Talking Dogs, Real Dummies, & The Smiling Eyes perform with Todd Oliver in Branson, MO

(Tuesday, August 10, 2010 ~ Branson, MO) Nationally known comedian Todd Oliver will appear at the Jim Stafford Theatre in Branson, Missouri in his own show, Todd Oliver & Friends, in 2011. Todd Oliver & Friends shows begin on Tuesday, March 1, 2011, and will run through December 30, 2011. Todd Oliver, known for his amazing talking dogs and hilarious comedy, says, “Along with my canine friends – Irving, Lucy, and Elvis – I’ll be joined by a ‘real’ cast of characters like Pops, Miss Lilly, Joey, and my outstanding Smiling Eyes Band. We’ve got a lot of audience participation segments, original music, and outrageous comedy.” Irving the talking dog adds, “We’re gonna turn everyday K-9 experiences into a howling good time!” While Todd Oliver has developed his show over the course of several years, this is the first time that his full show will be available to Branson audiences. Shows are at 12 noon and include a lunch served prior to the show. There will also be some 6:00pm shows in December with dinner served prior to the show.

Jim Stafford, theater owner and comic-genius, says, “I’m thrilled about having Todd Oliver at my theater. Todd’s got a fall-down funny, hip comedy style and a totally different show that audiences of all ages love. Not only have Todd and I been great friends throughout the years, we’ve talked about what great fun it would be to perform in the same theater. Now that this place is going to the dogs, I’m just happy Irving isn’t a Chihuahua.” Todd adds, “At least they can talk and have had their shots. On an important note, these dogs are family pets, some of whom have been adopted, and they wag their tails while they work like a dog.”

Another unique aspect to Todd Oliver & Friends is that a picnic lunch is included in the show ticket and is served prior to the show. Lunch includes your choice of sandwich, hotdog, or PB&J (for kids), and beverage choices, as well as seasonal side items like potato salad, chips, baked beans, cookies, cupcakes, strawberry soup, and more. Table seating for lunch is provided. Stafford adds, “Doggie bags are optional.”

Todd Oliver’s national appearances on “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson”, “The Today Show”, “Late Show with David Letterman”, “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno”, “The Howie Mandel Show”, “Walker Texas Ranger”, "CNN Entertainment News”, and others along with his consistent touring schedule around the world at major clubs, corporate meetings and conventions have kept his unique show current with today’s audiences. David Letterman proclaimed Todd one of the “Top 5 Ventriloquists in the World.”

As a featured performer on Branson’s Showboat Branson Belle since 1998, Todd has performed with his three live, one-of-a kind talking dogs as part of the Showstoppers! Show. "We have enjoyed a 13-year relationship with Todd as a highly-talented performer and a good friend of the Silver Dollar City family," said Jim Moeskau, General Manager of The Showboat Branson Belle. "We think it's exciting for Branson that Todd and his repertoire of talent will be showcased in his own show at the Jim Stafford Theatre in 2011. This move for Todd is another great example of how Branson introduces and then nurtures talented performers who become favorites with our 8 million visitors." Irving the talking dog adds, “Leaving the Showboat Branson Belle is a big step for this little dog, it’s a good thing I’m going with Todd as he needs all the help he can get. Just look at the whole talking thing…I’ll admit that Todd talks for me, if he’ll admit I think for him.”

Tickets for Todd Oliver & Friends for the 2011 season go on sale this week. For tickets and more information call 417-335-8080 or visit http://www.toddoliver.com/ 

Labels: branson shows, branson theaters, irving, talking dog, todd oliver, ventriliquist

Posted: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 4:45 pm
By Joshua Clark Entertainment Editor for Branson Tri-Lakes News

Last week, I attended Jim Stafford's show, which has always been one of my favorites.

In addition to being one of the most talented musicians in the area, Stafford has always been one of the funniest personalities.

I saw the Christmas show last season, which was great, so I was a bit curious to see exactly what Stafford had in store for his guests this season. There were some bits that were old and some that were new and the show really played like a "Greatest Hits" package.

Since Stafford is celebrating his 21st year in Branson, he has a plethora of material to choose from. "Spiders and Snakes" and "Cow Patty" are still highlights of the show, along with the 3-D video he shot and produced himself several years ago.

