Chinese acrobats take over Branson’s Mel Tillis Theatre

An acrobatics act from central China closed Monday on the purchase of the former Mel Tillis Theatre in Branson.

Craig Richards, president of Central Bank of Branson, said the bank owned the 2527 State Highway 248 property for around four years after calling a loan due.

The property, which has been used in the interim for events under the Branson Events Center moniker, faced the foreclosure action when it was known as Tri-Lakes Center. Previously, it was mostly used as a church but also brought in international entertainers. The center became wrapped in controversy when Tri-Lakes Center’s former manager, David Betzer, was accused of tax fraud, according to Branson Tri-Lakes News.

Richards said the bank hired Rick Billington of Re/Max Lifestyle Realty to broker the sale for undisclosed terms.

According to CommercialSearch.com, the 113,000-square-foot building with seating for over 2,600 on nearly 24 acres was listed for sale at $7.5 million. County music singer Tillis originally built the theater in 1994 for $23 million, according to CountryWeekly.com.

China’s Xinhua Finance Agency reports the buying entity was Henan Acrobatics Group, based in the Henan province city of Puyang.

"The purchase of the overseas arts performance center is a vital moment for the group's development and an important step for Chinese acrobatics to tap the international market," Henan Acrobatics Group President Fu Jien said on Wednesday, according to Xinhua.

The company, which has staged performances in over 30 countries and regions, reportedly will open in Branson next year. At least two competitors exist in Branson: Acrobats of China at Yakov’s Theatre and Amazing Acrobats of Shanghai at the New Shanghai Theatre.