Fan Reviews

2011 Fan Reviews

Lisa
Dallas, Texas
May 28, 2011
#1 Hits of the 60's
Caravelle Theatre

This is a show full of great music, good looks, and amazing vocals.

The ladies are beautiful and the men are adorable.

The show in May 2011 had a harmony blend of the three guys that most bands would love to find. The Performers made up of three guys and three girls captivate the audience and immediately change the mood and have everyone taken back to their favorite tunes and enjoying the show.

The 60’s had some of the best hits and this group performs them well.

The energy, charisma, and amazing vocals make this a show that can’t be missed.

2009 - 2004 Fan Reviews

Sherri
Post Falls, ID
6/24/09
#1 Hits of the 60's
The Caravelle Theatre

My sister, Pam, and I had the time of our lives.  The music was fantastic!  We sang and danced throughout the whole concert. We could not sit still.  The music and song selection was absolutely PERFECT. The entertainers called us by our names "Sherri" and "Pam" while performing songs on stage.  They first learned our names during an intro rhyming song. Later, a handsome performer was down on one knee and sang me a love song.  Pam was called on stage to play "name that 60's tune".  During the half time break, we went to get a soda and the drummer introduced himself to us. I went teen crazy when they sang "Shari shari baby won't you come out tonight". We honestly felt that the whole show was JUST FOR US.  Afterwards, we bought a CD, I'm listening to it as I type this, and we had our pictures taken with the whole cast.  This was such a memorable experience.  This show far exceeded my expectations.  The following day, we had audience members recognize us and call us by name when  we were at other Branson shows.  Thank you to each and every cast member of the #1 Hits of the 60's.  You're the BEST!!!

Mysteryphotog
September 5, 2008

I went to Branson for the first time this week and saw three shows. Both of the other shows had more production, but this one was the best produced. This show probably gets last place by most criteria that are easy to apprehend and quantify, but "#1 Hits of the '60's" is by far my favorite.

First of all, the quality of the music is a cut above most shows. "The Magnificent Seven" features a slicker production musically, with more virtuosic singers; though they are definitely in the same class, as evinced by the fact that one of the dudes from "#1 Hits" also performs in TMS - but the "#1 Hits" crew performs with more heart. An engaged, soulful performance beats technical brilliance every time, and I think "#1 Hits" is proof of that. The arranger's touch on the 1960's tunes also betrays a deeper love of the music than what I heard in the other shows: deeper harmony is lavished on tunes that will take it; longer excerpts in medleys, which is very counter-Branson; the instrumentalists got off their platforms and came to center stage for a Beatles tune - they are obviously all hardcore fans. Finally - and most importantly - my gut impression of "#1 Hits" was that the performers were all engaged and having fun performing music they liked; this was unique in my Branson experience.

The show is smaller in scale, but I think that works to its advantage. All six "stars" are onstage pretty much the whole time, which puts its average on-stage head count at the same level with the other shows I saw. There is one number in which all six singers perform in a single skit: they are couples in three cars at a drive-in - tiny, Broadway type stylized cars that they drive out onto the stage and drive back off at the end. This scene employs duets that combine famous songs to tell a funny story in which each character partners with a different one, and they leave as three different couples.

I like the props and the costumes. They are minimal compared to the other shows, but again I think this is perfect for this production. The costumes were cute and funny, but without that desperate cloying I got from the other shows. I especially like the girls' hair - I don't know what the style is called, but it is adorable. Mesmerizing. They do a lot of dancing - including an audience participation dance medley - and that hair never stops moving. The cast is an attractive bunch, and they all have their own special look; this is in stark contrast with the family shows and one of the big productions, whose unified look only confused me - I literally couldn't tell three of the 5'10" girls apart in that show. Seriously - that show had me wondering whether the producers were some kind of eugenics nuts.

Another aspect of differentiation is the way in which the performers are cast in the numbers, especially the girls. All three were lovely, but one of them had an especially ideal body and was obviously a natural dancer, so they had her front and center on lots of the dance numbers. The dark-haired girl has the most gorgeous, mellifluous, sonorous speaking voice, so she did the heavy lifting on narration. The cute, petite one - who had the most gorgeous hair in a very close race - took the cutesy acting bits, and was also the first soprano, with a range that apparently goes through the top of the audible spectrum. The guys were similarly specialized; one was designated to take the cool roles, and he obviously enjoyed that specialty.

