FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Monday December 5, 2011

AMERICA’S FAVORITE RUSSIAN COMEDIAN
YAKOV SMIRNOFF
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF LAUGHTER AND
HIS LAST FULL SEASON IN BRANSON

Branson, MO ~ After two decades, Yakov Smirnoff announces that 2012 will be his last full season performing at his Branson theatre and that the multi-talented comedian will be touring the country in 2013 with his hilariously-funny standup comedy show. Smirnoff will continue to call Branson his home and remain actively involved in the community and his theatre.

His newest production, Happily Ever Laughter, builds on his critically acclaimed one-man Broadway show, about which The New York Times said, “His Broadway show is splendidly funny, and a generous display of warmhearted, high-quality humor.” His longevity in Branson has given him a chance to evolve as an entertainer, writer and producer but Smirnoff relishes the opportunity to get back to his comedic roots. Innovative and funny standup comedy that reveals how to sustain love and laughter in relationships is supported with knowledge from his master’s degree in psychology.

Though he is celebrating his 20th and his last full season performing the Yakov LIVE! production, Smirnoff will continue to produce world-class entertainment for his Branson theatre. He recently announced the five-year run of a brand new show that was designed especially for Branson called Brady Brunch with Barry Williams, the real Greg Brady from the 1970’s hit television show The Brady Bunch.

“Actor, Barry Williams, who portrayed Greg Brady in America’s best-loved television series The Brady Bunch, is a fantastic entertainer” said Smirnoff. “It’s a privilege to produce his Branson multimedia variety show. I love Branson! It’s a great place to live. I’ve been here for 19 years, and I never lock my car. I don’t know where it is…”

About Yakov Smirnoff:

America’s favorite Russian comedian, Yakov Smirnoff has been a mainstay in the entertainment scene since the late 1970s. By the mid 1980s he had several films and television appearances under his belt, joining the ranks of icons Robin Williams and Tom Hanks. After performing in his own 2,000 seat Branson, MO theatre for years, in 2003 he landed on Broadway performing in his critically acclaimed, one-man show As Long As We Both Shall Laugh. In addition to his standup comedy, television, film and stage success, he has written several books, recorded CDs, DVDs, and is a talented artist. In 2006, Smirnoff received his master’s degree in psychology from the Ivy-League University of Pennsylvania. While performing more than 200 shows per year at his Branson theatre, he also speaks to business groups, presents seminars, is a published columnist for national magazines, and is a professor teaching classes about the relationship of Love and Laughter at Missouri State University and Drury University. He’s taking his Happily Ever Laughter show on the road where audiences across America will see that you can live Happily Ever Laughter and laugh your Yak-off!

Visit www.Yakvo.com for tour and Branson show dates.

Media and personal appearances
Contact: Rhonda Boudreaux
O: 913-780-4035
Mobile and text: 50-367-5990
[email protected]

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Don’t miss Legends in Concert’s spectacular New Year’s Eve Show, sure to bring in the New Year with a BANG! Make your reservations now to celebrate the count-down to 2012 at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. Legends in Concert’s New Year’s Eve show features crowd favorites Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, The Blues Brothers and Elvis. New Year’s Eve packages include party favors, hors d’oeuvres, seasonal beverages and a midnight celebration with the stars of Legends in Concert at the iconic Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. Dinner packages and host hotel are available.

For more information, call 417-339-3003 or visit www.legendsinconcert.com.

Route 248 Bridge over Route 65 CLOSED Weekend of Nov. 18-20

* Bridge in Branson to Close Friday Morning, Nov. 18, and Reopen Monday, Nov. 21, in Diverging Diamond Configuration *

Web site with DDI animation — http://www.modot.org/southwest/major_projects/Greene/I-44andRoute13.html

Branson, Taney County — The Route 248 bridge over Route 65 in Branson will be CLOSED at 9 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, and may remain closed into early Monday, Nov. 21, the Missouri Department of Transportation said.

When the bridge is reopened late Sunday or by 6 a.m. Monday at the latest, the bridge will be in the new Diverging Diamond Interchange traffic pattern. That means cars will criss-cross at traffic signals at the end of the bridge and drive across the bridge on the left-hand side, allowing for smoother and safer left turns onto Route 65.

