Branson’s newest production show, Chun Yi – The Legend of Kung Fu opened to rave reviews this week at the completely renovated White House Theatre.

This amazing Chinese production debuted in China in 2004 and was designated as the main show of the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

The Legend of Kung Fu has wowed and amazed audiences with its unique combination of traditional martial arts skill, aerial ballet, dance and music and has been performed more than 3000 times worldwide being  seen by more than 2 million people.

The Legend of Kung Fu’s story revolves around a young man’s journey to reach enlightenment by overcoming obstacles in his life.  The cast of 65 performers makes this one of the largest theatrical productions in Branson, immersing audiences in magnificent scenery, lighting, sound and special effects as the tale unfolds.

Purchase Tickets Online Now

The show is a production of China Heaven Creation, founded in 1999 with the backing of the China Travel Service and approval from the Ministry of Culture of the People’s Republic of China as a national model for cultural export.

A newly designed fountain show a the Branson Landing this summer pays tribute to the Legend of Kung Fu. Below is a video of the premiere of the new Branson Landing fountain production with actual members of the cast performing in front of Lake Tanycomo.

More information: www.KungFuBranson.com

Awards for 2010 Small Business and Charity of the Year

BRANSON, Mo. – Stone Hill Winery, which opened its Branson location in 1986, was named Small Business of the Year, and Christian Associates was named Charity of the Year on Thursday.  The annual Small Business and Charity of the Year Awards are presented by Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce. The event was held at Big Cedar Lodge’s Grandview Conference Center.

The event drew 148 Branson area residents and members of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau, said Ladona Johnson, Chamber Director of Membership Services. Each of the 13 other businesses and charities which were nominated also received recognition.

It was the largest turnout for the small business awards which have been presented since 1999, said Ross Summers, president and CEO of the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention & Visitors Bureau. The Charity of the Year award was added last year.

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of Branson,” Summers said.

Ventriloquist Jim Barber opened the event.  Sponsors included Ozark Mountain Bank, the Branson Tri-Lakes News, The Vacation Channel and Big Cedar Lodge.

Nominees for Small Business of the Year included Branson Bank, Branson Coach, Cook Roofing, Digital Lunchbox, First Community Bank, I Fix Computers, Lilleys’ Landing, Stone Hill Winery and Tatman’s Fine Jewelry.

Stone Hill Winery was opened by the Held family in 1965 in Hermann. They have expanded their winery in Branson three times over the years. Here, they produce spumante, a carbonated wine they bottle onsite. They age cream sherry in barrels. And they have a laser etching booth for personalizing glasses.

Once they introduce customers to their product, they collect zip code information from customers to determine where to focus distribution, said owner Thomas Held. It’s now in Illinois, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas. Since 1993, they have won more than 3,500 awards including last year’s Missouri Governor’s Cup.

StoneHillWinery.com 417-334-1897

Nominees for Charity of the Year include Christian Associates, Generation Rescue/A Day for Shay & Pals, Jesus Was Homeless, Love Inc., Mountain Country Homes of Hope and Ozark Adventures Inc.

Christian Associates was founded in 1975 to help families with housing and food. In the mid-1980s, CA started Harbor Lights, providing shelter to victims of domestic abuse. In 2008, they established on-premise the Harbor House shelter. In the past two years, CA has bought a 23-unit emergency shelter, a 30-unit transitional housing facility and began on-site childcare.
This year, they plan a childcare and pre-school center. In 2009, they provided domestic violence services for 1,196 adults and children. The Food Pantry served 2,330 adults and children.

Christian-Associates.com 417-739-3200

Contact the Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureau at 417-334-4084 or 800-296-0463.

Visit www.bransonchamber.com.

After a nationwide casting including hundreds of applicants, The Cat’s Pajamas officially sign on Marcus Terell and Chris Chatham.  Following David Still’s farewell show on June 19th, the group will welcome Marcus and Chris to the stage at The Dutton Family Theater for their first performance on Tuesday, June 22nd at 2:00pm.

Marcuss Terell is best known for his performances on American Idol Seasons Three (top 60) and Four (top 55) and America’s Got Talent Season Four where he reached the top 40 performing as “Marcus Terell and the Serenades.”  As a native of Kansas City, Missouri, Marcus was enthusiastic about the chance to leave Los Angeles and make his way home.  This smooth tenor brings a seductive sound with impressive range to The Cat’s Pajamas beautiful harmonies.

Chris Chatham is an a capella genious, having graduated Magna Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music after only three years.  Chris is best known for the eight years he spent performing as the high tenor for the world renowned pop/rock a capella group Blue Jupiter, ironically the group who won the Oreo Cookie Jingle Competition in 2005 beating the newly established group, The Cat’s Pajamas.

The Cat’s Pajamas are very excited to welcome these two new versatile vocalists to the show.  Their energy, skill, range and passion make both gentlemen ideal additions sure to take The Cat’s Pajamas vocal band to an all new level of harmonies.

More Information: The Cats Pajamas Official Website

Contact:

Heather Kartholl – Director of Marketing
417-559-5955
hkartholl@gmail.com