Sad news...
What a punch in the gut...
I saw this on Facebook via Terry Wayne Sanders.
I had been holding off on a Branson visit until my job transfer was in motion. I hoped to be on the road before the summer was over, and definitely before Christmas, but that's looking pretty bleak right now.
SDC will always be there for another year, but I will not miss out on the last of SOTH.
So, either this weekend or the next, I will haul my butt up to Branson for a last chance at the greatest outdoor play ever.
That's terrible.. another branson Icon.. GONE.. :(
AHHHHHHHH! Unbelievable! I cannot fathom this! I hope it could be brought back in some limited way. Maybe just the three summer months, say on Friday and Saturday only. Whew, I hope they can do something about this. Best wishes to them all. :P :o :-\ :'(
I read this this morning on Terry's Facebook feed. Sad time indeed.
With Hunger Games, and Reality Shows, and the like... there is no was for this to compete. If the Bible cannot keep a constant audience going in Arkansas, this book cannot either.
This is one of my all time favorite novels, and I first read it in High School. Not that it is indeed the best, or most well written, but it is a place that I connect with on a higher level, and well, I feel at home with this novel, and it is the only book I have read more than once throughout my life (including a masters degree...I DO NOT read, in fact I made it through all my years of college without reading a full book and still graduating both degrees with honors).
Something to say about "Shepherd of the Hills Country" that has been lost to time. Kids and parents still come to the area, but are just more interested in coasters, mini golf, and water sports then outdoor dramas. Rant could go on and on... but sadly when I was there a few seasons back the numbers were dwindling. A large amount of the crowd were Amish/ Mennonite. I assume this is because this would be like a movie to their group (as they do not go to moving picture theaters).
I'm in Branson now and saw this announced on KY3 this morning. Last presentation is October 19. Since Branson 2for1 has tickets we are going to try to go tomorrow night if the weather cooperates. It sounds as though the play is shutting down not the entire attraction.
http://www.ky3.com/news/local/shepherd-of-the-hills-outdoor-drama-to-cease-production/-/21048998/22226910/-/2q2s7w/-/index.html
Without Shepherd of the Hills there would be no Branson. It's a sad day. :'(
Quote from: okiebluegrass on October 02, 2013, 09:04:44 AM
Without Shepherd of the Hills there would be no Branson. It's a sad day. :'(
Exactly! Although, admittedly the play just cannot keep up with modern times. Forty to fifty years ago, an outdoor play such as this made complete sense. However, in today's smart phone / tablet / internet on the go world, the play is destined to fail.
It will surely be missed, but what an outstanding run it had! :)
FYI- anyone thinking about going 1 more time, you can get a "combo" ticket which is the chuck wagon dinner/show.... AND the Play itself. I found tickets at All Access branson for 63.00 each..417-332-2121..
I will be going next sat the 12th..
Its a shame, I would imagine that next weekend and the following weekend, there will be lots of people showing up, paying there respects.... Or like me, always meant to go, and just never got around to it..
In a perfect world, Herschend Family Entertainment could step in here and help. I wish they could buy the homestead and begin producing the outdoor drama. I don't see how the homestead survives if the outdoor drama cannot. Maybe with their marketing machine, they could make it profitable again. Or, at the very least, SOTH would make a great drama for the Opera House Theater or even Echo Hollow. I'm having a hard time imagining the Ozarks without the Shepherd of the Hills. I took my family to see the outdoor drama this summer because I was afraid this was coming. What would Sarah and the girls say?!
That was my thoughts when I first saw the news. Surley Herchand Ent can acquire SOTH. for goodness sakes they just purchased the Harlem Globetrotters. The play must go on. That in it's self is historical.
I have thought that when Shepherd of the Hills became unprofitable, the farm could be DONATED to the state of Missouri for preservation as a state park. Much of the touristy things could be pulled, the homestead tour could still be offered, they could still do the big car show as a special event, they could keep a trail of lights, even perform the play to a limited schedule. It is absolutely true that without the success of the Shepherd of the Hills novel, the Branson tourism scene would probably have been limited to hunting and fishing and camping. Not unlike Cassville with Roaring River State Park and Mark Twain National Forest.
