2012 to be Smirnoff’s last full Branson year

Russian-born comedian Yakov Smirnoff will perform his last full season in Branson next year, it was announced Monday.

After two decades, 4,000 shows and approximately 3 million guests entertained, Smirnoff said he’s “very grateful” for the career he’s had in Branson.

“At this point, I’m most excited about my 20th anniversary next year,” Smirnoff said in a phone interview Monday. “That’s a pretty big accomplishment.”

In 2013, Smirnoff will be touring the country for about 20 to 25 dates, performing his one-man show “Happily Ever Laughter.” He said he will continue to be “very much” involved with the operations of his theater and the Branson community.

“This is my home. I love it here,” Smirnoff said. “I’ve been on Broadway in New York, and I lived in (Los Angeles) for 13 years. I’ve never felt more at home anywhere than I do here.”

He said it’s likely that he will perform at least a month at his theater in 2013, but that would represent a large shift from what he has done over the past 20 years. In 2012, for example, Smirnoff is scheduled to do 140 shows in Branson.

“Yakov’s Dinner Adventure,” a Russian circus-style show produced and narrated by Smirnoff, is expected to remain at the theater for 2013, he said. Also returning will be Barry Williams’ “Brady Brunch” 10 a.m. show, which is contracted with Smirnoff for the next five years. Williams, best-known as Greg Brady from “The Brady Bunch,” and Smirnoff developed this show together, specifically for the Branson market.

“I’m leaving a lot of me here,” Smirnoff said. “I’ve created a legacy here.”

Smirnoff purchased his theater in 2005. Prior to that, he had done stints at the Christy Lane Theatre, a now-defunct venue that last did business as the Superstars Live Theatre, the Osmonds Theatre, now known as the Clay Cooper Theatre, and the Grand Palace.

He also purchased a theater on 76 Country Boulevard, where he performed for several years. That venue has since been renamed the Branson Star Theatre.