Dutton's Show

The Dutton's...A Musical Mosaic! What A Show!

It was such a pleasure to meet, watch, and enjoy the Dutton Family Show. It was difficult to absorb that much talent in one family. The Dutton Family perform a wide variety of different styles of music including bluegrass, jazz, classical, gospel and rock 'n roll among others.

How in the world can they do that? Just think about it. The range went from an orchestrated sound of a large ensemble with B-Minor, Johann Pachelbel's Canon to La Bamba, Wipeout and Johnny B. Goode. Are you kidding me?!

Being raised myself in a musical family, I truly appreciate this feat. My father could play the drums, the guitar, and the piano. People were amazed at his talent. And it was easy for him to book weddings of 300-500 people. I never thought much of it. However, as I grew older and tried dabbling in music myself, I thought, "How did he do it?" Well, for him it was rock and roll. Sometimes he would practice 12 hours a day for months on end. And even with all that practice he felt he really mastered none of it. No way was he capable of classical, nor bluegrass. With that said, The Duttons truly staggered me with their polished, musical wizardry. The diversity of music is almost as spell-binding as their ability to switch back and forth and play an expertly executed musical mosaic. Try saying that three times fast

I couldn't be frank enough to explain how difficult it is to perform the way they do. Add to it that Benjamin, who plays nearly every instrument, can tap-dance like Gregory Hines. Oh, did I mention that if Benjamin is not tap-dancing or playing an instrument - he is ripping up the crowd with laughter during his comedy skits. Give me a break! The whole family not only is freakishly, instrumentally talented; they can really sing. There’s also Timothy and Judith, Abigail, Joshua, Amy, Jonathan, and of course mom and pop who started it all: Sheila and Dean.

A clever part was when Tom from Detroit Lakes was picked from the audience to participate in a skit. His job was to woo his future bride, "Abigail." However, the catch was that he could only read from cue cards held up by Rufus the dog. You will have a hard time hearing through all the laughter.

A great highlight of the show was when the six Dutton babies came rolling out in a bathtub to the tunes of "Splash, Splash I Was Takin' a Bath." This was a favorite for all the grandmas out there. By the way, Grandma Sheila mentioned that all the babies were born within six months of each other. What are those Duttons drinking, I wonder?

The Dutton's, by far, have the best half-time intermission. Even though they pitch their food and videos, it is filled with comedy. One aspect of every theater that is important to me is the comfort of the seats and the seats at the Dutton Family Theatre are very comfortable. By the way, the concession area has fresh fudge (I didn't sample some, so try it and let me know if it's any good.)

When the Dutton's came back from half time, it was again, audience participation time. Timothy, Jonathan and Benjamin lead the way with "Say You Love Me" as they serenaded 6-year-old Paige.

As far as children are concerned, they will love a particular segment that goes to black light. Cartoon-like characters (glowing in the dark) come out strumming their guitars and play to music. My kids were riveted on this part. Yours will be, too.

Jonathan can play the heck out of the guitar, base and banjoes. Amy and Abigail seemed to be born with the fiddle. Joshua screamed through the harmonica. Mom and Dad not only played well, they kept that family tempo going. I wonder whose boss in that family? Timothy had a nice solo, that you would expect from big brother; and Judith, Abigail and Amy had beautiful harmony. From singing to dancing, this felt like being around a campfire with a love-filled family. Only an extremely talented one. If you love music, I recommend this show highly!

Not many know that Dean was a professor of economics for 26 years; and that he and his wife had sacrificed his career to spread the family talent over 2,000,000 miles in several countries to give his kids a chance at fame. Dean touched my heart when he sat down with his family and sang “I'm a Little White Duck”. This song (music being one of the catalysts of memory) was my Grandma Chalfant's favorite song to sing to me as a child. She would get on that old organ and play for me and my sister almost every day. I'd say, "Grandma, play it again!" And, although never in the best of health, she'd tirelessly play for us. During that short part, I missed her something terrible and wished she was still alive to sing it to my kids.

Thanks to you, Duttons, again for allowing us at BransonCritic.org to be a part of your family for a night.

Editor, Doug Holland

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