Branson adds theater

Morris Group owns vacant land at 1600 W. Highway 76, across from Dixie Stampede. There, the Jan. 12-formed partnership, Belair Holdings LLC, plans to develop an $8.5 million complex, based on early cost estimates. The complex includes the 800-seat theater, a nostalgic museum, restaurant and nightclub, Lucchi said.

It’s been five years since a new theater was constructed in Branson, said Jerry Adams, Branson public information director. That’s when Starlite Theatre owners tore their theater down and rebuilt it for a May 1999 opening, Adams said. But the Roy Rogers-Dale Evans Museum, which opened in spring 2003, does house a small theater, Adams said.

“It is surprising that another theater would be built with the 40-plus theaters we have now,” Adams said, noting that visitors will benefit from the added variety.

And shows still reign supreme when it comes to activities of Branson visitors, according to the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau. Its 2004 fact sheet shows that 86.5 percent of tourists attend Branson shows. Second is shopping at 74.9 percent.

Adams also said the Belair plans speak to Branson’s economic future.

“It’s nice that developers, businesspeople and investors have that confidence in Branson’s economic future that they would invest that kind of money,” he said.

The group has yet to file a building permit, but it does have a land disturbance permit to bring in fill dirt and perform site work, Lucchi said. Architectural designs should be final in August, Lucchi said, and construction work could begin in September. Springfield firm Chamberlain Architects is drawing the plans.

Lucchi said the group is working to secure a performer. It may be something new to Branson, he said.

“We don’t have all of that signed up yet,” Lucchi said, adding that talks are ongoing for the “Lost in the ‘50s” show. “But there are several others we’re talking with also. It could be someone that’s not been to Branson before, a well-known name.”

Patch, who is developing Branson Creek and owns 900 acres slated for the Branson Regional Airport, plans to outfit the museum, called ‘57 Heaven, with his collection of more than 70 1957-era cars, and movies, music and other memorabilia, Lucchi said.

“They’re the feature of the museum,” Lucchi said of the cars.

“It’s a walk into 1957 with memorabilia from that year.”