Tom Mullica's Red Skelton Tribute in Branson

The Tom Mullica Red Skelton Tribute in Branson, Missouri is a one-man show highlighting vaudeville style comedy throughout the two hour production. Tom Mullica embodies Red Skelton perfectly, mimicking his mannerisms and characteristics to a perfect tee to create a show that many feel is like seeing Red Skelton live in concert. The show begins with lots of jokes, and the jokes keep coming as Mullica transforms into one character after the other. His specialty is pantomime, a skill that is becoming rare, and he delivers lots of laughs while acting as a dad viewing the newborn section of the hospital and as Clem Cladiddlehopper, a country character who is a hoot!

As Mullica recreates Red Skelton’s most memorable characters, including San Fernando Red, a politician, and Cauliflower McPugg, a boxer, he invokes the treasured memories of the past in ways many of today’s comedians fail to do. He both honors and praises comedies past while also bringing it into the present and future. The two segments I found to be most popular were the Guzzler's Gin Routine, which had me laughing so hard I cried, and his famous Freddie the Freeloader bit, which features Mullica in full clown regalia. The most moving portion of the show occurs when patriotism is saluted, with the Pledge of Allegiance explained in a touching and meaningful way.

At the very end of Branson's Red Skelton Tribute show, Tom Mullica as himself tells the story of his relationship with Skelton, and how it changed him immensely. He also greets the fans and visitors he is so proud to perform for.