June 21, 2008

The Branson Brothers made a roaring return to the stage on Friday, 20 June 2008 at the God & Country Theatre.  This time as a trio, the Branson Brothers Show rocked the house to the delight of new fans and old fans that were getting hungry for the return of this high energy, fast moving show.  The debut in their new theatre was like the whole cast had all this energy built up while they were off and it all came pouring out for their opening show.  The fans were glad they were there, the cast was glad they were there, the theater owner was glad they were there - so we all had two hours of terrific fun-filled entertainment. 

The opening number could not have been more appropriate as they sang this Alabama song directly to their fans:
“Here we are, once again
Stronger now than we have ever been.
Hand in hand, heart to heart
Now we’ve made it through the hardest part...”
Jimmy, David, and Dee had their fans applauding before they got through the first verse.

Next, Diana Ponder takes the stage.  She is beautiful, elegant, and poised wearing a sequined gown, appropriate for singing her favorite type music; Nat King Cole’s, “Orange Colored Sky.”  The band was right on the money for this song with Lyman Clark even providing the horns background from the keyboard.  Diana also shows her versatility later in the show by appearing as Dolly Parton and Tina Turner.  You’ve got to see her walk, talk, sing, and move like Tina and listen to Lyman singing the bass backup in, “Proud Mary.”  Everything she does, whether serious or tongue in cheek, it is done with perfection.  She also sings in duets with Dee Allen and Harley Worthit.

Perry Edenburn as Harley Worthit was there in his prime and as usual, he is never at a loss for fresh material.  He was hilarious in each of his numerous characters.  Between the fast pace of the show from one song to the next and then the appearances of Harley’s characters, there is never a dull moment.  Jimmy is an ideal straight man for Harley.  The band seemed to be enjoying their antics as much as the audience. 

Jimmy introduced a segment of duets that started out with Jimmy and David doing the Everly Brothers, “Wake Up Little Susie.”  Then Diana and Dee came out and did a beautiful rendition of Freddie Hart’s, “Easy Lovin’.”   OK, there have been a few serious songs in a row now so it’s time for Diana and Harley to do their spoof of Johnny Cash and June Carter singing, “Jackson.”  This had the audience in stitches (but it wasn’t the first time and it wouldn’t be the last time during this show).  And then the show gets back to a more serious tone as David and Dee, and Jimmy and Diana, also pair up and sing duets.

During the gospel segment, the Branson Brothers sing, “I’ve Been Redeemed,” and  “He Ain’t Never Done Me Nothin’ But Good,” (written by Dottie Rambo), and “Truth Is Marching On.”

The Branson Brothers begin the second half with, “Listen to the Music,” “Willie and the Poor Boys,”  “I Can See Clearly Now,” and “Joy to the World.” 

The Branson Brothers Band is featured with Lyman Clark singing Charlie Daniels’, “The South’s Gonna Do It” with Michael T. Hermsmeyer playing the fiddle.  This song had all those soft rocking theater seats moving, right in time with the music.  Dino Strunk, Michael T. Hermsmeyer, Brad Allen, Carl Garner, and Lyman Clark are all veteran musicians who work extremely well together in providing just the right sound in support of whoever is being featured.  On their own, the band will rock the house and amaze you with their talent.

The enormous talent of the singers and musicians, the comedy, the many costume changes, the lights and sound, the scripting of the show, and the precision in bringing it all together make this a top-notch show that has earned the respect and following of many fans. Jimmy Ponder and each member of the cast and crew, and the theater management, deserve a lot of credit for bringing this quality show to the public.  Fans have been waiting a long time for the Branson Brothers return and here they are folks; they have returned riding on a storm.  Let’s get out and support them.

Bob Cort, Editor

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Bob Cort, Editor