Robert H.
Yelp
The Queen Esther show at the Sight and Sound Theatre in Branson Missouri was beyond our expectations. To be honest we were not sure what to expect because this was our first Sight and Sound Theatres production. I bought tickets to Queen Esther for my girlfriend and I as a surprise to her, however, we were both surprised by the incredible talent of the performers, the production crew, and the set designers.
Driving up the driveway to the parking area is where the experience begins, as the massive and beautiful building comes to view. The parking attendants guide the traffic to two roomy parking areas with handicap-accessible spaces and easy walking paths to the incredible building entrance. At the front of the grand entrance showcases an impressive statue of a Lion laying with a Lamb. Entering the huge foyer you are welcomed with what appears to me to be a modern Middle Eastern-influenced design with statues, palm trees, inspiring artwork, and the sweet aroma of roasted almonds from the concession stand.
Once you enter the theater everything looks to be expected for a building of that size. A large multi-level seating area that can accommodate more than 2,000 souls. However, after you are seated and the curtains part the unexpected left us with our jaws dropping open eyes wide, and heads turning to take in the state-of-the-art panoramic stage that wraps around the audience on three sides. The Persian King Ahasuerus Palace and city is the largest stage built by Sight and Sounds Theatre to date. Ahasuerus is evidently to be known as Xerxes and is referred to as King Xerxes in this production. The Palace section alone is approximately 70 feet wide, 41 feet deep, and 37 feet tall and this structure is only a small portion of the complete set. Throughout the presentation, the set moves and transforms to meet the needs to telling the story.
If the stage itself doesn't blow you away the talented acting and singing along with live animals will. The cast and crew are phenomenal at their roles and draw you into the story with their voices, wardrobe, and set design details. You laugh, cry, and rejoice with them as they tell of Esther and those around her. I can't forget to include the delicious roasted almonds is so much better than popcorn and I love popcorn.
There is so much more that we enjoyed about this experience, however, I do not want to ruin your own experiences of the many wonderful surprises of this production. This may have been our first time at the Sight and Sound Theater but this will definitely not be the last!