A new swing section was added to this year's Array Variety Show. (Array Photos)
If you are in the Sevierville/Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg area there will always be more to do than you can ever do in one trip no matter how long you are staying.
One thing we love is that you can always find something new like Temple Strong Coffee which was having its grand opening and Paw Paw’s Catfish Kitchen which we had driven by often but never stopped until this trip but will definitely be back to get that Cajun gumbo and catfish.
However, one place we almost always go is the Mountain of Entertainment Theater for the Array Variety Show. We have probably gone twice a year for the last four years — once in the spring or fall and again for the Christmas show.
It’s a show for all ages. This time we had three children under 10 years old seated next to us and they enjoyed the show every bit as much as we did. The show has a variety of music naturally but also has comedy and special acts that are terrific.
One thing also always stands out — the performers really enjoy what they are doing. I don’t remember a show where the performers smile as often as they do during these 2 1/2 hours.
The show also always changes. I liked the Elvis Presley music this time but we also got some Tina Turner and Aretha Franklin. The hits of the 1970’s and 1980’s obviously were near and dear to me — I might have even sang along with a few. How could you not love Journey, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard and more.
The country, gospel and patriotic songs always hit home. Not every show has gospel music but Array reminds you what faith and inspiration are all about.
For the first time there was also swing music which originated in the 1920’s from what I was told. It was a lot of fun singing and dancing that was impossible not to enjoy.
The great thing about Array, though, is the way specialty acts are mixed in with the singing and dancing.
Sebastain & Amberlyn Sayago, an Argentinian gaucho act, has to be seen to be fully appreciated. The couple has its own show — Ole! — but also showcasing their synchronized drumming and dancing during the variety show with two other performers. I love watching what they do with boleadoras, one of South America’s fastest and most dangerous weapons.
Semyon Gruzde is a Cyr wheel specialist who can dazzle you with his spins and whirls. He teams with Lee Ann Farley not only on an aerial act, but they are also quick-change artists. I try my best to figure out where the new clothes come from and where the old ones go but can never figure out their “magic” no matter how many times I see the show. I just don’t know how anyone can change clothes so quickly.
We really enjoy new vocalist Caleb Dalton Brown and what we added to the show hosted by Hugh Warren. He produces the show with his wife Chelsi and is also one of the featured vocalists along with his son.
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