The Remember When Theatre at the IMAX Complex is perfect for the intimate, nostalgia of Mike Radford's Remember When Show. However, it is also perfect for big eyes, little giggles and lots of fun at the Legends of Magic Show playing during July & August at the Theatre.

While Mike and Shari Radford are on tour, Mike Bliss and his crew do a great job of entertaining small fry and their folks. The atmosphere at this venue lets kids get involved in the action.

Illusions and comedy are not-too-complicated, yet not at all boring for accompanying adults. The timing of the show is also just right for everyone, at about 40 minutes (for only $5). This is a great "fill in" activity when you have time on your hands-whether you have kids or not!

Feeling a little worn out after several hours at Silver Dollar City or sleepy after a good Ozark lunch? Drop by the Riverfront Playhouse and see SDC veterans, the Cajun Connection. The show packs so much energy that you'll feel like you have had a transfusion when you leave.

The band and leader Cedric Benoit write many of the numbers you'll hear. Fiddler Louis Darby is incredible: Yes the Orange Blossom Special was a steam locomotive, but Darby converts it to a modern day diesel through his fiddle and the sound powers its way across the auditorium. Dancers Terrell and Kelly are wonderful also. Don't miss this one!

My nine-year old son and I attended the Jim Stafford Show one more time and he never stopped smiling throughout the performance. We have written about this show before and continue to thoroughly enjoy Jim every time we attend. This year's show has even better 3-D effects and use of lasers.

Although some of his jokes are recycled from past years there is considerable new material. And, by the way, I never stopped smiling either!

Although not an ice skating fan or especially fond of Broadway music, Keith really enjoyed this production at the Andy Williams Moon River Theatre. Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner were the featured skaters at the performance although other ice skaters appeared throughout the season.

The only complaint I had was that Tai and Randy could have been on the ice longer. The supporting cast of skaters was excellent and Maggie LeMee proves again that she is one of the best talents in Branson.

The show I attended was the season opener but the production was polished and professional and I must admit that I enjoyed it very much!

Bart Rockett likes to stuff people in boxes and make them disappear - and he accomplished this feat, in its various forms, at least two dozen times in his inaugural Branson show April 1.

If that had been the total of his time on stage, I'd have kept my "magic show - blech!" attitude. But Bart Rockett is much more than that. He's boy next door charming, backed by awesome choreography and special effects.

Of course, it doesn't hurt that he's multi-talented and quite funny - but humble, too. Your kids will love the show - so use that as an excuse, and go. But be careful: you'll end up liking the show as much as we did. This show is a great addition to the Branson show scene!

We've spoken before of performers who work hard for their audiences, but never before has that hard work include selling tickets, answering the phone, serving food and pouring coffee! The cast of the Red Hot & Blue Breakfast show do all of the above, and then treat you to 90 minutes of great music, dancing and wonderful costuming which earned them a 1999 Branson Entertainment Award.

The cast of six young (30 or under we'd guess) singers and dancers perform some of the most popular and beautiful music from the last 100 years. The performance is light, fun, patriotic, and full of energy.

And breakfast is pretty good, too. A generous plate of quiche, hash brown casserole, fruit and a muffin as well as a cup of hot coffee are delivered to your table by a cast member dressed appropriately for a breakfast show in his or her P.J.s.

While Keith would have liked more variety, Karen enjoyed the all-music program. All in all, Red Hot & Blue is a great way to start your day!

I'd really hate to be the one Lennon that couldn't sing - the family reunions would be a nightmare!

I was very disappointed when big sister Peggy Lennon left the Welk Show and I wondered what they would do without her. Well they called up another sister!

Legends of Magic

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Pierce Arrow has been a Branson favorite for years, so the group along with comedian Paul Harris and singer Janice Copeland hopes fans will follow them across town. The New Pierce Arrow Theatre (formerly Positive Country across from Shoji Tabuchi on Shepherd of the Hills Expressway) is a welcome change for the group.

Their matinee show is a lot of fun; a tasty sample of the evening show's music and comedy. The cast is tight and very much at ease with the audience. I would like to see (and they may include this in the evening show) a major "show stopping" musical number with the group and Janice--but please, not Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA." It's a great song but way over done. How about Ray Boltz's "I Bow on My Knees?"

Paul Harris is extremely talented and very funny. Be advised: His act does include some "bathroom" humor, but nothing truly off-color. Visit Pierce Arrow in their new home, and have a great time.

Our five-year-old niece immediately proclaimed (a little loudly) "He's cute!" But that was okay judging by the response Tony Orlando received from the rest of his Branson audience. Not only was he "cute," but missed and finally "back home where he belongs."

You know the songs: Yellow Ribbon, Candida, Knock Three Times... Tony performs them as wonderfully as always-along with hits from Smokie Joe's Cafe-with his incredible rapport with the audience.

In his new venue, The Osmond Theatre, ice skating, illusion and comedy are also part of the show. It makes for a complete evening of entertainment the entire family will enjoy. Time flew by for our group ranging in age from 5 to 65; everyone had fun. Welcome back, Tony!

"Don't eat with your fingers! Use your napkin. Don't yell 'yahoo!' With food in your mouth."

Ever hear that from your mom and dad? Then get the folks and go to Dixie Stampede. You'll see them breaking all those rules, plus having a lot of fun.

