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Over the years Branson has grown to include more than 100 live shows in nearly 52 theaters; other tourist attractions include museums, three pristine lakes, 12 championship golf courses, year-round festivals and events, nearby mountains and wilderness areas.
Other local attractions include Celebration City, Dixie Stampede, White Water, an IMAX Theater, Big Cedar Lodge, Titanic Museum, Showboat Branson Belle, Chateau on the Lake, The Shepherd of the Hills, Stone Hill Winery, Ride The Ducks, Branson Landing, the Tracks and Splash Country.
In 2006 the Titanic Museum joined nearly a dozen other area museums. The Titanic Museum includes artifacts from the actual wreck. Also on display are models of the ship, a full scale replica of the grand staircase and recreations of various rooms of the ship, in addition to eye-witness accounts of the events that occurred.
Today there are over fifty theatres producing over 100 live shows. Theatres are no longer metal storage containers. They cost several million dollars and come in many shapes and sizes. The largest is known as The Grand Palace, with seating for over 4,000. The Palace has one of the largest laser systems in America and eighty feet above the audience, various harness and trapeze equipment allow entertainers to fly, even parachute from the ceiling to stage.[8] Following closely behind the Palace is the 3,200 seat Mansion. Andy Williams performs in a twelve million dollar 2,000 seat theatre featured in Architectural Digest. Mr. Williams’ theatres exterior is covered in lush waterfalls and Koi filled ponds, while the interior is decorated with million dollar works of art by artists ranging from Jackson Pollock to Andy Warhol.[9] Shoji Tabuchi’s theatre is known for its exquisite million dollar restrooms filled with crystal chandeliers and gold leaf pool tables.
Entertainer who have or had established theatres in Branson are Roy Clark, Lowe Sisters, Boxcar Willie, Cristy Lane, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, Mel Tillis, Mickey Gilley, Jim Stafford, Ray Stevens, Andy Williams, Bobby Vinton, Charlie Pride, Lawrence Welk, Wayne Newton, Tony Orlando, Barbara Fairchild, Oak Ridge Boys, Kenny Rogers, Yakov Smirnoff, Osmond Family, Glen Campbell, John Davidson, Moe Bandy, Loretta Lynn and Shoji Tabuchi. Famous Celebrities in Branson have included Barbara Mandrell, Louise Mandrell, Irleen Mandrell, Phyllis Diller, Rich Little, Ann-Margaret, Lennon Sisters, Charo, Dino Kartsonakis, Petula Clark, Robert Goulet, Captain and Tenniel, Pat Boone, Gladys Knight and Sherry Louis. In the spring of 2006, the surviving members of the original Bill Haley & His Comets began a long-term residency at Dick Clark's American Bandstand Theater.
Branson has also played host to several production shows, some with big named celebrities and others simply known for their choreography. Direct from Las Vegas the Country Tonite show was quickly joined by Legends in Concert. Other shows have included Will Rogers Follies, The Promise, Spirit of the Dance, Cirque, Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Opening its doors in 2008 is the Strasburg, Pennsylvania based Sight and Sound Theatre’s production of the musical Noah. A theatre is being built specifically for the companies large productions that include live animals, elaborate sets and a 300 foot wrap around stage.