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I sincerely believe Mark Trimble saw this coming in 1985, and that is why he sold out. Interest in historic attractions since the early and mid-80s has waned. That, I believe, is why SDC has moved more and more each year in the direction it has. The last few years I visited Branson in mid-August and saw that many attractions, SDC, Shepherd of the Hills, many music shows, close down for about a week. That would have been unheard of in 1980. Times change.
With all that said, this announcement still floors me...I cannot imagine Branson without the Shepherd of the Hills play.
'Sad that the unsightly tower and zipline still stands and operates, but the history and intellectual things get thrown in the garbage. This was a great show, and video can't do it justice.
I am surprised, with all the gimmicks that SotH tried through the years, that they never brought entertainers into the amphitheater to perform.
You guys have to apply the same logic to SOTH as you to to new attractions at them parks. Dollywood shut down Adventure Mountian because of Labor issues. SOTH Play has a staff of 30+ with the tower only staffing 1 and the trams only having 1 driver. The play is just not what people want anymore. It is a shame that it is leaving, I played Ollie Stewart for two seasons so it cuts me deep to see it go. I think It will be revered, but not with the current valor. Production costs are going to have to go way down... Is anyone else picturing a new Fall Festival show, or Echo Hollow replacement?
There is an opportunity for SDC here, if they could get the rights. How great would it be to see a SotH reenactment at Echo Hollow, but I have an idea that's a pipe dream. Perhaps it's time to add some drama to the Hollow - even produce a musical version.
As much as I liked the play and am very sad to see it go I really do not see why HFE would want to get into a money losing situation. I am almost ashamed to say the last time we went was probably 10 years or so ago. At that time I was surprised at how the number of seats that had been taken out and the state of the theater in general. This is just another sign of Branson transitioning into a different type of destination. It will have to to survive. The hillbilly days are over and to attract the new audiences, shows, theme parks and restaurants will need to change to a more modern theme. I think Junior gave a great analysis above of the situation. Hopefully something can be done to preserve the rural area and the homestead in the future. It would be sad to see condos line the old theater site, but it would not surprise me. I have said it before but here it is again. SDC needs Branson and Branson needs SDC for both to survive. Here is hoping they find a common path for success.
An article in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette today said the theater was put up for sale this year, but NO bidders. I think they could use this for another show, and still keep the play on a limited basis with maybe a smaller cast. The article I read also said that the theater has been loosing money for a while, and the other Snaden investments have kept it floating. The article said Obamacare was another reason they were scaling back on employees. It said they have faced increased costs in insurance that are just too much. The article quoted another Branson area official who discussed the economic situation in Branson, and he said tourism peaked in 2008, and since the crash has been in decline as people stay at home or vacation closer to home.
Someone should have realized, a long time ago, that doing the same show night after night, year after year, decade after decade, is not a plan for longevity. While it worked during the heyday of the 1970s and 80s, I'm not going to go back to see it more than a two or three times in my lifetime. Had they interspersed it with other productions, perhaps it would have attracted more return patrons and kept people interested. Too bad, since the production was top notch. I would have loved to have seen them work their magic with other shows, as well.
A musical version of SOTH at SDC...that would be so cool! I love a good broadway-style show!
I went to the same show night after night, year after year, and loved it.
The last time I went, I have to admit that I was less than impressed. Disappointed, actually, with the casting and the acting.
I'm going one last time for old time's sake, but I think the drop in business was less about the changing audience, than it was about the changed (for the worse) production.
Maybe they could put on the play at the opera house. ;D
Let's move the cowboys from Silver Dollar City to SOTH. They already have the Sons of the Pioneers. Imagine the stunt show you could have at that theater!
Welp, I'll be there the 19th. Already had my tickets. Little did I know that this would be the last.....sad indeed.
