Island Fire Show Fundraiser to be held at Dutton Family Theater

Official Press Release from The Dutton Theater:

Samoan Tragedy Strikes Branson - Dutton Family Plans Fundraiser

The tragic Samoan earthquake and tsunami have brought tears and heartache to Branson, as the tragedy became personal for the Samoan performers in the Island Fire Show at the Dutton Family Theater.

Iefata Saoleititi and his wife Rachel were celebrating the September 22nd birth of their baby daughter Deanna Marguerite when they received the news that their two year old son, Iefata Jr., perished in the disaster. The boy had been staying with Iefata’s parents in Samoa during the Island Fire performance season.

The Saoleititi’s are planning to return to Samoa on October 6th, provided they can arrange for an emergency issuance of a passport for baby Deanna. Branson City Administrator, Dean Kruithoff, has already contacted Senator Bond’s office for assistance in the matter. Dean and Alderman Cris Bohinc visited with the grief-stricken family today to offer their condolences and support.

Bella Dutton, the wife of Jonathan and a native of Samoa, announced that there will be a Island Fire Show fundraiser held at the Dutton Theater on Saturday, October 3rd at 8 PM. She told us, “Our Island Fire performers felt a need to present their show on Saturday night in an effort to raise money for Iefata and Rachel to return home to Samoa, as well as covering the burial expenses. Flights to Samoa, particularly at the last minute, are very expensive. Tickets will be $10 and all proceeds will go towards helping the Saoleititi’s. Those wanting the Island Fire meal that normally comes with the purchase of a full-priced ticket may purchase it for an additional $10. Any additional funds will be directed to helping the other performers who have lost family, friends, and homes.”

Another performer, Poinsettia (Tia) Taefu was awaiting word on her sister who was missing when she received a call saying that her sister was safe. The relief was short-lived when she was then told that her cousin’s three children had perished. Tia’s home and village was also destroyed, as was the home and village of fellow performer Luisa Tagomoa.

Bad news also reached other performers, including Hanson Simi Paialii, Jr., Malakai Lavatai, and Salele Moeai, along with Belle Dutton, as they learned of extended family members that died in the disaster.

Aside from the fundraiser this Saturday, Sheila Dutton told us, “We have also established a relief fund to help all of the families of our Island Fire performers. Anyone wishing to contribute can make donations at the Dutton Family Theater Box Office, bring them to the fundraising event, or deposit them to the Island Fire Family Relief Fund at Ozark Mountain Bank. We have arranged to keep the fund open throughout the remainder of the Island Fire Season which runs through first week of December.”

Celebrate the Summer & Father's Day in Branson this June

Branson is known for its family-friendly activities, and during the summer months there are even more fun things to do in Branson. The Branson theaters offer shows like the Acrobats of China, Jim Stafford and Dixie Stampede that bring exciting entertainment and hilarious comedy to the stage. Branson attractions like Silver Dollar City, White Water and Ride the Ducks are also a great way to experience Branson and see sights that are truly beautiful.

During June, there are several special events happening, including events that celebrate dear old dad. At the Titanic Museum, they are hosting a Titanic Father’s Day Boat Show on June 20 & 21. This free event will feature numerous boats including pontoon fishing boats by Tracker. A trip to the Titanic Museum might also float dad’s boat, so be sure to make time to tour the more than 400 artifacts located at the museum.

Other attraction Dad might like include the ’57 Heaven Museum, which showcases automobiles from 1957, complete with lifestyle exhibits to really bring the culture of ’57 home. Neal McCoy is also performing in Branson during the month of June and will showcase his Top 20 songs, such as “No Doubt About It,” “Wink,” “ The Shake,” and “Billy’s Got His Beer Goggles On.” If Dad is a big Beatles fan, then he’ll love The Liverpool Legends. Their two hour show pays tribute to The Beatles and is produced by Louise Harrison, the sister of George Harrison. If a taste of the islands is needed, head over to Island Fire at the Dutton Theater, where Samoans perform traditional dances and create fiery entertainment, all served with a delicious Polynesian inspired meal.

Golf in Branson is another way Dad’s are sure to have fun, as Branson is home to several world class golf courses. Whether he tees off at the extraordinary Branson Creek Golf Course or Murder Rock Golf Course, or sets his sights on the holes at Pointe Royale or Thousand Hills, there are plenty of ways for Dad to score a hole-in-one in Branson.

While visiting Branson, you’ll need a place to stay. Reserve Branson lodging now for the best savings and guaranteed lowest rates. Whether you are looking for a hotel, like 1st Inn Branson, or a condominium, like those offered at Still Waters Resort, Branson has something to fit your vacation needs.

Duttons Add Luigi's Pizza Kitchen to Theater Complex

The Duttons have a new attraction at their theater – Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen! Opening in early April, the Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen will replace the Dutton Deli as the restaurant on-site. The restaurant will be full service and cater to all Branson guests. They will also be responsible for the free meal included with the popular Island Fire Show, which opened their third season on March 14th. With Luigi’s on site, the Dutton Hotel also expects guests to take advantage of the delicious menu items served daily.

Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen currently has two other locations in Branson, but this is their first location on the famous Hwy 76, otherwise known as Country Music Boulevard.

The Duttons will open their 2009 season on April 2, and they are promising an all-new show for the new season. With the talent they demonstrate each year, it is sure to be a tremendous production.

For Branson show schedules, reservations or additional information on Branson entertainment, contact ReserveBranson online or by phone at 1-800-590-0155.

Island Fire in Branson Brings All New Show to the Stage for 2009

Branson’s highly-acclaimed Island Fire extravaganza returns to the Dutton Theater for a third straight year, opening Saturday night March 14th. Totally restyled for 2009, Island Fire features new dancers, vocalists and fire knife performances.

Working her magic on this year’s ensemble cast is Ramona Schwenke, an internationally famous director of Polynesian shows. She has toured and produced shows throughout the United States including the legendary Drums of Tahiti who performed at Sea World in Florida for 10 years. She has also judged Tahitian, Hawaiian, Maori and Samoan Dance Competitions and Miss Samoa – Utah. Ramona is joined by Alvin Schwenke, famed trainer of world champion fire knife dancers, who will be choreographing the breathtaking fire knife routines of World Champion, Malaki!

Branson's Island Fire, conceived by Jonathan Dutton’s beautiful Samoan wife Bella, turns the stage of the Dutton Theater into a Polynesian paradise with giant palm trees, beautiful flowers along with misty fog and fiery flames.

According to marketing manager, Judith Dutton, “Last year’s show seems tame compared to the exhilarating and mesmerizing excitement of Island Fire 2009! Both Sheila and Bella traveled extensively and spent hundreds of hours auditioning performers from around the world to build this superb cast of performers. Plus, Ramona and Alvin Schwenke have taken Island Fire to a new level – a truly world class event for the audiences.”

Tickets for Island Fire, which include a box meal with a Polynesian flavor, catered by Luigi’s Pizza Kitchen which is opening soon on the complex, are available now.

Information courtesy of Dutton Theater

"Island Fire" brings heat to the Dutton Theater

The 2007 entertainment season in Branson saw a new and unique show featuring 14 Samoan entertainers in Island Fire at the Dutton Theater. Audiences marveled at the authentic Island dance, song and fire knife performances set amidst a stage setting that recreated a Polynesian paradise.

As the Samoans prepare for their final performance of the year at the Dutton Theater on Thursday, December 6th at 2 PM, everyone in the troope was expressing gratitude for the open and friendly reception by the local community and tourists in Branson.

Although they are anxious to return home to Samoa to reunite with friends and family, they said that they will miss their many friends here in Branson. This had been their first trip to the United States and they unanimously feel that it has been a unique opportunity to expose thousands of people to their Samoan culture.

During the show's run, the local community actively embraced the Samoans. Many were invited to share meals with local families and go on excursions to shows and tourist attractions. One family even took some of them to see the Springfield Cardinals play -- their very first baseball experience.

Belle Dutton, the wife of Jonathan Dutton and a Samoan, said, "This has been a dream come true for me. I have always wanted our friends and fans to participate in the wonderful culture of Samoa – the island of the happy people. It has been a joy to have these talented young people share their lives with us for these past months. Plus they have been able to hone their talents and, in the course of promoting their show, learn new skills that will serve them well in the future in any career."

Sheila Dutton echoed Belle's sentiments and added, "The letters and emails that have streamed into our theater thanking us for bringing this amazing performance to Branson has been most gratifying. I know of several people who have made plans to visit the entertainers in Samoa during the next two months. What a wonderful bridge between cultures in a troubled world. We invite everyone to come for a fun-filled Thursday afternoon as we send them off with our love. And don't forget to come early for the luau, beginning at 12:30. It is free with each full priced ticket."

The Honorable Joe Keil, associate minister of Labor and Tourism and a member of parliament in Samoa, plans to be in attendance on Thursday. He is trying to make flight arrangements to stop in Branson on his way from Vienna to Samoa and released this statement: "The Samoan cultural dancers have had a great experience in Branson. I want to personally, and on behalf of my government, thank the Dutton family for their generosity and kindnesses to our young people. They have provided them a wonderful opportunity to share our beautiful islands with the world, and we look forward to a long and fulfilling relationship with the Duttons. We would also like to thank the community of Branson for embracing them and all the many tourists who came to see their show."

Iafata, Pacific Champion Fire-Knife Dancer, said, "Branson is a special place to me. The Duttons helped me and my wife have a traditional Samoan wedding here -- something we could not afford in Samoa. We feel like we are leaving family and look forward to our return in February. 'Tofa' and God bless."

Concerning Iafata's comment about February, Sheila Dutton told us, "The audience reaction to this show has been so great that the Samoans will be returning to Branson with a new show for the 2008 season. After spending the holidays with their families on Samoa, they will open "Hot Winter Fun" at the Dutton Theater on February 13th."