Branson’s Shepherd of the Hills outdoor drama shuts for good after 54 seasons
Source: Kansas City Star
BRANSON, Mo. After 54 seasons in Branson, the Shepherd of the Hills Outdoor Theatre will end its outdoor drama with a final performance on Oct. 19.
In a statement released Wednesday, the owners of the business cited rising insurance and production costs, declining crowds, and costs associated with the new federal health care law.
Officials with Shepherd of the Hills did not return calls seeking comment on the closure and the impact of the Affordable Care Act on their business.
Read more: http://www.kansascity.com/2013/10/03/4526264/bransons-shepherd-ofthehills.html
mac56
(17,574 posts)pstokely
(10,530 posts)The new generation of retirees wasn't coming
Enrique
(27,461 posts)every business that closes down will be because of the ACA. Before the ACA, no business ever failed.
MatthewStLouis
(904 posts)...we like some of the Affordable Care Act, it is because of OBAMAcare that businesses are failing now!
(Isn't it funny how it's the "ownership society" pushers that have to blame all their problems on everyone else. They can't seem to "own" anything!)
mehrrh
(233 posts)No doubt the real reason for closing is declining attendance. Attendees to Branson are an aging group. Rising insurance, of course -- it goes without saying that insurance companies capriciously raise premiums every year -- but blaming the ACA is lame. It isn't even in effect yet, but that doesn't stop the rural conservatives from blaming it. It's associated with the President so that's a given.
8 track mind
(1,638 posts)Don't let the door hit you in the ass. They drove me insane with their dumb radio commercials .
MatthewStLouis
(904 posts)I can still hear their goofy hillbilly jingle, "Experience the Legend of the Shepherd of the Hills". I grew up in SW MO and never once went there. We never went to any of those shows. We did happen into Silver Dollar City sometimes, mainly for the rides and funnel cakes, and that was ok.
8 track mind
(1,638 posts)What town did you grow up in? I grew up in Strafford, just east of Springfield!
MatthewStLouis
(904 posts)LiberalArkie
(15,728 posts)Medicare when they were first introduced.
Crowman1979
(3,844 posts)entertainment becomes a ghost-town.
hog
(51 posts)I guess the owners didn't think to pray for customers. Now they can sit on their asses and pray for good health so they don't have doctor bills. Pray in one hand and shit in the other...See which one fills up first.
Blue Owl
(50,494 posts)n/t
8 track mind
(1,638 posts)Hestia
(3,818 posts)JanMichael
(24,890 posts)The population that visited that hellhole were slightly past middle aged in 1990--- Simply put, their customers have aged out of traveling, or have died of old age. There have been other problems too-- most notably a recent tornado that took out a good part of the buildings, (hotels, etc) and many did not want to rebuild. The Roy Rogers or Gene Autrey museum (can't remember which one it was), shut down due to declining attendance a few years ago-
This has nothing to do with Obamacare, and everything to do with the fact that the entire town never managed to make itself attractive to a younger generation.
pstokely
(10,530 posts)A new generation of has-bens will replace the old generation. They seem to be catering who baby boomers now and even opening fancy hotels and malls.
JanMichael
(24,890 posts)who knows? Proximity to Branson, and right over the border to places like Eureka Springs is my guess. Your guess is as good as mine.
But, that was years ago- we are talking about today.
kelliekat44
(7,759 posts)Just another opportunity for a GOPer to do what they intended on doing and blame it on the ACA. nt
KamaAina
(78,249 posts)The neighboring Christ of the Ozarks statue had to be truncated due to FAA height restrictions, making it look like, in the words of a 7-year-old girl I knew at the time, a "milk carton with arms".
llmart
(15,552 posts)the Jesusland theme park in Florida!
MatthewStLouis
(904 posts)It IS a milk carton with arms!
The money that made that monstrosity could've been better spent feeding the poor. Of course, that isn't really part of the christian conservative agenda...
Aristus
(66,462 posts)Fewer and fewer people want to pay money to see 'church-acting'.
brooklynite
(94,727 posts)Or does the enthusiasm only apply to theater you don't like?
And, if it makes you feel equally giddy, NYC Opera Company announced they were closing.
JanMichael
(24,890 posts)however, I think it's bullshit that the person mentioned the ACA....that's just crap
pstokely
(10,530 posts)?
jmowreader
(50,562 posts)Everyone who has ever wanted to see Shepherd of the Hills, HAS.