The Showboat Branson Belle Launches 2012 Season with Two All-New Shows

America’s most entertaining dinner cruise, the Showboat Branson Belle, presents two all-new shows for the 2012 season. Made in the USA, beginning March 30, will feature the world’s only violin-playing aerialist, Janice Martin, and the male vocal group The ShowMen, presenting all-American musical selections spanning the decades.

Martin brings her high-flying theatrics to the Showboat stage in a unique act showcasing her talents as a world-class violinist, vocalist, acrobat and multi-instrument musician. “Janice Martin is an amazing talent and we are excited about what she has in store for the new show,” said Showboat General Manager Jim Moeskau. “Her aerial performance and mastery of the violin, piano and vocals is a unique experience, not just in Branson, but anywhere.”

The ShowMen, five talented male vocalists and dancers from all across America, join Martin to fill the stage with a powerful blend of contemporary harmonies and standout solos. Comedian and magician Christopher James is the ultra-sharp, uber-funny master of ceremonies and entertainer, and all are accompanied by the Showboat’s signature live band, the Rockin’ Dockers, for a totally live entertainment experience.

Debuting in late May is a second all-new Made in the USA show featured on noon and Sunday cruises presenting talented fiddler Dean Church and master pianist Julie McClarey, joined by The ShowBelles, a female quartet, and the live band, the Castaways. Comedian David Hirschi, two-time Branson Comedian of the Year, emcees and performs.

Also new this year: Cruisin’ with the Classics Gospel Music Cruises are presented August 26 – 31 on noon cruises. These special cruises include gospel melodies from Showboat performers, followed by Southern Gospel greats including: the Dixie Melody Boys, August 26, a group with more than 20 top 40 hits; Gold City, August 27, with 60 Singing News Fan Awards over a 30-year career, The Stamps Quartet, August 28, Grammy and Dove award winners who toured with Elvis; The Kingsmen, August 29, Dove Awards winners and Gospel Music Hall of Famers; The Florida Boys, August 30, crowd favorites with 100 recorded gospel albums; and The Blackwood Brothers Quartet, August 31, winners of eight Grammys and five Dove awards.

Each cruise features a three-course meal from the Showboat’s Chef Larry, including slow-simmered beef roast and honey-Dijon glazed chicken topped off with the chef’s own Golden Brittle Lemon-Berry Torte. All meals are prepared onboard in the ship’s galley and served in the three-story atrium dining theater"