Another problem that I noticed several years ago is I think Branson outgrew SOTH. What I mean by that is there was a time you could enjoy the show in the darkness, hear the tree frogs and actually feel secluded and be drawn into the show. (Of course, this was also the time when it was a 10 minute drive from Branson to SOTH) I noticed sometime in the 90's while sitting there trying to enjoy the performance the distractions from the searchlights, flickers from the strip, the noise of the traffic and sadly, the fireworks display from Celebration City. Within time, all the "magic" that made SOTH unique was gone. The "trail that nobody knows how old" was simply overtaken.
Just another story of a farm being surrounded by the 'burbs! I know a gal at Tontitown, AR whose husband is a 5th generation farmer. The town grew up around his farm, and a few years ago the city counsel passed a resolution that he and some other farmers in city limits could farm until they retired or died. Their heirs are not allowed to farm, zoning says the property is for building houses on or putting businesses on now. Pretty sad, but true. If they want to they can leave the land undeveloped, but cannot farm it. :'( The Trimbles, and later the Snadons, owners of SOTH, should have bought up more land when they had the chance. Too late now, unless they dig DEEEEEP!
I really think it would make a great state historic site, but sadly I doubt the state of Missouri State Park Division has the money to buy it and run it. They have done a great job in the past when they took over Onondoga cave. Not saying they should run the play, just maintain the historical aspects.
Yes, Runner, I agree. Maybe it would be appreciated more if Missouri took it over and operated it as a historical park. They could even do the play on a limited basis. Maybe buy the contents to the Harold Bell Wright Museum and put it where it belongs in Branson.
I think there would be some limited interest in this. Again, I would like to see some quality Missouri- or Ozarks-set shows in there, rotated from SotH, Laura Ingalls Wilder (performed in nearby Mansfield, yearly, though I've not attended), Big River, etc. Perhaps a yearly rotation, with small concerts peppered in, as well.
HistoryBuff, that was my first thought - I hoped SDC would produce it at Echo Hollow.
Rube, I feel the same as you about the book. It's not the worlds greatest literary novel, but its been my favorite read since I was 10 yrs. old. I allow myself to re-read it every five yrs. so that I never tire of it.
The hubs and I attended the last show of the season last year. It was a great night. Quite a large crowd and everyone was enjoying it.
Quote from: Junior on October 05, 2013, 06:33:18 AM
Yes, Runner, I agree. Maybe it would be appreciated more if Missouri took it over and operated it as a historical park. They could even do the play on a limited basis. Maybe buy the contents to the Harold Bell Wright Museum and put it where it belongs in Branson.
A great idea, but MO State Parks probably doesn't have the money or personnel to manage a new park, let along stage a production of a play. A good friend of mine is the site director of a park (I won't say which one), but I can tell you he barely has enough of a budget to employ the staff he has, make needed repairs to the historic structure on site, mow the lawn, etc.
T.
I was looking at a map last night and noticed the the SOTH property is almost completely surrounded by the Henning State Forest. Too bad it couldn't all be incorporated into one big Shepherd of the Hills State Historic Site.
If we could just find the Gold from Ole Man Dewey's cave ...
"It's for him that there bald is named for!" LOL
And for the record....I'm NOT bald! I took that screen name from the book (and the bald knob).
Quote from: History Buff on October 03, 2013, 07:47:19 PM
Someone should have realized, a long time ago, that doing the same show night after night, year after year, decade after decade, is not a plan for longevity. While it worked during the heyday of the 1970s and 80s, I'm not going to go back to see it more than a two or three times in my lifetime. Had they interspersed it with other productions, perhaps it would have attracted more return patrons and kept people interested. Too bad, since the production was top notch. I would have loved to have seen them work their magic with other shows, as well.
Isn't this pretty much what Dixie Stampede does? Granted they have a Christmas show, and they do change a few minor things from year to year, but I've been there 4 or 5 times in the last 10 or so years and it seems pretty much the same to me.
Larson, I was biting y tongue, BUT since you broke the ice.. I think that is what is wrong with a lot of the shows in branson... same thing this yea, as last year, as the year before and 10 years,.,.,,,,, Come on!! redo you show over the winter! how hard can it really be.??
//.
a list of shows that have remained the same ( or very very close)..
