Bobby Vinton

[showtime]

It was announced yesterday that Bobby Vinton is selling his theater to The Spirit of the Dance. He said that he will be playing dates in the US including the Grand Palace.
Just thought everyone would want to know!

[wwgang]

Is this from a good resource. He already has his 2003 scheldule out?????

[bransoncutie]

It is official. It was on the news this morning as I was coming to work. I was also surprised as I know we had received his 2003 schedule a couple of months ago where I was working. Still making Branson his home with his wife and four kids.

[Grands]

Oct. 23, 2002
Vinton sells his Branson theater
Singer is second big-name act to exit this year.

By Kathryn Buckstaff
News-Leader

Branson — After 10 years in Branson, former teen heartthrob Bobby Vinton announced Tuesday he has sold his theater to owners of “Spirit of the Dance.”

Vinton, 64, who opened his theater in 1993, said in a press release, “the theater was operating fine, but the offer was simply too great to pass up.”

Vinton’s son, Chris Vinton, who manages the theater, declined to disclose a selling price, but said the deal was made quickly within the past week or two. The Irish dance ensemble, brought to America by London-based producer David King, has performed at Vinton’s theater for three years. The theater staff will be kept on by the dance company, Chris Vinton said.

Vinton said his father will continue to perform concert dates around the country and is negotiating to appear for limited engagements at the Grand Palace.

He is the second nationally known star to announce his departure from permanent status in Branson this year. In July, Mel Tillis, who came to Branson in 1990, sold his theater.

Although Branson had a few years in the early ’90s of star-driven entertainment, its tradition goes back to the family-driven variety shows that arose in the 1960s and continue to prosper.

Although Vinton will be missed, business will continue to thrive, said Craig Richards, chairman of the board of the Branson-Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce.

“I think this may show a trend of the way Branson entertainment is going to develop with the shorter appearances by the stars and a wider variety,” Richards said. “I think you can see from the people who visit Branson that they enjoy all types of entertainment.”

For Vinton, the demanding schedule of theater ownership was taxing, Chris Vinton said.

“It’s truly that the artist likes just to be the artist and not a facilities manager,“ Chris Vinton said. “That, at times, is distracting.”

Vinton will continue performing through Dec. 14. This has been a good season with revenues up and 18 motorcoach tours at the theater on Tuesday, Chris Vinton said.

Vinton, his wife, Dolly, and their four children all live in Branson and will continue to reside there, Chris Vinton said. After moving to Branson, Bobby Vinton sold his home in Pacific Palisades, Calif., to Steven Spielberg. The Vintons recently sold another California home to Will Smith, Chris Vinton said.

It’s been a good year for Vinton. This summer, while visiting in Europe, he got a telegram inviting him to visit Pope John Paul II at his summer home for a day. Vinton, like the pope, is Polish.

Vinton’s list of hits goes back to the early 1960s with songs like “Roses Are Red” and “Mr. Lonely.” In his first 10 years in entertainment, he logged more No. 1 hits than any other male performer. He has been awarded more than a dozen gold records. He also performed in two John Wayne movies, “Big Jake” and “The Train Robber.”

[VBeason]

As much as we don't want to admit it -- it may be the thought of slowing down a little and being able to pick when and where he wants to - and remember he is negotiating to play the Grand Palace so he maybe won't be leaving all together. And who knows, if Spirit of the Dance needs to take a breather - maybe he can fill in for them on limited engagements.

I applaude him for keeping such a rigorous schedule at 64. I only hope I am able to do half as much at that age. The same for Mel Tillis! They aren't going away totally -- just slowing down a little. The fact that Bobby isn't selling his home and relocating his family tells the truth about the lure of Branson -- they come and they really don't want to leave.

Another testament to that is the Osmonds! They may have sold their theatre - but they are still there and still entertaining the people. They just can't break that tie to Branson!