"We shot that here and then went to the house to edit it, so we're pretty much self contained," he said. "We also do all of our brochures and commercials, which is great because it gives me the chance to fool around with it and it's fun. We're also working on a new 3-D portion of the show too."

It is also a very big thrill to see how the Stafford children, Shea, 17, and G.G., 13, have grown, not only into young people, but accomplished musicians. Shea still plays the piano and fiddle and sings a few tunes, while G.G. also plays piano and harp. Stafford sees the entertainment business as a viable option for both children, but for G.G. especially.

"Ever since she was a small child she has been very aware of her surroundings here at the theater," he said. "She knows what goes on out front, she knows how things work backstage and she also knows how to put a show together. I think she could run a theater."

Stafford said there will be a new portion of the show featuring the children debuting very soon.

"They're both in the process of learning a stand-alone piece to add to the show," he said, "no other musical accompany or anything. Just them playing, which is always nice to have in the show."

Even though Stafford is an accomplished musician on many different instruments, he has been known more for his comedy than anything else. I asked him if if he ever thought it was a "backhand compliment," and he gave me a very interesting reply.

"I've always been a big fan of Roy Clark, and it always seemed natural for him to be funny and play very well," he said. "I was always a fan of that type of performer, so I really appreciate the compliment."

Stafford is also in the process of recording his instrumentals and posting them on YouTube.

"That way I can at least have them archived," he said. "Most of them I've never played in public. I just work them up for myself."

Now 66, Stafford is showing no signs of slowing down.

"The people that seem to last the longest in showbusiness are the ones that do comedy, and I think about people like Milton Berle, George Burns and Victor Borge, who died when he was 92 and his family had to cancel performance dates because he was still touring," Stafford said. "I don't have any plans to retire because I'll probably have to be run off. Someone told me once I retired I'd have to find something to do for four or five hours a day and I told them that I must already be retired."

For more information on Jim Stafford, as well as his show, visit jimstafford.com.

Labels: 3D, branson shows, branson theaters, Christmas, comedy, family, guitar, jim stafford, music, special effects

by Linda Burligame, Shepherd of the Hills Gazette
July 7, 2010

You've heard it said, "He wakes up in a new world every day!" Meaning, you never know what to expect, things change ... and you can count on fun. That's the way I feel about the Jim Stafford show, it's always new!

As many times as I've seen it over 20 years, I enjoy it every time, always laugh and love watching audience reaction. Maybe that's it, the audience makes the show different each time.

Jim and Ann's two children are still part of the show: that's another change when you haven't seen the show for a while. They're growing up, still fun and even more talented. Shea and G.G. have been part of the show since they were babies. Sheaffer is now 17 (gasp!) and G.G. is 13.

Jim's show really is fun, and funny, whether it's the music, the comedy songs — Helpin' Dixie Move is one of my favorites! — the black light number, 3-D adventure, or something as simple as "Roll Call." Practice makes perfect, playing the guitar or doing comedy. Jim practices both. He told me when he began doing comedy, he put up mirrors all around the room and practiced in front of them. He perfected his expressions and timing: how long to pause between lines how long to maintain eye contact; is it a nod of the head or a body turn? A myriad of emotions and tiny motions make all the difference!

Jim is in good company when it comes to hit songs. Spiders and Snakes (1974) sits in the top 50 of Billboard's Hot 100 Country Songs, along with the hits of Elvis, Glen Campbell, Faith Hill, Shania Twain, Marty Robbins and other recording artists.

Jim is always working on something new. Not too long ago I talked with him after a show and he played a new guitar piece he was working on. It's a familiar George M. Cohen tune, but with new "licks," new chords, a whole new sound. Then he took it apart for me. "This is a Merle Travis chord." He strums; then, "this one I wrote." It's amazing to watch him up close, his fingers reaching for the intricate chords and changes.

Jim will never stop practicing. I'll never stop enjoying the show. I'm betting you won't either!

Read more stories about Branson Shows and Theaters in the Shepherd of the Hills Gazette.  You may click here to go to their website: http://www.shepherdgazette.com/2010070799/July-August-2010/jim-stafford.html?ed=10