An Ozark Mountain Symphony: A Musical Celebration

(audience applauding and cheering) (dramatic orchestral music) (dramatic orchestral music continues) (dramatic orchestral music continues) (dramatic orchestral music continues) (dramatic orchestral music continues) (dramatic orchestral music continues) (dramatic orchestral music continues) (dramatic orchestral music continues) (dramatic orchestral music continues) (dramatic orchestral music continues) (dramatic orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (audience applauding and cheering) (lively orchestral music) - [Narrator] From The Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts in Branson, Missouri, it's "An Ozark Mountain Symphony: A Musical Celebration."

Our host for this evening was handpicked by Billy Joel to star in the Grammy and Tony nominated Broadway hit show "Movin' Out."

He went on to star in over 1,200 performances.

"Billboard" magazine names him as the new voice of the American rock and roll songbook.

And now, performing his original song, "One Smile," please welcome Michael Cavanaugh.

(audience applauding and cheering) One smile could make a difference One smile could change it all One smile could make a difference (gentle orchestral music) (gentle orchestral music continues) She's the new kid in school from another zip code And her name is a punchline for the other kids' jokes When the lunch bell rings, you'll see her sitting alone And if you're feeling afraid to say hello One smile could make a difference One smile could change it all One smile could make a difference One smile (gentle orchestral music) He was born in a place pretty far from here His skin's a different color And his words are a little unclear People act so nervous, when he's walking their way They just stare at the ground Like they don't know what to say One smile could make a difference One smile could change it all One smile could make a difference One smile You can break away the sadness Bring some hope to the hopeless Make the world a little brighter With one smile Ooh We all want to make this world a better place But we don't know where to start Don't know where to start Don't know where to start Start with one smile Yeah, yeah We could make a world of difference One smile could make a difference One smile One smile could make a difference One smile could change it all One smile could make a difference One smile Yeah, yeah, yeah You can break away the sadness Bring some hope to the hopeless Make the world a little brighter With one smile Ooh Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh (audience applauding and cheering) (lively orchestral music) Hoo-ooh Oh-oh Mm-mm Anthony works in the grocery store Savin' his pennies for someday Mama Leone left a note on the door She said, "Sonny, move out to the country" Oh, workin' too hard Can give you a heart attack, ack, ack, ack, ack, ack You oughta know by now Oh, who needs a house out in Hackensack Is that all you get for your money And it seems such a waste of time If that's what it's all about Mama, if that's movin' up Then I'm movin' out I'm movin' out Oh Hoo-ooh Oh-oh Mm-mm Sergeant O'Leary is walkin' the beat At night, he becomes a bartender He works at Mister Cacciatore's Down on Sullivan Street Across from the medical center Yeah, he's tradin' in his Chevy For a Cadillac, ack, ack, ack, ack, ack You oughta know by now And if he can't drive with a broken back At least he can polish the fenders seems such a waste of time If that's what it's all about Mama, if that's movin' up Then I'm movin' out I'm movin' out Oh Hoo-ooh Oh-oh Mm-mm You should never argue With a crazy mi, mi, mi, mi, mi, mind You oughta know by now You can pay Uncle Sam with the overtime Is that all you get for your money And if that's what you have in mind Yeah, that's what you're all about Good luck movin' up 'Cause I'm movin' out I'm movin' out Oh Hoo-ooh Oh-oh Mm-mm All right (lively piano music) - Let's go!

Come on!

I'm movin' out (lively orchestral music) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music continues) (audience applauding and cheering) (gentle piano music) Good evening and welcome to "An Ozark Mountain Symphony: A Musical Celebration."

(audience applauding and cheering) I'm honored to be your host this evening.

Tonight, we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Mansion Theatre for the Performing Arts, right here, in Branson, Missouri.

(audience applauding and cheering) We're gonna take you on a journey of joy and hope through music with an all star cast, featuring the Springfield Symphony Orchestra under the direction of acclaimed music director and guest conductor Jerry Williams.

(audience applauding) Our next guest this evening performed with the legendary Statler Brothers for 21 years.

He wrote the group's second number one hit, "Elizabeth," in 1983 and followed that with two more number one hits.

Jimmy and the Statler Brothers were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2008.

And now, please give a warm welcome to country music legend Jimmy Fortune.

(audience applauding and cheering) Oh, Elizabeth I long to see your pretty face I long to touch your lips I long to feel your warm embrace Don't know if I can ever live my life without you Oh, Elizabeth I'm sure missing you I remember when we shared a life together And you gave me strength and love And life that felt brand new But you're so far away, I have to say, I'm feeling blue And, oh, Elizabeth I'm sure missing you Oh, Elizabeth I long to see your pretty face I long to touch your lips I long to feel your warm embrace Don't know if I can ever live my life without you Oh, Elizabeth I'm sure missing you (gentle orchestral music) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) Well, it's been said before I've caused many heartaches Well, I wonder if that part's really true Be it right or wrong It feels my heart would surely break And, oh, Elizabeth I hope you understand Oh, Elizabeth I long to see your pretty face I long to touch your lips I long to feel your warm embrace Don't know if I could ever live my life without you Oh, Elizabeth I'm sure missing you I don't know if I can ever live my life without you Oh, Elizabeth I'm sure missing you Oh, Elizabeth (audience applauding and cheering) (gentle piano music) - We as Americans know that freedom is not free.

