Legends in Concert
Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater
1600 W Hwy 76 Branson, MO 65616
www.legendsinconcert.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tiffany Powers
417-339-3003 ext.3010
[email protected]

Legends in Concert Branson Theatre Repairs Underway From Tornado Damage
Performances Suspended Through March; April Reopening Planned

BRANSON, MO – (March 6, 2012) – Celebrated tribute artist production ‘Legends in Concert’ announced today that repairs have commenced on its home in the Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, following the impact of the tornado that touched down in Branson on February 29. The restoration plans have been completed, delivery of replacement building materials have begun and dozens of construction workers are in full swing making all the needed renovations, after receiving confirmation that the theater suffered no structural damage.

“The tornado’s impact and damage to our theater was serious enough to require the cancellation of our March 2012 schedule of performances,” said Jeannie Horton, General Manager for Legends in Concert. “We are working closely with Jim Morris, the theater’s owner and his team to insure that the necessary repairs are completed on a timely basis. We are confident the completion of the repairs to the theater will proceed quickly and result in the same safe and enjoyable facility millions of our fans have always depended on enjoying, upon their visits to Branson. Our hearts and prayers especially go out to those in the Branson community that were even more adversely affected by the tornado.”

Mr. Morris said he is “dedicated and diligently working with the producers of Legends in Concert to reopen the theater as rapidly as possible. Their outstanding live entertainment production is an essential part of our Highway 76 and Fall Creek complex including the Ramada Hotel, Midtown Cafe, and soon to be reopened classic automobile museum under the theater, all attractions which complement one another so well.” Morris added, “Although the damage is unfortunate, and my thoughts are with those residents who have suffered from the storm, not even a tornado can shake my long-time confidence and commitment to Branson.”

Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, the ultimate Branson rock n’ roll complex, was built in 2006 and boasts 900 seats. It’s innovative design creates an intimate concert space with great sight lines to the stage, cushy comfortable seats with generous leg room, a dance floor, state of the art projection screens, a brand new million dollar spectacular stage set and fascinating memorabilia from Dick Clark’s American Bandstand archives, recalling the historic roots of rock n’ roll and country.

“Although we regret the relatively short disruption to our 2012 season, and appreciate our fans and business partners’ patience while the renovations are underway, the theater will be better than ever when the repairs are complete to this fabulous entertainment facility,” said Brian Brigner, chief operating officer for “Legends” producer On Stage Entertainment. “We’ve enjoyed 16 wonderful years’ operating our production in this community and look forward to many, many more.”

“Jeanne and I were both on site just minutes after the tornado hit. We appreciate the professionalism and efforts her team have made, as everyone deals with the impact of the tornado,” said Jerry Carroll, manager of Morris Branson Theatre LLC, and other properties of Mr. Morris. Carroll added, “We will continue to work side by side with them towards a prompt reopening of the theater.”

Legends in Concert will soon announce the resumption date for its 2012 performance schedule. Performances will resume 6 days a week through the end of December as previously scheduled. For tickets to performances beginning in April which remain on sale, information about exchanging or obtaining refunds for tickets previously purchased, for cancelled March performances or the current line-up, please call 417-339-3003 or visit legendsinconcert.com.

About Legends in Concert
Celebrating its 29th year, “Legends in Concert” is a live musical celebration featuring the world’s greatest celebrity tribute artists. The product is owned and operated by Las Vegas based On Stage Entertainment, Inc. Widely recognized in the entertainment industry as the original celebrity tribute show, “Legends in Concert” has not only performed throughout the United States, but the show has traveled to 15 countries on five continents, entertaining more than 25 million fans. It currently operates numerous fixed-based, touring, limited-term and private engagements of “Legends” throughout the world. In addition to Las Vegas, “Legends” is presented year-round in numerous cities including Myrtle Beach, S.C., Branson, Mo., Atlantic City, N.J., Foxwoods, CT, Waikiki, HI and on the high seas onboard the Norwegian EPIC. For more information: www.legendsinconcert.com

About Jim D. Morris
Morris Branson Theatre LLC is wholly owned by Jim D. Morris. He continues to own and operates Morris Oil Company in addition to the Quality Inn and Ramada Inn in Branson and other business throughout Missouri. Mr. Morris is recognized for his many community, charitable and humanitarian achievements.

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We are pleased to tell you that our opening will be right on schedule. We invite you to join us at 8 pm on Friday, March 9th or Saturday, March 10th as we kick off our 46th season in Branson’s Original Music Theater!

For best possible seating get your tickets now! Call 417-334-4874
or visit Presleys.com

Dancing with the Stars of Branson will be this Wednesday, March 7th at the Whitehouse Theatre. Show time is 7pm , vip party with the Stars & Pros will be at 5:30 pm. for tickets call the Whitehouse Theatre Box Office at 417-335-2396

This fundraiser will also benefit the Branson familie who los their homes last Wednesday.

AUDITIONS FOR 2012 SEASON
Casting for young and youthful looking SINGERS, DANCERS and ACTORS (ages 16-25) who can play teenagers with lots of personality and energy in a musical tribute to “The Brady Bunch.

Come wearing your favorite “Brady Bunch” look!

Must be able to move well!