I guess overall I just sensed that "#1 Hits of the '60's" was a more heartfelt show - really on higher order than the others. It is smaller that most shows in most dimensions, but it has more heart. My gut feeling is that they cut out the disingenuous groping for heartstrings and simply focused on the music; and there is still plenty of show left to engage even a tone-deaf teenager. I can't see returning to the other shows I saw, but next time I go to Branson I will definitely go to "#1 Hits" again.

Heather Pollet
South Coffeyville, OK
8-16-06:

#1 Hits of the 60's is a fabulous show. Not only did my husband & I enjoy it but my son was totally captivated. The music was all from the best of the 1960's music. It was very fast paced, not a dull moment. The band was one of the best we've seen in Branson.

The costumes were bright and very much the 1960's look. The music was right on the mark for the 1960's. We were glad to see a show that actually played the music they said they were playing. We have seen several shows in Branson, decade shows that play the 60's music but are for a different decade, ie. 50's/70's.

Everyone sitting around us was having a great time, old and young. #1 Hits of the 60's is a show you don't want to miss. One couple we talked to said they were seeing the show for the 3rd time, they just loved it. We will see it again on our next trip to Branson.  Hey 60's keep groovin.

Dennis B
Columbus Ohio
#1 Hits of the 60s is more nostalgic than professional.
Recommendation: No
Ratings: 1 of 5
June 12, 2006

If you believe some of the reviews for this show, you will think that #1 Hits of the 60s is the best thing in Branson. My 60’s childhood and these reviews, coaxed me in the door. Unfortunately, all opinions are relative to whatever one is comparing something to. When compared to some other shows in Branson, this one comes off like a high school musical.

While the show has a cute nostalgic format, the lack of production quality sticks out like a sore thumb. The singers are mediocre. The choreography is stilted and the character interplay lacks any chemistry at all. From the ticket booth to the grand finally the operation lacks professionalism.

I had reserved front row seats for the show. When I picked up our tickets at the booth I noted that they were several rows back. When I told the ticket agent that the seating was wrong on my tickets, she said, “Yes, I know, I was having trouble with my computer so I changed your seats.” After a few moments in Duhhhhhh land, I made her change them back to the seats that I had reserved. When the usher seated us in the theater, he didn’t have a clue either. We had to find our correct seats on our own.

The show badly needs a warm-up act or comedian to get the audience going. It opens to a dark stage and takes 15 minutes to draw in the audience. One compliment I have for them is something that every show in Branson could take a lesson from. They were the only show I booked this year that had a seating chart for their theater on their web site. Another novelty of the show is that it is probably the only place in Branson where you can see four, really, really, white kids, in shiny gold suits, trying to imitate some famous black mo-town groups.

If you are a die-hard child of the 60’s, hungry for a dose of your past, you will probably enjoy this light romp down memory lane. If you are a connoisseur of good productions then pass this one by and go see lost in the 50s instead.

J.M.
Southeast, KS
What a show!!!
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
December 04, 2005

It's me again -- What a show! I am not much into Christmas shows, but this show is an exception to the rule. This group never cease to amaze me. They have more talent and energy than any other show in Branson. I have seen most of them - not all but most. I take my family to Branson every year for there Christmas present. They all, young and old, thought this was one if not the best show they have seen. Not only the performers make you feel like you are part of the show, but the entire staff goes out of there way to show there appreciation for your attendance. This is a must see show.

Leona G
London, Arkansas
Really talented people, and the music we love
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
November 18, 2005

We always go to see this show, it is one of the best. They had the most unusual, but best, Christmas show I've seen. It surely wasn't same old-same old. If you like this type of music, it is a must see. You'll find yourself singing along.

J. Z.
La Grange/IL
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
September 05, 2004

We attended the 60's show during the 1st week of August '04 and it was fantastic. They had a troupe of 8 young, energetic singer/dancers (four men and four women) who sang many, many great hits from the 60's (and one from the 50's). They had great harmony, which was unfortunately sometimes overpowered by the band. (That was disappointing for me - the band needs to tone it down a bit.) And there was great humor throughout the show, with some audience participation /quizzes. My teenaged daughter, who likes today's awful rock music as well as oldies, loved the show. Some of our favorite songs were Aquarius and McArthur Park. They didn't do a lot of Beatles tunes. We would have liked to hear more. I highly recommend the show for old folks and young.

