Furry, Feathered Scene-Stealers

Branson stars share the stage with man’s best friend—and then some.

Branson is for shows. All kinds of big shows. Right outside your door, 417-landers, you have the Liverpool Legends, Andy Williams’s crooning nostalgia and the Branson classics like the Presleys. But human talent isn’t the only thing you can see; some shows feature furry and feathered talent as well.

Todd Oliver & Friends on the Showboat Branson Belle

Nationally acclaimed comedian and ventriloquist, Todd Oliver performs with his talking dogs, Lucy, Irving and Elvis on the Showboat Branson Belle. This 1880s-style paddle-wheeler features daily and nightly dinner show cruises spotlighting 50 musical and dance numbers, a live band, comedy and more. Call or go online for details; there are many cruise times.
$24.18–69.86, Showboat Branson Belle, 4800 Highway 165, Branson, 1-800-475-9370, showboatbransonbelle.com

Justin Flom’s Fabulous Duck Trick at the Magic Parlor & Imaginary Theater

Meet Juan and his twin brother, Amaul. These ducks perform with illusionist Justin Flom in Branson. “When you’ve seen Juan, you’ve seen Amaul,” jokes Flom. But these ducks do more than quack, they break dance. Recently Flom’s show won a People’s Choice Award at the International Magic Festival in Malaysia.
7:30 p.m., Tuesday–Saturday, $16–29.95, Magic Parlor & Imaginary Theatre, 2849 Gretna Rd., Branson, 417-332-1911, justinflom.com

Noah–The Musical

Based on the Biblical tale of Noah’s Ark, the show, which opened in May, features 50 live animals as well as 50 animatronics. Call or go online for details; there are many showtimes.
$15–49, Sight & Sound Theatres, 1001 Shepherd of the Hills Exp., Branson, 1-800-377-1277, sight-sound.com

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction

This dinner show featuring amazing horse feats, stunt riders, magic and dinner was voted Best Branson Show in the 2008 Best of 417 reader’s poll. Along with seeing the horses, guests can watch ostrich races in the 35,000 square-foot arena. Call or go online for details; there are many showtimes. $
39.99–49.99. Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction, 1525 W. Highway 76, Branson, 1-800-520-5544, dixiestampede.com

Kirby & Bambi VanBurch Show

The Kirby & Bambi VanBurch Show was named Best Branson Show in the 2007 Best of 417 reader’s poll. This production features exotic animals, such as royal white tigers, leopards, lions and even a unicorn share the stage with magician Kirby VanBurch and his wife, Bambi. Call or go online for details; there are many showtimes.
$12.50–34.45, Kirby VanBurch Theatre, 2353 Highway 248, Branson, 417-337-7140, kirbyvanburch.com

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Grand Country’s Amazing Pets Spectacular Family Show

If you get a kick out of your family pet chasing its tail, just wait until you see these amazing pets. Ringleader Sean Paul and his sidekick monkey, Frankie, lead a troupe of furry creatures who perform for your love and laughter. Skilled dogs and trained housecats, many of which have been rescued from pounds and humane societies, perform new tricks, exciting acts and incredible stunts, with the help of a few exotic birds.
10 a.m., daily, $15–29, free for children 3 and younger, Grand Country Music Hall on the Grand Country Square, 1945 W. Highway 76, Branson, 1-888-514-1088, grandcountry.com

The Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Drama

Harold Bell Wright’s epic story of love, loss, power, hardship and the true meaning of life is immortalized every night at the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre in Branson.

This story of the Ozarks takes more than 80 actors, 40 horses, a flock of sheep, several guns and rifles, an actual burning log cabin and a vintage 1908 DeWitt automobile to produce. During intermission, the audience is invited to participate in a square dance hoedown with the cast. Call or go online for details; there are many showtimes.
$18–37, Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre, 5586 W. Highway 76, Branson, 1-800-653-6288, oldmatt.com