Here’s an interesting interview with Bill Minihan from Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky. Bill talks about the shows that are being put on at Badgett Playhouse. Every show being put on this summer is an absolute winner and I guarantee you’ll have the time of your life.

After watching the video, check out Grand Rivers Variety for upcoming shows and specials. Also, click HERE for my review of Red, White, and Tuna – an absolutely side-splitting and hilarious show who’s time is running out! Catch these zany and colorful characters while you have a chance. Unless, of course, two hours of laughter and fun doesn’t appeal to you…

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I sat at my computer (much needed coffee cup to the left, much beloved cat to the right) for about 10 minutes this morning trying to think of an appropriate opening sentence for this review.  You see, I’m impossibly obsessed with the Greater Tuna shows at Grand Rivers Variety.  And this isn’t just any review, this is a Tuna Review. Everything has to be just right!

Here’s the thing. One of my most defining characteristics is this: I love to laugh – the more the better.  Got it from my dad. He was incredibly generous with laughs and I’m not the least bit stingy with mine.  Naturally, a lifelong lover of laugher is drawn to things that make them burst out with CRAZY laughter – the kind that makes everything in the world disappear.  Everything except the raining endorphins brought on by laughter.

The Greater Tuna shows put on at Grand Rivers Variety don’t just rain laughter, they cause floods.  It may not have been on the news, but there was a flood in Grand Rivers last night. Fortunately, we were all washed away by “feel good” endorphins as opposed to “get wet” water.

The boys (Bill Minihan and Steve Sherling) were all over their game last night.  These two incredibly talented and hilarious actors could hold their own with anyone – Steve Carell, Jack Black, Robert Downey, Jr., Dane Cook… In fact, and this is no lie – as much as I love this list of comic actors (each are personal favorites), I had just as soon see a Greater Tuna show in Grand Rivers as one of their movies.  I’m not sure how we, as Kentuckians, got such a lucky draw. These guys could be in Hollywood right now, in movies or on tv, making millions do the CRAZY laugh – as opposed to working their mojo in beautiful Grand Rivers, Kentucky.

We got VERY lucky.

Even though it was a Wednesday, the crowd last night was really good.  I was afraid that the middle of the week would cause a problem, but apparently I’m not the only one who loves to laugh.  The crowd (of all ages) was practically in a fit of laughter the entire time.  Some who were sitting around us had never seen a Greater Tuna show and I felt like looking at them and going, “I know, right?!” but it’s hard to speak when you’re doubled over laughing.

Speaking of crazy laughter – why, when we’re in fits of laughter do we hold our cheeks or cover our mouths? Are we attempting to keep our facial parts in place?  I understand the doubling over. One has to find a position in which they can breath. Such gyrations!

At one point, I even slapped my husband’s arm – as though it was his fault I was being swept away in a fit of laughter.  Fortunately he has big arms and was busy laughing, himself.

A little background, in case you aren’t familiar with the Greater Tuna shows. Two actors (the aforementioned Bill Minihan and Steve Sherling) brilliantly portray a town of colorful nuts and hysterical misfits from the fictional town of Greater Tuna, Texas.  When the boys step out in drag, they literally have to wait to say their lines after the laughter dies down.  Words cannot possibly do their characters or their performances justice.   I’ve seen a great number of bucket lists and “Things to See Before You Die” books, but I’d respectfully suggest each one add this one: See Bill Minnihan and Steve Sherling as the ladies (ladies???) of Greater Tuna.

Visions you’ll never, ever forget. Bill makes a lot of woman… a whole lot of woman, and Steve’s footwear was absolutely killer.  The thought of him strutting around in heels makes me laugh even now.  These two performers lose themselves in these deliciously outrageous characters the way LeBron James loses himself in basketball, John Grisham loses himself in writing, and Halle Berry loses herself in hotness.  They are willing to go to any and all lengths to entertain their crowds – and that’s just what they do.

It’s as though laughter is their life source and the more laughter they bring about, the longer they’re allowed to live.  If there’s truth behind this theory, apparently these boys want to live forever.

From Grand Rivers Variety’s website: The much anticipated third installment in the Tuna trilogy takes the audience through another satirical ride into the hearts and minds of the polyester-clad citizens of Texas’ third smallest town. Along with Tuna’s perennial favorites, some new Tuna denizens burst into the 4th of July Tuna High School Class Reunion. This sets the stage for a show full of fireworks and fun!

Fireworks, fun, and a flood.  They forgot to mention the flood.

During the first fifteen minutes, I kept trying to remember favorite, classic lines to tell my daughters (and to include in this post).  However, after about 20 minutes into the show, I’d ran out of fingers to count them on as well as the ability to reason.  It’s all good, though.  Crazy laughter can sweep me away anytime it wants.  I was delighted to see that some new insanely funny characters had been added, but even more thrilled to see old favorites back – more deliciously entertaining than ever.

