BRANSON MO NEWS: Photo providedThe first show at Abbeydell Hall, “Twist the Night Away,” opens Oct. 14 and will feature music from the 1950s and 60s.
By LEANN BURKE lburke@dcherald.com
FRENCH LICK — People wanting for live entertainment need look no farther than French Lick.
Producer Rhett Thomas is bringing Branson, Missouri-style variety shows to Abbeydell Hall at the Legend of French Lick beginning in October. The Legend is also known as the former home of basketball star Larry Bird.
Thomas spent much of his career as a Branson performer, and he and his brother, Roy, even had their own show. Now, Thomas has settled with his family in Columbus and is teaming up with The Legend owners, Mike and Debbie Hicks, to make French Lick home base for original shows. After renovating Abbeydell Hall in 2016, the Hickses were looking for a way to bring family-friendly, live entertainment to the area.
“Live shows, Branson-style shows, family shows are just something we thought would fill a need in the Valley,” Mike said.
At the same time, Thomas was looking for a venue for his original shows. Thomas reached out to the Hickses after visiting French Lick, and the couple traveled to Brown County to see one of Thomas’ shows. After a fun evening, the Hickses determined Thomas’ shows were just what they’d been looking for.
“We were impressed with the quality and wholesomeness (of the show),” Mike said. “You wouldn’t feel a bit uncomfortable at any time with a younger person … We intend that to be a hallmark.”
Thomas describes the shows as “a concert on steroids in a theatrical way.”
The shows are major musical productions, he said, but they aren’t like musical theater. Musical theater shows have a set storyline; Branson-style shows are malleable. The shows invite audience participation …
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