Yakov Smirnoff Show

At the Yakov Smirnoff What A Country! Theatre, 470 State Highway 248 (at the corner of Highway 248 and Highway 65; it's the first theater as you arrive in Branson from the North on Hwy. 65).

A fixture in Branson since 1992, Ukrainian-born American-comedian (and painter...and professor...and talk show host) Yakov Smirnoff continues to make audiences laugh with his jokes about the misunderstandings of American life and custom through the eyes of a new immigrant, and with his comical comparisons between the U.S. and Russia. But there's much more...he also shares unique insights into life and family.

During this quick-paced show full of variety you'll meet St. Peter at the Pearly Gates, see the Statue of Liberty, share in Yakov's journey as a United States citizen, learn all about the romance between Romeo & Juliet and watch Yakov go from Red to Redneck.

Yakov, the painter, started a painting on the evening of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, and just before the first anniversary of the attacks he had it transformed into a giant mural overlooking the ruins of the World Trade Center. The mural, titled "America's Heart," was a pointillist-style piece, with one brushstroke for each victim of the attacks. The mural was damaged by a windstorm and was taken down in November of 2003. You can see pictures of it (click here) and purchase items with its likeness at Yakov's website gift shop.

Yakov, the professor, received a master's degree in positive psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in May 2006. He has taught classes on the subject at Drury University and Missouri State University in Springfield, Missouri. His lectures are titled "Love and Laughter."

Yakov, the talk show host, aired his debut tv talk show on November 22, 2008. It's called Yakov Love & Laughter. Check here for taping dates and announcements about future shows.

Yakov's Branson shows are at 9:30 am or 3 pm, April 22 through December 5, 2009.