About the Valley

Welcome to the January/February 2009 issue of About the Valley. This issue is about the great theaters and shows that you and your family can enjoy in Pigeon Forge. I also have a great strawberry Valentines cake recipe.

BLACK BEAR JAMBOREE DINNER AND SHOW

The Black Bear Jamboree Dinner and Show is a musical dinner attraction. You will enjoy a country feast while the cast entertains you with a high-energy production including Country, Broadway, 50’s & 60’s, Bluegrass, and Gospel Music. The show will feature extraordinary sets, elaborate costumes, and spectacular choreography. The Black Bear Jamboree Dinner and Show music theater is located on Pigeon Forge on the main Parkway on Music Road. For more information, call 1-800-985-5494 or visit http://www.blackbearjamboree.com and you can order your tickets online.

BLACKWOOD BREAKFAST VARIETY SHOW

The Blackwoods are in their fifth season performing traditional morning Gospel music shows at the Black Bear Jamboree Theater in Pigeon Forge. You will enjoy a complete entertainment experience with a tasty continental breakfast and classic, traditional Gospel music performed by the Blackwood Quartet and the Blackwood Singers. The shows begin at 10:00 a.m. The admission is only $29.95 For more information, call 865-908-7469 or visit http://www.theblackwoods.com.

THE COMEDY BARN THEATER

The Comedy Barn Theater, located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, features an award-winning family comedy variety show. The show features magicians, fire-eaters, jugglers, ventriloquists, clean family comedians, live country and gospel music, as well as fun barnyard animals. For more information, call 865-428-5222 or toll free at 1-800-29-Laugh. To view the show schedule and purchase tickets online, visit http://www.comedybarn.com.

COUNTRY TONITE THEATRE

The Country Tonite Theatre, a 1500-seat multi-million dollar theatre located in Pigeon Forge, offers the best entertainment experience at the best value!! You will see some of country music’s most legendary artists along with a high-energy, full-scale production. The 2009 Celebrity Concert Series includes performances by Loretta Lynn, Ronnie Milsap, John Anderson, George Jones, Ray Price, BJ Thomas and Billy Joe Royal, Gene Watson, John Conlee, and The Nashville Legends Show starring Jim Ed Brown, Helen Cornelius, Jeannie Seely, and Jack Greene. Shows are at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and there is a morning show at 10:00 a.m. with Patty Waszak. For more information and to order tickets, call 1-800-792-4308. Check the show schedules at http://www.countrytonitetheater.com plus buy your tickets!

DOLLY PARTON’S DIXIE STAMPEDE DINNER ATTRACTION

Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner and Show is a fun-filled, action-packed extravaganza that everyone will enjoy! Each ticket includes the special Carriage Room Opening Act, the main show in the beautiful arena, and a four-course dinner complete with a dessert. The Carriage Room Opening Act begins 50 minutes prior to the main show. The facilities are fully accessible for individuals with special needs. Vegetarian meals are available upon request. The main show includes live animals, dramatic lighting, sound, and pyrotechnics. For more information, call 1-800-356-1676 or visit http://www.dixiestampede.com/pigeonforge.php.

GRAND MAJESTIC THEATER

The Grand Majestic Theater is a new theater located on the Parkway and is home to the multi-million dollar production, Swing Time! The show offers high energy dances and touching music from the early 1940’s, the years of great performers like Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, and the Andrews Sisters. For reservations, call 865-774-7777 or 1-888-GRAND-08.

GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAIN MURDER MYSTERY DINNER SHOW

The Great Smoky Mountain Murder Mystery Dinner Show is the place to experience an evening of suspense, drama, intrigue, murder, mayhem, comedy, and cuisine. The Dinner and a Murder includes a 3-act mystery comedy with lots of audience participation with shows designed for you to join in as much or as little as you wish. Between the acts of murder and mayhem, the show offers some of the best cuisine you will ever have followed by the most scrumptious dessert. For reservations, call 1-888-641-7183.

