Rockett
items and a very limited number of items related to the Branson
Brothers Show. The souvenirs available for the group only really
sell during intermission and post show at a small table stage right.
It gives you the opportunity to purchase denim button down shirts,
tees, posters and a sundry of individual artist items including
photos and recordings. I’d be thrilled if there were more individual
and/or group CDs and DVDs available. I can only hope some are
planned and may be available later in the season.
On most days you are warmly greeted at the lobby doors by THE best
comedian and all-around nice guy, Homer Lee, AKA Terry Sanders. He
provides the usher duties before he takes the stage and warms the
crowd. Be careful, though, if he calls you by name, because you
never know what can happen next! And you never know when Grandma
Beulah, Fred Smoot or Joan Rivers will pop up to brighten your day!
 The
Branson Brothers are joined by the female talent starting with
Natalie Nicole (“Single White Female,” “Something More,” “You Will
Be Mine,”) who introduces you to ‘Mom,’ Diana Ponder. She mesmerizes
you with Jo Dee Messina’s “I’m Alright” and crescendos to Olivia
Newton John’s “I Honestly Love You.” The ladies make future
appearances in the show as The Supremes (with special guest!), Dolly
Parton, “Dawn” and River Dancers. They clearly do not take
themselves too seriously and add to the comic aspects of the
show…and they can surely pass for sisters instead of mother and
daughter!
The Brothers consist of Jimmy Ponder, Dee Allen and Andre Shepherd,
all with vocal abilities superb on their own merits, but
together….WOW! They grace the stage featuring John Denver’s “Thank
God I’m A Country Boy” flowing into “Every Day.” They offer
standards found in most 76 Shows including country medleys which
include favorites by Rascal Flatts, Restless Heart, Alabama, Exile
and Vince Gill and a gospel segment featuring “Heavenward Bound,”
“Where No One Stands Alone,” and “Wouldn’t Take Nothing For My
Journey.”
But don’t expect the routine and the mundane! They make the songs
their own and blend their own unique style into every tune they’ve
chosen. They are backed by a band that is absolutely phenomenal and
energetic! Brad Allen has traveled down the road to keep the beat
and is joined by Dave Shortt on bass, Gene Reasoner on keys, Dave
Credes on guitar and Gene Mulvaney on everything else! These guys
are spectacles onto themselves and clearly enjoy what they do. They
are definitely the backbone of the show.
 Be
sure not to get too relaxed during intermission because the musical
journey only gets rockier! For those who visited “that other
theatre” you’ll appreciate the humor of Ed Sullivan and his
introduction of The Beatles. The production then progresses to a
Motown Medley like none other I’ve heard. Andre, with his smooth
sound, opens with “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” who tags off to Dee who
croons “Ooh, Baby, Baby” and together the guys move the audience
“Higher and Higher.” I’m not sure if I enjoy the tight harmonies,
the soulful tone or the urge to boogie more!
You are then transported to the days of The Tonight Show with guest
host Joan Rivers introducing guests Dolly Parton, Al Green, Stevie
Wonder and Tony Orlando with Dawn. Again, new concepts and new song
choices not routinely heard in Branson add to the overall creativity
of the production. And if that wasn’t enough, you are treated to
Steely Dan, Hall n’Oates, Creedence Clearwater and Dobie Gray
classics. I’d bet you can’t get those choices anywhere else in town!
The cherry on the sundae for me is Dee’s rendition of The Stones’
“Wild Horses.” The
only improvement would be if he would sing the entire song and not
just a short snippet.
Before long the patriotic finale is underway and the shortest two
hours of the days has taken place. No matter how many times I’ve
seen the production I’m always entertained with the good music,
spontaneous comedy and warm energy. They
Branson Brothers
seem to put me in a better mood than the one I’ve arrived in. And
that is the concept of music now, isn’t it??
C. J.
Chicago, IL
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