Todd Oliver To Appear at the Jim Stafford Theatre

Talking Dogs, Real Dummies, & The Smiling Eyes perform with Todd Oliver in Branson, MO

Nationally known comedian Todd Oliver will appear at the Jim Stafford Theatre in Branson, Missouri in his own show, Todd Oliver & Friends, in 2011.  Todd Oliver & Friends shows begin on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, and will run through December 30, 2011.

Todd Oliver, known for his amazing talking dogs and hilarious comedy, says, “Along with my canine friends – Irving, Lucy, and Elvis – I’ll be joined by a ‘real’ cast of characters like Pops, Miss Lilly, Joey, and my outstanding Smiling Eyes Band. We’ve got a lot of audience participation segments, original music, and outrageous comedy.” Irving the talking dog adds, “We’re gonna turn everyday K-9 experiences into a howling good time!” While Todd Oliver has developed his show over the course of several years, this is the first time that his full show will be available to Branson audiences. Shows are at 12 noon and include a lunch served prior to the show. There will also be some 6:00pm shows in December with dinner served prior to the show.

Jim Stafford, theater owner and comic-genius, says, “I’m thrilled about having Todd Oliver at my theater. Todd’s got a fall-down funny, hip comedy style and a totally different show that audiences of all ages love. Not only have Todd and I been great friends throughout the years, we’ve talked about what great fun it would be to perform in the same theater. Now that this place is going to the dogs, I’m just happy Irving isn’t a Chihuahua.” Todd adds, “At least they can talk and have had their shots. On an important note, these dogs are family pets, some of whom have been adopted, and they wag their tails while they work like a dog.”

Another unique aspect to Todd Oliver & Friends is that a picnic lunch is included in the show ticket and is served prior to the show. Lunch includes your choice of sandwich, hotdog, or PB&J (for kids), and beverage choices, as well as seasonal side items like potato salad, chips, baked beans, cookies, cupcakes, strawberry soup, and more. Table seating for lunch is provided. Stafford adds, “Doggie bags are optional.”

Todd Oliver’s national appearances on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”, “The Today Show”, “Late Show with David Letterman”, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, “The Howie Mandel Show”, “Walker Texas Ranger”, “CNN Entertainment News”, and others along with his consistent touring schedule around the world at major clubs, corporate meetings and conventions have kept his unique show current with today’s audiences. David Letterman proclaimed Todd one of the “Top 5 Ventriloquists in the World.”

As a featured performer on Branson’s Showboat Branson Belle since 1998, Todd has performed with his three live, one-of-a kind talking dogs as part of the Showstoppers! Show. “We have enjoyed a 13-year relationship with Todd as a highly-talented performer and a good friend of the Silver Dollar City family,” said Jim Moeskau, General Manager of The Showboat Branson Belle. “We think it’s exciting for Branson that Todd and his repertoire of talent will be showcased in his own show at the Jim Stafford Theatre in 2011. This move for Todd is another great example of how Branson introduces and then nurtures talented performers who become favorites with our 8 million visitors.” Irving the talking dog adds, “Leaving the Showboat Branson Belle is a big step for this little dog, it’s a good thing I’m going with Todd as he needs all the help he can get. Just look at the whole talking thing…I’ll admit that Todd talks for me, if he’ll admit I think for him.”

Tickets for Todd Oliver & Friends for the 2011 season go on sale this week. For tickets and more information call 417-335-8080 or visit www.ToddOliver.com.

Showboat Branson Belle Announces End of Showstoppers! Show with all new production slated for 2011.

After more than a decade of standing ovations, Silver Dollar City Attractions announce the final days of one of Branson’s top-rated shows Showstoppers! featuring Todd Oliver and his Amazing Talking Dogs aboard the Showboat Branson Belle.

Throughout the fall and the 2010 Christmas season, visitors have the opportunity to board the Showboat Branson Belle to experience the last performances of what has become a legendary adventure on beautiful Table Rock Lake.  The fast-paced Showstoppers! presents more than 30 musical numbers in a song and dance revue, with live music and a talented quartet of singers and dancers joining the nationally-acclaimed Todd Oliver.

Showstoppers! wraps around the entire two-hour cruise, creating a highly-entertaining dining and lake experience,” said Jim Moeskau, General Manager of SBB.  ”We are counting down to the last show on December 31st and anticipate many sell-outs.  With that in mind, we encourage early reservations,” said Moeskau, who commented on the long-standing affiliation with performer, Todd Oliver.

