Branson has a reputation. A book explores what’s true — and what’s missed

Each year, more than 10 million visitors make their way to Branson, Missouri. Over many decades, the once-small hillside town developed a reputation for being the U.S. capital for performances with overtly religious and patriotic themes, and sometimes, a Christian nationalist bent. We revisit a conversation with Joanna Dee Das, an associate professor of dance at Washington University and author of the book, “Faith, Family and Flag: Branson Entertainment and the Idea of America.” Her book explores how conservative values and politics have played out on Branson’s stages and with audiences. She also describes what makes Branson an important site for the performing arts and how its presentation of American history, values and politics is far more complicated than its reputation suggests.