The Great Smoky Mountain Opry

We received free admission into the Smoky Mountain Opry in exchange for our fair and honest review; all opinions are our own.

If you are visiting Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, one of the best attractions in the city is the Smoky Mountain Opry. The Opry is a true variety show with music from all genres. While enjoying the production, sing along as the talented cast performs hit songs spanning the last 70 years. The show also includes flying aerialists, quick-change artists, dancers, and our personal favorite, Slim Chance, the juggling comedian.  

The Opry began in 1997 as a venue for the country singer, Louise Mandrell. Since its opening, the venue has been a draw for locals and tourists alike. In 2012, the Smoky Mountain Opry began performing a variety show that has become one of the area’s finest attractions.

Music and Dancing

In 2019, the Smoky Mountain Opry began a new show that is as grand as all the performances before it, and those were hard to top. There is no detail left unnoticed with exquisite costumes, perfect sound, and accomplished cast members.  

An interesting note about the new host, Kristen Michelle Wilson… we went to one of the last Ringling Brothers, and Barnum Bailey Circus shows in 2017. Wilson was the first woman ringmaster in the 146-year history of the circus. She has now joined the Opry’s cast and is a true delight to watch on stage.

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Segments of the show are filled with talented singers and dancers. We really love the large cast and that they rotate different artists throughout the program.

The show begins with a Greatest Showman piece that will blow you away. The segment is a preview of the great music to come.

There is an excellent tribute to country music with several classic and current songs and dances.

A Broadway segment details a variety of notable performances, including:

Mary Poppins

Beauty and the Beast

Hairspray

The music throughout the decades segment was one of our favorites. The songs detail history from the 1940s-80s.

The 1940’s details America’s war efforts.

The 1950s is about a change in musical vibes.

The 1960s showcases a new musical revolution.

The 1970’s highlights a selection of disco beats.

The 1980s celebrates a time of change and a new music scene.

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 Flying Aerialists

The Smoky Mountain Opry not only has talented singers and dancers, but they also have silk aerialists, Leann and Simmone. The pair are also quick-change artists, and all of their segments will leave you flying high!

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Lots of Laughs

I will be honest, with all of the great acts in the show, the one that we cannot wait to see is Slim Chance. Slim is a comedian, a juggler, and a ventriloquist. He will have you laughing so hard during his segments. The last time we visited the Smoky Mountain Opry, Jackson and Lucy talked about Slim Chance for months afterward. We were all so excited to see his new acts during this show.

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Gospel

The cast sings a selection of gospel favorites.

The Veteran Tribute

It brings tears to my eyes each time we attend during the veteran tribute. The Smoky Mountain Opry is an avid supporter of United States veterans. They have donated over $500,000 to veteran-based charities since 2012, and they also hold a private show for returning veterans during the holiday season.  

The Smoky Mountain Opry has both regular season and Christmas shows. We have never viewed a holiday performance, and we are excited to return in December to watch the performance.

Dolly Parton recently acquired the Opry. If you are interested in attending the show, consider one of the combo packages. The first time we attended, we were able to buy tickets for Hatfield and McCoy’s Dinner Theater, and then we added the Comedy Barn and Smoky Mountain Opry for drastically reduced rates. Magic Beyond Belief, Dolly’s Stampede, and the Pirate’s Voyage Dinner Show are also choices with the combo packages.

No matter what combination of performances you attend, you can’t go wrong, but the Smoky Mountain Opry is one of our favorites in the entire city!

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Have you ever visited the Smoky Mountain Opry or plan to visit soon? We would love to hear from you. Please drop us a line in the comment section below!