Baldknobbers,
Jim Stafford,
Kirby (I have not seen his show this year since he moved)
Amazing pets,
Hamner/Barber (this is their last year together)
Todd Oliver (used same skit as he had on showboat for several years).
These are just shows that I am familiar with... I know there are others.....
Sight and Sound seems to understand this with their rotation of shows at their theaters, including changing from Noah to Joseph.
The Hughes Brothers seem to do a different it production every year.
I just want a rotation, so I get a chance to miss a show for a few years before seeing it again.
Keeping things fresh is the key. For example, Silver Dollar City seems to add, and / or change something every single year.
However, it is a bit more complicated than that. How do you mix things up while still staying true to your roots? How do you change up a play that is based off a book? How do you keep things fresh, and interesting when you are telling the same story? How do you allow, or refuse to allow technology to play a role in the production?
Plus, there are literally dozens of new, and innovative shows just down the road that feature air conditioned buildings, and other comfort amenities. Shepherd of the Hills is certainly a hard sell.
I agree that shows do tend to get stale. But the point I was trying to make was, in spite of this, DS and these others are still successful and still fill seats. I don't think that SOTH doing the same show year after year after year has as much to do with its demise as other factors. The other shows continue on, even by repeating the same thing (or close) by bringing in new audiences. Sure there is more giltz and glamour, lights, music etc., but once you've seen them, you've seen them. I can go to DS in Branson, Pigeoen Forge or wherever and pretty much know what's going to happen. This summer we went to Lumberjack Fued in Pigeon Forge and it was the same thing. Red vs Blue, log "cookies" instead of flags, but I knew how it would go. SOTH failed, IMHO, but not bringing in new generations in large enough amounts to their show. And I'm not saying it's entirely their fault. Tastes have changed over the years, as we've discussed. But when was the last time you saw a TV commercial for SOTH? Or a radio ad? Or anything other than Sunny Day or Travelhost? I can buy Coke anywhere in the state and find a coupon for either SDC or Dixie Stampede. Maybe they have tried some mass market ads and they didn't work. I don't know. But I do know it will be missed and Branson is not better off without it.
Quote from: Ozark BBQ on October 07, 2013, 11:59:26 PM
However, it is a bit more complicated than that. How do you mix things up while still staying true to your roots? How do you change up a play that is based off a book? How do you keep things fresh, and interesting when you are telling the same story? How do you allow, or refuse to allow technology to play a role in the production?
Well said.
From the moment I first heard the announcement, I decided I had to go see the play one last time.
Now, I'm not so sure. I don't have anyone to take (my wife and kids are in New Hampshire, and my mother isn't up to going). I can't imagine going to Branson and skipping SDC, but I can't imagine going alone, either.
I'm afraid of being disappointed in the production, like I was last time I saw it in '99. The acting was overblown and ham-fisted, and the audio was horrible compared to the '70s. If I hadn't known the lines by heart, I couldn't have understood a word.
I think I'm just going to rely on my happy memories instead.
couldn't agree more larsonsix. All the music shows flood the market with ads and promotions and their billboards line the highway to Branson, but you can count on one hand how many SOTH billboards or promotional materials you see. It's almost like they just sat there on the hill and had that "we started it all" attitude and expected the people to come. Sadly enough, they didn't show up!
KBCraig - I know what you mean about being disappointed. The last time I was there (which was several years ago) I had the same feelings as you did. Oddly enough, when planning this trip on our fall break from school, I asked the wife if she wanted to see the show again and we decided on the last day of the season. Simply because I love the story and it had been a while since we had seen it last. Surely their final show will be a sellout. But who knows....this may end up being like The Great Passion Play.
If I have the chance to go, I'll go. It is doubtful, as I have started a new job and have many family and church commitments right now. However, I'll say it again. I'm very sad to see this go, and I wish they could have cranked things up at SOTH like it was back in the late 70s/early 80s...the farm was rockin' full all the time. The farm tours and the play were packed, and it took a small army of people to keep moving those tourists through. Too bad those times are gone, it is very sad for me to see, especially since I went to high school with the son of the former owner, and one of the daughters of the current owner. So, the loss of this, in some ways, is very personal to me.
