Latest Theater News and Updates

We feel your pain!! We have all taken the family on vacation and felt the gut-wrenching agony of that first glance at our bank account balance once we get back home. Our goal is certainly not to bankrupt anyone or cause you to have to save up for three more years before you can afford that Griswold family vacation to “Wally World.” 

(These are in no particular order)

Pigeon Forge and the surrounding areas are a virtual playground for all ages and all walks of life. There are so many amazing things to do here, and the list is growing at such a rapid rate that it’s hard to keep up with all that is now available for vacationers and locals alike. Whether you enjoy car shows, theme parks, live theater shows, one-of-a-kind attractions, mountain coasters, mini golf, an unlimited choice of incredible dining, a number of themed museums such as Hollywood Star Cars, Titanic Museum, Hollywood Wax Museum and more, or maybe you just like getting away from the crowds and getting back to nature and simply enjoying the true beauty of the Smoky Mountains there is literally something for everyone.

What can we expect to see at the show? When coming up with ideas for Array our goal was to create a high-energy celebration of life! We feature music from all the different genres spanning many decades, performed by world-class singers and dancers. In addition, we are home to some of the most incredible specialty acts you’ll see anywhere. This show was created to appeal to every member of every family, regardless of age or background. How long does the show last? Including a 15-minute intermission, we strive to keep Array right at a two hour experience. When does your Christmas show start? This year our Christmas show begins on November 4 th and runs through December 31 st . Do we have to come watch the show to get an Amish pretzel, or can we just come in, buy one, and leave? Buying a ticket to come see our show is not a prerequisite for buying a pretzel. We have people who come in regularly just to buy pretzels, and then leave. Our fresh baked Amish Pretzels are ready typically an hour before each show. Do you have other shows in your theater besides Array? We currently have two other absolutely phenomenal shows in our theater. Our afternoon matinee is called “Illusionation….the magic of Jason Hudy.” This is an incredible two-hour experience that will blow your mind from start to finish. Jason is a master illusionist who has been a regular on Disney Cruise Lines, late night talk shows, and has performed literally all over the world. It’s certainly worth mentioning that kids under 12 get in free! If you’re looking for a family show that kids will absolutely love, you have to see “Illusionation!” Our other show is a morning show featuring Patty Waszak. Patty is a multi-talented entertainer who sings, tells jokes, is a master at engaging the audience, and is favorite among tour bus operators and travelers. Do you offer combo deals for your other shows? We currently have a combo package that includes both Array and Illusionation. The combo deal knocks $10 off the price of each ticket. Kids under 12 are always admitted free to Illusionation with the purchase of a paid adult, but with the combo package kids under 12 will be admitted free to Array as well with the purchase of a paid adult. How did you come up with the name “Array?” We knew our show was going to be a variety show with a wide range of musical styles as well as many different specialty acts. My wife and I were trying to think of a name that embodied the structure of our show. We were driving along, both throwing out different names and I said, “how about Array?” At the time I didn’t give it much thought, but my wife absolutely loved it. We told a couple of other people whose opinions we value, and they loved it as well. The name describes the show, but once we started hiring cast members, we soon found among our new cast family that there was an “array” of personalities, nationalities, and backgrounds. We soon found that our name represents an opportunity to love those who may not look like us, talk like us, come from where we come from, or even believe the way we believe. This was a God-inspired name for sure. Do you offer military discounts? We are proud to honor our military men and women for the sacrifices they have made in every show that we do, and we feel that offering a discount to our veterans and active duty service personnel as a small way of saying thank you is the least we can do. Please let us know of your veteran status when calling in or purchasing tickets in person. Do you have a dress code? We don’t allow clothing that is overly revealing, clothing with images or slogans containing vulgarity that make others feel uncomfortable, or something that a child should not be exposed to. Other than that, we want you to come dressed in something casual you will be comfortable in. If you come to our show in a suit and tie, or a formal gown, there’s a good chance you are going to feel out of place.

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One of the most popular, and most exciting acts in our show, “Go Gaucho” is the husband and wife team of Sebastian and Amberlyn Sayago. The couple met several years ago while traveling the world, performing on the same cruise ship.

