Shepherd of the Hills outdoor drama celebrates 65th anniversary

For more than six decades, The Shepherd of the Hills has stood as a living testament to the spirit and story of the people of the Ozarks. Harold Bell Wright’s 1907 story shaped the cultural landscape of Branson, including the area’s tourism industry; following the immensely popular book, people flocked to the area to experience the beauty and tranquility of the Ozarks for themselves. 

Since 1960, live adaptations of Wright’s novel have captivated over 8 million attendees, and “The Shepherd of the Hills” celebrates the outdoor drama’s 65th anniversary this year, including a day of special events that was held on Saturday, May 10. Local area media representatives and community leaders joined current and former cast members for a series of roundtable discussions, a cast reunion and an exciting evening performance of the drama that has drawn a community together for three generations. 

The discussions started with a session featuring current and past performers Bud Lynn, Keith Thurman, Mike Coffelt Sr., Bryan Caperton and Hoss Braden, sharing how the opportunity to play iconic roles in the drama has shaped their lives and families. “This dad-burn place put a spell on me,” said Thurman, who changed paths from playing music to performing at The Shepherd of the Hills; the Thurman Old Mill Theatre is named in honor of his many years as director. 

“Wright wanted to see if he could reach more people through print than he did personally as a minister,” said Bud Lynn of the young Christian minister who made his way to the Ozarks in 1903 in search of physical health and mental clarity. Wright was welcomed into the home of John and Anna Ross, where he returned for several summers, camping near their home and gaining inspiration from the beauty of the area and the strength of the people as he realized his calling to preach could be fulfilled through his writing. “The story is Christ-based,” said cast member Terry Sanders. “The show’s final words hit home every night.” 

“The story is the classic good and evil, and good wins,” agreed Thurman. All the cast members are thankful for the commitment of park owners Jeff Johnson and Steve Faria to preserving the legacy and getting more families to the park to experience the history and values that helped build the area. “Branson happened because Harold Bell Wright wrote this book,” said Thurman. 

Saturday’s second roundtable session focused on family legacy, with cast members Terry Sanders, Dina Gillman, Jeremy Lynn, Domingo Arvizu and Leann Coffelt sharing what it meant to them, not only being part of a community with other performers but seeing their own children grow up and assume roles in the play. “We need to keep this going by sharing what we’ve learned to the next generation,” said Sanders, well-known for his roles at The Shepherd of the Hills, Silver Dollar City, and around Branson. Sanders first saw the show as a 5-year-old and was entertained by the Ollie Stuart character, thinking to himself, “I could do that.” He did—and still does. 

“These folks around here are the kind of people you want your kids to emulate,” said Jeremy Lynn, son of original cast member Bud Lynn.  

The family theme continued through the day’s third presentation, “Sure ‘Nuff Ladies.” Dina Gillman, Dara Mundy, Candida Arvizu and Bailey (Lynn) Zimmerman shared thoughts about portraying the show’s female characters. They emphasized the strength developed by Sammy Lane as the show progresses; Aunt Mollie’s safe, comforting personality; and even the forthrightness of Mrs. Wheeler about her husband’s hillbilly shenanigans. The women also commented, though, on the mutual support among the female cast members, a spirit of encouragement and not competition. Bailey Zimmerman, a third-generation Lynn family member who currently portrays Sammy Lane, summed up the show’s message for women, and the need for younger women to hear that message, by saying, “What we admire about Sammy Lane is the result of the people who poured into her.” 

If you haven’t seen this iconic drama, or it’s been a while, visit https://theshepherdofthehills.com and get tickets! The park also offers many other opportunities: The Adventure Park for thrills and excitement; a playland and petting zoo for the kids; indoor dinner theater shows with some of the area’s best comedy and music; and seasonal special events. 

While enjoying the park, take a moment to reflect on the people and the novelist who started it all. Saturday’s events also included a dedication for the Story Barn, which features dioramas of the people and places who shaped the story’s background and provided Wright’s inspiration. All those involved in the 65th anniversary celebration were unanimous in affirming the story’s continuing value, something visitors to Branson and surrounding communities, once they experience it, will never forget.