It is no secret that Branson has been around for a long time. It has a rich history behind it, one full of bluegrass and wooded hills and dreams. Branson was first made famous when author Harold Bell Wright wrote and published the book ‘The Shepherd of the Hills’ in 1907 – after the novel was released, everyone wanted to see this backwoods town. Branson’s fame and size of township continued to grow and today, Branson is home to world famous theme parks, fantastic lakes, and of course, those amazing shows. The shows are what draw people to Branson year after year – but how did the show circuit get started in Branson? The answer would be the Mabe Brothers, an old skating rink, and a show called The Baldknobbers – the show that started it all.
In 1959, Jim, Lyle, Bill and Bob Mabe decided to make history in the Ozarks with a show that would feature timeless country music and down home comedy that would help make the town of Branson famous. Using the name of the vigilante group of old, the Mabe brother’s show became known as ‘The Baldknobbers’ – and they were an almost instant hit. Locals, tourists, and fisherman who came to test the waters fell in love with The Baldknobbers musical, funny and authentic show. The Mabe brothers show grew so popular that they decided to relocate their production to an old skating rink in town – this rink became Branson’s first live entertainment theater.
In 1968, the now famous show expanded again, this time into The Baldknobbers Theater on Highway 76. The current theater has been renovated a whopping six times, and now proudly seats an audience of 1,500 guests who come to see the show. After the fame of The Baldknobbers, other shows began popping up in Branson and today, the town has more live theater sets than Broadway!
Second and third generation family of the original four Mabe brothers are proud to carry on their family traditions. They play music from modern hits to old country classics and back again, making sure to mix lots of side-splitting comedy in between! With a talented Christian cast (many of whom performed at other well-known venues before coming to rest at The Baldknobbers Theater) and great special effects, you will see why The Baldknobbers has always been a favorite in Branson.
Now that you know the history and the inspiration that still rings true today behind The Baldknobbers, the show that started it all, you won’t want to miss catching this great Branson show. Chances are, you will end up wanting to see it again and again! So book your tickets to see The Baldknobbers today.