I. S.
Tustin,CA 92780
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
Date: September 03, 2004

If you appreciate quality and energetic music or just like to have a good time, one show you will not want to miss is #1 Hits of the 60’s. The very talented cast consists of 8 singers/dancers and 8 instrumentalists. The instrumentalists provide the entire “live” accompaniment. The singers/dancers and instrumentalists give 100% the entire performance. The cast helps you to relive memories of the past in a very well put together performance. They use extremely funny comedy skits to support over 100 top songs of the 60’s. Some of the props are hilarious lost and found items, a drive-in movie theater, convertible cars they actually drive onto the stage, and a bigger than life-size jukebox. Some of the neat songs they include are “Little Old Lady from Pasadena,” “Johnny Angel,” “It’s My Party,” “Hey Jude,” “Surfin’ U.S.A.,” “Can’t Buy Me Love,” “I Wanna Hold Your Hand,” and many others. All the songs are very well articulated.

The glittery Las Vegas style costuming is very classy, and the over exaggerated costuming really helps bring home their message. The purple neckties were what stood out the most to my husband and I. Over 39 years ago a purple necktie is what attracted me to my husband. Not only people that grew up in the 60’s would be mesmerized by the costuming, props, dancing, comedy and energetic music, but people of all ages would enjoy this show. As in most Branson shows, this is quality family entertainment.

My husband and I have been professional musicians for 34 years. Therefore, we really appreciate quality and a great technical crew. The sound technicians were awesome.

I would like to recommend #1 Hits of the 60’s as one of the best shows in Branson, if not the best. This recommendation comes from someone who has been putting on musical productions for over 30 years. Whether you’re in Branson several weeks, live in Branson, or are only there 2 days as we were, you need to fit this outstanding show into your schedule. The tickets are very reasonably priced and there is not a bad seat in the house.

T. N.
Clinton, AR.
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5
Date: August 24, 2004

We went to #1 Hits of the 60's, and talk about total enjoyment! The parking was easy and the people that help at tickets, concessions, and hostesses were so very friendly. They really made you feel welcome.

My husband and I went to this show earlier in the year and enjoyed it so much; we came back and brought our two teenage daughters. They just loved the show. Now they want to bring their older brother and sister.

The theater is built on a good slant so everyone can see well no matter where you are sitting. The show is fast paced and full of wonderful songs and comedy. You can tell that the cast enjoys what they are doing. The whole cast is very talented. How they get so many songs into one show is beyond me.

We especially enjoyed the "theater" scene that they do. It was so funny! Those cars were so cute. Great skit!

The band is a great group of musicians. They were multi-talented also. The Beatles medley was so enjoyable! They all do such an awesome job.

As you can tell we thoroughly enjoyed this show. This show is a must-see!! We will certainly recommend this show to all of our friends.

S. H.
San Antonio,  TX
Recommendation:  Yes
Ratings:  4 of 5
Date:  May 05, 2004

This turned out to be one of our favorite shows last summer.  We are seeing it again this year.  The music, dancing and skits were done really well.  They did nearly every song I remembered from the sixties. My 13-year-old grandson and daughter and son-in-law thought it was very good. 

B. G.
Milledgeville, Georgia
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
Date: May 25, 2004

My husband and I attended the #1 Hits of the 60’s while in town to drop our daughter off to camp. I had a hard time choosing what show to attend as we only had one night in Branson. I chose this show for two reasons. I listen to the oldies radio station continuously and this offered much variety from the music I enjoy. The other was because the advertising made it sound like so much fun. It was, and much, much more.

The theater was cheery, with plenty of parking outside and plenty of seating inside. The price of the tickets, concession, and souvenirs was reasonable. The lobby was colorful and roomy though it could have used more pictures of the 60’s top artists. I did like the layout of the seating, which allowed everyone an excellent view of the stage. The music prior to the start of the show put me right into the mood, ready for the party to begin.

