Cathy Rigby will be in Branson soon for her latest production of "Peter Pan," which runs May 23 through Dec. 12 at The Mansion Entertainment and Media Center. Rigby said she's performed the show 2,700 times, and it's the most demanding show she's ever done.
"It's maintaining the energy of a 10-year-old boy," she said in a recent interview from her Los Angeles home. "He jumps on furniture and runs around the room while he's singing and then performs aerial ballet - and that's in the first scene."
The production is not the Disney version, she noted.
"It has a little more depth," she said. "Capt. Hook is a little scary. Tiger Lily is not an Indian caricature."
She praised The Mansion's production values from lights and sound to space and staff. She'll be joined by a cast of 30. She said she'd love to bring more Broadway to Branson.
The nation took notice of Rigby when she was on the U.S. Olympic gymnastics team in 1970. She started touring in "Peter Pan" in 1974 and has starred in numerous Broadway musicals. For information, visit www.themansiontheatre.com.
Christmas all year
North Pole Productions, the upstate New York company that will produce for the third year the annual Branson Area Festival of Lights, recently opened two shops in Branson.
Owner Tammy Peters said she understands what a strong season Christmas is in Branson, and this year the drive-through lights show will offer several new displays and music.
"I just thought Branson was an obvious place to have year-round Christmas," Peters said, noting that the move gives her another occupation during the off-season when she's not producing light shows.
North Pole Décor and More is the in the new Chappy Mall in historic downtown Branson. North Pole Sweets and Treats is located between the Baldknobbers Country Music Theatre and New Americana Theatre, home of The Haygoods.
Peters said North Pole Décor is also a commercial showroom so that area businesses can see available Christmas displays, she said.
Stand by to board
Service from the Branson Airport begins May 11, but the fun starts May 8-10 with the Branson Air Show, including an evening show May 8. The latest addition is compliments of the Canadian Air Force sending a Canadian Air Force CF-18 Hornet fighter jet to celebrate Canada's 100th anniversary of powered flight. It will perform an eye-opening tactical display. Also added to the air show lineup are a U.S. Navy F-18 Hornet and U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt.
Already on tap are the Air Force Thunderbirds and Army Golden Knights, among others. Planes on static display include a B-17, B-25, P-51 Mustang, Sea Fury, P-47 and Corsair. Another recently added feature is the 9,750-square-foot Virtual Army Experience with Army training simulators where participants can take a virtual test drive of Army equipment.
Officials say the $155 million airport is the first privately developed and operated airport in the country. For information about flights, visit www.flybranson.com. Tickets for the Branson Air Show are available at www.bransonairshow.com. General admission is $16 in advance and $18 at the gate.
Shoot For A Cause
Dale and Peggy Siler, owners of Ozark Shooters Complex, are celebrating their 20th year at the current location, 11 miles north of Branson on U.S. Highway 65. The shooting range, which opened in 1969 in Sparta, often hold special events, most open to anyone, and spectators are welcome, Peggy Siler said. May 2 is the annual Women's Charity Shotgun Shoot to raise funds for Shriners Hospitals for Children. On May 23, another shoot will support Autism Speaks. The charity shoots are for beginners as well as experienced shooters.
Ozark Shooters also hold classes and on June 13 will offer a Women's Handgun Clinic. This year, Siler said they'll do two handgun clinics because they've seen a growing interest in handguns among women and men. The clinics teach the basics, and handguns can be provided. Ozark Shooters is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. For more information, visit www.ozarkshooters.com.
Kathryn Buckstaff, membership public relations manager of Branson/Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, can be reached at kbuckstaff@bransoncvb.com.
