Andy Williams Performing Arts Center Has New Owners

The Andy Williams Performing Arts Center and Moon River Theatre has new owners.

The Redmon family, John, Sharon, Jeff and Jennifer, from Springfield recently purchased the theatre. 

“We are very excited about it,” John Redmon said in an email to Branson Tri-Lakes News. “The Redmon family are long time residents of the Ozarks, and have owned and operated Redmon’s Candy Factory on I-44 in Phillipsburg, Mo for 26 years. We intend to continue Andy Williams legacy of bringing quality family friendly entertainment to Branson.”

Last month, Illusionist Rick Thomas announced he would be making his return to the Andy Williams Theatre with his Mansion of Dreams show in 2022. For six seasons, Thomas performed at the Moon River, before he made the move to Mickey Gilley’s Grand Shanghai Theatre this year. Thomas said he plans to finish out the 2021 Branson show season at Gilley’s, before making the move back to Andy’s. 

Redmon confirmed Thomas’ return and also announced The Liverpool Legends—The Incredible Beatles Experience would be calling the Moon River their new home. The Liverpool Legends, who have been performing in Branson for more than a decade, announced their departure from the Caravelle Theatre earlier this year. 

The Beatles tribute show announcement came just weeks before a separate announcement that the Caravelle Theatre would be a part of a pre-demolition auction, on Monday, Oct. 25. The Caravelle, along with the Jim Stafford Theatre and the Gateway Inn, were all auctioned off for salvage rights and are set to soon be demolished. 

Redmon added the famous Andy Williams Christmas Variety Show and more would also be making their way back to the Moon River. 

More on the story can be read at the Branson Tri-Lakes News Website.

(Story by Tim Church, Branson Tri-Lakes News)