The Shows of Dollywood

One thing that has always made Dollywood great is the live entertainment. Dollywood has a history of incredible talent gracing the stages all across the park. From the newest country hits, classic country such as Patsy Cline, bluegrass, gospel, 50s, comedy and more, its really hard to find another place that has such diversity.

Also, shows change throughout the year depending on the season. During the Festival of Nations, performers from all over the world perform their country's dance and music. With Fall comes the National Gospel & Harvest Celebration. Dollywood's Smoky Mountain Christmas wraps up the year with Christmas shows that really add to the holiday spirit.

The first show I have to mention is a show that, sadly, is no longer. My hope is that Dollywood may eventually revive it. Back before Dollywood was Dollywood, it was Silver Dollar City. Every evening, as the rest of the park closed, the Barnwood Theatre would host the Silver Dollar Jamboree. From about 7 until 9, this show was the ultimate closer to a day at the park. It was later named the Dollywood Jamboree after it became Dollywood. The show starred James Rogers, who had (and still does have) a one-man show several times throughout the day at Dollywood. The Jamboree featured a live band, a female lead, cloggers (dancers), and for comedy relief, Elwood Smooch. I will be writing an article all about him very soon. The music featured was current country hits along with classics. I have a lot of good memories of this show. As I said, it was the PERFECT way, for us the ONLY way, to close out our days at Dollywood. We would always sit front row or maybe second row. It was great seeing James lead the way after having seen him hours earlier in the day at his one-man show (of which I will cover below). James is an accomplished singer/song writer, best known for the song Fly Eagle Fly. I just spoke with him recently on my visit in October 2008, telling him of my fond memories of watching the Jamboree and he said he was just coincidentally speaking with the management at Dollywood to try and get something like that going again. For me, the highlight was whenever Elwood would come out from backstage and interact with James. Billy Baker, aka Elwood Smooch, is an absolutely amazing performer. He brings to life Elwood in such a way that its hard to believe Elwood is a character - even to this day. To me, Elwood is as real as anyone. Sure, this is one goofy hillbilly, but if you saw him, you'd know what I was talking about. I remember going on stage with them as a kid. Before the show began, a Dollywood staff member would ask a select few kids if they wanted to be in the show. I remember one year we went to Dollywood 4 days in a row (we went after 3, did the next day free, then repeated that). I remember being at the show the first night, they asked if I wanted to go on stage, I said sure. The next night, they asked again. I said I was just on stage last night. The guy says, no problem, you can do it again! Then on the third night, someone asked me AGAIN! I was like, I was on stage the last two nights. The guy says, thats fine, no problem! So I was literally on stage 3 nights in a row!!! Other fond memories of this show were waiting to talk to James and Elwood, I mean Billy (heheh), after the show. I remember walking out of Dollywood after the show, being among the last few people left. We would walk by the River Rampage, which was always empty at this point at night. And I remember going out to our motorhome, the only vehicle left in the parking lot! Then there was the drive through the woods between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, then out of Gatlinburg along highway 321 to our campground Crazy Horse/Clear Creek Resort. Ahhhh, such great memories.

Ok, so that was a lot about a show that doesn't even exist anymore, but those were truly magical times. Dollywood needs to get this going again. So now on to the shows that ARE still being performed daily at Dollywood.

This has to start off with James Rogers. This show is one of the most fun shows I've ever been to. James has several guitars, some of which are capable of special sound effects. His show has comedy and music that ranges from rock, country, 50s to patriotic. He is an avid lover of bald eagles and as mentioned above, wrote the song Fly Eagle Fly, which was adopted as one of Tennessee's state songs. James is an amazing talent - a singer, song writer, and really friendly guy. He stays around after his shows and meets with fans, sign autographs, answer questions, or just catch up with those of us that keep coming back for more. He knew my family quite well when we went every year back when I was younger. If you go to Dollywood and just want to have a fun time, definitely see James Rogers. I just discovered his show was moved to the Wings of America Theatre for the 2009 season, which is appropriate given his love of bald eagles. Hmmm, now that I think of it, I wonder what James thinks about performing outside? He's been performing indoors for quite a few years now.




Country Crossroads, which is performed in the outside Valley Theatre, is a great show with a cast of six, three guys and three girls, who sing to recorded backing music. This show is one of my favorites because of the songs they sing. The songs range from older stuff like Patsy Cline all the way to the latest in country music like Rascal Flatts. The singers in July 2006 were noticeably better than when I went in October 2008, but maybe they had a few new people. Anyways, definitely a show worth seeing!