Traffic Impacts During the Bridge Closing

The ramps at the Route 248/65 interchange will remain open over the weekend. However, drivers can make only right turns from the Route 65 ramps onto Route 248 or from Route 248 onto Route 65.

Drivers will NOT be able to turn left onto or off of Route 248. No traffic will be allowed to cross the Route 248 bridge.

Drivers are urged to use the Route 65/Branson Hills Parkway interchange north of Route 248 or the Route 65/Route 76 interchange south of Route 248 to reach their destinations.

Accommodations have been made to allow emergency vehicles to travel across the bridge when responding to emergencies.

Work During the Closing

While the bridge is closed, contractor crews will install:

* Pavement markings to direct drivers through the interchange once it reopens.

* Traffic signals and lighting.

* Concrete islands that will help shift traffic into the correct lanes to drive across the bridge in the new configuration.

New Traffic Pattern When Route 248 Bridge Reopens

Under the Diverging Diamond Interchange design, the opposing lanes of Route 248 will criss-cross at traffic signals at the ends of the bridge over Route 65. Crossing the bridge, oncoming traffic will be on the right. Opposing lanes will be divided by a concrete barrier, with a pedestrian walkway in between the walls.

This configuration will provide left-turning vehicles on Route 248 a “free left” onto Route 65. At the same time, traffic continuing east or west on Route 248 will be able to travel through the interchange without being stopped due to a back up of left-turning traffic.

Signs, pavement markings and concrete islands will clearly guide drivers and help prevent making a wrong turn into the opposing lanes.

Right-angle crashes involving left-turning vehicles from Route 248 to Route 65 should be eliminated and rear-end crashes should be reduced.

Three other Diverging Diamond Interchanges are in use in Missouri: Two in Springfield at Kansas Expressway/I-44 (opened in 2008) and at National Avenue/Route 60 (opened in 2009) and one in St. Louis at Dorsett Road and I-270 (opened in 2009). Two other diverging diamond interchanges are under construction in the Kansas City area.

Project Background

* Widen the Route 248 bridge by 10-feet to allow for three lanes across the bridge when the project is complete; two lanes eastbound and one lane westbound

* Repair the existing Route 248 bridge and resurface the bridge deck

* Widen the southbound ramp at the interchange to include dual right- and dual left-turn lanes from Route 65 onto Route 248

* Install new traffic signals and street lighting at the interchange

The $5 million dollar project, a partnership with the city of Branson, will convert the interchange into a diverging diamond, widen the Route 248 bridge and repair the existing bridge deck and widen the ramps leading off of and onto Route 65.

The prime contractor on the project is APAC-Missouri of Columbia, doing the work for a low bid amount of $5 million. The project is scheduled for completion by December 19, 2011.

END

(For more information, call MoDOT toll-free at 888.275.6636 or 417.895.7600. Or visit www.modot.org/southwest

(Follow MoDOT’s Southwest District: www.facebook.com/MoDOT.Southwest or www.twitter.com/MoDOT_Southwest

Legends in Concert, The World’s Greatest Live Tribute Show, at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater, announces area appreciation to our friends and families who live or work in Stone or Taney County. Tickets will be $5.00 plus tax on November 11, 12 & 13 for both the 3 & 8 p.m. shows. Come see Dolly Parton, Alan Jackson, Ray Charles, The Blues Brothers and Elvis in one incredible theatrical production including the Legends in Concert band and fabulous singers and dancers.
The charisma of two locally known talents, Bucky Heard and Justin Clark, combine for a high-energy, highly entertaining Blues Brothers performance. They are mainstays at the Legends in Concert show along with Elvis Presley. Portrayed by Dean Z, this act is sure to bring you a rock-a-billy good time! Experience the energy of “The Queen of Country Music”, Dolly Parton; enjoy the award-winning music of Ray Charles; and have a “Good Time” listening to the country classics of Alan Jackson.
Don’t miss this wonderful winter line-up during our area appreciation on November 11, 12 &13! Proof of residency or employment required at time of purchase. Tickets available day of show only and can be purchased at the Legends Box Office.

Show times are 3 & 8 p.m. For more information, call 417-335-STAR or visit www.legendsinconcert.com.