My husband told me that he’d heard that this one was EVEN funnier than the others.  I kind of scoffed and thought, “As if. Nothing could be funnier than the other Greater Tuna shows.”  At one point (it was either right after I popped my husband’s arm or right at the time the stranger beside me slapped mine), I stopped scoffing and conceded that this one was, indeed, the funniest one yet.

If the thought of three hours of GREAT entertainment, CRAZY laughter, and rushing floods of endorphins sounds like a good time to you, I strongly urge you to head over to Grand Rivers Variety and buy tickets.  Pronto! There aren’t many shows left and this is one you’d be a nut to let get away.

As we were leaving, I noticed that (like us) everyone else was still laughing – and most of us were holding our stomachs. Laughter is such a glorious ab workout.

One final thought: It doesn’t matter what age you are, Greater Tuna will give you an evening you’ll never forget.  Directly in front of us were two rows of high school kids.  They spent the evening doubled over laughing hysterically.  Directly beside us (and in the row behind us) were people who… well, let’s just say they’d been out of high school longer than Elton John’s been out of the closet.  They were also lost in fits of crazy laughter.  All of us had the time of our lives and felt it from our heads to our toes.

At one point (and it’s worth noting that we were only an hour into the hilarity) a woman behind me laughed so hard she snorted.  It was after one of Bill Minihan’s big women sashayed onto the stage.  The lady told her husband, “I’ve never laughed so much in all my life!”  They both just kept laughing and laughing – along with everyone else in the theater.  A bunch of red-faced, doubled-over, laughing, snorting, people having the time of their lives.  People who, if they could take the time to think and reason, would feel woefully sorry for anyone and everyone on the outside of the theater.   There was so much happiness and fun in the air that it crackled.

That, dear readers, is what you can expect from a trip to Greater Tuna.

Again, please go to Grand Rivers Variety and order your tickets right now.  I want YOU to have the same wonderful time we all did last night. I want YOU to remember what it’s like to get so swept away by laughter and fun that everything else slides away.  It’s a natural high that even caffeine can’t touch.

Also, if you’re on Twitter… and you really should be!… follow Grand Rivers Variety (@GRVariety). They’ll keep you updated on new shows, show times, and a lot more.

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Are you ready to find out what “rolling on the floor laughing your butt off” really feels like?  If your butt’s game, here’s your chance. A “Greater Tuna” show is back in all of its hilarious glory at Grand Rivers Variety in Grand Rivers, Kentucky.  If you’ve read Genuine Kentucky for very long (and if not, where have you been?!), you’ve no doubt read my Greater Tuna reviews and are well aware that they act upon my funny-bone the way catnip acts upon a cat.

About Red, White, and Tuna:

The much anticipated third installment in the Tuna trilogy takes the audience through another satirical ride into the hearts and minds of the polyester-clad citizens of Texas’ third smallest town. Along with Tuna’s perennial favorites, some new Tuna denizens burst into the 4th of July Tuna High School Class Reunion. This sets the stage for a show full of fireworks and fun!  – Grand Rivers Variety

The writing is outrageously funny and the performances are even funnier.  These shows make you miss the good old days of comedy – when writers and actors depended on humor to get a reaction, rather than shock value.

You’ll lose yourself in the fictional and deliciously zany little town of Tuna as the town’s outrageous characters (male and female) are hilariously brought to life by Bill Minihan and Steve Sherling. I’ve often wished that Grand Rivers Variety had each of their Tuna shows on dvd – they’d make excellent Christmas presents for people who love to laugh!

The seasonal shows at Grand Rivers Variety are just that – seasonal…… as in you’d better act now or they won’t just be gone, they’ll be long gone. Trust me, this one’s far too fun to let get away.  There are only 5 shows for Red, White, and Tuna on the schedule: July 13, 20, and 27 and August 3 and 10. Each of these shows is on a Wednesday and, mark it down, you’ll still be talking about it when the next Wednesday rolls around.

True story: A few days ago, my husband Michael told me the official opening date of Red, White, and Tuna and I laughed.  I said, “I’m laughing already!“  Still am…. yeah, they’re that funny.

Visit Grand Rivers Variety’s website for ticket information now!

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“Always…Patsy Cline” returns to Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky this weekend – back by popular demand! That, alone, should tell you how wonderful the show is and how much you should grab your tickets as soon as possible. Whenever something is “Back by Popular Demand,” you’d better believe it’s worth seeing.

Three or four times even.

Always… Patsy Cline is a very moving tribute to the late, great Patsy Cline. Patsy Cline, who many of today’s artists claim had the greatest voice ever is an American icon. Patsy died tragically in a plane crash in 1963. She was only 30 years old.

This beautiful musical/comedy (ironically, there’s a great deal of humor) is based on a true story about Patsy Cline’s friendship with a fan from Houston named Louise Seger. The two colorful ladies struck up a unique friendship in a Texas honky-tonk in l961, and continued to correspond right up till the horrible plane crash took Patsy Cline’s life. The show’s title, itself, comes straight from Cline’s letters to Seger, which were consistently signed “Love ALWAYS… Patsy Cline.”