HOOT N’ HOLLER DINNER SHOW

The Hoot N’ Holler Dinner Show is the funniest dinner show in the Smokies! The two-hour production features the Hoot N’ Holler Players who dance and sing and will be sure and make you laugh! You will also enjoy a wonderful Italian Trio for dinner consisting of Baked Ziti, Stuffed Shells, and Chicken Parmesan. This is served with a crispy Italian salad and bread with homemade whipped butter. Enjoy strawberry shortcake with homemade whipped cream. The Hoot N’ Holler Dinner Show is located inside WonderWorks, 100 Music Road, Pigeon Forge. For reservations, call 1-865-868-1000 or visit http://www.wonderworkstn.com/handh.htm.

MAGIC BEYOND BELIEF

Plan to visit the Magic Beyond Belief Theater, located on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge, where you and your family will enjoy stunning illusions, mind-boggling special effects, and more! Enjoy two hours of nonstop magic performed by Terry Evanswood, international star of magic. For more information, call 865-428-5600 or visit http://www.pigeonforgemagic.com.

THE MIRACLE THEATER

The Miracle Theater is a spectacular musical recreation of the life Christ told in epic proportion. The show features an enormous cast of actors, singers, dancers, technicians, and live animals. Enjoy spectacular special effects and plan to be inspired and renewed as you witness the glory of The Miracle. The theater is open March through December with shows at 7:30 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Enjoy a matinee at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Tickets are $34.95 plus tax for adults and $9.95 plus tax for children. Season passes are available. For more information, call 1-800-768-1170 or visit http://www.miracletheater.com.

SHOWPLACE DINNER THEATER IN THE SMOKIES

The ShowPlace Dinner Theater in the Smokies, located at 140 Showplace Boulevard in Pigeon Forge, has a new show that is a celebration and a salute to timeless songs, singers, and songwriters throughout the history of American music. The show is titled “Music of the Heartland” and features rock & roll, country, jazz, pop, gospel, big band, and patriotic music. For reservations, please call 865-453-0833 or 1-888-513-1403.

SMITH FAMILY THEATER

The Smith Family Theater, featuring Charlie, Jim, and Charlie Bob Smith, is beginning their 5th season in 2009. And beginning this year, the Smith Family Show will include a Southern style buffet dinner. You will be entertained with a variety show of music and comedy. Enjoy a blend of classic country music, gospel music, oldies rock-n-roll music, clean family comedy, and impersonations of famous stars. Add to that a tribute to the Andy Griffith show and a hula hoop contest and you have a spectacular evening of fun. The Smith Family Theater is located at traffic light #1 on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. For more information, call 865-429-8100 or 1-866-399-8100 or visit http://www.smithfamilytheater.com.

SMOKY MOUNTAIN JUBILEE

The Smoky Mountain Jubilee is the longest running show in the Smokies. Enjoy country music, gospel music featuring the Jubilee Quartet, 50’s music, bluegrass, clogging, and comedy by Highpockets. You and your family will enjoy good, clean wholesome family entertainment at its best!! The Smoky Mountain Jubilee is located at 2115 Parkway in Pigeon Forge. For reservations, call 865-428-1836.

Here is a great recipe for Valentines Day.

FRESH STRAWBERY CAKE

1 box white cake mix

1 (3-oz) box strawberry Jello

¾ cup Wesson oil

½ cup frozen strawberries (thawed)

¼ cup water

4 eggs

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix cake mix, Jello, oil, strawberries, and water; then add eggs, 1 at a time. Beat well. Bake in 2 layers until toothpick comes out clean. ICING: Mix 1 box confectioners sugar and 1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese with enough strawberries to reach desired consistency.

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Thanks for subscribing to About the Valley. We look forward to bringing you more news next month. As always, if you have any questions or comments or want to share your favorite place to visit in the Smoky Mountains, e-mail us at .

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