As soon as the cast appeared and the music began, I found myself totally immersed into the music. I couldn’t help but sing along as the musicians and singers made the music come to life. Each singer was very talented and able to emulate the original artists. The costumes were wonderful with the psychedelic colors and brought back memories of some of my favorite clothing right down to the white go-go boots. The skits and props were so much fun and really added to the shows enjoyment by adding comedy as well as nostalgia. I particularly loved the “drive-in” skit with the colorful cars and the costumes. Adding to the fun was bringing members of the audience to learn the dances of that time such as “the jerk”, “the swim”, and “the twist”. I was one of the chosen and had an absolute blast being on stage. The overall mood of this show was upbeat and kept the audience captive. I would highly recommend it to every one of all ages. My husband, (who does not care for shows and music) has also said he really enjoyed the show and would sit through it again. I would definitely go again the next time I’m in Branson. I hope it will be soon and more often as Branson seems to be a city of good clean fun and very beautiful. I just loved it.

L.L.
Naperville, IL
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
Date: May 13, 2004

We've been seeing shows in Branson since 1997 and this show is one of the best if not THE BEST!  The theatre is a little harder to find since it's off the strip (But we didn't sit in traffic) but it's worth finding.  And the seating is amphitheater style so you look down on the stage instead of up and behind people's heads.  Not a bad seat in the house! 

When you walk into the lobby it's all bright and cheery, as are the employees and that happy feeling just gets better with the show.  The lights and sets were wonderful, reminding me of a Vegas show (been going there for years too) and I don't think there's a harder working cast and band anywhere!  And what we loved was it was all live, no taped music or fake singing.  Lots and lots and LOTS of songs and even our 5-year-old was dancing in her seat. 

The trivia section might have been a bit long, but I think the singers needed a break, and actually so did the audience.  It's really high-energy.  Oh, and the drive in movie section was really neat.  I don't know where they got those cars, but they were cool driving on stage.  Great music and singing, some good comedy moments and the video segments really took us back to that era.  Well worth the price of the ticket which wasn't bad at $26.00. 

Mrs. Trish D
Princeton, Texas
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
August 12, 2005

Your show ranks right up there with Manhattan shows, where I've traveled 12 times!! I've recommended it to everyone I know. Your show was TASTEFUL, entertaining, respectful, the live music sounded like the originals, the hits you performed were indeed the hits, the pace was fast, the entire cast looked like they were having fun which enhanced our enjoyment, the cast was VERY attractive with fit and trim bodies, the costumes were authentic, & the DRIVE-IN skit was clever and darling!!!

Their energy made us remember what it felt like to be teens in the 60’s. Your treatment of our lost heroes from that decade was touching but brief. It was just enough to acknowledge their legacies but not enough to make us grieve again. Asking the vets to stand after that was great. Our group of ~30 has many vets and appreciated this. You have a great show!!! I'd go again.

Don W
Westland, MI
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 4 of 5
July 10, 2005

I'm a 47 yeaar old man, my wife is 51. We enjoyed it. This was our 1st Branson visit. We ended up attending 10 shows and this show was near the top of the pack in quality and enjoyment for both of us. It is appropriate for all ages including children. This show is a 100+ (partial) song string of medlies done in groups of 5 - 7 songs tied together with a theme. I did not count, but I'd say that 5 or less complete songs were sung.

There were many songs done by the entire group of performers (4 men & 4 women), some of which would have been better sung by individuals. This was especially true at the beginning of the show. We really liked many individual performances and the duets at the drive-in were really good.

Kathy Kennedy
Harvey, North Dakota
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
June 06, 2005

#1 hits of the 60's was a hit with our family. It was two hours of solid entertainment. The performers displayed enormous talent in both singing and dancing. It was unbelievable. We were impressed with there being a live band instead of taped music for the 100 or so songs that were performed.

The costumes, lighting, and skits were fun, too. Our ages ranged from 11-51 and EVERYONE enjoyed it to the max. I'd consider this a "must see" for visitors to Branson.

Jim K
Barboursville, WV
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
December 04, 2004

On behalf of myself and my wife I would like to personally thank all the performers in the "Hits of the 60's" show. It brought back a lot of old memories, both of good and sad. Being reminded of friends lost and friends that we still have. Made us want to come home and renew old friendships that we have let slide away.