I saw it 4 or 5 years ago for the first time in a long time. I was disappointed in the canned audio that played in the background and some of the script changes that referred to "Branson". Despite the disappointment, I still enjoyed it. The hubs and I went to the end of the season show last year, and in spite of the above disappointments that were still there, we both enjoyed it tremendously. Hubs had a feeling that it was getting close to the end of the production. We planned to go again this year, but...I broke my leg and now I'm sitting in rehab. Such is life...
About 10-15 years ago, we stayed at a new hotel on Gretna Road, and the owner was giving us show suggestions. We weren't then, and aren't now, interested in the Branson show scene, but we politely listened. She told us to avoid Shepherd of the Hills because it was old and very boring - not nearly as exciting as the music shows. We just smiled.
Shepherd of the Hills will remain my favorite "Branson show". I am saddened about its demise.
Quote from: DeweyBald on October 08, 2013, 08:16:46 PM
couldn't agree more larsonsix. All the music shows flood the market with ads and promotions and their billboards line the highway to Branson, but you can count on one hand how many SOTH billboards or promotional materials you see. It's almost like they just sat there on the hill and had that "we started it all" attitude and expected the people to come. Sadly enough, they didn't show up!
It is interesting. Most people either know about Shepherd of the Hills, or they don't. If I knew nothing about Branson history, I am sure I would just simply pass by, and think "eh, well that's a nice observation tower," and never know about the actual play there.
I think it's about time they remade it into a movie, but stick to the book this time. Not like that John Wayne crap
I have thought about that as of lately, and I don't think it has the widespread appeal. It was a book, but doesn't have vampires, or wizards, or a sequel to make more money for the motion picture companies.
Go here to see my thread about the movie remake scenario!
http://sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=2735.0 (http://sdcfans.com/forums/index.php?topic=2735.0)
Speaking of modern movies, 95% (maybe more!?!) are absolute crap. Last movie I saw in the theater was Soul Surfer, and before that it was UP. I guess the times have just passed me by, but considering the popularity of Duck Dynasty and RFD-TV maybe its time for it. Good wholesome entertainment seems to be ready to make a comeback.
Went to the drive in for Despicable Me 2, and Planes...before that I think it was The Artist...don't go often because of my daughter who is 2 now...so the last 3 yrs have been a blur, no movies!
Back to topic, we went last Thursday night while we were in Branson. I estimate about 200 people were there. Most of the crowd was elderly and had difficulty with the many steps in the amphitheater. Even though an announcement was made at the beginning about turning off cell phones and no flash photography, there was a good bit of flash photography and cell phone use. At intermission another announcement was made. We even changed seats during intermission due to the folks in front us being not polite and respectful of the people around them.
Although I had seen the play as a child and then as an adult about 25 years ago, I really didn't remember much of the play. At the beginning of the play we had some difficulty in understanding what was being said -- low volume, dialect, speed of speaking, but that did improve as the play went on. Not much interaction between young Matt and Sammie before Ollie arrived back from the big city so it was difficult to see why she was torn between Ollie and young Matt.
Terry Sanders played Ollie. He totally lost it at one point during his monologue because of something yelled to him from the audience. It was very funny.
Anyway, we could understand some of the things that led to a decline in attendance. I can see how the play could be revamped somewhat to fit into SDC as a production similar to "For the Glory" or "Headin' West".
Interesting mini review biscuitcreek! :)
According to Terry Sander's Facebook post, it was standing room only at the play on Friday night.
Quote from: okiebluegrass on October 10, 2013, 11:11:58 AM
Speaking of modern movies, 95% (maybe more!?!) are absolute crap. Last movie I saw in the theater was Soul Surfer, and before that it was UP. I guess the times have just passed me by, but considering the popularity of Duck Dynasty and RFD-TV maybe its time for it. Good wholesome entertainment seems to be ready to make a comeback.
