It's 2025 and we're still in Branson!

So... it's been over 4 years since the last blog post.  What has happened in that time?  a lot!!!

In November 2020, we were performing in Branson Missouri.  Covid had hit hard that year.  We had booked an entire summer tour but in February, we watched everything vanish.  Public gatherings became next to impossible.  That meant bad news for live shows!  But, that same year, we got a call from a friend who was doing some stage work in Branson.  Branson was one of the only places in the world where, during 2020, you could still see a live show.  So, as casually as most people say "Hey, wanna go get lunch?", our friend asks "Hey, ever think of performing in Branson?".  As it turns out, the Branson Star Theater was looking to add another show to their lineup.  Stevie Lee Woods, the head guy at the theater, said that he'd seen our video and liked it, but then asked "So- can you be here in two weeks?".

Two weeks?  We had a touring show that was ready to go at a moment's notice.  But, for a big theater show such as this, we had several additional illusions that needed a bit of "love".  With the help of some friends, we made it work.  We drove several trailer loads on the 600 mile journey.  In September of that year, we officially made our debut on the Branson strip!

Fast forward to today.  It's February 2025.  We're still in Branson!  There have been some changes, though.  We performed for over 3 years at the Branson Star Theatre.  it was sold near the end of 2023.  Our show found a new home at the "Reza Live Theater".  This is one of the biggest, best theaters in the area, with the best lighting, sound, facilities, and everything else.  It's a big stage which means we can do things here that wouldn't fit in the Star theater.  The only issue now is time!  There aren't enough hours in the day to work on everything we want to put in the show!  We still do road shows when the Branson schedule allows.  Every year in October, we travel on the weekends for our annual series of shows at the Cincinnati Zoo.

We've added quite a few new illusions to the show.  There are new appearances, vanishes, levitations, escapes, and many other things!  I build most of what's in our show, so I've also become sort of the go-to guy when fellow performers need a repair or need new equipment.  This has allowed me to work on some of the coolest things in the world of illusion!  

Since 2020, we have moved to several different homes in this area.  Initially we lived in a condo that we were able to find quickly, since we didn't have much advance notice.  Starting in 2021, our residence was a more permanent spot.  Then, since last year, we've been living in a house which is perfect for us- it's situated very close to the theater, it has plenty of space for our family, and there's a giant workshop area where I can build new illusions.  Of course, we also still have our home in Cincinnati.  Even though we spend a lot of the year in Branson, we haven't forgotten where we're from.  We still love Cincinnati!

So, if you find yourself anywhere near the town of Branson Missouri this year, you really should stop by!  There's a lot to see and do here.  A family could visit for a month and not see everything.  Our show opens for the season on March 10.  Hope to see everyone soon!