I had the opportunity to see "Noah" at the Sight and Sound Theater in Branson, MO last Friday night. One word to describe-EXCELLENT! This is a treat for the entire family. From the customer service to the sets to the actors/singers, everything is superb.
Driving onto the grounds, guests are met by a beautiful statue of Jesus and children. Up the hill, past the gate house, the enormous grand theater is across from substantial parking for both handicap and general vehicles. At the front of the theater is a large beautiful statue of a lion and a lamb nestled together on rocks with water flowing below them. A great picture spot.
Step into the lobby through the center entrance and you'll find a beautiful 3'x 6' ark with animals aboard-another great picture spot from any side. The ticket counter is in the middle of the lobby and flanked by two mini gift counters. Over each of the gift counters is a beautiful animal scene set into the space. At each end of the lobby are two concession stands-one small and one large-and separate entrance/exits with larger gift shopping areas, as well.
A stairway is also available at each end of the lobby to take you to the second floor. Once upstairs, you can view an incredible rustic model of the inside of the ark, with it's many animals. This gives you a small glimpse of what to expect in the show. The floor is open to reveal the ark and lobby below.If you purchase seats in the 201, 202, or 203 areas, be aware of a steep stairway walk from the top to the bottom. If heights are an issue, you are better off to start on the main floor and simply walk up to your seat. That said, I would say these are the best seats in the house, especially section 202, because it is so easy to see everything going on, and there is so much to see! If you are at the front or in a seat on the floor directly in front of the stage, section 101, 102, 103, or 104, your children may have difficultly seeing over the person in front of them, or might be constantly turning around watching the cast coming up and down the isles.
The staff urges you to be in your seats before the show begins, not only so that you won't miss anything, but so that you are not in the way of or hurt by a cast member coming down the isle. They won't guarantee to seat you, if you arrive after the start, either, because they don't want to disrupt audience members-you might have to wait till intermission.
The professional cast is impressive, and includes both a live animal and animatronic supporting cast. The human cast of the show put on a great performance, both acting and singing. The narrator explains that some creative liberties have been taken, but the story stays true with the history of the ark and flood, keeping its Biblical foundation. The actors do an excellent job of pulling you into the story, so that you constantly wait to hear what they have to say. The live animals add so much to production, as well as the animatronics, and left my daughter trying to figure out which ones were alive.
The stage is at least 40 feet high and wraps around the audience. Halfway through, you become part of the "set" and feel as though you are in the ark. For being a large theater, it still holds on to a cozy feeling, mostly because of the stage design and effects. When all the curtains open, it is hard not to be in complete awe.
It was easy to lose track of the time with how well everything flowed. A short intermission was just long enough to grab something to snack on, though it might be a little harder, when the place is filled to capacity. The restrooms are pretty large, but still had quite a line. All the staff was very nice and accommodating, making it a completely enjoyable experience.
I would love to share more, but don't want to give too much away, because you really have to see it for yourself!
