Saturday, June 30, 2012

Joseph Hall's Elvis


Yesterday, Janene and I attended Joseph Hall's “Elvis Rock “N” Remember Tribute Show.” This high-energy tribute show to Elvis is performed at The Americana Theatre located at 209 W. Highway 76 in Branson, Mo 65616. Phone number 417-339-0099.

To be frank, I am not a great fan of tribute shows. However, this show was fast-paced, accurate, and high-energy. Having lived during the Elvis age I can recall hearing discussions about: “Do you think he will make it?” Well, he did . The voices and the moves are all Elvis. So is some of the raw animal magnetism and you can sense it in the fans. Underlying it all is that sense being a gentleman and that sense of humor that Elvis so often displayed.

Joseph Hall was born in Abilene in 1984. He has been playing Elvis for a number of years and was was of the top 10 finalists in “America's Got Talent.” Also he has won a number of awards among groups that are made up of Elvis impersonators. He has a good back up band and two back-up singers who add much to the show.

To my surprise, the show was much better than I expected. I would highly recommend it. You will love it as “Elvis” throws teddy bears out to the audience, and hands out sweat-laden scarves to the ladies. You will love the moves and the karate kicks (keep in mind that Elvis had a black belt in karate.) Enjoy this show and experience some of magic and excitement of Elvis on the stage. I am delighted that we went to this one and would go again.

As many of you know my blog is as much a photo blog as it is an information blog. See the pictures below. Also you can get more information on this show at JosephHallBransonElvis.com.







Jail House Rock











One of the excellent back-up singers.











Thursday, June 28, 2012

3 Redneck Tenors

Last night we had the pleasure of seeing the Three Redneck Tenors at the Americana Theatre in Branson.  What fun!  Of course, the big secret about the Three Redneck Tenors are that there are not three tenors at all but two tenors and one baritone.  Also they are not really rednecks but have classical and professional training.  This is abundantly obvious when they sing songs like La Danza, La Donna e Mobile, Figaro and Nessun Dorma.  And the songs are so beautiful.

Interspersed with these tasty and meaty selections are songs like Green Acres, YMCA,  Hound Dog, , You Light Up My Life, Lone Prairie and many others.

The night we attended "Billy Joe" was played by Matthew Lord a wonderful tenor, graduate of Julliard and a very funny comedian.  Blake Davidson played "Billy Billee".  He is a Baritone with experience on Broadway.  Ted Thomas played "Billy Bob" and has sung at Carnegie Hall and performed with The New York City Opera.

The bass is Dinny Mc Guire as the Colonel who is patterned after The Colonel who managed Elvis Presley. 

The boys who are managed by the Colonel begin to work their way through various singing venues.  Beginning in Paris (Texas, that is) they get to work at a Livestock Auction, a Disco and Gun Shop, The Mudcat Saloon and Salon, Club Viper, a Masonic Lodge & Catfish Farm and Michelangelo's Steak and Chop House.

After the intermission they get to sing some of their best songs, finally ending with Nessun Dorma that had people gasping for breath and bringing tears to the eye.

It was a great evening and we fully recommend this show for outstanding music and many laughs along the way.

Below are some of the photos taken:

The Three Tenors

The Rednecks are at the Americana Theatre on 76



Matthew Lord Sings

A Humble Beginning in Paris, Texas

Nothing like sitting on a keg.

YMCA

He is feeling MARVELOUS!!!

Hound Dog at the Viper Club



The Three Tenorinas at The Masonic Lodge & Catfish Farm

3 Famous Italian Tenors


Matthew Lord

Blake Davidson

The Cast


The Americana Theatre



Shown on the Side Screens

Ready to go on Lake Taneycomo

Entry of the Rednecks.

At the Livestock Auction

My daughter Addi who looks good even in roadkill.

Matthew Lord meets guests.