Paul Christensen and his wife Donna Christensen recently traveled to Branson’s Lawrence Welk Theatre and Resort to assist with a new PBS Network Television Special. The show,
produced by Oklahoma Educational Television Association (OETA) is titled Lawrence Welk: God Bless America. The dramatic patriotic music special, featuring many of the well known and revered stars of the popular Welk series, was taped recently before a live audience at the Welk Champagne Theatre in Branson, Missouri. The ambitious special is slated for a national PBS network premiere in March 2003.
The all-new, two-hour event pays a musical tribute to America’s freedoms, its leaders and veterans, and to the patriotism Lawrence Welk held dear as part of the classic American success story 
of his life. The release of the program will mark the 100th birthday of Lawrence Welk, who died in May, 1992. Through his many achievements in entertainment, television and through recordings, Lawrence Welk did achieve the “American Dream.” The production looks at our nation’s history through the eyes and experiences of this bandleader, who influenced the American musical landscape in such a profound manner.
Lawrence Welk: God Bless America features 18 stars from the Welk Musical Family, including Anacani, 
Elaine Balden, Bobby Burgess, Jo Ann Castle, Henry Cuesta, Dick Dale, Ralna English, Joe Feeney, Myron Floren, Guy Hovis, Jack Imel, The Lennon Sisters, Mary Lou Metzger, Tom Netherton, Bob Ralston and Norma Zimmer. The special is co-hosted by Mary Lou Metzger and Tom Netherton and also features The Welk Champagne Music Makers under the direction of conductor John Bahler.
Robert L. Allen, served as Executive Producer for PBS and OETA, as did Bill Thrash who Produced the special. Dennis Glore served as Director along with JoAnn Young, Writer. Music Consultant was Tom Bahler. OETA’s Leon Smith, who will also edit the final program, served as Production Coordinator. The Christensens served as Technical Producers.
Darin Hagan was Lighting Director. Assistant Director duties were handled by Curt Casassa. Others serving in various roles were OETA’s Holly Emig, Assistant to the Producers; Welk’s Chuck 
Caughey, Theatre and Production Manager; Dave Luke, Television Production Mixer; Kathi Beasley, Technical Director; Sheryl Beesley, Tape Operator; Hugh Bennett, Stage Manager; Ronnie Smith, Jib Operator; Mark Voyles and Randy Hayes, Hand Held Camera; J. C. Johnson, Mark Northcutt and Mickie Smith, Fixed Camera; and Jonathan Siler, Teleprompter; Jon Olson, Utility. Omega’s Chris Bryson handled Wireless Mics and Communication Tech duties, while Tim Kennard mixed the house sound as FOH Engineer each night. Welk’s Kevin King was Monitor Engineer.
MTV Networks – TNN Productions, Nashville supplied Remote Television Facilities. Robert Britton was Engineer in Charge (EIC). Larry Bearden, who shaded the show, supplied his usual talent. Lighting Facilities were supplied by Down Home Productions, Springfield, Missouri and Nashville. Providing Remote Audio Recording Facilities was Big Mo Recording, Silver Springs, Maryland and Chief Engineer, Greg Hartman.
Audio Post Production for the special will be performed by Michael Davis at Nashville based, Digital Audio Post. Editing will be done on OETA’s AVID system in Oklahoma City. The final program will be shown nationwide on PBS in March 2003.
