Chinese company enters Branson theater market

To say the new owners of The White House Theater in Branson are from outside the area would be an understatement.

Beijing-based China Heaven Creation International Performing Arts Co. Ltd. finalized a deal Monday to purchase the theater from Springfield businessman Bob Wehr, according to a news release from the Branson Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Company CEO Cao Xiaoning was in Branson to sign the $3.54 million deal, according to Chinese news agency Xinhua. Cao told Xinhua that the purchase marks the first time a Chinese entertainment company has purchased a U.S. theater.

"In the United States, there are many shows involving Chinese performers, like (the Incredible Acrobats of China)," Cao said in the story. "But all of these shows are arranged by foreign producers, not Chinese. So (CHC) hopes to change the situation."

Wehr was not immediately available for comment.

The first show presented in the theater by the company, founded in 1999 with backing and approval from the Chinese government's Ministry of Culture, will be "Chun Yi: The Legend of Kung Fu," which has toured throughout China as well as in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Russia and Japan.

The show is scheduled to open in May, according to the CVB.

"I believe the CHC will bring in a different type of performance that will be loved by theater-goers and tourists in Branson," said Anna Koelling, incoming general manager of the theater, in the Xinhua story.

The 57,000-square-foot theater was built in 1994 by investors for entertainer Charlie Pride and purchased in 2002 by Bob Wehr, who renamed it the White House Theater.

According to the CVB Century 21 Fridley Realtors broker Katie Lynn said China Heaven contacted her company a year ago, after researching other locations including Las Vegas and Wisconsin Dells. She said it was Branson's demographics and tourism numbers that helped convince the company to enter Branson.

"We are amazed by the rich history and abundance of business in this town," Cao said through translator Li Dazhong, according to a Branson CVB news release. "I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart."