"The Yellow Brick Road" is just one of the shows features designed for the enjoyment of children.
The Dutton Christmas Show 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 starts off in the typical exciting and active Dutton manner with playing, picking, fiddling, piano, singing and just having fun with a medley of favorites like “Uncle Penn,” “Jambalaya,” “Rocky Top,” “I’ve Been Everywhere,” and “If You’re Gonna Play in Texas.” From that they go immediately into their “patented” Dutton style instrumental introductions while playing “Foggy Mountain Breakdown.”
The seamless way the show flows from one element to the next is remarkable. With the musical talent in this family each element is unique and special. For example, “The Orange Blossom Special” is a well known classical fiddle piece. Well that’s the way it starts out with Amy doing her usual great job, but by the time it is over Tim has joined the number with drummer Chris Libby. The result is a unique and very entertaining version of the old classic done “Dutton Style.”
The very talented Judith Dutton does a beautiful job on “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” after which the winds blow, the sets change, Tim plays and “It’s Off to See The Wizard” with some of the Dutton Grandchildren. They are led down “The Yellow Brick Road,” 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” and musically introduce their characters.
The message of the true spirit of Christmas starts the Christmas portion of the show.
This is as good a point as anywhere to mention that every Branson show has content suitable for children, but, relatively speaking, very few shows make a concerted effort to have major elements in their show specifically planned to entertain children and hold their interest. This show was planned by a family for families.
Throughout the show, whether it’s the Wizard of Oz, singing, dancing, or just making cameo appearances as they do in 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.
At this point, about a quarter of the way through the show, Amy, easily one of the most talented violinists and fiddle players this writer has ever heard, leads in playing the classical piece “Czardus” which provides a beautiful transition into their Christmas show. The Dutton’s dramatic and beautiful rendition of “Carol of The Bells” starts a poignant, beautiful and spiritual celebration of the true meaning of Christmas. Amy’s solo of “The Gift,” Dean’s reading of the Christmas story, “Silent Night” and “Go Tell It On the Mountain” all combine into a unique Christmas blessing that ends the first half of the show.
The second half of the show gets off to a rocking start with Judith and Abby doing a cute rendition of “Jingle Bell Rock” and is nonstop Christmas fun, color, and excitement from there on out. From Dean’s musical explanation as to why he eats so many Christmas cookies to one of the most unusual Santa Claus arrivals you will ever experience the second half of this show is one entertainment Christmas present after another.
Some of the many highlights would be “Frosty the Snowman, featuring Timmy and Benj. Jr, the beautiful job young Miss Rachel did singing “Once Upon a December” and the clogging exhibition the Dutton’s put on while dancing to “Deck the Halls.” The production of “Hanakkuah’s Child” sung by Judith with violins by Amy and Abby was simply beautiful.
Even Bella Dutton’s moving and elegant tribute to Veterans has a special Christmas flavor. The background music, over which she speaks, is a harmonica version of “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” specifically recorded by Joshua Dutton, who is not in the show this year. They end the show in spectacular Dutton fashion and flair 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.
For tickets or information on the “Dutton 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
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