Well, I don’t know if that last sentence is completely true. As long as there are Patsy Cline CDs (one of my personal favorite, and most often played cds is a Patsy Cline cd), Patsy Cline videos, and entertaining shows like “Always.. Patsy Cline,” her life hasn’t been completely taken from us at all. We can relive the magic that was Patsy Cline anytime we choose to!

Relive many of her unforgettable hits such as Crazy, I Fall to Pieces, Sweet Dreams and Waking After Midnight in Always… Patsy Cline. The show features 27 songs in all – each beautifully performed by the singer as well as the band.

As you may have guessed, I’m a huge fan of Patsy Cline (Click the following link to read a special post I wrote about Patsy Cline on my Golden Age of Hollywood and Entertainment blog). Her music takes me to a whole other place that I never tire of visiting. Shows like this one are a dream come true for Patsy Cline fans – take it from me.

Useful Information:

My Review of Always… Patsy Cline at Badgett Playhouse

Order Tickets to Always Patsy Cline at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers (They’ll go fast, you literally need to order them as soon as possible!)

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I laughed. I cried.  My goosebumps had goosebumps.  So, how was your Saturday?

My husband, Michael, our close friend, Trapper,  and I were out late last night. We didn’t just tear up the town, we tore up several towns. We threw back the drinks, ate too much, laughed, told stories (a few even may have been true), and had a great time.  Okay, so the only drinks we threw back were coffee, and eating too much is expected when it’s catfish at Willow Pond and coffee and desserts at Kentucky Dam Village.  Truth be told, I had coffee at every stop we made – that’s how I roll… highly caffeinated.

Michael and I got back home to Owensboro really late.  I stayed up a little bit talking to our youngest daughter, Stephany, so by the time I got to sleep, Granny Clampett was somewhere waking up.  There’s no way I should already be up drinking coffee (yes, I’m addicted) and eating a piece of leftover catfish (yes, I’m nuts) – yet, here I sit.

Here’s the thing: Before our tour of catfish, coffee, and chocolate began, the three of us saw Hank Williams: Lost Highway in Grand Rivers at the Badgett Playhouse.  I was SO impressed and SO moved that I couldn’t wait to get up and write about it.  We go to a lot of different entertainment venues.  We catch shows at The Grand Ole Opry regularly and we’ve seen every show put on at the Badgett Playhouse (they serve really good coffee, by the way).  We’ve even seen the Broadway musical CATS (If you ever get the chance, GO!  Take everyone you know and half the people you don’t know!)

I’m not being boasty or toasty – I’m just setting the stage.  So to speak.

I’ve never seen any show, production, or performance that left me any more speechless or moved me any further than Hank Williams: Lost Highway at Badgett Playhouse.  A couple of times I’m pretty sure that my mouth was gaping open as tears filled my eyes.  Not a particularly good look for me, but it was beyond my control.

For my 12 websites and blogs, I write many (MANY) reviews each week (are you beginning to understand the coffee fetish?).  I’ve found that it’s much easier to write about books, restaurants, products, or shows that you’re lukewarm about.  It’s even easier for me to write about ones I hate.  I don’t.  But the ones that blow me completely away?  It’s as though my words fail to show up because they know they’re going to be inadequate anyway.  I also fear leaving something out.  It’s like having a fantastic meal at a fantastic restaurant – how can you give equal praise to each item on your plate AND the friendly server AND the ambiance?  How can you make sure you cover everything and attempt to do it all justice?

My approach?  Take a big swill of coffee, roll your sleeves up,  jump in feet first, and do your darnedest.

I’ve loved every show we’ve ever seen from Grand Rivers Variety.  I’m blown away each time – wondering how we got so lucky and blessed to have so much talent accumulated right here in Kentucky.  Each time we go, I spend the entire ride home wondering how I can spread the word about the shows at Badgett Playhouse.  To date, I”ve written many articles here on Genuine Kentucky about Grand Rivers Variety AND I’ve written letters to quite a few local (and not so local) newspapers.   Most newspapers have it set up to do so on their websites, and I’ve done just that.  That reminds me, it’s been about a year, I think it’s time to make the rounds again.

If they ever print up t-shirts, I’ll be first in line to buy seven – one for each member of my immediate family. We all gadabout all over Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana and we’d let our t-shirts spread the message.

What can I say? I’m a huge fan.

I’m an even bigger fan after last night.  Hank Williams: Lost Highway was one of the best shows I’ve ever, ever seen at Badgett Playhouse – or anywhere else for that matter. I’m as obsessed with the Greater Tuna shows as I am with coffee, so I can’t put it above them, but it sits at the top of the rest. It was THAT special, THAT entertaining, THAT moving, and THAT remarkable.  If you don’t grab tickets for Hank Williams: Lost Highway immediately and see it right away, you’ll be making one of the biggest mistakes of your life.   It doesn’t matter if you were a huge Hank Williams fan or not.  Heck, it doesn’t matter if you really aren’t even sure who Hank Williams was.

It doesn’t even matter if you think of Monday Night Football when you hear the name!  (It was his son, by the way, but really it doesn’t matter).

Everyone involved with Hank Williams: Lost Highway deserves pages of accolades and heaps of praise. A great, great, great deal of work, effort, time, and talent obviously went into the production, the gorgeous costumes, the songs, the music, the lines, the directing, and so forth.  This is an exceptionally well-done show and it’s abundantly obvious that everyone connected to Grand Rivers Variety busted their backsides to contribute.  Excellence doesn’t just happen. Excellence is earned.

Here’s a list of the cast, a partial list of those who chased (and caught) excellence:

Ross Bolen – Hank Williams

Stephen D. Keene – Tee Tot

Kirsten Cannon – an adorable waitress! Kirsten is what you call a scene-stealer and she was PERFECT for the role.

Scot Durham - Pappy (I’ve seen Scot in many different roles at Grand Rivers Variety and this was, in my opinion, him at his best. Great job!)

Sara Lynn Minihan - Audrey (Remarkably talented and hilarious as always – and the girl makes the costumes, too. I’m never less than totally amazed by her.)

Kay Scarbrough – Hank Williams Sr.’s mother (This, along with Bus Stop was one of the best shows at Grand Rivers Variety and Kay was absolutely priceless in each.)

Steve Sherling and Barry Jobe - Hank Williams Sr.’s friends and band members.  They delivered the perfect amount of humor to offset the drama of the show. They were brilliant! If you love the Greater Tuna shows as much as I do (not sure anyone could love them quite as much as me, but we won’t split hairs), you’ll recognize Steve Sherling. It’s Steve (along with the equally hilarious Bill Minihan) who makes these tuna shows so outrageously priceless.

And, of course, the irreplaceable and talented musicians Eddie Holland and Thomas Michael. Flawless as always.  I think we all are spoiled by their greatness – something that can be said of everyone associated with Grand Rivers Variety.

While I’d love to spend the entire day applauding each member of the cast and crew – I think my readers would begin to tune out after page 7 or 8.  So, I’m going to give my attention to the two of the cast members who are totally new to me.  As for the “regulars” who are anything but just regular, you were amazing as always.  Flawless, prepared, professional, engaging, entertaining, and a credit to artistic performers everywhere.  You’re so freaking amazing that it’s becoming kind of old hat, you know?   You people remind me of watching a Johnny Depp movie. Of course the Depp’s going to be devastatingly amazing.  He’d incapable of anything less.

Ditto to each and every one of you.  You’re sailing excellent waters with Captain Jack Sparrow.  How’s that working for you?

I’ll turn my attention to the two crew members who are new to me.  Mind you they aren’t newcomers or stowaways – I’ve simply never had the pleasure of seeing (or hearing) them in action.  God willing, it won’t be my last time either.  Stephen D. Keene and Ross Bolen made an embarrassing wrong turn, you see.  These young men should be in Nashville making records and playing before sold out crowds at The Grand Old Opry.  Let’s not tell them that Grand Rivers isn’t Nashville and Badgett Playhouse isn’t The Grand Ole Opry – because, frankly, when they’re on stage it feels like they are.

Truth be told, the same could be said about quite a few of the performers at Grand Rivers Variety, but remember, I’m trying to stay within a reasonable word count here.

Ross Bolen didn’t just “play” the role of Hank Williams, he as much as became Hank Williams.  He is the embodiment of Hank Williams – right to the core. The demons that tore through Williams seemed to be tearing right through Ross Bolen.  At one point,  some of the most mesmerizing and intoxicating music I’ve ever heard filled the playhouse as the equally mesmerizing and intoxicating Stephen D. Keene sang (seriously, man… where are your CD’s..).  Ross Bolen’s Hank Williams sat on the stage, sort of writing as the demons were winning the battle.  This was one of the times I got goosebumps.  They accompanied the gaping mouth and tear-filled eyes.  At one point I realized I was holding my breath.

That sort of thing’s expected when you’re transfixed.

The show opened beautifully and emotionally and it never missed a beat.  They spellbound you from the very start and don’t release you until you walk out the front doors.

In case you couldn’t notice, I’m sort of scrambling for words here.  I work with words all day, every day and yet here I am…. chasing them around my home on an early Sunday morning!  Where are the words that can tell you just how powerful Ross Bolen was as Hank Williams and how otherworldly Stephen D. Keene’s voice is? When he first opened his mouth and this AMAZING voice came out,my husband leaned over to me and said, “If James Earl Jones could sing, THAT’S what he’d want to sound like!”  I can’t argue with that, and Mr. Jones wouldn’t be alone.

Ross Bolen and Stephen D. Keene blew me so far away that I’m not expected back for days.  As always, when you leave Badgett Playhouse, the audience is able to shake the performers hands and say a few words before leaving.  There was quite a crowd, so unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to shake each person’s hand.  I did make my way to Mr. Keene, however.  As I shook his large hand and looked up into his smiling face, I felt like a giddy fan, backstage at a concert.  All the great, profound words at my disposal flew out the window and all I could do was giggle and say, “I could listen to you sing all day!”

Seriously? That’s all I had?

I guess I should say, that’s all I had left.

Hank Williams: Lost Highway isn’t just a great show.  It isn’t just a series of outstanding performances.  It isn’t just an eye-popping production with gorgeous costumes.  It isn’t just 2 hours of heart-thumping excitement and heart-touching emotion.  It isn’t just an excellent way to see how you look when you’re transfixed (as enlightening as that is).  Hank Williams: Lost Highway at Grand Rivers Variety is a once in a lifetime experience that’s waiting for you.

Useful information and links:

Click the following link to learn more about Hank Williams: Lost Highway and it’s excellent cast.

Click here for other shows and dates at Grand Rivers Variety.

Dates for Hank Williams: Lost Highway

• May 20 at 7:00 pm
• May 27 at 7:00 pm
• May 28 at 2:00 pm
• June 3 at 7:00 pm

As you can see, your opportunities are limited – so please don’t miss your chance to see this extraordinary show. Go to Grand Rivers Variety’s website right now and grab your tickets.  You have the chance right now, so GO!  Take everyone you know and half the people you don’t know!

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It’s always the right time to…

• Eat chocolate
• Tell someone you love them
• Drink coffee
• Laugh
• Yell, “GO CATS!!!” (Except perhaps in downtown Nashville)
• Play with your pet
• Watch baseball
• Grab life by the lapels and say, “Let’s have a little fun!”

There you have it.   Joi’s words to live by.  There are more, but we’ll save those for another time.  We’re here, right now, to focus on having fun with laughter and laughing at having fun – so get ready to grab life by the lapels and maybe even ask it out onto the dance floor.

In a world where we’re faced DAILY with drama, catastrophes, and heart-breaking stories in the news,  I’m certain we’d all be in therapy if we stopped making time for laughter.  When we “escape” into a world of music and humor, we basically tell the nasty side of life, “We’re stronger than you are!”  Make no mistake about it, laughter is stronger than anything in the world.  It’s also good for you. Seriously!  One of my other websites is an online Self Help magazine (Self Help Daily).  I  review a lot of  books for this website and self improvement authors (as well as those in the fields of happiness, mental fitness, and health) all agree: Laughter truly is the best medicine.

That’s right, it’s time for a little Pickin’ and Grinnin’ in Grand Rivers, Kentucky at the Badgett Playhouse! Time to tap your toes, do a little seat dancing, sing along, and laugh so hard that funny noises come out of your nose. LOVE when that happens.

From Grand Rivers Variety.com:
Join us for a tribute to all those great country-themed variety shows! Featuring classic country hits, comedy sketches, a five-piece band and three singers performing the hits of such artists as Buck Owens, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Charlie Pride, George Strait, Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash and Floyd Cramer.

Classic comedy sketches and corny jokes help to recreate the feel of the by-gone era of the variety show format.

“We are going to have a lot of fun with this show,” said Bill Minihan who co-produces the show with his wife Sara. “The band is one of the best we have ever put together for a show. These guys have been playing this music all of their life and it shows. I think our audience will really appreciate their musical talent,” he added. Minihan concluded by saying, “When you combine all of the hilarious skits and all of the great music, you create a great way for people to bring back some nostalgic memories of the golden age of television.”

Tickets can be purchased by calling the box office toll free at 1-888-362-4223. Box office hours are 12-5 Tuesday through Thursday and 12-7 Friday through Saturday. Click HERE for showtimes and dates.

Show times for 2010 are as follows: Evening performances start at 7:00 PM CST and matinees are 2:00 PM CST. Doors open thirty minutes before each performance.

Do yourself a colossal favor and call the box office right now. Grab tickets for yourself and everyone else you think could use a laugh or twenty. Just remember, you’ve been warned. The nose thing isn’t just a possibility, it will happen.

To read more about the other wonderful shows at Grand Rivers Variety, visit the website today. It’s the perfect “escape button” for a life that can sometimes overwhelm you with its drama (speaking of which, please keep the beautiful Japanese people in your prayers).

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Saturday night, my husband and I took a couple of friends to see Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show in beautiful Grand Rivers, Kentucky at the Badgett Playhouse.  If you’ve read Genuine Kentucky for any length of time, you know that we frequently see shows at the Badgett Playhouse.  They’re always a lot of fun and this show was no exception.

Before I launch into Ring of Fire, I just want to rave a little bit about Badgett Playhouse, Grand Rivers, and the Variety! Music, Memories, & More shows and cast. My husband (Michael) and I also frequently go to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. We see shows at the Opry as well as the Ryman. We always have a great time – Nashville restaurants, combined with the great talent keep us coming back.

I’d love for more Kentuckians (as well as people in other states) to realize that we have a “baby Nashville” in our own backyard. No, Grand Rivers doesn’t have as many restaurants as Nashville (Thank goodness! Who needs the traffic?!) – but many would say that the infamous Patti’s Settlement more than makes up for it.

A few quick facts about Patti’s Settlement (from Grand Rivers.org)

• VOTED #1 Restaurant for Tourism by the State of Kentucky
• Blue Chip Award given by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
• Pork Producers Award
• General Manager was voted Manager of the Year by Kentucky Restaurant Association
• Voted #1 by Southern Living Magazine’s Reader’s Choice Award for Best Small Town Restaurant in Southeast United States

Other outstanding restaurants in the area include Willow Pond (Calvert City and Eddyville), Lake Barkley State Resort Park Lodge’s restaurant, Catfish Kitchen (Draffenville),  and Majestic Pizza and Steakhouse (Draffenville – some of the best pizza anywhere!).

Trust me, I can vouch for each of these restaurants – they’re excellent.  If you’re lodging in the area, and time isn’t a problem, you can find even more restaurants in Paducah, Benton, Murray, and Aurora.  If you ever get a chance to eat at Aurora’s Willow Pond, do so. The hush puppies will blow your very mind.

The Variety! Music, Memories, & More shows are as entertaining as the shows we see in Nashville.  Each time I leave, I wonder, “Why aren’t these singers, comedians, musicians, and dancers in Nashville?”  I don’t say it out loud, of course, because I don’t want Nashville to know they’re here.  Why spoil a great thing?!

Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show

Have you ever raved about something (a restaurant, movie, tv show…) to someone, then when they watch it – held your breath, hoping they liked it as much?  With most things in life, it sort of plays out like that.  However, whenever we take friends or family to a Variety! Music, Memories, & More show, I’ve never held my breath once. I KNOW, beyond a hint of doubt, that the people involved will never let us down.

Never have. Never will.

The friends we took were from Nashville, so they’ve seen, and heard, some great entertainment.  It was wonderful to know that they’d see great entertainment on this night as well.  One minute into the show, they were laughing, tapping hands on their legs, and having a great time.  Honestly, there was never any doubt in my mind that the rock would roll just like that.

The show was one that every Johnny Cash fan will want to see.  Not only do the ridiculously talented singers and musicians do the songs GREAT justice, you’re treated to precious footage and memories of Johnny Cash, his life, and his childhood.  It all blends together perfectly to celebrate the life and music of the Man in Black. It’s a 2 hour tribute that you wish would last a couple of more hours.

The show included “regulars” that we know and love: Sara Minihan, Scot Durham, Eddie Holland, Thomas Michael, and Stephanie Jo Newton. I was reminded, again, of how much Stephanie Jo Newton’s voice reminds me of one of my favorite country star’s, Lee Ann Womack. Thomas Michael, who is consistently a crowd favorite, was featured heavily in this show and it was a stroke of genius. His rich, beautiful voice was ideal for Johnny Cash songs. The musicians were, as always, outstanding. Unfortunately, the website (Grand Rivers Variety) doesn’t have the Cast list featured for this particular show, so I can’t give the name of the drummer – but he was really something special!

Fortunately, my husband and I were so impressed with two new faces that he took my notebook and asked Bill Minihan for their names! Barry Jobe and Chad Mullins blew us away. Suffice to say, they were two more performers who had me wondering, “Now… just why aren’t they on stage at The Grand Ole Opry or in Nashville making country music?!” Of course, this was wondered silently. Many times over. Shhh, we don’t want Nashville taking them away just yet.

Barry Jobe did quite a few vocals and did so beautifully. Chad Mullins also did vocals, in addition to playing the banjo unlike I’ve ever heard it played before. I was mesmerized. If either is ever in concert, I’m so there.

Front row.

The whole night was memorable, fun, and very entertaining. One of my favorite moments was the song Jackson by Thomas Michael and Stephanie Jo Newton.  Their voices were wonderful together and each did their parts perfectly.  Stephanie Jo, at a young age,  is outstanding at something that many performers (even veterans) don’t quite get: You don’t have to “oversell” great songs, great writing, and great talent.  You just let it flow.   It’s something I’d noticed before about her and, when I realized that she’d be singing Jackson with Thomas, I thought, “This will be a true test..” After all, the song is so spirited and fun, it would have been really easy to go overboard with facial expressions and try to FORCE the audience to have a good time.

Stephanie Jo and Thomas each realized that the song, the lyrics, and the story they told were the real stars, and they gave them center stage.  By doing so, they showed their own star power.

I hope you’ll make your way to beautiful Grand Rivers, Kentucky and see Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show.  The show will play through mid-May.

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If you’ve read many of my articles on Genuine Kentucky, you already know that I love, love, love Grand Rivers Variety.  We’ve seen just about every show put on at the Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky and never leave without a smile on our face, song in our heart, and coffee on our breath.  Okay, I have coffee breath – my husband, not so much.

In the video below, the ridiculously talented couple behind Grand Rivers Variety (Bill and Sara Minihan) will tell you all about the wonderful shows coming up this year.  I’m especially excited about the “Legends.”  There will be two new shows which pay tribute to a couple of music’s biggest legends… giants, actually: Johnny Cash and Hank Williams.   The Johnny Cash tribute is called Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical Show. It’ll run during the months of March and April as well as the first few weeks of May.

