Pairing gospel with comedy: Oran native Aaron McGranahan performing in Branson show this year

When people think of Branson, Missouri, they think of good music and live shows. Family-centric entertainment with a Christian bent is what you'll find with Eric Hinson & the Hinson Revival, a two-hour gospel variety show playing at the Branson Star Theatre now through Dec. 26. Oran, Missouri, native Aaron McGranahan stars as the Rev. Harry Bob Goozle, a comedic character he created over his years of association with Eric Hinson.

Hinson, nephew of legendary gospel songwriter Ronnie Hinson, performed with his family throughout the 1980s. Ronnie wrote "The Lighthouse" in 1967, and with his brother Kenny and several other family members, they performed as the Hinson Family throughout the 1970s and '80s. Their influence is incredible. Many of today's top country acts, including Joe Diffie, list the Hinsons as influential to their music. In 2006, they were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Eric Hinson has been working on his solo act since the early 1980s, touring and performing. He met McGranahan, a 1991 Oran High School graduate, when he was working as the station manager for 104.1 in Marble Hill, Missouri, a radio station known for its gospel music.

McGranahan's character, Rev. Goozle, is a country preacher full of witticisms and stories about the trials and tribulations of a rural congregation. McGranahan, who preaches in Blue Eye, Arkansas, just south of Branson, started out performing at church banquets and pageants, and once he met Hinson, everything clicked into place.

"We got along really great, great chemistry," McGranahan says, and they soon developed a working relationship developing the variety show, which includes a five-piece band, a trio headed by Hinson, and McGranahan's act. "We are the only 100 percent gospel act in Branson's Strip," he says, unlike other shows which may feature some traditional gospel standards, but as part of an ensemble.

McGranahan feels a huge draw for this show is its hearkening back to olden times, its lighthearted approach to country living with an emphasis on Christianity. Hinson's pedigree and lifetime of immersion in gospel culture certainly adds to the appeal. He performs classic tunes from his family's lineup, as well as his own work, bringing talented people together for a great, family-friendly show.

All the Hinson Family's classic hits performed by a full live band, along with McGranahan's comedy act, add up to a great reason to take a trip to Branson.

"We'd like to invite everybody to our show -- good Christian comedy with good music and fellowship. We're like going to church and the movies all at once," McGranahan says.

For tickets, contact the Branson Star Theatre Complex -- Doug Gabriel Theatre in Branson, (417) 337-8300. Showtimes are 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday.