The Dutton Family Theater is less a single venue and more a self-contained family compound on the Highway 76 strip. Three generations of the Dutton family run the entire operation – not just starring in the show, but also operating the adjacent Dutton Inn and Abby’s Tourist Trap gift shop. This hands-on approach is immediately clear. You’ll see family members directing cars in the parking lot, selling concessions, and personally showing people to their seats. After a fire in 2022, the theater’s exterior began a major redesign, with plans for decorative towers and a giant violin to make the family’s presence even more permanent.
Inside the theater, the show is a high-energy variety performance built on the family’s deep musical training. The setlist covers a wide range of genres, shifting from bluegrass and pop to classical and Irish music, often within the same night. An entire arsenal of instruments gets passed around on stage – violin, banjo, guitar, and cello are central to the sound, with trick violin-playing as a regular feature. The production is polished, using large screens to support the action, and a powerful tribute to military veterans is a consistent part of the program.
The experience extends beyond the theater doors. Abby’s Tourist Trap is a common stop for souvenirs and its well-known $1 ice cream, and the family even produces and sells its own fudge on-site. For guests staying at the Dutton Inn next door, discounted show tickets are part of the package. The show’s content is updated frequently, which is why it draws so many repeat visitors.
The Dutton Family Theater
