Blog for Zipline Attraction in the Smoky Mountains
Located in Pigeon Forge, TN and near Gatlinburg and Sevierville.
An “Array” Of Talent
By Ross Bodhi Ogle
Posted on September 5, 2023
This year, Pigeon Forge welcomed a new music theater to town. It's called the Mountain of Entertainment Theater, and it's located in the Parkway's theater district, in a building that has been home to several popular showplaces over the decades. Most recently, it was the venue for the Buttonwillow Civil War Theater. With balcony seating included, Mountain of Entertainment Theater can accommodate more than 500 guests.
The venue hosts two different shows, leading off with a new production called Array. It's a music show at heart, with a cast of musicians, singers and dancers performing songs representing a wide array (get it?) of genres and time periods. Rounding out the show are comedy and specialty acts, including jugglers, percussionists and aerial artists.
This winter, there will be a special holiday version of Array called Christmas at Array. In addition to beloved Christmas songs of all styles, the two-hour show will feature festive holiday lights, seasonal costumes and yuletide dancers.
Also on the Mountain of Entertainment schedule is a show called Illusionation! Billed as a performance “where illusion and imagination collide,” Illusionation! is a family-friendly show designed to leave audience members of all age spellbound. Everything from large-scale, Vegas-style illusions to sleight-of-hand magic is part of the lineup, and there are also comedic moments sprinkled into each performance as well as elements of audience participation. There truly is something for all ages.
The show stars world-class magician Jason Hudy, who has performed more than 8,000 shows over the last 20 years, including stints on Disney Cruise Lines and an appearance on the Late, Late Show on CBS. In Illusionation! Hudy brings together the many magic secrets he has learned while performing in shows all around the world.
None of the shows at Mountain of Entertainment are dinner shows per se, but the theater's concessions area does sell theater staples like popcorn, hot dogs, pretzels and candy.
The theater overall has been getting a lot of good reviews on TripAdvisor. Here's one, for example: “You don't want to miss it! If you only have time for one show in Pigeon Forge, Array is the show that you should go to and see! The entertainment is like the quality of Las Vegas and Broadway shows. You will enjoy the variety and the high energy of the performers.
Here's another review: “Best show in PF right now. I have been coming to Pigeon Forge for 14 years. I've seen about every show there is. I gave this new show a chance. This is probably the best variety show I've ever seen anywhere. The variety of acts guarantees something for everyone. Some of the best singers in Pigeon Forge, hands down. Just overall top notch.
Right now, the theater is open six days a week with a showtime of 7:30 p.m. for Array. In October, 3 p.m. matinees will also be scheduled on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Christmas show begins in November. Illusionation! runs four to five days per week, with a showtime of 3 p.m. on scheduled days.
At Smoky Mountain Ziplines, we're excited to have new neighbors in Pigeon Forge. You could easily visit our zipline in Tennessee during a morning or afternoon and then have plenty of time to clean up and get to either a matinee or evening performance at Mountain of Entertainment Theater.