[cangreja]

Thought you might want to know---the Osmonds have NOT sold their theater. The theater that is now hosting the legends that used to be the osmonds (the one that looks like a submarine up front) is still owned lock, stock and barrel by Jimmy Osmond. I imagine that the reason that Jimmy is in the old Legends theater is that it has fewer seats (About 1,000) and with a brand new show to open, he really didn't need as many seats as his own theater had. Legends, on the other hand, had outgrown their theater and desparately needed someplace to expand to. jimmy and the Legends corp have a long realtionship going back a few years (you may remember the LEgends performing in the Osomnd theater during the summer months about 5-6 years ago.)
In any case, it was a VERY beneficial trade for both companies. Jimmy was heard to have said that he will make more this year off his lease to the Legends then he ever did off the Osmond show. (For those of you that weren't aware, Jimmy owned the theater and the show, the other brothers were hired employees.)

[Suselit]

Some interesting developments...I wonder what other Dance Shows "The Spirit of the Dance" will add.

Suselit

[Marjorie]

Cangreja: You are so right! I remember the Bros. teasing Jimmy during the performances and introducing him as the baby of the family, but adding that he was their BOSS! Then Crazy Wayne would add that "he's a very good boss ~~ pays us weakly, very weakly" Jimmy would add that it was going to get even weaker! LOL

Bobby Vinton is one of our favorites and I shall hope that he will be peforming at the Palace during one of our visits next year.

We have seen the Spirit of the Dance and will look forward to seeing their show in 2003!

Marjorie

[Branson Mom]

Originally posted by Suselit
Some interesting developments...I wonder what other Dance Shows "The Spirit of the Dance" will add.

Suselit

I heard a representative from Spirit of the Dance on the radio awhile back and he said that they would be opening a new show next year called Spirit of Broadway, in addition to Spirit of the Dance.

[Suselit]

Spirit of Broadway!!

Thanks, Branson Mom...that's good news.

Suselit

[bransoninsider]

Spirit of Broadway!!

Thanks, Branson Mom...that's good news.

will you wake up for God sakes!

Bobby Vinton -genuine star with millions of records sold and a Branson tradition.

vs.

Spirit of Broadway -a bunch of no name graduates of Miss Debbie's School of Dance singing Karoke of other peoples' hits while they prance around stage and change costumes.

THIS IS NOT GOOD NEWS! IT IS A STEP BACK DOWN THE EVOLUTIONARY LADDER!

[engel]

Well, for Pete's sake! I happen to like Spirit of the Dance. I also liked Bobby Vinton, but only saw his show once. Must you ALWAYS be so disagreeable. I doubt if Branson depends on ticket sales to you.

[bgroman]

Originally posted by bransoninsider


will you wake up for God sakes!

You need to heed your own advice.

Every "A-list" (using your terminology) performer you've ever mentioned had to start somewhere. None of them started on the A-list. I just can't believe that you truly think Branson would survive having just a half a dozen "A-list" performers that charge $50+ per ticket? One complelling aspect of Branson is variety and affordability. Obviously variety is something you don't want. All you seem to want is that everybody sees things your way and enjoys the shows that you deem worthy to be enjoyed.

Spirit of Broadway -a bunch of no name graduates of Miss Debbie's School of Dance singing Karoke of other peoples' hits while they prance around stage and change costumes.

I take it you don't advocate going to local/travelling Broadway productions? Must be nice to be able to go to Broadway to see the musicals. I envy you.

basil

[Marjorie]

Oh, BI! You never cease to amaze me!

OK! Bobby Vinton is leaving! THE END! He had a good run. His son announced that it's difficult, at best, to perform and have the added burden of being the theater owner. He added that there was nothing wrong with the operation of the theater, but the offer was too good to pass up!

Sure, I'm going to miss him. We see him nearly every trip to Branson. WHAT WOULD YOU HAVE US DO ABOUT IT? Kick and Scream and Thrown ourselves at his feet begging him to stay? IT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN! The Spirit of the Dance is taking over! Give them a chance before you pounce on their show! It just might be EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT! You MIGHT even like it!

Don't get so upset! You'll get ulcers! GET OVER IT!

Have a good evening and SMILE!
Marjorie

BTW: You know what? You just need to "visit" (wink-wink) Branson during the Christmas Season and get out there and enjoy those BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS LIGHTS! You'd be amazed at how good you'll feel!

[scissortail]

Originally posted by Marjorie
Oh, BI! You never cease to amaze me!.......

........The Spirit of the Dance is taking over! Give them a chance before you pounce on their show! It just might be EXCELLENT ENTERTAINMENT! You MIGHT even like it!

Nah, Marjorie, he wouldn't like it.
There's no magic, or animals.