So- we've officially been in Branson for just under a month. We're having a blast!
Our show takes place at the Branson Star Theater. This is an amazing (and historic) building. This stage was once the long time home of stars like Willie Nelson, Mel Tillis, Loretta Lynn, and Yakov Smirnov. Every time we take the stage, it's crazy to think of the talented folks who have performed in that very same spot. What I love most, though, is how available the stage is. Our show is featured here so we have complete free run of the theater any time we want. Literally, if I have an idea at 4 AM, I can go into the theater, turn on the lights, and work on that idea. We're really not used to having a spot where our show is always set up and ready- but we are loving it!
The audiences so far have been amazing. When we perform in a new spot, we never really know which part of the show the audience will respond best to (and it really is different depending on the geographical area of the country). In Branson, though, the people are great. This is a show town and people seem to really get into that.
Here's something else that's crazy. Lots of performers know each other, given that our paths tend to cross quite often. We love to meet new folks who have a passion for what they do on stage. Here in Branson, we've made quite a few new friends- singers, dancers, and a lot of very talented musicians (this has always been a country music town, so the musicians here are amazing). Here's one guy who's really cool, though:
Our show takes place at the Branson Star Theater. This is an amazing (and historic) building. This stage was once the long time home of stars like Willie Nelson, Mel Tillis, Loretta Lynn, and Yakov Smirnov. Every time we take the stage, it's crazy to think of the talented folks who have performed in that very same spot. What I love most, though, is how available the stage is. Our show is featured here so we have complete free run of the theater any time we want. Literally, if I have an idea at 4 AM, I can go into the theater, turn on the lights, and work on that idea. We're really not used to having a spot where our show is always set up and ready- but we are loving it!
The audiences so far have been amazing. When we perform in a new spot, we never really know which part of the show the audience will respond best to (and it really is different depending on the geographical area of the country). In Branson, though, the people are great. This is a show town and people seem to really get into that.
Here's something else that's crazy. Lots of performers know each other, given that our paths tend to cross quite often. We love to meet new folks who have a passion for what they do on stage. Here in Branson, we've made quite a few new friends- singers, dancers, and a lot of very talented musicians (this has always been a country music town, so the musicians here are amazing). Here's one guy who's really cool, though:
That's me with a guy named Banachek (we both had the day off so we got together for a barbeque because, well, why not). Banachek is part of a variety show here in town called "Masters of the Unusual". If he looks familiar, it might be because you've seen him with Criss Angel on the show "MindFreak". Banachek is considered to be the best mentalist in the world- and by mentalist, I mean an illusionist who specializes in mind reading and related stunts. BUT- Banachek is quick to point out that he makes NO claims of psychic abilities. He is the first to tell you that what he does is accomplished purely by natural means. When he was a teenager, he was part of a now famous secret experiment called "Project Alpha", in which he convinced a lot of scientists that he was psychic and could bend metal using his mind. After being studied for two whole years, the project was finally exposed as nothing more than trickery. The whole point was to prove that psychic abilities aren't real, and that even a leading scientist can be fooled. Look up info on Project Alpha if you want a fascinating read.
Here's another great guy. This is Chris McDaniel:
Here's another great guy. This is Chris McDaniel:
Chris is a Western Arts performer. He does amazing things with whips and ropes, and he holds a world record in whip cracking. Silas wanted to learn the art of bullwhip, so here's Chris graciously giving him his first lesson. It's not every day that you get to learn from a world champion!
And... here's one more very talented individual:
And... here's one more very talented individual:
See the lady on the left? That's Anna from America's Got Talent. Here's what she does:
Have you ever held an orange for someone to shoot from your hand with a crossbow? Until yesterday, neither had I. There are no tricks here- that's a very real arrow and a very skilled performer. To be honest, this wasn't scary because this is what she does. It wasn't even a thought in my mind that she could miss, so at that point, it's just a really amazing thing to be part of. So cool!
So... if you're anywhere near Branson Missouri, you really need to come see all the amazing things in this town- and let us know you're coming so we can say hi!
So... if you're anywhere near Branson Missouri, you really need to come see all the amazing things in this town- and let us know you're coming so we can say hi!