By Mandy Phillips
If you've heard the hype about SIX in Branson, I'm hear to tell you - they are the real deal! SIX is comprised of the Knudsen Brothers - Barry, Kevin, Lynn, Jak, Owen, and Curtis - who perform a cappella (you know, without instruments). In addition to their incredible vocal singing talents, the brothers also showcase other talents in providing their own vocal, but instrumental, backing rhythms. Despite the fact that there is no other performers in the show and no electronic backing tracks in the show, you'll swear the guys have a full-on band backing them up.
The fun actually started before the show even began. We noticed a stream of brightly colored Scion xBs pulling into the front of the theater and parking. It didn't take long to figure out that each Scion was numbered (very brightly) one through six, and that this was, in fact, the Knudsen brothers showing up one by one. An employee of the theater informed us that the cars were numbered and assigned according to age, which we all thought was really cute. Be sure to stand in the front lobby or outside the theater and watch the Scions pull up - you can't miss them!
Once inside the theater, the show actually began and from the first number, I was thrilled. I've mentioned the high-energy of shows in a lot of the reviews I've done of shows in Branson - but SIX actually goes well beyond an energetic cast. The Knudsen brother's energy is so infectious and their talent so incredible that the entire audience seemed to be buzzing with excited energy. Our group screamed, clapped, and occasionally danced in our seats, and I couldn't help but notice that we weren't the only ones having a great time.
What is especially unique about SIX, though, is that throughout the entire show (which lasted just over 2 hours), the only people on stage at all are the six brothers. There is no band - the brothers provide their own musical backing vocally, which is incredible; no comedians - the sibling quarreling and bickering on-stage is funny enough; and no MC - the Knudsens do a wonderful job of connecting with their audience through personal stories of their family life and professional careers.
The first segment of the show offers a musical road trip throughout the country. The musical trip to New York brings some Broadway, while heading out to California ended with a medley of Beach Boys tunes. The guys' tribute to Motown was fantastic, and when they took the audience to Philadelphia, they put down the microphones, walked out onto the steps of the stage, and performed beautiful doo-wop harmonies that carried throughout the theater.
The brothers also took a few solo moments on stage to showcase their individual talents. I can personally attest that perhaps the Knudsens have some extra vocal chords that the rest of us are lacking, because the things these guys can do with their voices beyond singing wonderfully are simply incredible. In a 5-minute, we heard a great beat box presentation from Owen (my favorite Knudsen brother!), a little bit of scat, some trumpeteering, some intriguing vocal tricks I can't describe, and one of the highest vocal falsettos I've ever heard on a man!
Now, as I mentioned, I was a huge fan of Owen from the get-go. (You'll notice Owen from the start, too - he's the brother who consistently keeps the beat throughout most of the show). I figured his beat box was pretty much his contribution to the group, though that's not to say it's not a huge contribution (if not the highlight). However, he gets a chance to shine vocally with a solo of "I Believe I Can Fly." The man can sing! With his brothers providing harmonies and backing vocals, I got chills hearing him perform.
Other segments of the show include a tribute to Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, a gospel performance which included an original song written and composed by the brothers in honor of their mother, and plenty more. I laughed out loud on more than one occasion, and was actually relieved to see a Branson show that avoided the use of "hillbilly humor" in the show.
I was so sold on the talents and performances of the Knudsen Brothers that I can say without a doubt that it is my new favorite show in Branson, Missouri, and is one I would love to see stick around for years to come. I definitely plan on taking my friends and family to see the show, and can't wait for the next opportunity to see it again. I enjoy most shows in Branson, but never has a Branson show had me laughing, crying, shrieking, and cheering quite like SIX did. When asked what show I most suggest as a "must-see" in Branson, my response will always be "SIX."