This next song that I want to do for you is inspired by a gold star mom, a mother who lost a son in Afghanistan.

This is her story and these are her words.

(gentle orchestral music) (gentle orchestral music continues) I was standing in my kitchen Listening to the morning news Some angry man was talking God, he didn't have a clue He was putting down our soldiers Fighting all those wasted wars I just had to turn it off I couldn't take it anymore I wanted to tell him There's more than what he sees And before you tell me that I'm wrong Come spend a day with me And meet me at Arlington I'll introduce you to my son Maybe then you'll know just how I feel White stones that go on and on 400,000 strong Wounds and broken hearts that never heal Reliving all the memories Praying he'll come back to me But knowing in my heart he never will Then tell me that you feel the same way still Meet me at Arlington (gentle orchestral music continues) Meet me at Arlington You can almost hear the stories In the lives they left behind Names and numbers etched in stone Here before their time When you see the caisson rolling And you hear the music play When you see a child kneeling By their fallen father's grave Well, man, if that don't change you Then I don't understand 'Cause if you can't see from where you are Then look from I am Oh, meet me at Arlington I'll introduce you to my son Maybe then you'll know just how I feel White stones that go on and on 400,000 strong And wounds and broken hearts that never heal Reliving all the memories Praying he'll come back to me But knowing in my heart he never will Then tell me that you feel the same way still Meet me at Arlington Meet me at Arlington Well, there's a stone for every soldier And the reason that you're free To say the things you wanna say And believe what you believe Meet me at Arlington I'll introduce you to my son Maybe then you'll know just how I feel White stones that go on and on 400,000 strong And wounds and broken hearts that never heal Reliving all the memories Praying he'll come back to me And knowing in my heart he never will Then tell me that you feel the same way still Meet me at Arlington Meet me at Arlington Meet me at Arlington (audience applauding and cheering) (gentle orchestral music) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (audience applauding and cheering) - After appearing in numerous theater productions, including "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers," "Beauty and the Beast," "Grease", and "Les Miserables," our next guest played the iconic nanny in the North American tour of "Mary Poppins."

Then, in 2011, she made her Broadway debut at the New Amsterdam Theatre as the star of Disney's "Mary Poppins."

(audience applauding and cheering) Tonight, we are very honored to welcome Steffanie Leigh.

(gentle orchestral music) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) It had to be you It had to be you I wandered around, and I finally found Somebody who Could make me be true Could make me feel blue And even be glad just to be sad Thinking of you Some others I've seen Might never be mean Might never be cross, or try to be boss But they wouldn't do For nobody else gave me a thrill With all your faults, I love you still It had to be you Wonderful you It had to be you (gentle orchestral music continues) It had to be you It had to be you I wandered around, and I finally found That somebody who Could make me be true Could make me feel blue And even be glad just to be sad Thinking of you Some others I've seen Might never be mean Might never be cross, or try to be boss But they wouldn't do For nobody else gave me a thrill With all your faults, I love you still It had to be you Wonderful you It had to be you Baby, you know that it's you (audience applauding and cheering) (gentle orchestral music) (gentle orchestral music continues) Early each day to the steps of Saint Paul's The little old bird woman comes In her own special way to the people she calls "Come, buy my bags full of crumbs Come feed the little birds, show them you care And you'll be glad if you do Their young ones are hungry, their nests are so bare All it takes is tuppence from you Feed the birds, tuppence a bag Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag Feed the birds, that's what she cries While overhead, her birds fill the skies All around the cathedral, the saints and apostles Look down as she sells her wares Although you can't see them, you know they are smiling Each time someone shows that he cares Though her words are simple and few "Listen, listen," she's calling to you "Feed the birds, tuppence a bag Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag" (gentle orchestral music continues) Though her words are simple and few "Listen, listen," she's calling to you "Feed the birds, tuppence a bag Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag Tuppence, tuppence, tuppence a bag" (audience applauding and cheering) - Our next guests are the stars of the critically acclaimed theatrical concert about two young boys from Queens, New York, who went on to become the most successful music duo of all time.

The show has been performed in more than 50 countries worldwide, celebrating the iconic music that defined a generation.

From the hit production "The Simon & Garfunkel Story," please welcome George Clements and Brendan Smith.

