Branson Regional Arts Council Continues Historic Owen Theatre’s Legacy

“Annie the Musical” was the first production by the Branson Arts Council at the Historic Owen Theatre.

March brought an exciting change for Downtown Branson and the Branson Regional Arts Council when the ribbon was cut on March 8 for the opening night of “Annie the Musical,” the first production at the Historic Owen Theatre under the management of the arts nonprofit.

This began the first of hopefully many seasons for the freshly renovated theater and its exciting productions, workshops and events.

The change is also a result of the merger of the Tri-Lakes Community Theatre with the arts council, allowing the 35-year-old theatre group a way to continue live performances in a new permanent home in Historic Downtown Branson.

The Historic Owen Theatre was Branson’s first theater remains one of the city’s most significant historical sites. First established in 1936 and named for its original owner, Branson Mayor Jim Owen, it sat 350 patrons at a time and was home to movies, live music and performance revues. After being purchased and renovated by the Arts Council in late 2017, the theater has reopened this year with a larger stage and more comfortable seating for 210 audience members.

Here is the 2018 Season’s events announced so far (more to be added later):

  • March 8-10, 7 pm, “Annie the Musical”
  • March 17, 9 am-12 pm, Ventriloquism Workshop #1 presented by performing professional
    ventriloquist Jim Barber
  • March 24, 9 am-12 pm, Ventriloquism Workshop #2.
  • March 25, 7 pm, “Groovy Broadway”
  • March 31, 9 am-12 pm, Ventriloquism Workshop #3
  • April 26-29, 2 pm and 7 pm, “Anything Goes”
  • May 6-7 & May 13-14, 7 pm, “Diary of Ann Frank”
  • May 20-21, 6 pm, “Miscast Cabaret” auditions
  • June 22, 7:30 pm, Taneycomo Festival Jazz Orchestra (at Branson Landing)
  • June 24-25, 7 pm, “Miscast Cabaret” fundraiser performance
  • Nov. 24-25, “The Lennon Brothers and Gail Lennon” reunion concert

More information about the Branson Arts Council and their events can be found at BransonArts.org