Guess you missed that whole best show ever stuff about a guy that cooks meth ;D
Good By Baby Blue
Quote from: chittlins on October 12, 2013, 12:25:28 PM
Quote from: okiebluegrass on October 10, 2013, 11:11:58 AM
Speaking of modern movies, 95% (maybe more!?!) are absolute crap. Last movie I saw in the theater was Soul Surfer, and before that it was UP. I guess the times have just passed me by, but considering the popularity of Duck Dynasty and RFD-TV maybe its time for it. Good wholesome entertainment seems to be ready to make a comeback.
Guess you missed that whole best show ever stuff about a guy that cooks meth ;D
Good By Baby Blue
Oh yes Breaking Bad , best show ever.
Went last nite, did the sons of pioneers and the play also..
Very good dinner and show by the pioneers. They sang some great classic, old country songs and some good ole western songs.. None of the new "county western" crap.. :)
The play was sold out and is already sold out next Thursday,friday and of course sat.. (last nite)
Well depicted, well played, the actors did a "decent" job overall. Evidently the Terry Sander, getting yelled at from the audience and him "losing it" is part of the show,, It is a great break in the play, and FUNNY!!
After watching it, I see why it is losing its touch.. too bad it could not be revamped, modified, "fancied" up and get renewed... but only so much you can do.
I could see something like this being done in the red gold hall, if it was done like Its a wonderful life, with all the different backgrounds..
Overall nice show, This is an Icon that will be missed
Although my first wish is for SDC to take over it, I wonder if School of the Ozarks could do a good job with it. They have some hard working creative kids there. With a little advertising, and some sprucing up, I could see it working.
This is terrible news. :( Sadly, this is just the beginning. I don't see SOTH staying open at all for very long unless someone steps in and buys it. We have made it a family effort to visit SOTH every year and have taken the tour many times. It is my favorite novel of all time. I have only seen the show twice, however, and the last time was probably 10 or 15 years ago. My father never wanted to go to the show. I was planning on taking my wife to be next year after she read the novel, as I have been wanting to go again. Now I have to face the harsh realization that I won't get to see it again.
Sadly, I see SOTH going the way of Mutton Hollow. I think Inspiration Tower will stay open with the zipline, but the rest of the park will go under. Hopefully the State will step in and name it a State Park, or someone like SDC will buy it, but I'm not going to hold my breath. Funny that the novel speaks about the mad, senseless rush of the world. That same rush is leading to decreased attendance at this gem of a park.
Well I guess it is a National Historic Landmark, so the Cabin and area will always be preserved, right? At least it can't go anywhere. I just wonder about the tours, shops, lights, chuckwagon, etc.
Quote from: sanddunerider on October 13, 2013, 07:06:07 AM
Well depicted, well played, the actors did a "decent" job overall. Evidently the Terry Sander, getting yelled at from the audience and him "losing it" is part of the show,, It is a great break in the play, and FUNNY!!
As much as I love Terry Wayne, I do
not like how he/they turned Ollie into an absurd clown. He was a clownish character even in the book, but believably so, as a local who just got too puffed up with himself.
QuoteAfter watching it, I see why it is losing its touch.. too bad it could not be revamped, modified, "fancied" up and get renewed... but only so much you can do.
I think the show suffered too much of that already; see my previous comments.
It seems that the more they moved from locals to "professional actors", the more rushed and stilted the dialogue became, until it sounded like the 9th Grade class play.
30+ years ago, we wandered the stage before the show like we were visiting a real town. The blacksmith was working, the steam engine was running and grinding meal, and cast members were milling around in character just like SDC Citizens did back in that same time frame. We joined in the barn dance and joined the bucket brigade to help put out the cabin fire. The fight scenes were frighteningly realistic, and the body-mounted mics captured each punch leaving no doubt that they weren't just playing around. The livestock were gorgeous and the actors knew how to ride (there's nothing like a flying dismount from a saddle mule who's skidding to a stop, or that wagon sliding sideways after flying in from stage right behind a 4 horse/mule team at full run!)
Like I said, this is why after some contemplation I decided to skip going one last time, and just savor my memories.
KB, you are absolutely correct..... My point being, that through the years the people that enjoyed the show has either passed away, moved on, or just don't go as often.... AND the new generations just "don't get it"..