PIGEON FORGE, Tenn., Nov. 6, 2023 — The Mountain of Entertainment Theater in Pigeon Forge always honors veterans. In fact in every “Array” variety show at the theater there is a special tribute to the veterans of the armed forces. To especially honor veterans on Veterans Day, Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, The Mountain of Entertainment Theater will offer FREE ADMISSION to the “Christmas at Array” Variety Show at both the 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. shows that day. The offer is for active duty military, as well as to reservists, retirees, and veterans. Valid military ID is required. All veterans need to do is to go to the ticket window at the Mountain of Entertainment Theater and present their employee or service ID, or their discharge papers. The veteran can have one guest at $9.95 plus tax. Additional guests will pay regular price. This offer is not available online and there is a limit of one pair of tickets per show on Veteran’s Day per military service member. This offer is subject to availability, cannot be combined with any other offer and is not valid with prior purchases. Tickets are non-refundable. “The greatest contributions in society have not been made by movie stars, actors or athletes, but rather they have been made by the real heroes of our society today – our veterans,” said Hugh Warren, co-producer of the “Array” show, as well as host and singer. “America is the most blessed country in the world, but America did not get that way without sacrifices. We always want to honor the brave men and women who served in the U.S. military, both past and present, active duty and retired and their spouses who stayed home.” The “Array” Variety Show – “America’s Ultimate Variety Show” opened its all new 2023 show in April with music of all styles, a spectacular line-up of performers and a renovated theater. The “Christmas at Array” Variety Show opened Nov. 1 and is a family friendly show with world-class singers, dancers, quick-change artists, gaucho dancers, aerialists and a world famous juggler. The first half of the “Christmas at Array” features songs from the sounds of the season with all of the Christmas favorites, along with unique variety acts and the second half of the show continues with more Christmas favorite tunes, a patriotic section, Santa and the gospel story telling of the birth of Christ. The new Christmas celebration show features nearly two-hours of holiday-themed entertainment. Throughout the show, new and old Christmas music fills the air. State-of-the-art special effects include lasers, an angel who flys overhead, giant video screens and concert quality lighting and sound. One show highlight in the “Christmas at Array” show is a patriotic number mix of “I’ll be Home for Christmas” and “Merry Christmas Darling.” During the regular season, the show finale, “His Truth is Marching On,” brings the crowd to its feet, complete with flying flags and video special effects. These are special tribute numbers to the veterans of the armed forces. “We thank our veterans, our God, and our country and we pray our country turns back to God,” Warren said. Show times for the “Christmas at Array” Variety Show are Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Ticket prices are $38.95 plus tax for adults and $12.95 plus tax for children ages 4 to 11. Children ages 1-3 are free if they are sitting on an adult’s lap. Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more. Concessions are available including Amish pretzels, popcorn, candy, and soft drinks. The theater will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. The show will run for this season until Dec. 30th, 2023, then it will close for two months and open back up in March of 2024. The other show at the Mountain of Entertainment Theater is “Illusionation, Believe in the Magic.” The internationally-acclaimed illusionist Jason Hudy combines large-scale illusions, sleight-of-hand tricks and imagination to form the show. Hudy’s “Illusionation, Believe in the Magic” show includes magic, music, comedy and audience participation to make each show unique. He has performed over 10,000 magic shows around the world including corporate shows for Disney Cruise Lines, Chevrolet, Mitsubishi, ESPN, The Hershey Company, LEGO Group, Six Flags and many more. Another one of Hudy’s career highlights included performing on national TV on the Late Late Show on CBS. The magic show runs at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, November 6 through December 29, 2023, with occasional Friday matinee shows. Ticket prices for the “Illusionation, Believe in the Magic” show are $29.95, plus tax for adults, and children ages 11 and under are free. Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more. The 534 seat theater is located at 2135 Parkway (between traffic lights 0 and 1). For more information, call the theater’s box office (865) 245-4FUN (4386) or visit mountainofentertainmenttheater.com .

Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Nov. 2, 2023– The Mountain of Entertainment Theater will hold local appreciation days from Monday, Nov. 6, to Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, for its new “Christmas at Array” Variety Show and from Monday, Nov. 6, to Thursday, Nov. 30, 2023, for its new “Illusionation, Believe in the Magic” Christmas show in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. Reservations are required to receive the special local rate by calling the theater’s box office (865) 245-4FUN (4386). Reservations cannot be made online for this special rate. Anyone who lives or works in Sevier, Knox, Jefferson, Cocke or Blount counties with a valid county driver’s license or current county business paycheck stub (within 30 days) with a photo ID can attend these shows for the local appreciation days special rate. This cannot be combined with any other offer and is not valid with prior purchases. Only one ID is required per immediate family. The first half of “Christmas at Array” features songs from the sounds of the season with all of the Christmas favorites including “White Christmas,” and “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas,” along with unique variety acts. The second half of the show continues with more Christmas favorite tunes, a patriotic section, and then it ends with the gospel story telling of the birth of Christ. During local appreciation week tickets will be $9.95 plus tax for both adults and children to “Christmas at Array.” Children ages 1-3 will be free, if they are sitting on an adult’s lap. Show times for “Christmas at Array” will be Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., as well as Wednesday and Saturday at 3:00 p.m. The all new “Illusionation, Believe in the Magic” show starring internationally acclaimed magician, Jason Hudy, sparkles during the holidays as he combines large-scale illusions, state-of-the art special effects, dazzling new Christmas costumes, classic sleight of hand tricks and imagination to form his new Christmas show. Tickets during local appreciation week will be $9.95 plus tax for adults, and all children will be free. Showtimes for “Ilusionation, Believe in the Magic” will be 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Tickets are on sale now. “We hope all of our local residents will come take advantage of our exceptional local appreciation days prices and come enjoy our unique spectacular Christmas shows” said Hugh Warren, who co-produces “Christmas at Array,” along with his wife, Chelsi Warren. The Mountain of Entertainment Theater is located at 2135 Parkway (between traffic lights 0 and 1) in Pigeon Forge. For more information, call the theater’s box office (865) 245-4FUN (4386) or visit mountainofentertainmenttheater.com . Concessions will be available including Amish pretzels, popcorn, candy, and soft drinks. The theater will be closed on Thanksgiving.

Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Sept. 21, 2023 – World famous Dutch juggler, Niels Duinker, and high-flying silk aerialists “Duo Artis,” Leann Farley and Semyon Gruzdev from the all-new musical “Array” Variety Show, and Terry Evanswood, star of “The Magic of Terry Evanswood,” all in Pigeon Forge, will perform at The Smoky Mountain Walk to Make Alzheimer’s a Memory on Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, at the Island in Pigeon Forge. They will perform between 2 and 3 p.m. on the stage in front of Ole Smoky Moonshine to benefit Alzheimer’s Tennessee. Duinker, a comedic juggler, is originally from Amsterdam, Netherlands. He holds eight Guinness Book of World Records in juggling, which includes two of his most impressive feats, juggling 14 cups at once and juggling for the longest duration while blindfolded. He was recently inducted into the prestigious International Jugglers’ Association (IJA) Hall of Fame and he was previously awarded the Golden Merlin Award from the International Magician’s Society (IMS), for “Variety Act of the Year.” This prestigious award is only presented to those who have achieved the highest level in their craft, both on the national and international stage. High-flying silk aerialists “Duo Artis,” Farley and Gruzdev will perform their quick change act. Farley has been dancing professionally since the age of 15 and has performed in multiple shows throughout her career both in the United States and overseas. Gruzdev graduated from one of the most prestigious dance academies in Russia and was a member of the Russian National Theater Dance Group. In 2010 while performing in the Yakov Smirnoff Show in Branson, Mo., Farley and Gruzdev formed their partnership, “Duo Artis,” and have been performing their aerial silks and quick change act together throughout the United States ever since. The “Duo Artis” can be seen performing their aerial silks and quick change act Monday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. in the “Array” Variety Show at the new Mountain of Entertainment Theater. “What we strive to do at the Mountain of Entertainment Theater is the exact opposite of what Alzheimer’s does,” said Hugh Warren, producer of the “Array” show, as well as host and singer. “Our goal is to create family memories to last a lifetime. Alzheimer’s robs people of those memories and so many more! I watched my grandmother suffer with Alzheimer’s for many years, so I know first-hand the heartbreak that families go through and the fear and confusion that the patients suffer through every minute of every day. We are thrilled to participate in the Alzheimer’s Walk to help put an end to this horrible disease. We encourage everyone to walk to make Alzheimer’s a memory.” Terry Evanswood, one of magic’s fastest rising stars, is now a favorite family attraction in the Smoky Mountains. His show features grand scale illusions, magical comedy and award winning sleight of hand. Performing professionally since the age of 10, Evanswood was endorsed into the Society of American Magicians by David Copperfield and Harry Blackstone Jr. Evanswood has received many of the highest honors in magic’s history, including a scholarship to the Chavez College of Manual Dexterity and Prestidigitation. He also received the first and only Certificate of Excellence Award ever to be given by the American Museum of Magic. In 1991, he became the youngest illusionist to perform at Hollywood’s famous Magic Castle. Terry received the highly coveted Merlin Award from the International Magicians Society, the largest fraternity of magicians in the world. Evanwood’s illusionary career has taken him from sold-out performances in Aruba, Miami, Cancun, New York, Alaska, Canada and even the magic city of fabulous Las Vegas. Teams are now forming to raise money for Alzheimer’s Tennessee, a local organization proud to serve the community for 40 years, funding research for Alzheimer’s treatment, advocacy and education about the disease, and support for families living with the disease. Anyone who would like to donate or sign up to join the family-fun, pet-friendly walk on Oct. 1 should visit the Alzheimer’s Tennessee website at www.alzTennessee.org . Those who register by Sept. 29 and raise $50 or more will receive a T-shirt. Participants can earn more incentive prizes at the $100, $200 and $500 levels. The event is rain or shine, with entertainment on the Ole Smoky Mountain Stage and more festivities including “Donate for a Duck to Win!” set to begin at 2 p.m. The opening ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. and feature a special fountain show, as well as the walk down memory lane, which follows at 3:45 p.m. Attendees at the event will also be able to enjoy special offers from The Island and a dedicated area of the parking lot with buses to take participants directly to the registration area by Paula Deen’s Family Kitchen. This year’s event at The Island will actually mark the 31st year that Smoky Mountain families, friends, coworkers and church members have come together to show their support for loved ones, the Alzheimer’s community, and the services that Alzheimer’s Tennessee provides. Duinker and “Duo Artis” can be seen performing Monday through Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the new spectacular “Array” Variety Show at the Mountain of Entertainment Theater. The “Array” Variety Show showcases talented musicians, singers and dancers performing hit songs from all genres of music spanning several decades. There are also other specialty acts including a hilarious comic magician and amazing gaucho dancers from Argentina. Tickets for the “Array” Variety Show are on sale now. Ticket prices are $38.95, plus tax for adults; and $12.95, plus tax for children ages 4 to 11. Children ages 1-3 are free if they are sitting on an adult’s lap. Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more. For more information, call the theater’s box office (865) 245-4FUN (4386) or visit mountainofentertainmenttheater.com . Tickets for “The Magic of Terry Evanswood” are $26.96 plus tax, and youth are $12.95 plus tax. He can be seen on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2:00 p.m. For information call the theater’s box office at (865) 774-7777 or visit www.thegrandmajestic.com Founded in 1983, Alzheimer’s Tennessee is a 501c3 not-for-profit headquartered locally in Knoxville with six regional offices across the state. In 2011 the Alzheimer’s Tennessee local Board of Directors voted to return to its independent status and disaffiliate from the national Alzheimer’s Association. Today, donors appreciate that 85 cents of every dollar donated directly funds the Alzheimer’s Tennessee Mission: To serve those facing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, to promote brain health through education, and to champion global research, prevention and treatment efforts. For more information about the walk, call 865-544-6288 or email kay.watson@TNalz.org or visit www.alzTennessee.org/SmokyWalk Alzheimer’s Tennessee is always available to answer questions about Alzheimer’s and related dementias through its 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-ALZ-Gate (1-800-259-4283) , your Gateway to services. Find helpful videos and information from experts at www.alzTennessee.org or call 865.544.6288