A taste of Branson is coming to Austin

Published 4:43 pm Saturday, April 14, 2018

Sometimes necessity is the mother of invention and the proof will be on stage at the Paramount on April 27.

In 1990, theater owner and violist Randy Newman needed someone to replace the comedian who had just backed out of performing a show. Newman’s business partner had a suggestion.

“He said, ‘well you’re always acting kind of stupid, why don’t you get on stage and make it your act?’” Newman told the Decatur Herald and Review in 2011.

Email newsletter signup

Thus was born Doofus Doolitte, Branson’s funniest comedian and world class fiddler who anchors the Ozark Jubilee presenting “Stars of the Grand Ole Opry” at the Historic Paramount Theatre at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 27.

Direct from Branson, the Jubilee will be performing the music of the great stars of the Grand Ole Opry, including Roy Acuff, Patsy Cline, Tammy Wynette, Ray Price, George Jones, Merle Haggard, Charlie Pride, Porter Wagoner and many more.

The all-star cast of the Jubilee features the Australian sensation Jennifer Simmons, Doug Driesel and Doofus Doolitte. Jenny traveled around the world and performed with many of the Opry stars. Doug is a phenomenal vocalist and has a five-octave range. Doof is a champion fiddle player and world-class violinist. Doofus has performed with many of the legends himself and will be sharing stories from his experiences with such artists as Mel Tillis, Roy Clark, Ray Price, Bill Anderson, Porter Wagoner and many more.

Expect a clean, family-friendly show with songs to make you smile and comedy to make you laugh.

The event is reserved seating with ticket prices as follows: $25 advance, all seats; $30 day of, all seats; $22 each when purchased for groups of 10 or more, all seats. Group travel must be arranged before the day of the show.

Reserved seating means that each guest chooses a specific seat. We highly recommend purchasing tickets for the show in advance because issuing reserved tickets takes longer and often results in long lines before the show in our theatre lobby.

Coming soon at the Paramount Theatre

•April 14-15: Matchbox Children’s Theatre, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory — 7 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday.

•April 18: $5 Movie: “Purple Rain,” 3 and 7:30 p.m.

•April 22: Forte Millers Doo Wop, Barbershop and Family Harmony, 3 p.m.

•April 25: $5 Movie: “The Big Lebowski,” 3 and 7:30 p.m.

Coming soon at the ArtWorks Center

•April 14: Family Art Studio, 1-3 p.m.

April 20: Gallery Opening Reception: Tim Rietz and Cedar River Watershed District, 5-7 p.m.

April 21: Open Studio Polymer Clay with Layl McDill, 2 p.m.