3 female parts
3 male parts

TUESDAY, MARCH 6th 4:00PM
CALLBACKS WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7th 4:00pm

Yakov Smirnoff Theatre
470 State Hwy 248, Branson MO 65616
(800) 728-4546, www.yakov.com

SINGERS
Come prepared to sing with or without a backing track. If you choose to sing with a track you must provide your own track. Music should be young and upbeat, happy!

DANCERS
Prepare a one minute routine to an upbeat happy number a la “Brady Bunch”

ACTORS
Prepare a one minute young, comedic monologue

For more information, contact Kristin at [email protected] &/or 206-281-0885

Greg Thompson Productions, 921 Elliott Ave West, Seattle, WA 98119 (206) 281-0885 [email protected]
www.gregthompsonproductions.com

By: Austin Plummer

Senior music major Jenna Dunnam will present her senior recital in the Newman Recital Hall of the Gittinger Music Building on Sunday, March 11, at 3 p.m.

Her recital will feature a mixture of vocal talent and piano repertoire. She will perform a variety of styles and genres, including works by Schumann, Mozart, Webber and Mark Hayes.

“I’ve learned more at C of O than I ever bargained for; most of which is not what I learned in the classroom. I couldn’t ask for better, godly professors in my degree,” said Dunnam.

Dunnam will graduate in May with a degree in general music. The senior recital is a prerequisite for the completion of the music major.

Students will be allowed priority seating for the event, but any seats left open will be available to the public free of charge. For more information, please call the Music Department at (417) 690-2244.

We have yet another “FINAL” word from the City of Branson. I am so sorry for the confusion. The curfew mentioned earlier is apparently directed to “foot traffic” only. The Grand Jubilee will be doing a show tonight at 7:30. Our phones are still out, so if you need to make a reservation today,
please call me on my direct line:417-336-1975.

Branson Landing has made significant progress in the clean-up of the promenade from the high winds/tornado that swept through Branson early Wednesday morning, February 29, 2012. In an effort to safely continue the clean-up today, Thursday, March 1st, Branson Landing will remain closed.

“Keeping Branson Landing closed one more day will allow us to expedite the contractor work that needs to continue so we can return the Landing to a clean, safe and secure shopping center for our shoppers,” said David Ayer, General Manager. Bass Pro Shops and Belk are open for business today and it is anticipated that the majority of retailers and restaurants will be open for business tomorrow morning, Friday, March 2, 2012.

Please check www.bransonlanding.com as well as the Branson Landing Facebook page for additional updates throughout the day.

College of the Ozarks sustained minor damage from last night’s storm, limited to a few downed trees and tree limbs. However the campus phone service has been interrupted due to the storm damage to the Branson area at large. Currently, the most effective way to reach staff, faculty and students is by e-mail or cell phone.

The College family sends prayers to those in the area who were affected by the storm.

Branson, Mo. – Myer Hotels, Branson’s Award-Winning Hotels Company, confirmed that five of their six hotels in Branson received no damage. Only one hotel sustained damage, and there were non injuries at any of the properties.

The BEST WESTERN Center Pointe Inn located on Highway 76 received moderate damage to one building and light damage to two other buildings. “Our staff did an excellent job of alerting guests about the situation and this helped to keep them safe. No one was hurt. We were able to move all of our guests to our other hotels after the storm passed,” said Chris Myer, Vice President of Marketing for Myer Hotels.

The cleanup process and assessment have already begun. Contractors and clean up crews were already on hand first thing Friday morning at the BEST WESTERN Center Pointe Inn. Myer Hotels has taken a proactive approach to crisis situations with pre-planning for these types of situation. “You hope you don’t have to use these plans but it is great to have plans in place something like this happens,” said Myer.

The hotel will likely do a phased reopening beginning as soon as it possibly can. “Hopefully in the next couple of days we will have a better understanding of when that will be. In the meantime, we will do our best to accommodate guests at our other hotels in Branson which include the Comfort Inns, Comfort Inn & Suites, and the Holiday Inn Express on Green Mountain Drive.”

“It’s important for visitors to know that they can still come to Branson and have a great vacation. Many of Branson’s most popular attractions were untouched and plan to open up. The shows will go on,” said Myer.

The BEST WESTERN Center Pointe Inn has long been a favorite of Branson visitors due to its outstanding location right in the heart of Branson’s entertainment. The hotel will reopen and be better then ever. You can visit Myer Hotels at www.myerhotels.com.

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Grammy award winning entertainer and popular Branson performer, James Garrett, guest stars on Season 6 of TLC’s reality show, 19 Kids and Counting, airing this Tuesday, February 28, 2012.

In the episode titled ‘Music with the Duggars,’ the Duggars head to Branson, Missouri for a speaking engagement and musical performance in the Little Opry Theatre. Focusing on cousin Amy Duggar’s budding music career, James is featured as a long time friend of the Duggar family helping to launch Amy’s career.

Performing on stage for over 35 years, James picked up his first guitar at the age of four, after listening to Elvis Presley sing in the movie Loving You. Moving to Texas at age 11, he began singing gospel music in church. His professional singing career began as lead singer for a bluegrass group at Dogpatch USA, near Harrison, Arkansas, followed by regular performances at Silver Dollar City. Highlights in James’ career include winning a Grammy with country music group The Kendalls, and performing with many of his idols, including John Denver.

James currently headlines two separate live shows at the Little Opry Theatre inside Branson’s IMAX Entertainment Complex: A Tribute to John Denver and The Johnny Cash Songbook, debuting in March.