The Hank Williams Tribute is called Hank Williams: Lost Highway and will run through May and the first week of June.

I’m a HUGE fan of Johnny Cash (as well as June Carter Cash), so I’m really looking forward to this one.  My husband and I will be at one of the first Ring of Fire shows – and we’re bringing friends!

As I was looking over the schedule, I nearly chocked on my coffee (…and, no, as a matter of fact I don’t drink coffee all the time. I have to sleep sometimes you know.).   The third part of the Tuna Trilogy is coming to Grand Rivers.  I’d try to tell you how much I enjoy the Tuna shows, but we’d be here seven and a half days.  Since that’s even longer than it took God to create the world, I’ll just sum it up by saying this:  I love myself some Tuna shows like my cat loves herself some tuna fish.

From Grand Rivers Variety:  The much anticipated third installment in the Tuna trilogy takes the audience through another satirical ride into the hearts and minds of the polyester-clad citizens of Texas’ third smallest town. Along with Tuna’s perennial favorites, some new Tuna denizens burst into the 4th of July Tuna High School Class Reunion. This sets the stage for a show full of fireworks and fun!

From Joi:  Booyah!

Red, White, and Tuna will run during July and August and y’all know I’ll be reminding you a million times between now and then.  That’s how I roll. With a drift toward the obsessive.

Vacation, Eat, Stay, and Play in Kentucky This Year!

As I sit looking out the window beside my computer, I see patches of snow on the ground trying to hold on for dear life as the bright sun (and my willpower) tries to wipe it off the earth. The weather will soon be beautiful again – and, come on, there’s nothing quite like spring and summer in Kentucky.  I can’t wait to start traveling around our beautiful state again, hitting different Kentucky State Parks, historical landmarks, museums, restaurants, Land Between the Lakes, stores, etc.  You always meet the warmest and most colorful people when you travel around Kentucky.  We all share a special bond:  This is our home and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Our oldest daughter Emily heard me boasting about Chili’s Restaurant a few days ago. She told us that there’s a Chili’s in Evansville, Indiana.  My husband half-kiddingly told her that we keep our money in the south.  I’m even worse than him – I try my darnedest to keep my money in the state of Kentucky.  That’s not always possible, of course, but it’s more possible than you might imagine.

I hope you’ll take advantage of Kentucky’s beautiful scenery, wildlife, and very special places this year.  Grand Rivers Variety – and the entire Land Between the Lakes region – proves that you can have the time of your life without ever leaving home.  You keep your money in the state and support your neighbors in the process.

Now, what part of that isn’t beautiful?

I’ll remind you frequently about the Grand Rivers Variety shows.  I hope you’ll round up a group of family and friends and see as many shows as you possibly can.  It would make an outstanding trip for a church group, or any group for that matter.

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What’s not to love about this time of year? Starbucks unveils their amazing seasonal drinks and desserts, the trees put on their Sunday best, the air is brisk, Thanksgiving is just around the corner, UK Basketball comes back to life, and you can realistically start talking about Christmas.

Granted, I’m one of those people who talks about Christmas year-round. But, right around this time of year, people stop looking at me like I have two heads when I bring the subject up.

The annual Variety! Christmas Show just adds to the excitement of the season.  When I read the following on their Facebook page, I couldn’t help get a little giddy and I’ll confess I started humming Christmas tunes. Truth be told, I think I’ll toss in a Christmas cd after my husband leaves for work (the whole two heads thing, you know).

Do what you have to do, see who you have to see, and drive as long as you have to drive to make it to the Variety! Christmas Show 2010 opening night.  It’s Thursday November 4th at 7:00 and I’m giving you plenty of notice, so I’ll see you at the concession stand.  I’ll even let you in front of me if you promise to leave me some hot chocolate.

From Variety! Music, Memories & More in Grand Rivers, KY

Variety! Christmas Show 2010. Opening Night Special ONLY $5!! Thursday November 4th at 7:00. All Proceeds will Benefit the Guatemalan Exchange Student – Valeriano Chub – who is currently attending Murray State University and is sponsored solely by donations from patrons of the Badgett Playhoue. Valeriano is studying to be an english teacher in his home country at a school in eastern Guatemala called Ak’Tenamit (www.aktenamit.org). A silent auction will be held and a donation will be taken that night. AND…..FREE MILK AND COOKIES FOR EVERYONE for that night only.

Cookies?!?!?  About letting you in front of me……

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Friday night, my Husband (Michael) and I took his brother and his wife to Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky.  We see shows at Badgett on a regular basis and wanted them to see what they were missing out on.   Some of our favorite Badgett Playhouse shows have been (you can click each title for my review)…..

• The Fabulous 50′s Show
• Bus Stop (I still smile when I think about this one – outrageously good)
• The Variety! Show Christmas Spectacular
• The Greater Tuna Shows (only for people who want to laugh so much their sides ache)
• The Variety! Music, Memories & More Show
• It’s a Wonderful Life (loved it!)

