| PR Newswire - December 3, 1996 |
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Back to archives>> PIGEON FORGE, Tenn-- Entertainer extraordinaire Louise Mandrell has inked plans with investors for the development of her own musical theatre here that is scheduled to open next fall. The 1,400-seat LOUISE MANDRELL THEATRE will be built in the Music Road Entertainment Park next to the Alabama Grill and a short distance from Dollywood's Music Mansion Theatre. It will set on 5.92 acres of prime Pigeon Forge commercial real estate. Entertainment Investors LLC (Jim Clayton, Fred Langley, and Baxter Lee) is the principal investor in this project and the architectural firm of Bullock- Smith in Knoxville, TN, has completed the site plan for The Louise Mandrell Theatre. Joseph Construction, of Knoxville has been secured to oversee building of the theatre. Organizers plan to host a "Grand Opening" celebration next September. "Pigeon Forge is growing at a rapid and steady pace," says John Jagger, Director of Tourism Development for Pigeon Forge. "We're especially excited about having Louise Mandrell open a theatre here in Pigeon Forge. Louise will bring additional variety and quality to the shows that we house here." According to the architectural description, the building's exterior design will be based in part on "Art Deco" motifs. Neutral surfaces will likely be accented with colors that make a festive and feminine impression. A tower element at the side entry will be visible from the highway. Inside, large windows will allow views and natural light into the lobby and gift shop. Interior design studies are currently underway. Opening this theatre is an opportunity for Louise Mandrell to expand her stage show to a more elaborate production. She is already at work developing her new show for the theatre. The two-hour variety stage production will feature both music and dance, multiple costume changes, comedy, magic, and some special tricks and surprises. Mandrell will be backed by her band and many numbers will feature her eight dancers as well. Tickets will be priced at $22 and Mandrell expects to perform approximately 250 shows each year. A dynamic performer, Louise has mastered more than 13 different instruments and plays them one right after the other during her show. "I've enjoyed touring and entertaining people my entire life," Mandrell explains in eager anticipation of her new venue, "but it's a dream come true to have a permanent home where they can come to see me perform." |