The Duttons, siblings Jonathan, right, Benjamin, Abigail, Timothy, and Amy with parents Sheila and Dean starting the second half of the show with a little "Motown."
BRANSON, Mo., October 16, 2012 — What is it that makes the Duttons show so special? Is it their singing, their amazing instrumentality, the flow of the show as it seamlessly progresses from one entertaining segment to the next or the familial synergy and energy that permeates everything they do on stage? In this writers opinion, it includes all of that, which in and of itself equals two of the most entertaining hours available on any stage in Branson and “then some;” an intangible that infuses itself into that entertainment to create a truly unique, special and memorable experience that should not be missed.
A clue to that “intangible” comes as the Duttons open their show with a medley including “We Are Family.” Anyone who has ever seen the Duttons perform, whether in Branson; as they progressed to the Finals of the NBC prime time hit, “America’s Got Talent;” in their PBS Specials; on the road or in their winter stomping grounds in Mesa, Arizona, knows just how important family is to them. In the opinion of this writer, it is their innate ability to share themselves and their family with their audience and, even if for only a couple of hours, make the audience not only want to be part of that family, but feel the perception that they are that takes an already great entertainment show and elevates it to a special personal experience.
From a musical variety perspective this show has it all from country and western to classical, Motown, gospel, patriotic and more. With the Duttons show it’s not just what they do, it’s how they do it. Many have heard and seen the “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” performed, but when you see and hear it performed “Dutton style,” as the whole family participates, with each soloing on their favorite instrument, you realize and appreciate just how talented this family is. Bluegrass or classical, it makes no difference. Their “Classical Medley” with Timothy on Guitar for “Capricho,” “Czardus” featuring Judith on the keyboards and Amy on the violin and “Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, Summer Movement” with Amy on the violin and the rest of the family accompanying her, is simply a joy to hear.
Another thing the Duttons do is vary their method of presentation during each different segment to hold their audiences interest and keep them in a constant state of anticipation. Whether it’s Timothy and Judith singing their beautiful duet “When you Say Nothing at All” with Dean and Sheila dancing to it; Benjamin’s cousin “Julio,” who looks a lot like Benjamin, “horning” in with Jonathan in one of the funniest and unique versions of “Dueling Banjoes” in existence; “Highway Patrol,” featuring Dean with some of his younger grandchildren, Leila, Luke and Damien providing a special “driving touch;” the “Girls Medley,” with “Da do ron ron” featuring Abigail, “It’s My Party” featuring Rachel, “Johnny Angel” featuring Amy or “Lollipop” featuring Jessica, the audience is invested in the show and eagerly waiting to see what comes next.
The Duttons, Benjamin, left, Jessica, Abigail, Jonathan, Amy and Timothy performing their signature Finale.
Some who have seen the show are probably thinking, “You didn’t mention my favorite part of the show, Timothy and Amy’s fiddle duet of ‘Orange Blossom Special,’ the ‘Rock Around the Clock’ number featuring the dancing of Benjamin and his wife Brande or their outstanding Veterans Tribute featuring a touching narration and dancing by Jonathan’s wife Belle, Julio’s comedy etc. They would be absolutely right, but any review describing a show having this much quality entertainment and variety packed into it must be broken into highlights if it is to fit into an article. If someone else were writing the article there would be different highlights and that’s the wonderful thing about the Duttons show.
It is a show that truly has been designed and produced to have highlights for everyone, adults as well as teens and younger children. Each performance is a celebration of family, one of the finest entertainment experiences available in Branson or anywhere else and is a special sharing of their family with yours. It is a wonderful experience that will be remembered long after the curtain comes down.
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.