I’m certain I have other reviews floating around the site (along with the standard praises for catfish at Willow Pond and our State Park system).  What can I say, we love to smile, laugh, and have a great time.  We also love (make that LOVE) the concept of supporting fellow Kentuckians and businesses in our beautiful state.  Why take our hard-earned money to other states on a regular basis?

Outrageous!

The fact that there are so many wonderful places to eat, smile, and laugh within the Bluegrass helps our cause considerably.   The men and women at Badgett Playhouse take a great deal of pride in the shows they produce and the building in which they perform them.  You can tell in each and every detail that there is a great level of pride and integrity.  From the musicians, singers and dancers to the uncommonly friendly women at the ticket office, the usher, and concession stand workers… each individual obviously has one goal: To make this particular night one that each guest will remember with a smile on his or her face.

Like my car driving to Starbucks, they hit their mark every time.

Here’s just a tiny illustration.  After the four of us sat down Friday night, we were looking around – taking in the beauty of the theater and the decorations.  An older (I mean, older, older, older) gentleman came through a side door.  The usher went directly to him to help him find his seat.  That might be kind of expected, but then he offered to let the little guy hold onto his arm.  I thought that was very considerate, very friendly, very Kentucky.

I have to tell you this quick little story:  As the usher and the little old (old, old, old) man were passing in front of us, I caught the older gentleman’s’ eye and gave him my biggest, “By gosh,  you’re cute!” smile.  He returned it.  Then, he stopped in front of me and my husband and said in a voice that started off faint, then rose at the end, “Whoever said these were the golden years…. didn’t know what the hell he was talking about!”

Some things, I’m convinced, only happen within the state borders of Kentucky.

Something else I’m convinced of  – If you have never been to a show at Badgett Playhouse, you MUST head directly to their website, view their schedule and order your tickets right away.  If the trip is one you can make in a day, go early and eat at one of the spectacular nearby restaurants.   Another one of my favorite things about having Genuine Kentucky is that I get do a lot of restaurant reviews.  If you click the link, you can find plenty of restaurants in the vicinity – I have pages of restaurants reviewed, so you’re sure to find one you’ll love.

If you can make it to one of the Always, Patsy Cline shows, you won’t be disappointed.  The story is a beautiful and emotional one and the two ladies (Erica Delkou as Patsy Cline and Sara Minihan as Louise) who make up the cast do a wonderful job – they’ll make you sing along, laugh, smile, cry, and leave with a heart filled with wonderful memories.

You can read my original review of the Always, Patsy Cline show at Badgett Playhouse in Grand Rivers, Kentucky.  The only things that have changed between that particular show and this one was the singer portraying Patsy Cline (Patsy is now brought to life by Erica Delkou – pictured on the left) and the wonderful addition of Eddie Dunlap on the steel guitar (he did an outstanding job and I hope he’ll be featured in many upcoming shows).

Sara Minihan (pictured above – on the right) was outrageously hilarious, as always, but don’t let her comic talents take attention away from her voice. She has an outstanding singing voice.  In Always, Patsy Cline you only get a hint of this talent, so you’ll have to grab tickets for some of the other shows as well! She’ll blow you away in the Variety! Music, Memories, and More Show, Pickin’ and Grinnin’, as well as The Fabulous 50′s Show with her singing and dancing.  If you ever get a chance to see her in Bus Stop, you won’t want to miss that either.  I know there are only so many shows they can put on at the Badgett Playhouse, so I’ll try to ease up with my campaigns for more Greater Tuna shows and the return of Bus Stop.  (Do you think the airplane banners, megaphones, and Goodyear blimp were overkill?)  One of my other absolute favorites, The Fabulous 50′s Show, is featured prominently on the schedule.  You can’t miss this one.

Something else that’s fascinating about Sara…get this, the lady makes the gorgeous costumes that you see in these shows.  No wonder she dances as well as she does, with that much talent coursing through your body, it must be hard to stand still.

I was also very impressed with the singer portraying Patsy Cline – native Texan Erica Delkou.  Erica has a beautiful voice and I would absolutely love to hear her sing more.  She made the Patsy Cline classics seem contemporary, like you could hear them on the radio today.  Walkin’ After Midnight and Stupid Cupid were a few of my favorites, though they were all memorable and beautiful.

The band -Thomas Michael, Eddie Hall,  Scott Durham, and Eddie Dunlap – made the evening complete. I wish I had a cd of the evening right now to listen to, actually!

Always Patsy Cline will be running through March 20. Pickin’ and Grinnin’ will run from March 27 – May 1. Click the link for more information on Pickin’ and Grinnin’.

I’ll keep you informed on upcoming shows and announcements. I do know there are upcoming dates for The Big Band Show, The Fabulous 50′s Show, Pickin’ and Grinnin’, and the Variety! Memories, & More Show.  Smoke on the Mountain will be back in September.  Also, at the risk of getting way ahead of myself, It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play will return in November and, yes as a matter of fact, I’m already looking forward to it.  It’s another CAN’T MISS show.

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