Branson Loves The Duttons!

The story of The Duttons is a story of strong family values and a shared goal: bringing their music to the world. Sheila and Dean Dutton raised their children to value music, discipline and teamwork, starting them on violin lessons and then guitar, and those lessons became one of the best-loved family acts in America's capital of live entertainment.

The family officially formed the Dutton Family Bluegrass Band in 1985, so they've now been performing for more than 40 years. They bought the former Box Car Willie Theater on the Branson Strip in 2000 and have headlined in Branson ever since. Since 2004 they've also spent winters performing at their second Dutton Family Theater in Mesa, Arizona. Parents Sheila and Dean still lead the family business, while several of their children, their spouses and the grandchildren take the stage. Today, 24 family members perform in the show.

There are no "stand-ins" in this show. Everyone on stage is family. Dean plays rhythm guitar and sings bass, and Sheila plays bass and enjoys narrating the show. Timothy can handle a wide range of instruments, and Judith plays bass and piano. Amy plays viola, violin and bass, Jonathan plays banjo, guitar and mandolin, Abigail plays banjo and violin, and Jessica plays guitar, mandolin, banjo and violin. Staying close to the action is easy, too: the family-owned Dutton Inn sits right behind the theater, and Abby's Tourist Trap, next door, sells souvenirs, Dutton family gear, fudge and $1 soft-serve ice cream.

A Dutton show covers a little of everything, from bluegrass and country to pop and classical, with plenty of comedy mixed in. The family produces the show themselves, handles the choreography and arrangements, and runs much of what happens behind the scenes. The show runs about two hours with an intermission, and a meet-and-greet usually follows. In November and December, the family switches to their Christmas show. Fans who can't make it to Branson can tune in to "Livestream Thursday," which airs on the third Thursday of each month.

The Duttons' national profile grew when they reached the top 10 on Season 2 of America's Got Talent in 2007, performing for judges Piers Morgan, Sharon Osbourne and David Hasselhoff. They've also starred in five PBS specials, beginning with "Music in Your Heart" in 1994, and in their own RFD-TV series. Their music videos and performances on YouTube keep bringing in new fans.

The Duttons have planted deep roots in the Branson community, and fans rallied around them in July 2019 when their tour bus rolled off a highway in Ohio on the way to a show. Thankfully, the family came away with only scrapes and bruises, and they were back on stage soon after.

Ready to see them for yourself? The Dutton Family Theater is at 3454 W. 76 Country Blvd. Book The Duttons tickets through Branson Show Tickets with no service fees, and ask about child and teen pricing and current specials. Check the Branson show schedules for showtimes, or call 877-688-3179, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. CST, seven days a week.

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Where is The Duttons' theater in Branson?
The Dutton Family Theater is at 3454 W. 76 Country Blvd., Branson, MO 65616, on the Branson Strip.

How long is The Duttons show?
The show runs about two hours, including an intermission.

Do The Duttons have a Christmas show?
Yes. The Duttons perform a Christmas show in November and December.

Were The Duttons on America's Got Talent?
Yes. The family reached the top 10 on Season 2 of America's Got Talent in 2007.

Is The Duttons show family-friendly?
Yes. The show is suitable for all ages, and tickets are available at adult, teen and child prices.