You can reach the top of your success ladder, but you always will have the memories that happened long ago.

I really enjoy the family atmosphere in Branson, there is not many places you can take your family and not be overwhelmed with the alcohol ads, and vulgarity, I don't think there is a show I have heard about in Branson you couldn't take your entire family to see.

We especially enjoyed the "Drive In Movie" segment, it reminded us of when we would all get together and go to the drive in we would always have someone in the trunk, once we parked we would open the trunk and let them in the car.

Thanks for an enjoyable week in Branson, this was our first trip and will not be the last.

J.M.
Southeast, KS
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
November 12, 2004

This is a must see show. If you visit Branson and don't see this show, you may as well have stayed home. Great Show, great music, great dance.

Costumes are super. The tech crew has to be top notch. This group really enjoys doing the show; it is not just a job.

I listen to oldies most of the time when listen to the radio or a CD. I am not an authority, but I do enjoy the old time rock-n-roll. These young people really work at reproducing the original sound, both vocal and instrumental. This show brought back a lot of memories. I will return.

The ticket people and the rest of the staff bend over backwards to be of help. After the show the cast comes out and visits with the audience.

They really seem to appreciate the fact that you are there. What more can you ask?

S.L.
Verona, MO
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 0f 5
November 11, 2004

We loved #1 Hits Of The 60s! It was so much more than we had imagined.  The Show was more like a Broadway Revival, in the tradition of "Momma Mia" or "Forty 2nd Street". This is one show that we will see again. We had a great experience from the level parking, good concessions and fun 60s merchandise to meeting some of the talented cast after the show.

The Live Band nailed the 60s sound. They knew how to showcase the cool music of the decade from MoTown to Surfin' and everything in between. The Cast were natural actors as well as Fab Dancers and Singers. Cool!  Groovy! Out of Sight!  We also enjoyed the other features that brought back 60s memories or educated you in 60s history, depending on your age

This was a very well thought out show. It was professionally produced and carried out by a Band and a Cast that did it so naturally, so smoothly that we were able to relax go back into the 60s for over 2 wonderful hours of fantastic Entertainment.

One word of warning...after seeing the show, you will want to dance like a Go-Go Dancer and listen to more 60s tunes....and you will want to return to #1 Hits of the 60s again.

J.W.
Harrison, AR
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings 4 0f 5
November 04, 2004

#1 Hits of the 60's...Wow, what a show! The talent and energy level of these young performers kept me well entertained for 2 hours. Talk about getting your money's worth. Everyone in the cast gives 100 percent to make

sure that you have an enjoyable and memorable experience. There's a nice mix of song, dance, comedy and audience participation that will entertain you whether you grew up in the 60's or not. The backup band is great with horns and guitars. They are a talented and seasoned group. The visibility and acoustics in this theater rank with the best. I would take my grandmother and I would take my teenager. This is a show you won't want to miss!

F. F.
Warrenton, Missouri
Recommendation: Yes
Ratings: 5 of 5
Date: October 19, 2004

The seating at the Musical Palace was very good, all seats looking down on the stage, not a bad seat in the house.

There were many great songs from the 60's and the staff did an excellent job. When Matt Snow sang, "has anybody seen my old friend John", there was not a dry eye in the house. They sang songs of Motown, the British invasion, Aquarius, beach boys and other songs showing that no other time in history had so many chart toppers.

Not only could the staff play excellent music, but also they sang, danced, and performed skits, gymnastics and aerobatics. Very talented and must have practiced very hard and long to get everything right, which they did.

The highlight of the evening was a trip to the outdoor theatre with antique cars that drove on stage. The songs and skits made you chuckle at the presentation of young love.

They wheeled a big box entitled "theatre lost and found" printed on the side and during the singing and dancing; there were skits from the props found inside the box, very funny.

This show took your mind off anything for a couple of hours and you really felt transported to this roller coaster decade in American history.

After the show, the staff was in the lobby to shake your hand, sign autographs and answer any of your questions. By far, this is one of the best shows in branson and the staff works their tails off to entertain you in a full-scale production live show. I recommend this show to anyone from 12-82.

[return to top of page...]