Kids might enjoy it if it was flashy, had some lasers and such.... (maybe).. And now, if the kids done enjoy it, or don't want to go..... they parents cave in and move on............. NOT all parents, but a large majority of them..
didn't know this... not only is the play ending..... the son of the pioneers are no longer going to be there for the dinner/show..... what a shame, this is a real loss to the area... starting to sound to me like the current owners needed to find investers or maybe sold out and got in some fresh money..... no offense intended top current owners..
http://bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_84e83174-35dc-11e3-9a1b-0019bb2963f4.html
Driving back into town from SDC this past Saturday night it looked like things were really hopping at Shepherd of the Hills. It was the largest crowd I had seen in a long, long time. The parking lot was full, there were a bunch of trams running and a long line for dinner. It reminded me of the glory days when large crowds were common but made me sad to think the play is going away.
yes, I was there sat for the sons, then the play... quite a dinner crowd.. lots of people walking aound the lots, stores and inspiration tower area... of course play was sold out...
lots of people there, the weather was near perfect
I found on Facebook that the closing of the Shepherd of the Hills has made national news at the Wall Street Journal. It's quite an interesting read!
http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304384104579141710952645676 (http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304384104579141710952645676)
very nice article.. it will for sure be a loss..
there is some off the wall speculation going on about the show being picked up by others... but nothing concrete yet, but I am hoping....
Good article. Loved the photos and illustrations. Hoss Braden and Terry Sanders, of course, are a couple of the guys I knew and worked with in the old days. I wish everyone connected to Shepherd of the Hills Homestead and Play all the best. I pray the last performance Saturday night will be a good one, with lots of happy memories made.
It honestly gives me chills that this is the last play. I can't imagine what it would feel like to be acting in the final production tonight. It must be sad, but also in a way it must be an honor. You are out there representing all those who have played your part before you. Almost eery, in a sense. Let's hope they have a great one. Sad I can't be there, but I would probably feel very down afterward if I was there. :'(
Please God, help Branson save the things that made it great!
Quote from: Preachin_Bill on October 19, 2013, 09:32:32 AM
It honestly gives me chills that this is the last play. I can't imagine what it would feel like to be acting in the final production tonight. It must be sad, but also in a way it must be an honor. You are out there representing all those who have played your part before you. Almost eery, in a sense. Let's hope they have a great one. Sad I can't be there, but I would probably feel very down afterward if I was there. :'(
Please God, help Branson save the things that made it great!
Very well stated, Preachin Bill. I feel the same way! The book is the reason I wanted to get married there, and my first born was named after Young Matt.
Truthfully, (for history reasons) I would have really liked to be there tonite. It would have certainly been "A Night To Remember". However (here is the truthfully part). Im not sure I could have handled it emotionally. I imagine I would have been too busy thinking about it being "the final show" that I wouldnt have enjoyed it as much as I have in the past. (Fortunately I have seen it a dozen times or so).
I also imagine that the cast was feeling the same feelings. I bet the show was long and tearful. Likely alot of long spells between dialogue, and probably several messed up lines. All to be expected on the final show.
Yea Im not sure I could have handled it, (If my suspicions were actually right).
I agree, qwed94! Definitely a night to remember! Now that the curtain has fallen, did anyone get a chance to see the last show? I am very curious about how it went. :)
I took my Mom and a good friend to the last show. It was actually different from when I just went last Saturday, there were more of the original lines and many more actors. I was a little disappointed last Saturday, I had not seen it since 2002 and there were a lot of changes. This last show, the last show was very good and yes very emotional. The actors seem to have more heart in the lines and emotion like it used to be. They did a wonderful job, no flubbed lines just more "real". After the show, we met all the actors and talked about the memories, it was awesome! I learned how many years each had been there and the different parts they played throughout the years. As they got older, they then played the older characters, etc. - it was surreal so to speak. You met the "Young" Matt, who became the "Old" Matt, same with Sammy Lane, and so on. They did say there has been some interest in keeping it going, like us they have their fingers crossed. I am so glad I went and to be a part of "the last" show. I was on the edge of my seat the whole show as I was aware of the true story and seeing how it used to be. If they kept with the original and what they did on the last show, I could see more people going. If they kept to what they did last Saturday, well not impressed. That's just my thoughts anyway! :) Anyone else go?
