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  Branson is quite the music and entertainment city, with some resident performances lasting more than 50 years.  Pierce Arrow has been putting on their little schtick for 25 years, promising award-winning comedy and music by "an electrifying band."  Recently, they changed venues from their old theater under the same name, to that of Reza Theater.  That is where we caught up with their act, after some friends offered up tickets. They turned out a relatively good production, for an intimate Monday afternoon gig, during Spring Break week.  Very likely, it not same performance audiences typically witness on a Saturday night during peak season.  The tour through the decades offered up some genuinely good music, performed very well, though missed a few points.  The 1980s and 1990s were entirely omitted from the agenda, and 1960s almost completely ignored the flower children. The narrator was awesome, stirring giggles from everyone in the room, particularly ...

An evening with the  Kansas City Repertory  interpretation of the Charles Dickens tale, "A Christmas Carol," turned out an excellent performance in this 43rd rendition the classic.  A diverse representation of performers stood for nary a slip in their execution.  The narrator stumbled a couple of times but recovered so quick, it was hard to accept that it had really occurred. When you have that many lines, it is hard not to miss one here and there though. Early in the opening acts of the show, a phone voiced its annoying melody.  However, nobody on stage missed a beat, or even blinked, as the device quickly silenced.  Technology is hard for some, I suppose.   It was not for the production though! A revolving set appeared well manicured and suitable for every angle of the production, and actors flowed seamlessly across and between scenes.   Extending into the audience as well, extras sometime enhanced the lighting and sound, prior to thei...

On a rare occasion, we enjoyed the opportunity to attend a little theater situation in Overland Park at the New Theatre Restaurant, featuring the “Million Dollar Quarter.”  It was quite an interesting musical comedy inspired by the famed recording session that brought together original Rock-n-Roll icons Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins on December 4, 1956 at Sun Records in Memphis. Having always been a fan of their music, this little Broadway musical was a pretty good take on it all. The actors were solid, though few of them actually looked the part beyond their dress.  They came arguably close in performance though. photo by Roy Inman Dominque Scott, playing Jerry Lee Lewis brought a comedy relief to the affair, and some awesome piano skills, kind of stealing the show. Scott Moreau, as Johnny Cash played and sang a close second to the “man in black” himself.  James Barry held his own as Carl Perkins too, and Skye Scott as Elvi...