Branson Courier
- Today: Friday, December 5, 2008
- Submissions/Contact Us - To submit press releases, contact the editor, The Ole Seagull, submit "letters to the editior, questions, items for publication, etc. or to otherwise contact us click here.
- Your privacy is very important to us. Click here for our Privacy Policy.
Viva La Divas: About The Show
published: Sep 10, 2006
 |
| Which of these Divas doesn't belong? |
My favorite segment in the first half included one of those inexpensive props. We learned the story of the most versatile cape in the costume shop. Without giving away too much, know that everyone gets a go at the cape as they sing. It is a great chance for them to show that these divas just want to have fun.
The opening half of the show is filled with great music like: At Last, Respect, Tears of a Clown, as well as a Diva Salute to women in the armed forces including Janice singing God Bless America.
When I was at the show (May 2006), there was a short intermission, but since then they have made some changes and there is no longer an intermission. It did give me a chance to talk with a couple of the ladies. They are all available to meet the fans and sign autographs. They said that there were several group sections in the next half. I could not wait to hear these amazing vocals combine their talents.
As the second half got started the stage was set for the OK Corral as the ladies wrangle in a very fun country music set. Dee Dee was a little reluctant to come out in a cowboy hat and boots. Though there were no guns, there was a classic western duel between Janice and Dee Dee. You will have to decide for yourself who the winner was. You also get to hear Harley Worthit sing Feels Like a Woman, and that is worth the full admission price.
The second half also included an inspirational gospel section with songs like Jesus Loves Me, Why Do You Sing, and Eye on the Sparrow. It ended with a spiritual called Stomp On The Enemy. I had never heard that song before, but loved their rendition.
As the show drew to a close we began to see what the show was truly about. It is as much about friendship as anything. These ladies are not just costars, they are also true friends. As they perform, what I believe is an original song written for the show, they share their heart with the audience. This song is called I’m Beautiful, and though very funny, the message of the song is to let your inner beauty radiate until it shows on the outside.
I had never attended a show at this theatre. I found it to be comfortable. The seats could have been a little bigger, but they were not bad. The theatre itself is very intimate, so I cannot imagine there being a bad seat in the house.
Though the seats were okay, I was not impressed with the tech side of things. There were technical problems a couple times during the show. Tracks were used and at one point Dee Dee was not able to finish a song because of problems. Also, lights, tangled wires and equipment seemed to be visible everywhere. I know there are lots of different shows with different needs in this same space, but I was just not impressed by the way the techy things were displayed. I have a background in live theatre, my wife’s degree is in theatre. I think the sign of a good theatre is one where the show is the only focus, everything else just fades away.
Viva La Divas is one of the many new show on the strip this season. With so many shows in town, some new and some that have been around forever, it is very difficult to decide which shows to see. I consider myself to be a cheerleader for the small shows. Yes, I love the huge productions like Kirby and Jim Stafford. But I especially like to the smaller shows in town. This is one of those smaller shows. The focus is the music and those talented performers. I know that this show will continue to get better as the season progresses and the ladies polish their act. I hope to be able to return and see the show again at the end of the season. I am willing to bet it will almost look like a different production.
My wife and I had a great time. The audience was not very big on the day we were there, but the girls performed like it was a full house. I agreed with my wife when she said that these had to be some of the most talented ladies in Branson. What a privilege to get to see them all together in one show.
If you can only see one show while in Branson, then I suggest that you see one of the big production shows like the Priestley’s, Kirby or Dixie Stampede. However, if you have the chance to see more than one, consider seeing the only women’s quartet in Branson – Viva La Divas.
Viva La Divas is performed at the Showcase Theatre. The theatre is very easy to find. It is located on Hwy 76 in the Branson Mall between Wal-Mart and Jubilee Foods. The theatre is near the back of the mall, past the open-air stage. Viva La Divas is performed in the 5:30 p.m. time slot throughout the season. For more information, reserve tickets or check the show schedule call the theatre at (417) 339-1960. Tell them that Heath from the 1Branson sent you.
PLAN YOUR TRIP