Deborah Stone - Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Show

October 9, 2005 Show date

It wasn't "happy trails" for me the day my retired cousin decided to fulfill a dream by purchasing tickets to the Roy Rogers and Dale Evans Museum during a recent family reunion, but within the hour I was singing along with Dusty Rogers and the Highriders, wiping a tear as images of his famous parents flashed on the screen and chomping at the bit to tour the adjacent museum.

Picture by Kurt Moore

I wasn't "raised" with Roy and Dale as my cousin was, but there are few persons of any generation who aren't familiar with images of Roy riding full tilt on his golden palomino, Trigger, while Dale follows on her horse, Buttermilk, Pat (the sidekick) in the jeep Nellie Belle and Bullet barking in excitement not far behind.

The museum and show are one of Branson's newer attractions and the floods of bus traffic that pulls up in front of it attests to the enduring legacy of the "King and Queen" of the old west.  We arrived at the museum just as the show doors were opened for seating.  Being seated nearly 40 minutes early, I wasn't initially thrilled at the prospect of waiting for a "cowboy" show.  But within minutes projected for our viewing pleasure was an old "This is Your Life" program featuring a shocked and surprised Roy Rogers.  Anyone who can sit through this program and not be touched by the genuine humility and love of family exhibited by both Roy and Dale needs to be run out of town. 

Within minutes after the program ended, Roy Rogers,Jr. and the Highriders came out promising an hour and a half of cowboy music.  Not country music, but cowboy music.  He was true to his word.  The band was tight and his singing was pleasant, especially when joined in harmony by his band in a choral blending reminiscent of the "Sons of the Pioneers," founded by his Father, Roy.  Seating was comfortable and up close and personal in the intimate theatre, and a highlight of the show was a question and answer (Q&A) segment about his life growing up with Roy and Dale and his numerous siblings. 

 As with most Q&A segments, audience members always feel the need to tell stories, rather than ask questions, which enable the performer to provide interesting anecdotes and stories.  Dusty, however, patiently listened to the wealth of stories from the audience and proved throughout the show to be an amiable and very gracious performer and host. He wove stories of his parents along with a history of cowboy music throughout his show, which proved to be an interesting blend, keeping the show moving along at a steady pace.  The campfire stage setting was refreshing to the eyes with Dusty pointing out there would be no pyrotechnics or fog machines, just good old singing and visiting.   

Dusty and his band were generous in the time they spent after the show posing for photos and autographs, even though they had to rush out to a lunchtime performance at Silver Dollar City.  The Gift Shop was competitively priced on merchandise devoted to Roy and Dale, with a good selection of jewelry, CD's, DVD's, children's toys and overall western-themed merchandise complimenting the show and museum cowboy theme.

The museum proved far more interesting than I had thought it would.  A candid tribute to Dusty's brother, Sandy, who led a troubled life was touching in its honesty, and memories of Robin, Roy and Dale's only natural child who died in infancy, were lovingly presented, along with tributes to the remaining Rogers children and those who were tragically lost in their youth. 

 A highlight, of course, was seeing Trigger, Trigger, Jr., Bullet and Buttermilk, lovingly preserved in a wonderful barn setting. The sight of Roy (a wax image) standing with them was at first cause for laughter as a popular quote from him is that he wanted to be "stuffed and put in the museum with Trigger." 

 The exhibits presented all you would want to know about both Dale and Roy, including his marriage to Dusty's mother, who died when he was only days old.  Dale is a surprisingly beautiful woman, and photographs of her career as a big band singer reveal a woman surprisingly voluptuous and radiating a beauty comparable to any of the major stars of her time. 

The exhibits were nicely laid out, enabling even a crowded room to be easily navigated and viewed at one's own speed.  Oral narratives were interesting and even a fast walk-through of the museum would present a good overview of the life of Roy and Dale.  A small movie theatre in the museum shows additional film biographies of the stars for persons wanting even more.

The entire complex was easy to get to via the Yellow Route, totally by-passing the busy strip.  The complex was immaculate with a friendly staff dressed in gunslinger garb very helpful and informative.  What makes the museum even more enjoyable is the presence of Roy Rogers, Jr., who lives up to his parent's legacy in genuine warmth, Christian values and good humor. 

 I went in dragging my feet, but I came out tapping them.  I would recommend this show to anyone who "grew up" with Roy and Dale, or wants to get acquainted with them.  While the museum may prove to tedious for younger children to dally, a quick walk-through will provide them with the fun of seeing Trigger and the gang, numerous vintage automobiles and lots of fun cowboy memorabilia.  A shooting gallery at the front entry provides entertainment for all ages and the Gift Shop abounds with toys for tots of all ages.  A giant Trigger statue greets visitors at the street, making the attraction and entrance hard to miss.