Are these folks having fun or what? The Dutton's left to right Benjamin, Abigail, Jessica, Johnathan , Amy, Tim, Sheila and Dean.
Branson, Missouri has dozens of live shows, but from its start to end, the Dutton Show is nothing but a “driving,” exciting, touching , comfortable and simply wonderful entertainment experience. It’s not just their instrumentality, vocal skills or great sets, costuming, choreography and the way the show seamlessly flows from one enjoyable element to the other that makes this show so enjoyable. It is the inherent ability of the Duttons to share their family and its considerable skills with the audience in such a way that, even if just for a brief couple of hours as they watch the show, they feel like “family.” This makes what is already a great entertainment experience a wonderful personal experience as well.
The “driving start” to this year’s show gives the audience an idea of some of the surprises and exciting entertainment that lies ahead. There’s nothing ordinary about any part of this show because of the extreme versatility and ability of the Duttons. You don’t make the top ten of the hit NBC prime time Show “America’s Got Talent” without having a lot of talent. It seems that each year they keep finding new and more interesting ways to incorporate that talent into their show.
Their “initial set,” including the Alabama hit “Roll On (Eighteen Wheeler),” their own special rendition of “The Orange Blossom Special,” the Duttons’ “patented” musical introductions using the “Foggy Mountain Breakdown, the Buddy Holly hit “All My Love All My Kisses,” “Footloose ” and others, sets the tenor for what is to follow. Within those first few numbers, the audience not only meets the Duttons, but experiences the power, diversity, excitement, originality, energy and beauty of the entertainment experience that is “The Duttons!”
The base cast of the show is Dean Dutton, Dad, guitar; Sheila Dutton, Mom, bass; Timothy Dutton, all instrument and vocals; Judith Dutton: piano and vocals; Amy Dutton Arambulo, violin/fiddle, bass and vocals; Jonathan Dutton, guitar, bass, mandolin, banjo, violin/fiddle, and vocals; Benjamin Dutton: guitar, violin/fiddle, cello, mandolin, dancer, and comedian; Abigail Dutton Wright, violin/fiddle, banjo and vocals and Chris Libby, drums and guitar. To this writer, the true beauty of this show is the synergy they generate resulting in a dynamic and unique quality family entertainment phenomenon that thrills and delights the audience.
The “family” goes beyond the base cast to over 20 other Dutton family members. The unique and touching rendition of “Grandpa,” with grandchildren Damien, Rachel, Selena, and Jessica singing the to their “Grandpa Dean;” Benjamin and his wife Brande’s dance during the “Jail House Rock;” the elegant dance Dean and Sheila share as Tim and Judith sing, “When You Say Nothing At All;” the youthful enthusiasm and talents of Jessica and Rachel Dutton as they sing and yodel “Cowboy Sweetheart;” Belle Dutton’s beautiful narrative and dancing during the shows patriotic salute and others all illustrate the total family involvement with this show.
The way additional younger family members are worked into the show is a joy to experience. Nowhere is that more obvious than in the “Wizard of Oz” segment introduced by the very talented Judith Dutton singing a beautiful rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” after which the winds blow, the sets change, and it’s off to the “Land of Oz” with some of the Dutton grandchildren.
The entertaining trip down the “The Yellow Brick Road,” is led by “Dorothy” played by Rachel, Tin Girl played by Natalia, “Scarecrow” played by Benjamin Jr. and the “Cowardly Lion” played by Timmy” as they sing the “Yellow Brick Road.” Wait, who are those “Munchkins?” Are they Gabriel, Julian, Damien, Selena, Nathaniel, Leila, Isaac, Christian, Luke, Gracie, Seth and Orson? Whether its playing a Munchkin, singing or playing a fiddle, the participation of the younger children in the show is well planned, professional, and not only enhances the total entertainment experience of the show for adults, but gives the children in the audience something they can specifically relate to and enjoy.
Although there was any number of highlights in the show, the Duttons’ version of “Vivaldi,” budding out with Amy, on the same small violin she learned on as a child, and blossoming into a “musical rose” as the rest of the family joins in on piano, guitar, cello and violin was special. The shows dramatic ending, in spectacular Dutton fashion and flair, with one of their most requested pieces “Boil Them Cabbage Down,” is this writers favorite. Not only does it show the Duttons at what they do best instrumentally,but as as a family.
For additional information or tickets for The Duttons or any of Branson’s other shows and attractions or for lodging arrangements please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC), one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services. BTC can be reached by either calling their toll free number 1-800-785-1550 or through their website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