The show itself is Silver Dollar City schmaltzy, but it's still fun and pretty to watch. The real stars are the animals, and there are lots of them. The horses are gorgeous and the talented riders get too short a time to demonstrate their skill.

The food is delectable - and eaten entirely with your fingers. It's all delicious. When the apple strudel came at dessert time, I was in trouble: I was just too full to eat it!

While Dixie Stampede is one of the pricier attractions, when you consider all the food you get and the show, you'll agree it's worth a visit.

Silver Dollar City's new Red Gold Hall is the perfect location for the City's Children's Festival star attraction, Nickelodeon Double Dare 2000.

The Hall is big (so no waiting in line for seating this year) and arranged so that no seat is a bad seat: important when you're a kid hoping to see, or even participate in the nation's top kid show.

Grown-ups will enjoy the high-energy, family-oriented show, too. And don't miss Camp Nickelodeon in the Frisco Barn. Families can audition there for a spot in the show, plus you can see a lot of Nick history and fun activities.

Over the past several years we have attended this morning show on many occasions and have yet to be disappointed.

In this year's show Jim concludes the show with a very moving tribute to his mother who passed away in a fire last winter.

Mixing new material with some of the old favorites, Owen's show continues to be a delightful blend of real country music and down home humor.

Our favorite back-up singer, Katie Lynn continues to steal the scenes throughout the show.

We've seen the Jim Stafford Show about a jillion times - give or take - and it's still the show we take out-of-town guests to, especially if they have kids.

After all, Jim is just a very tall kid himself. Jim's show could stand alone on his musical ability and his comedy, but special touches like lasers, remote control flying saucers and 3-D effects set the show apart.

While the Showboat Branson Belle is another of the pricier attractions, like Dixie Stampede you're getting a meal and a show.

The Showboat serves wonderful food for lunch and dinner cruises. Kid-friendly entrees are available, too. Just the experience of being on the boat is entertaining.

We're going to nag you to go to this show until we're sure everyone has! We've seen the show half a dozen times, and Mike and Shari Radford surprise us with something new each time.

Mike is at once hysterically funny and passionate about the shows' theme: celebrating our grandparents. Shari is a charmer who makes each audience member feel like a member of her family. This is by far our favorite show-please go see it!

Granted, I'm not a big fan of magicians, however Melinda does produce an entertaining show. She handles illusions adequately and is a very talented dancer. Special effects, music, and costuming are all top notch. What I found lacking was stage presence.

Not bad show if you like magic. (Note: Melinda left Branson after the 1998 season.)

This musical production begins with this brief explanation: "The Bible tells us little about the relationship between Mary and Joseph, and their families... here's how it might have been."

Based on the novel by the late Marjorie Holmes, Two From Galilee paints a portrait of this special couple who were, after all, just two young people in love and overwhelmed by what was happening to them.

The production-by the same company that brings us The Promise-is just first-rate all the way.

The only thing lacking, in my opinion, was a larger range of emotion from Mary--perhaps more awe; I mean, as she cuddled her newborn she was kissing the face of God! --But it's hard to do that when you are asked to burst into song every few moments.

A wonderful afternoon! We thoroughly enjoyed the performance.

Don't know Jim Owen? Oh sure you do! If you know the song "Louisiana Woman Mississippi Man" you know Jim Owen because he wrote that song Loretta Lynn and Conway Twitty made famous. Owen has written a host of country standards and has recorded his fair share.

You'll enjoy his genuine country baritone, backed up with the most talented duo in Branson, Sunshine Express. Suzy Weber and Katie Lynn will enthrall you with their talent then break you up with their antics. Owen also possesses a deadly dry wit--then he'll leave you speechless with his presentation, "Talk to the Children," a video warning to all young people of the nightmare of drug addiction.

The Lawrence Welk Show was a family favorite during my growing- up years, and as a teenager, I especially admired country singer Ava Barber. She now has her own show in the Canteen at the Welk Resort. Ava plays well to the small crowds gathered to see her; and her full, deep country sound is well complemented by a talented back-up band.

Ava allows each member of her band to shine during the performance, including her husband who knows his way blindfolded around a trap set. These folks are all so friendly and have so much fun; it's like Saturday night in your living room!

Bass Dan Brittain holds a world record for the lowest note sung, and he can rattle the windows with his voice! The group is stuck in Oak Ridge Boys/Statler Brothers mode, but that's what the audiences like.

The real reason to go to this show, however, is comedian Paul Harris. His humor and impressions left us gasping for breath and wiping tears from our eyes. He could easily have his own show.

It's hard to say what things are our favorites in Branson. We enjoy shopping the outlet malls, the specialty shops, and (this is really a favorite for Ronnie and me) the flea markets/antique malls. We have found some really good ones in old downtown Branson and nearby in Hollister, and going west in Reeds Spring and Kimberling City. We are not really collectors, but look for special "treasures" we would enjoy.

Of course we enjoy the shows (I've never seen a bad one). Our last trip we saw The Platters at the Roy Clark Theater. This was the music we grew up on and we really enjoyed them. And Branson Lights, which was more variety, was great.

A word of advice. Fairfield owners should always check with the resort to see if they sell tickets for the shows you want to see. If they do you can save several dollars, which helps since they keep going up.