The Motown Downtown Tribute brought live entertainment to Branson’s charming downtown several years ago, and it remains the headlining show at the Hot Hits Theatre, the only live music theater found in the popular district. To be fair, there’s an incredible and legendary little theatre right across the street, the Owen Theatre, but that venue is now being successfully operated by the local arts council, and they’re hosting their own productions of popular plays and musicals. But when it comes to a live Branson show venue, Hot Hits is the only “game” in the Downtown area, so it’s a good thing that it’s home to some really enjoyable productions! In addition to the lively Motown Downtown Tribute, guests have a nice variety to choose from: All Crazy ‘bout Patsy, Marvin Gaye & Friends, The DOO WOP Show, and Music From Across the Tracks.
If you love Motown music, and who doesn’t, this tribute show delivers a nice variety of classics from the gone-but-not-forgotten record label. Motown was born in Detroit in the early years of rock ‘n’ roll, nurturing many acts from the Motor City, as well as talented artists looking to be heard in a growing sea of voices competing for precious airtime. This intimate production keeps the show simple, choosing to focus on those soulful sounds that still can get us movin’ and groovin’ along with the artists to songs like “My Girl,” ”Ooh Baby Baby,” and “Get Ready,” unforgettable hits made famous by The Temptations. Motown Downtown shares a lot of great music from both Motown as well as other record labels that released hits for sweet soul music’s biggest names. They change up the playlist from time to time, but the show is known to perform the songs of Smokey Robinson & The Miracles, The Supremes, Mary Wells, Martha & the Vandellas,The Originals, Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, James Brown, and many others.
The Hot Hits Theatre may be one of the smallest of all the music venues in the Branson area, but it offers an up-close-and-personal type experience between the artists and their audience that you won’t find in larger, more elaborate theaters. And this skilled collection of talented singers accompanies all those hits with neat synchronized dance steps while “dressed to the nines” in their cool coordinated threads!
You can see the Motown Downtown Tribute at 7:30 p.m. on most Saturdays, Sundays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and they’re one of those Branson shows that makes a lot of people happy by sticking around during the holiday season and holding performances all the way through to December 31.
While you’re spending time in Historic Downtown Branson, check out a few other things to do: “Branson’s Downtown - Have You Been? The Top 10 Things You Must See & Do!” And discover some great places to eat: “Dining Downtown - Finding 11 Excellent Eateries in Branson’s Historic District!” If you’re interested in what happens in Branson after the shows, check out the active nightlife in the area: “Discovering Branson’s Nightlife - 10 Great Places to Hang Out!”