Quote from: eagle1 on October 20, 2013, 04:47:53 PM
I was on the edge of my seat the whole show as I was aware of the true story and seeing how it used to be. If they kept with the original and what they did on the last show, I could see more people going. If they kept to what they did last Saturday, well not impressed. That's just my thoughts anyway! :) Anyone else go?
I wholeheartedly agree! I wasn't happy with the new changes, either. The original was so, so much better!
I was there eagle and I felt the same way. I've been going to SOTH all my life so it hit home and became emotional when the Baldknobbers gave their 21 gun salute. By the way...who's T-Bird is that? It's been fun watching the progress over the past year!
That T-Bird belongs to my lovely hubby! It's been his project car just like the others, he really enjoys buying something and turning into something fun. The T-Bird is to be an exact replica of Buddy Baker's car! ;D
Glad to know you were there too Dewey and enjoyed it, I sure do hope they are able to come back. That last performance made it so that I once realize again how much I'm going to miss it!
http://bransontrilakesnews.com/news_free/article_980ba034-3824-11e3-aad2-001a4bcf887a.html
I don't know if it's just wishful thinking or they know something we don't but the cast seems to think it will be revived. Especailly Terry Sanders' comments.
Hello, sorry to revive an old thread with my first post, but we are looking at a Branson trip this summer and I came across this thread while trying to find out what happened to the Shepherd of the Hills play.
It looked like the last posts in this thread suggested the play could possibly be revived and I wondered if anyone had heard any new information on that.
I guess I have an odd family. I have two teenagers, a girl and a boy, and they both love the play. In fact, aside from SDC, it's the highlight of a Branson vacation for them. There's something wonderful about spending a beautiful Ozark summer evening out under the stars at the Shepherd amphitheater.
At this point it doesn't look like reviving the play is much of a possibility, at least at the Homestead. The website http://www.oldmatt.com (http://www.oldmatt.com) doesn't look like it has been updated since last fall.
Gary Snadon passed away on Halloween and ever since I just haven't heard much. Anybody else got any updates?
The Sons of the Pioneers have also left SOTH and will have their shows at the Balknobbers Theater on the strip. The group who has been doing the Christmas shows in the Pavillion Theater at SOTH will now have nightly dinner shows during the season at the Pavillion Theater.
Biscuit, your right about that, the announcement for the "new" chuck wagom meal/show was made 2 or 3 weeks ago,.,.,, glad something will be there..!! I will give them a try for sure..
Whoa, somehow I missed this news and this thread. Damn, this does suck. I actually never got around to visiting or really appreciating this attraction. Come to think of it, I've never had a chance to read the book either. This is one of those things I wish I could have gotten in on and done something to help preserve it. There's not much of the Ozarks left in Branson as it is, and this is one of the final straws.
According to the ads in Travelhost and some press releases, the Homestead tour will be open this year along with Inspiration Tower.
yea, that's right biscuit..
That along with the new group doing the dinner shows :) :),,,,,
we are only missing the play. :(
Well at least that is some good news. ;D
They never intended to do away with the "homestead tour",
I am surprised that they let the Son go, since they are going to have a dinner show anyway..??
Maybe it was time for a change??
I just saw Shepherd of the Hills two years ago. I heard about it years ago but had never gone. Glad I did before it closed. My mom always raved about the Passion Play but I never saw that. I saw a similar one in Branson that also started with a P but I can't remember the name. Had live animals like the Passion Play but was inside...I personally love outdoor plays, concerts, etc.
The Promise
I just saw Shepherd of the Hills two years ago. I heard about it years ago but had never gone. Glad I did before it closed. My mom always raved about the Passion Play but I never saw that. I saw a similar one in Branson that also started with a P but I can't remember the name. Had live animals like the Passion Play but was inside...I personally love outdoor plays, concerts, etc.