“We have enjoyed a 13-year relationship with Todd as a highly-talented performer and a good friend of the Silver Dollar City family. We think it’s exciting for Branson that Todd and his repertoire of talent will be showcased in his own show at The Jim Stafford Theater in 2011.  This move for Todd is another great example of how Branson introduces and then nurtures talented performers who become favorites with our 8 million visitors.”

With detailed plans tightly under wraps, Branson’s grandest lake attraction is promising an all-new show for 2011, plus a new menu and new look for the authentic paddlewheeler.

“Internationally-awarded show producers with Silver Dollar City Attractions are currently creating a world-class production for 2011. We are finalizing some of the key elements, while also traveling coast-to-coast to see firsthand tremendous entertainment options that will be unique to Branson’s entertainment offering,” said Moeskau.

When asked why make dramatic changes, Moeskau said, “The grandeur of the one-of-a-kind Showboat is an experience in itself, yet we believe it is time for the Belle’s next chapter of her history.  When the stage lights come on in 2011, we promise a show like no other ever presented – one of drama and awe, comedy and laughter, song and dance,” said Moeskau, adding that details are expected to be announced in late fall.

The Showboat Branson Belle is owned and operated by Silver Dollar City Attractions/ Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation.  For cruise times and ticket information, please log on www.showboatbransonbelle.com

Below is a recent Fox 23 News Report about the Showboat Branson Belle…

Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours Reveals Freefall Xpress Is The Final Step on Blue Streak Fast Line

On the outer edge of Branson, Missouri, just north of the shows and theaters, sits Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve. Branson’s newest attraction is the home of many unique eco-adventures including the Blue Streak Fast Line with the Freefall Xpress. This thrilling experience begins with a nearly quarter-mile zip that reaches heights of over 150 feet before landing onto a 100-foot tower.  “Then many of our guests are surprised to find that from there, it’s a freefall from the top of the tower to the ground,” says Emma Hamilton General Manager. “The landing feels like you’ve jumped only 8-inches in the air.”

At Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours the only experience that has the Freefall Xpress as a method of dismounting from the 100’ platform is the Blue Streak Fast Line. The other experiences are guided, low-impact canopy tours where guests traverse multiple ziplines, sky bridges, and platforms soaring through the trees and above the forest fauna.   Some guests choose to combine a canopy tour with the Blue Streak Fast Line in order to experience the Freefall Xpress.

A unique rewind mechanism is incorporated in the fan that powers the Freefall Xpress, providing subtle tensile strength as the fall begins. The fan is driven by the descending person’s mass. There is no external power source. The PowerFan(c) allows a person to fall 70-feet before gently slowing over the next 30-feet to a complete stop. Emma says, “On the Freefall Xpress stepping off the platform into thin air is an exhilarating experience. Taking the step is the challenge; once you’ve done it you’ll want to do it again with your eyes open.”

Aside from being used to train paramilitary troops, power fans have been used commercially in areas such as Europe, though Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours has the first and only PowerFan(c) used for a 100-foot freefall in North America!  “Taking the Blue Streak Fast Line goes beyond just an amazing zip experience,” says Emma. “With the Freefall Xpress our visitors are the first to experience this cutting edge adventure.”

Visitors to Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve are also enjoying some unique nocturnal adventures – the Prospector In The Dark and the Ozarks Xplorer In the Dark. These evening and nighttime canopy tours have limited availability but they do allow adventurers to see the Ozark Mountains in a whole new way.  As always the popular Flying Prospector Canopy Tour, Ozarks Xplorer Canopy Tour, and Blue Streak Fast Line with the Freefall Xpress are operating daily.  Reservations are recommended as tour are often sold out several days in advance.

All experiences at Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours are conducted by certified guides. Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours courses meet and exceed Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) standards. Emma adds “With us, you can relax and safely enjoy your authentic eco-adventure in the Ozark Mountains!”

Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve is located 7 miles north of Branson on US Hwy 65.  For more information visit BransonZipline.com and BransonZiplineBlog.com or call 417-561-2500.

About Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve

Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Preserve offers visitors of all ages authentic eco-adventures in the Ozark Mountains.  The range of thrilling options includes a variety of guided canopy tours (inclusive guided treks across numerous ziplines, sky bridges, and platforms. Guided excursions include information about topographical, ecological and historical features.). Canopy tours include the 3-hour Ozarks Xplorer, 2-hour Flying Prospector, 2-1/2 hour Xplorer In The Dark, and the 1-1/2 hour Prospector In The Dark.  The Blue Streak Fast Line with Freefall Express is a thrilling zip from the top of the property to the base with a 100-ft freefall.  Branson Zipline & Canopy Tours at Wolfe Creek Station is a member of the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT).  The course as well as the guides certification and training meet and exceed ACCT standards.