The Bill Chrastil Show
Bill Chrastil Receives 2011 Horizon Award
from Branson Show Critic

Branson Entertainer Bill Chrastil has been awarded the 2011 Best Branson Horizon Show Award from Branson Show Critic Gary Wackerly, Branson Show Awards.

During the 2010 season Bill also received awards for:

Best 2010 Gospel CD
Best 2010 Impressionist

First Number 1 Top 20 on Radio Station KBRS for his original song “Lady Turn The Light Out.”

Bill was also the third most requested artist on BransonRadio.com.

In September 2011 Bill was inducted into the South Dakota Country Music Hall of Fame.

Bill’s energetic tributes to various styles and musicians include Neal McCoy, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, Tom Jones, Conway Twitty, Jerry Lee Lewis, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Alabama, Country, Gospel, Classic Rock, 50/60’s and a Tribute to Elvis. Bill also incorporates some of his own original music into his performance.

As a career musician, Chrastil is an accomplished instrumentalist who plays guitar, bass guitar, drums, piano and the harmonica.

Bill performs Tuesdays thru Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Hall of Fame Theatre inside the Branson Mall.

www.billchrastil.com

MODot has announced “Round the Clock Lane Closings” on Route 65 Underneath Route 248 starting at 7 a.m. Friday and lasting into the week of November 7 so that the bridge girders underneath the Route 248 Bridge can be painted.

MoDOT Traffic Alert:

Route 248/65 Interchange Project:
Lane Closings Planned on Northbound
Ramp Sunday and Monday Nights

When: 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday and Monday, Oct. 24-25

Where: Northbound off-ramp from Route 65 to Route 248

What: Left-turn lane and through lane CLOSED on ramp.  Drivers will be able to turn right.  

Details: Contractors crews replacing pavement on closed off areas of ramp.

Branson, MO…The topic for the November seminar hosted by Connell Insurance is a timely one for businesses this year: Disaster Preparedness. The seminar, co-sponsored by CoxHealth and one of three held each year by Connell Insurance, is slated for the morning of November 18th at the Branson Convention Center.

Ryan Nicholls, Emergency Management Director for the Springfield-Greene County Office of Emergency Management, will be discussing disaster preparedness for businesses in this area. His presentation will center on his extensive training in this field and the lessons learned from his experience with the Joplin tornado and Hurricane Katrina response teams. Ryan holds a Master’s Degree in Fire & Emergency Management, as well as advanced training through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

According to Connell president Tim Connell: “Considering the horrific events of this past year ranging from floods to the Joplin tornado, we felt that a seminar on business preparedness for disasters was particularly timely. Ryan offers a wealth of experience to share with our clients and friends in this area.”

The second speaker of the morning is Noah Alldredge, founder and president of BigTime Results, who will discuss the various methods employers can address for wellness in the workplace. Noah’s presentation identifies activities that employers are currently using to reduce absenteeism, lower escalating health-related expenses in the workplace, improve employee morale, and motivate employees to live healthier lifestyles.

Connell’s Linda Welter, who manages the Life & Health Department, commented, “As a company, we were so impressed with Noah’s program that we’ve already implemented it for the entire staff at Connell Insurance. He has a message, backed up by results data, that every business owner and manager should hear.”

This event has been pre-approved for 3.0 hours of continuing education credit for HR professionals who are PHR or SPHR certified.

For more information or to register for the seminar, visit www.ConnellInsurance.com or call (417) 334-2000.

Connell Insurance, based in Hollister, MO, is one of the largest insurance agencies serving southwestern Missouri. An independent insurance agency, Connell specializes in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, representing numerous insurance companies.

Legends in Concert announces their wonderful winter line-up of stars! Starting November 1, see Alan Jackson, Dolly Parton, Ray Charles, The Blues Brothers and Elvis Presley rock the house at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater. The lobby of the theater is filled with priceless and unique memorabilia from Dick Clark Productions. Take a step back in time and enjoy pieces from Frankie Avalon to Tina Turner….and much, much more! You receive this added value to your experience at no additional charge.
During the Legends in Concert show, the charisma of two locally known talents, Bucky Heard and Justin Clark, combine for a high energy, highly entertaining Blues Brothers performance. They are mainstays at the Legends in Concert show along with Elvis Presley. Portrayed by Dean Z, this act is sure to bring you a rock-a-billy good time! Experience the energy of “The Queen of Country Music”, Dolly Parton; enjoy the award-winning music of Ray Charles; and have a “Good Time” listening to the country classics of Alan Jackson. Don’t miss this wonderful winter line-up November 1- December 31 ONLY! And don’t miss our spectacular New Year’s Eve Show, sure to bring in the New Year with a BANG! Make your reservations now to celebrate the count-down to 2012 at Dick Clark’s American Bandstand Theater.

