Branson's Grand Palace to Host Live 24-hour Millennium Show

Press Release

BRANSON, MO -- To celebrate the arrival of the third millennium, Ozark Mountain Sightseeing, Inc. plans to present Branson, Missouri's largest 24-hour live musical stage show at the 4,000-seat Grand Palace.

The "Around the World Millennium Celebration'' will feature The Osmonds and the Jay Osmond Band along with more than 100 Branson singers, dancers and musicians in a lavish production spanning 100 years of musical styles in the United States and other cultures of the world. The celebration begins at 8 a.m., Dec. 31, and runs continuously until 8 a.m., Jan. 1, 2000.

As the clock strikes midnight in time zones around the world, the stars on stage at the Grand Palace will send live greetings to radio station listeners in countries around the world beginning with Australia at 8 a.m., CST Dec. 31, 1999, and ending with the Midway Islands at 5 a.m., CST Jan. 1, 2000.

As a tribute to the many cultures of the world, the "Around the World'' production will recreate the looks and sounds of a number of countries' native costuming, dance and music to coincide with the radio greetings.

All styles and periods of American music and dance will be represented from the roaring 20's to the fabulous 50's to the groovy sounds of the 60's. There will be a Southern Gospel music segment, a Broadway segment and a comprehensive look at the history of country music. Branson entertainers will trace the roots of country music and perform hits by pioneers like the Carter Family and Jimmy Rogers. They'll also pay tribute to the late greats like Roy Acuff, Ernest Tubb and Patsy Cline. Songs by current artists will round out the segment.

No show in Branson would be complete without comedy and the "Around the World'' production has plenty sprinkled throughout each segment. In addition, the production will include a special tribute to famous comedians through the ages performed by Branson's top comedians and comediennes.

The Osmonds take the stage from 9 p.m. to midnight for a spectacular review of this century's most popular music, complete with musicians, dancers, and backup singers. As the 15-minute countdown begins, "Around the World'' show cast members will join The Osmonds on stage for a breathtaking pyrotechnic and laser light display.

Throughout the event guests may feast on a large selection of American and foreign cuisine offered inside the auditorium. All the food you can eat plus non-alcoholic beverages are included in the ticket price.

After the performers leave the stage at midnight, the all-night dance party begins with music performed by The Swingfield Dance Orchestra. Guests may dance on stage at the Grand Palace along side the 24-hour marathon dance contestants vying for a $2,000 cash prize. Radio messages will continue to be sent throughout the night. The awarding of the cash prize to a couple who has danced continuously for 24 hours will conclude the "Around the World Celebration'' at 8 a.m., Jan. 1, 2000.

To find out more about the event, log on to www.bransonmillennium.com. Ozark Mountain Sightseeing, Inc., Branson's oldest receptive tour business is offering millennium travel packages from Dec. 30 through Jan. 2, 2000. Call (800) 925-8498 for more information.

Contact:

Marsh Consulting L.L.C., Branson
Jennifer Marsh, publicist
Phone: 417/337-5937
Fax: 417/337-5959
E-mail: marsh@tri-lakes.net