The Jukebox Junction section of Dollywood hosts the Dreamland Drive-In at the Pines Theatre. This show features the hits of the 50s and 60s with a very talented cast. The costumes and set are top-notch. My parents grew up in the 50s and 60s, so this was always a fun show to see with them. My mom is a huge Elvis fan. Even for those of us that are younger, its still a great time. One thing I love doing when I see this show is getting some cinnamon glazed almonds or pecans in the lobby!



Dolly's Family Reunion is just the latest incarnation of a tradition that goes back to the beginnings of Dollywood. Originally called The Kinfolks (as you will see in a picture below), this show is performed at the Backporch Theatre and features family members of Dolly Parton performing music and telling stories about Dolly.




If you want to hear some bluegrass, then see the Smoky Mountain String Band. Its funny, I don't really listen to bluegrass, but whenever I hear it, I love it. Its just so fast and up-beat. I don't know how anyone can listen to it and stay still! There's just too much energy! Orange Blossom Special, anyone?! I got a cd from one of the prior bluegrass bands at Dollywood and throw it on every now and then.

When you get off the train (notice I say WHEN, because if you go to Dollywood and don't ride the Dollywood Express, you are depriving yourself of a tradition!) Professor Seymour Tricks Magic Show will start up just as you come around the back of the caboose. For years and years and years, maybe even since the days of Silver Dollar City, there was a magician named David Talent. Unfortunately, he left Dollywood about two seasons ago. Anyways, the magic show is fun for the crowd, especially for the kids, some of which may end up on stage at some point! Right next to the stage is the magic shop where you can find all kinds of cool magic tricks, gags, etc. My nephews were going nuts in the magic shop. While in the shop, Professor Seymour will show you how to perform the tricks if you want! I got a squirt coin and squirt camera from here when I was a kid and I'm happy to say they still have them in the shop! This past year, we got a couple of items, but the most fun one is the magic coloring book, which you'll likely see during the show!



Several years ago, Dollywood became host to many injured and endangered birds in the form of the Eagle Mountain Sanctuary. This large aviary is home to many birds that are being rehabilitated. Its here that you can watch the Wings of America Birds of Prey show at the Wings of America Theatre. This show features some beautiful birds, some of which soar over the crowd. Of course, the star of the show is a bald eagle. Truly a majestic bird.










Sha-Kon-O-Hey! is a brand new show this season, 2009, so unfortunately, I have not seen it. If you've seen it, please leave us comments and tell us what you think. I can say that it looks like its a replacement for a previous show that was themed similiarly - a show all about the Great Smoky Mountains, how the mountains were before they were settled, and how life was for the earliest settlers after they arrived. I am sure this show has fantastic special effects, sets, costumes, and talent. Even though I haven't been back to see it yet, I can just about guarantee this is a show not to miss! This show takes place in Dollywood's "main" theatre, the Celebrity Theatre.

One final show I will mention is Heartsong in the Heartsong Theatre. This is a short, 20 minute multi-sensory show that is narrated by Dolly herself where she talks and sings about her home, the Great Smoky Mountains. Its interesting to see, but don't beat yourself up too much if you miss it.

Believe it or not, there's even MORE shows at Dollywood, although I would say these are the main ones. Dollywood's web site has a page listing all of them here: Dollywood Shows

Smoky Mountain Christmas is a very special time to visit Dollywood as there are tons and tons of lights throughout the park. The holiday season at Dollywood features 7 different Christmas shows. Talk about holiday spirit! These shows are Dollywood's Babes in Toyland, Christmas in the Smokies, Appalachian Christmas, Carol of the Trees, Christmas with the Kingdom Heirs, O' Holy Night, and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. I went to Dollywood once during this season, but it was MANY years ago, and they have added a lot of shows I haven't seen. Therefore, I would say click the link above and scroll down the list of shows and you will see the Christmas shows. When I finally make it up there for Christmas, I will do a post on all the Christmas shows. It might be within the next few years, so stay tuned! If you go this season and write a good description of each show, let me know and maybe I will allow a contribution!

The shows at Dollywood are the only thing you really have to plan for - everything else you just do when you come to it. So I would recommend picking a few shows you really want to see and planning your day around those shows. Sha-Kon-O-Hey! is probably the show you don't want to miss. If you want to have a real fun time, definitely see James Rogers. If you are in a 50s and 60s mood, you don't want to miss the Dreamland Drive-In. To see Dollywood talent performing today's hits, Country Crossroads is where its at. If you want a real dose of Dolly, why not spend a little time with members of her family at Dolly's Family Reunion? All in all, Dollywood offers a great variety of shows from very talented performers! Its a BIG part of the Dollywood tradition!

Check out my other Dollywood posts:
Dollywood Introduction
The Rides of Dollywood
Blazing Fury IS a roller coaster, mom!
Dining At Dollywood
The Crafts of Dollywood