BRANSON, MO (ANS) -- Dudu Fisher began his vocal career in his native country of Israel, where he studied at the Tel Aviv Academy of Music.

Dudu Fisher (Courtesy: Brimstone Services).

At 22 years old, he was invited to become the cantor of the great synagogue of Tel Aviv. Along with his synagogue duties, Fisher traveled throughout the world, bringing traditional Hassidic, Yiddish and cantorial music to new audiences.

Fisher, best known for his role as Jean Valjean in the Israeli version of "Les Miserables," recently concluded a three-week run of his one-man show "Jerusalem."

The event was held at Caravelle Theater in Branson, MO. and attracted well-known ministry figures such as Pastor John Hagee, Billye Brim, and Victoria Hearst.

"Jerusalem" is a multi-media program comprising songs, stories and videos about the capital city of his native Israel.

Accompanied by a six-piece band, the show also features Shai Bachar as musical director and arranger. This was the first time Fisher presented the show for an extended run in Branson, which received "Jerusalem" enthusiastically. It was also the first time a Jewish artist from Israel opened a show in the city.

The show's producer/promoter Joe Sullivan commented: " 'Jerusalem performed by Dudu Fisher' is the most refreshing new show to open in Branson in several years.

“The stories are fascinating, the visuals are interesting and pleasing to the eye and the music leaves one humming or singing the songs for days after attending a performance.

“During my career as a producer and promoter of live entertainment attractions, I have been involved with hundreds of great shows. But none has filled me with more pride and personal satisfaction than 'Jerusalem.' I look forward to many years of involvement with this great show in Branson."

Victoria Hearst, president and founder of Praise Him Ministries, added: "I am blessed to call Dudu Fisher my friend. He is a good man with a kind heart and an amazing voice. His show in Branson Missouri was brilliant. If you want to be entertained and inspired, spend an evening with Dudu Fisher!"

Fisher is best known for his stirring performance as Jean Valjean in the Hebrew production of "Les Miserables," which became the longest running show in Israel. He went on to play the role on Broadway and London's West End. The singer has also held starring roles in productions of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Kol Nidre," "Over the Rainbow," "Stairways to Heaven," "The Rothschilds," and one-man shows "Never on Friday," "Something Old, Something New," as well as "Dudu Fisher, Coming to America."

Additionally, Fisher sang the role of Moses in the Hebrew version of Steven Spielberg's "The Prince of Egypt." He has sung with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, Baltimore and Queens Symphony Orchestras. Other high profile appearances include performances for Britain's royal family, the Thai royal family and President Clinton.

He was also the first Israeli artist allowed to sing in the Soviet Union in the days before ‘perestroika’ (the political and economic restructuring in the former Soviet Union initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev from about 1986. The stated objectives included decentralized control of industry and agriculture and some private ownership).

Furthermore, Fisher has appeared in the movie "The Road to Glory," acted as host on an Israeli television series and filmed an Emmy-nominated PBS special in the Beit She'an valley in Israel.

Due to popular demand, Fisher plans to bring the show back to Branson in October. Be sure to visit www.dudufisher.com  for an updated list of show dates. Fisher also recently released a CD titled Jerusalem, available for purchase at his concerts.

For more information on Dudu Fisher, visit www.dudufisher.com  .

** Michael Ireland is the Senior International Correspondent for ANS. He is an international British freelance journalist who was formerly a reporter with a London (United Kingdom) newspaper and has been a frequent contributor to UCB UK, a British Christian radio station. While in the UK, Michael traveled to Canada and the United States, Albania,Yugoslavia, Holland, Germany,and Czechoslovakia. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China,and Russia. Michael's volunteer involvement with ASSIST News Service is a sponsored ministry department -- 'Michael Ireland Media Missionary' (MIMM) -- of A.C.T. International of P.O.Box 1649, Brentwood, TN 37024-1649, at: Artists in Christian Testimony (A.C.T.) International To support his stated mission of 'Truth Through Christian Journalism,' please contact Michael for more information. Michael is a member in good standing of the National Writers Union, Society of Professional Journalists, Religion Newswriters Association, Evangelical Press Association and International Press Association. If you have a news or feature story idea for Michael, please contact him at: ANS Senior International Reporter