Day 45-July 15, 2015-Branson-Day 4-The Duttons & IT
Hot again, 95. And Humid!
After breakfast Harry climbed up on the roof and fixed one of the vent covers that was coming loose and I went back to the maps and books.
Our first show was at 2PM-The Duttons, a family of entertainers that we’ve seen here before. Mom, Dad, 5 brothers and sisters (there are others), assorted spouses and 28 grandchildren of every age performing. Been in Branson for 27 years and even the little ones have a part. They can play anything with strings and have been voted best fiddler, best instrumentalist, best patriotic tribute, etc., etc., etc. They have their own theater, hotel, restaurant and big gift shop right on the premises and make their own fudge. At intermission all of the family members are at the concession selling soda, popcorn, etc. And the brothers help park cars. One of the brothers has an alter ego, Julio, supposedly a cousin they’d rather disown. He does a skit with another brother where he plays horns attached to his jumpsuit while the other brother plays the fiddle. And he provides comedy throughout the show. And I think the best part is at the end when the each play a fiddle that somebody else is holding. Great entertainment. They all seem to be having a really good time up on the stage and it’s infectious. Our seats were fifth row, dead center again. I’m getting used to the view from these seats.
Back to the campground I went in the pool, then dinner and on to our next show.
For our last show in Branson we went to “IT-Starring the Hughes Brothers-Little Word-Big Show”. Five brothers, their wives, four adopted sisters, and 37 nieces, nephews, all ages and sizes. Dad died last year but Mom still produces the show. This show is the “World’s Largest Family of Entertainers”, they all sing and dance. IT’s been in Branson for 20 years and IT was awarded Best Show and Entertainers of the Year. Don’t think I agree. IT was OK, the brothers sang well and some of the other family. The kids, even the littlest ones, had to learn lots of dance moves and songs and they did it well. And the little ones were really cute. One of the little boys, probably about 3 years old, let out a big yawn during a song. They all had a part to play, they didn’t just stand there and smile. But I liked the quality of the Duttons and SIX better. But they sure did fill up the stage, even though some of them were missing, a lot of the boys were off to Boy Scout camp for the week. And one wife just had another baby-their ninth. The family works in the concession and some of them were ushers before the show. We sat closer tonight, center, row 2 on the aisle.
The theater is right next door to Andy’s Frozen Custard so walked over and got a treat. Nice night, almost a cool breeze.