Spectacular Musical Production

Winners of the 2004 Branson Critic Award for Best Band

The Dutton show in Branson is a must see spectacular musical production that will capture the attention of both children and adults. The Dutton family have a precious unity of love and sharing in their show. The babies who sat on their mother's laps while the mom's sang brought tears to my eyes and the beautiful violin solo from one of the little girls who played a Bach Minuet, Branson style was great! There is nothing better than seeing a family work together and have fun in a positive environment! Families are something to be proud of and are more precious than gold or silver. What a great example you are for other people to look up to!

When the show opened with the Hoedown by Copeland I could feel the exciting rhythmic energy that started everything off with flash and vigor! This is a difficult piece to play and bravo to violinists Amy and Abigail for excellent intonation and amazing sound.

Every performer looked professional and was dressed in the finest of clothes that brought color and drama to the stage. One can appreciate the costume changes between sets and the hours of sewing and detail that have gone into each person's wardrobe for the performance. What caught my attention even more than the beautiful clothes were the twinkling eyes and kind, happy smiles from the Duttons while they sang, laughed and played on their many instruments.

Boil the Cabbage Down was a feat of sensational rhythm and virtuosity on so many different instruments. Your choreography and ability to switch players from the banjo to the cello to the guitar to the violin, etc. without missing a note was awesome!

The classical training on the violin and deep love of music has given this family so many diversified skills such as goal-setting, team work, focus, spontaneous thinking, creative ideas, leadership skills, and a passion for music that was built into their home environment by the parents Dean and Sheila. Dean was an economics professor who retired his teaching career early and learned to play the guitar and sing with his children. Sheila, the mother is a gracious lady whose softspoken manner reveals to the listeners how much she loves her family. We thank you for moving to Branson and sharing your music with others. What a gift!!

You have the best intermission in Branson. What a great idea to add an element of fun and games by having the audience throw around a shiny, shimmery balloon that floated through the theatre accompanied by the sounds of giggles and laughter from children and adults all having fun together. I cannot say enough about the delicious Turtle fudge that my husband Ron and I purchased and ate during the intermission! It was also nice to walk around
and see members of your family talking and mingling with the audience. This is really important for connection, showmanship and professionalism and made us feel special-like part of your family.

One of the boys, I think it was Joshua was great for connecting with the audience and bringing them into a world of fun, excitement and surprise! The agility of his dancing is incredible and when he climbed up the side of the theatre to the top of the ceiling like superman I was riveted in my seat with suspense. The element of surprise is really important for keeping a person's attention and your show certainly excels in this area. The solo he composed and sang with his wife Brande was truly heartfelt and enduring! Judith is a great accompanist and how lovely it is to see all the wives, your adopted children and the babies and little kids sharing and adding their own interpretation and qualities to the show!

Your performance was the most creative and sensational event that I saw during a whole week in Branson. I was so impressed that I have thought about your production every day since seeing it and that was about a month ago! I have not mentioned each of the family member's performing in detail, but I want you to know that each one of you added a special and unique quality to one of the best programs I have seen and heard! Keep thinking outside the box and the sky is the limit for all of you!

The Dutton show-a unique blend of musical styles and originality that transfers the audience to a world of music, drama, dance, theatre, visual and sound effects that sink right into your heart and soul and stay there!

- M. W.
Bachelor of Music, Brandon University, Canada
Suzuki Violin Instructor