Show times are 3 & 8 p.m. For more information, call 417-335-STAR or visit www.legendsinconcert.com.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Clay Cooper is proud to announce Red, Hot…&Blue! will be performing at the Clay Cooper Theatre for the 2012-2013 seasons. Red, Hot…& Blue! is a musical revue of the decades, featuring seven versatile entertainers, singing LIVE and dancing their way into your hearts with different styles of each musical era from the 1920’s through the 1980’s. The producers, Christopher Eiffert and Scott Sartain of Live Entertainment Productions, take this show to the next level using reminiscent video footage, spectacular costumes and hilarious wigs while reinventing the beautiful harmonies and fun dances of yesterday.
“My wife and I are excited to have Red, Hot…&Blue at our theatre. My wife, Tina, originally came to Branson to choreograph and perform in this show. Tina, Chris, and Scott have been best friends since college at the University of Oklahoma, and we are all excited about Red, Hot…& Blue! and its future at the Clay Cooper Theatre.”
Red, Hot…& Blue! debuted in Branson July 4, 1996 and has steadily grown into one of Branson, Missouri’s most popular entertainment attractions. For several years, the cast has been touring regionally during Branson’s “winter seasons”, and have had the opportunity to perform aboard Holland America Cruise Lines and Prince Cruise Lines WORLD WIDE! Christopher comments, “We are truly grateful for the opportunities we have had performing around the globe, but Branson will always be our home! We are thrilled to be working with Clay and Tina at the Clay Cooper Theatre and can’t wait to add to the diversity of this beautiful establishment!”
Clay would also like to thank Buck Trent for a wonderful two years at the Clay Cooper Theatre and congratulate him on his future move with The Haygood’s to the RFD TV Theatre here in Branson, Missouri on the strip. “Buck Trent has always been one of my heroes, growin’ up, watchin’ him every weekend on Hee Haw! The opportunities he has by working at RFD are endless and I wish him continued success.” Buck recently returned to Branson after a busy summer filming RFD TV specials including The Reunion of Kornfield County, Larry’s Diner, and his performance at the Grand Ol’ Opry with Roy Clark.
Marty Haggard: A Tribute to My Dad, “Merle Haggard” and the amazing percussion comedy duo, Buckets ‘n’ Boards will be joining Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express and Red, Hot…& Blue for the 2012 season line-up at the Clay Cooper Theatre.
Marty Haggard and his band will take you back in time as Marty sings some of the America’s greatest country music, while telling the stories behind the songs, written by his dad, Merle Haggard. Sit back and enjoy as Marty and his band bring Merle’s songs back to life at the Clay Cooper Theatre.
Returning for their 3rd season in 2012 is Buckets N Boards Comedy Percussion Show! Buckets N Boards is a hilarious and high-energy show full of amazing percussion, ridiculous songs, an incredible variety of musical talents, spectacular tap dancing and good clean fun! Matthew Levingston and Gareth Sever have a blast entertaining audiences with their award winning comedy that appeals to the entire family, and are thrilled to continue their run at the Clay Cooper Theatre. They are also proud to announce that they will be headlining Disney Cruise Lines this Winter. Check out www.bucketsnboards.com to see their brand new demo!
And… of course, Clay Cooper’s Country Music Express is a high energy show filled with singin’, dancin’, gun-slingin’, hysterical comedy, and more! Featuring a cast of 22 veteran entertainers including nine dancers, six instrumentalists, trick-roper, Johnny Lonestar, comedian Matt Gumm, 8 year old Colt Cooper, and your host Clay Cooper, this show is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, tap your toes, and maybe sing out a note or two! It’s MORE than country! So head over to the Clay Cooper Theatre where you can find diversity at its finest! www.claycoopertheatre.com