Amy, Abigaail, Tim and Judith in "Jingle Bell Rock."
In a review of The Dutton Family Christmas show last year I said, “It is an exciting colorful extravaganza of Christmas cookies, toy soldiers, the Wizard of Oz, Jingle Bells, Frosty the Snowman, the honoring of the birth of the Christ Child and so much more. This show will absolutely delight everyone from the the age of three to 103. From beginning to end, it is like sitting around the Christmas Tree opening gifts. As each new act of the show unfolds and entertains there is an excitement and anticipation for what is coming next.” It’s a year later, I saw their show on December 3 and all I can say is, “Don’t miss a special Christmas blessing as the Dutton’s share their family with yours in a wonderful way”.
The majority of the first half of the show is highlights from the regular Dutton show. In a review of that show entitled “The Duttons ‘drive’ their audience to new entertainment heights” this writer said, “From the 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.” Click here for entire review.
It should be mentioned that every Branson show has content suitable for children, but the Dutton’s make a concerted effort to have major elements in their show specifically planned to entertain children and hold their interest. It is obvious that this show was planned by a family for families.
Santa and some animal friends meeting the kids from the Dutton family and the audience.
Throughout the show, whether it’s the Wizard of Oz, singing, dancing, or just making cameo appearances as they do with Dean and Sheila in the Christmas cookie scene, their participation in the show is well planned, professional, and not only enhances the total entertainment experience of the show for the audience, but gives the children in the audience something they can specifically relate to and enjoy.
Just prior to the intermission the show makes a beautiful transition into their Christmas show as they present a simply elegant rendition of “Carol of The Bells” not only in terms of music, but in its dramatic presentation. The Dutton’s inspirational, beautiful and spiritual celebration of the true meaning of Christmas including a beautiful solo of “The Gift” by Amy, Dean’s reading of the Christmas story; their living Nativity scene, “Silent Night” and “Go Tell It On the Mountain” is presented as only the Dutton’s can. It is a unique inspirational Christmas blessing that ends the first half of the show with everyone knowing “the reason for the season.”
The second half of the show gets off to a rocking start with Judith, Amy and Abby doing the Dutton girls rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock. From there on out it is nonstop Christmas fun, color, and excitement. Whether it’s Dean’s musical explanation as to why he eats so many Christmas cookies; “Frosty the Snowman,” featuring Timmy and Ben. Jr; the beautiful job young Miss Rachel does singing “Once Upon a December;” the Dutton’s clogging; the beautiful presentation of “Hanukkah’s Child” or one of the most unusual Santa Claus arrivals you and your children will ever experience, the Dutton Christmas show is just one entertainment Christmas present after another as they share their family with yours.
Bella Dutton’s moving and elegant tribute to Veterans has a special Christmas flavor and the effort the Dutton’s put into recognizing shows just how much the Dutton’s care about honoring Veterans. It is wonderful. They end the show in spectacular Dutton fashion with one of their most requested pieces “Boil Them Cabbage Down.”
From beginning to end this show is a Christmas treasure that will at the same time knock your socks off and fill your heart with the spirit of Christmas.
There is only two more performances of the Dutton Christmas show left in Branson, December 6 and 7. For tickets or information on the “Dutton’s Branson Christmas Show” or any other Branson show or attraction and lodging information or reservations please contact the Branson Tourism Center (BTC) one of Branson’s largest and most respected vacation planning services and sellers of Branson show and attraction tickets and lodging. BTC can be reached by calling 800-785-1550 or through its website www.BransonTourismCenter.com.
The good news for those living in the Mesa, Arizona area is that the Duttons will be presenting their Christmas Show at the New Dutton Theatre, at East Valley High School in Mesa from December 10 through December 22, their New Years Eve shows on December 30 and 31 and their regular show through April 2 after which they will return to Branson for their 2011 Branson season. For tickets to their Mesa performances please call 480-840-6874.
