Branson's Red, Hot & Blue! Show a Roaring Succes

The Red Hot & Blue Show in Branson, Missouri is a musical journey that escorts guests from Ragtime tunes to the Rockin’ 60’s, without missing a beat in between. The performers are extremely energetic, and show a real excitement for what they do, something that is not easily accomplished when a show begins at 10am. The early 1900’s portion of the show, featuring Ragtime delights like “Secondhand Rose,” was a lot of fun and showcased the fabulous costuming of this morning production as well as the great dance skills of the performers. The 1930’s portion included “Lullaby of Broadway,” “42nd Street,” & “Smoke Gets in Your Eyes,” before swiftly moving on to the Big Band Era of the 1940’s.

The popular Big Band Music of the 1940’s provides a lot of material for the cast of Branson’s Red, Hot & Blue to work with, and they really shined on the “In the Mood” number, as well as “I Ain’t Got Nobody.” The Savoy Ballroom Dance Competition was a flash of fancy of foot work that showcased just how much energy and talent this hard working cast embodies. The vocals of the male portion of the cast were beautifully displayed on “Till Then,” a song remarking on the yearnings of a solider at war. On “It Don’t Mean a Thing (If You Ain’t Got that Swing)” the stage was filled with Zoot Suits, snappy dresses, and swing dancing that had the whole audience moving in their seats. When the 1950’s rolled into the theater, the elaborate costuming took center stage once again, and hits like “Summer Lovin,’” “Only You,” and “Young Blood” provided plenty of ways for the cast to interact with the audience, laugh and create a world where sock hops were all the rage. “Shake it Baby” & “Do You Love Me?” are two of the 60’s hits performed, complete with hippy-infused costumes and far out skits.

I viewed the show during the Christmas season, so there was a thirty minute segment dedicated to the holiday. “Carol of the Bells” & “O Holy Night” were absolutely wonderful numbers that highlighted the beautiful vocals of the Red, Hot & Blue cast.