Thursday night in Branson, early in the spring, so I didn’t expect to see a full theater when my wife and I decided to check out “Class of ’57,” a tribute to the Statler Brothers, but what we found was a delightful surprise in many ways. Not only was the theater nearly full (including a motor coach full of visitors from Iowa), but the show was
phenomenal.
The Statler Brothers began singing in the mid-1950s, and were a part of the pop and country music scene until 2002 when they retired. They have not performed together since. But, visit the God and Country Theater on the 76 strip in Branson, close your eyes, and you can hear them once more. Class of 57 is a tribute show, not impersonators, but
they sound remarkably like the real thing.
The men who sing in the tribute show are exceptional performers. Place these same four singers together for any concert, though – be it Statler’s music or not – and one would see a noteworthy performance. This group is not just four guys off the street; rather, Class of 57 is comprised of three seasoned professionals and one young talent. Put together by Ronnie Page – who says his granddaughter drug an old Statler Brothers album down from his attic, inspiring him to form this group – Class of 57 runs smoothly, sounds great, and is flat out fun. Page is a former member of the Oak Ridge Boys and of the Chuck Wagon Gang, and is founding member of the Downing Street Boys, a local Gospel Group. Page knows how a Branson show should sound, and upholds the highest standards in all his work. He sings bass in this group, though in his younger years, he has sung baritone, and even tenor.
The baritone for this group is singer-songwriter, Roy Morris, who bears one of the strongest stage presences in Branson. He has performed with his wife, Barbara Fairchild, at their diner for several years, and this year can be found at the Golden Coral and, on Sunday mornings, leading worship at the Music City Center.
The lead singer on many of the songs in this Statler Brothers Tribute is Mike Walker, who has headlined his own show in Branson. Walker is one of the most likeable performers in Branson, as well as the most talented. His own show (at 2 pm at the God and Country Theater) includes impersonations – of which there are over 50 – of Willy Nelson, Johnny Cash, and many, many more. In this show, Walker doesn’t seem to impersonate Don Reid, but sings in his own voice, which sounds incredibly close to Reid’s voice in most songs. Walker is also one of the most humorous people on the Branson stage. During a take off on a humorous Statler Brothers song Thursday night,
Walker laughed so hard, he almost cried.
Singing Tenor for the Class of ’57 is Cody Boggs, a newcomer to the stage. Cody, who is manager at the Reebok store on the Tanger Mall is an exceptional talent, and does a great job hitting the high notes (even on John Cash’s “Daddy Sang Bass,” on which the Statler Brothers sang back up).
All your Statler Favorites are hear, Class of 57, Counting Flowers on the Wall, Elisabeth, and many more, including a nod to the Statler’s roots in Gospel music. But, then, what else would you expect with a show that features Ronnie Page and Roy Morris. I highly recommend this show. You will not be disappointed.
2012 Branson Passport Rating for Class of ’57: Statler Brothers Revisited (out of 5):
Family Friendly – 5
Entertaining – 5
Musical Abilities – 5
Vocal Abilities – 5
Professionalism – 5
Total Score – 5
Class of 57 perform at God & Country Theater in Branson, MO at 8pm (Wed & Thu). For a complete schedule, go to http://godandcountrytheatre.com/#/statlers-revisited/4558285717