(gentle guitar music) (gentle guitar music continues) Are you going to Scarborough Fair Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme Remember me to one who lives there She once was a true love of mine Tell her to make me a cambric shirt Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme Without no seams nor needle work Then she'll be a true love of mine (gentle orchestral music) Tell her to find me an acre of land Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme Between the salt water and the sea strands Then she'll be a true love of mine (gentle orchestral music continues) Tell her to reap it in a sickle of leather Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme And to gather it all in a bunch of heather Then she'll be a true love of mine Are you going to Scarborough Fair Parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme Remember me to one who lives there She once was a true love of mine (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (audience applauding and cheering) (audience continues applauding and cheering) (gentle orchestral music) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) When you're weary Feeling small When tears are in your eyes I will dry them all I'm on your side Oh, when times get rough And friends just can't be found Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down (gentle orchestral music continues) When you're down and out When you're on the street When evening falls so hard I will comfort you I'll take your part Oh, when darkness comes And pain is all around Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down Like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) Sail on, silver girl Sail on by Your time has come to shine All your dreams are on their way See how they shine Oh, if you need a friend I'm sailing right behind Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind Like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind (gentle orchestral music continues) (audience applauding and cheering) (audience continues applauding and cheering) - When you think of the history of gospel music, our next guests helped write a chapter that lives on today as a true family tradition.

The family began performing as The Noblemen in the 1970s, and then later were known as The Wilhite Brothers, traveling all over America celebrating the heart and soul of gospel music.

In 2011, they simply became The Wilhites.

And then, in 2012, their original song "I am Going Home" hit the number one spot on the gospel music charts.

(audience applauding) Tonight, we are very honored to welcome Larry, Marty, and Kenya, The Wilhites.

(audience applauding) As I went down in the river to pray Studying about that good ol' way And who shall wear the starry crown Good Lord, show me the way O sisters, let's go down Let's go down, come on down O sisters, let's go down Down in the river to pray As I went down in the river to pray Studying about that good ol' way And who shall wear the robe and crown Good Lord, show me the way O brothers, let's go down Let's go down, come on down Come on, brothers, let's go down Down in the river to pray As I went down in the river to pray Studying about that good ol' way And who shall wear the starry crown Good Lord, show me the way O fathers, let's go down Let's go down, come on down O fathers, let's go down Down in the river to pray As I went down in the river to pray Studying about that good ol' way And who shall wear the robe and crown Good Lord, show me the way O mothers, let's go down Come on down, don't you wanna go down Come on, mothers, let's go down Down in the river to pray O sinners, let's go down Come on down, don't you wanna go down O sinners, let's go down Down in the river to pray O sinners, let's go down Down in the river to pray (audience applauding and cheering) - Thank you.

This next song that we're gonna do is an original song.

We all had a hand in it.

But it first came to me while we were at my dad's funeral.

Now, it's written a little differently.

It's written from the perspective of a loved one who is passing away.

I guess it's what I thought Dad was telling us that day.

As you can imagine, it was a very difficult time for us then, but this song gave us peace, gave us comfort.

We hope it does the same for you.

It's called "I am Going Home."

(gentle orchestral music) (gentle orchestral music continues) The sunlight slowly fades The day is almost gone (gentle piano music) Night will soon be here My time for work is done I'm growing tired Soon, I will be leaving (gentle orchestral music) Don't shed a tear for me I am going home Mm I've had my share of pain No more than I could bear (gentle orchestral music continues) But I'll be with the saints No pain or sorrow there This is not an end It's just a new beginning (gentle orchestral music continues) So don't be sad for me I am going home Home where my heart's always been My love ones I will see My father's arms are opened wide Waiting just for me It's where I'm always welcome No matter how far away I roam Don't shed a tear for me I am going home Home where my heart's always been My love ones I will see My father's arms are opened wide Waiting just for me It's where I'm always welcome No matter how far away I roam Don't shed a tear for me I am going home Home Home, home Don't shed a tear for me I am going home Home Home (audience applauding and cheering) - It is said that true music is birthed from true inspiration.

Tonight, we are honored to premiere a song born from just six notes, creating the heart and soul of a symphony of hope.

To perform the score from the new animated film "Gene's 6th Symphony," please welcome acclaimed violinist Robert Kerr and the Springfield Symphony Orchestra.

(audience applauding) (gentle orchestral music) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (gentle orchestral music continues) (audience applauding and cheering) We hope you have enjoyed tonight's very special performance.

It has been said that music is the language of the spirit.

It opens the secrets of life, bringing peace and abolishing strife.

In some small way through this universal language of humanity, we hope tonight's gift of music has brought you hope and joy.

It has been an honor to be your host for this very special production, and to close, we join together, around the world as one family in the spirit of hope.

Please welcome back Steffanie Leigh.

(audience applauding) (gentle orchestral music) (gentle orchestral music continues) With the stillness of the night There comes a time to understand To reach out and touch tomorrow Take the future in our hand We can see a new horizon Built on all that we have done And our dreams begin another Thousand circles 'round the sun We go on To the joy and through the tears We go on To discover new frontiers Moving on With the current of the years We go on Moving forward, now as one Moving on With a spirit born to run Ever on With each rising sun To a new day, we go on (gentle orchestral music continues) We go on (audience applauding and cheering) (gentle orchestral music continues) (lively orchestral music) (audience applauding and cheering) (audience continues applauding and cheering) (gentle orchestral music) To the joy and through the tears We go on To discover new frontiers Moving on With the current of the years We go on (gentle orchestral music continues) We go on (audience applauding and cheering) (audience continues applauding and cheering) (audience continues applauding and cheering) (audience continues applauding and cheering) (no audio) (lively music)