Jump, Jive, Swing, Hop & Eat

A Full House Awaits Showtime at Tonanzio's

The Grand Finale by an Energetic Cast

The population of Guthrie, Mo experienced a marked, albeit brief, increase for three nights last weeks.  Tonanzio's restaurant presented an elaborate dinner show by the name of Jump, Jive, Swing & Hop - An Incredible Musical Journey.  Most of our neighborhood was there Friday night.

Tonanzio's is a large restaurant that is (excuse me, Guthrie residents) located in the middle of nowhere.  When I've mentioned Tonanzio's to friends who have grown up in this area their response has been uniform:  "Wow!  Is that place still open?"   They typically have been there for a wedding reception or similar gathering some time prior to the current millennium.  Run by Tom Dawson, Tonanzio's is now part of the non-profit Sportsman Research & Cultural Arts Foundation, Inc, which also includes Cedar Lake Lodge, Safari Unlimited, Dance Ovations, the Museum Dining Room, Cedar Lake fishing and the Sportsman Chapel.  And yes, it is still open.

Prior to and, at times, during the show, the full house crowd was entertained by the impressive Liberty Jazz Band from Mexico (Mo).  The buffet dinner was good, though my favorite Tonanzio's dish is deep-fried crappie.  I know of no other restaurant that serves crappie and Tonanzio's is excellent.  It is only available in their restaurant,  however, and not their dinner show buffet line.

Attending a Tonanzio's dinner show is like stepping back in time.  Located in the basement, the stucco walls and black and white linoleum floor could pass for my vision of a 1920's speakeasy.  And the 1920's is where the show started.  Dance Ovations and Studio B performed songs and dances from the Charleston to Hip Hop, from Fat's Waller's Ain't Misbehavin' (1929) to Rihanna's We Found Love (2011).

Though the majority of the crowd qualified for the senior discount, the majority of the cast was in high school or college.  It's a good thing - the two hours of non-stop singing and high energy dancing they performed would kill most people over 60.

If you want to try something different & interesting next time you dine out, I'd recommend dinner at Tonanzio's.  One word of caution:  if you don't like stuffed animals, Tonanzio's may not be for you.  The restaurant's Museum Dining Room didn't get that name by accident.  It's like a museum decorated by big game hunters.  Tonanzio's is open limited hours.  You can check to make sure they will be open when you want to visit by calling 573-680-2466.  It is located at 8285 State Road J, Guthrie, Mo. 65063.

And if you are looking for a Jazz/Dixieland band, consider Liberty Jazz Band from Mexico, Mo.  They were very impressive.  You can contact David Reetz at 573-253-5273, or visit their website at:  http://www.libertyjazz.net