The Memories Theatre in Pigeon Forge is starting over right where it began. In fact, it’s the place where most remember the Memories Theatre for over two decades.
After closing the original venue when The Titanic Attraction was looking to expand, Memories Theatre owners announced recently that they were moving back to their original location (140 Showplace Blvd) when those plans were scraped.
According to Memories Theatre owner Dee Gallon, the theatre is building itself back up again.
“It was totally gutted,” Gallon said. “We had nothing, and even more to our surprise when we came in nothing that was left could be used. It all had to be discarded and start over again.”
Everything from the stage to the seats were replaced before re-opening Thursday for their first performance in their sort-of-new place. Although, just because they’re in new digs, doesn’t mean everything is new. Many of the same performers people have come to know and love are back, including Elvis. I mean, what would a show at the Memories Theatre be without Elvis?
The second half of Memories’ show Elvis and Friends features one of the biggest stars in the Smokies: Lou Vuto as Elvis. Lou has been performing in Pigeon Forge for more then 15 years, and most of that time has been spent at the Memories Theater. Lou brings the King back to life atwith each and every performance. From the first note, Lou captures the warmth, power and charisma that was the King of Rock and Roll all the way down to the soles of his platform boots. The audience gets to take in the hours of research that Lou has put in learning about Elvis’ habits on stage. He has studied the movements and vocalizations of Elvis Presley to the point that he can reproduce them to the delight of Elvis fans from all over the world.
Meanwhile, the Friends section of the show first also remains the same. During the first half of the show, celebrity tribute artists from all over the country take the stage to entertain visitors. From Conway Twitty and the other Outlaws of Country Music to the Blues Brothers, the celebrity tribute artists that take the stage throughout the season are remarkable and give you the ability to see some artists that have passed on and some that you wouldn’t get to see in this more intimate setting. Can you imagine seeing Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw on the same stage… you still can at Memories!
Additionally, owners with the Memories Theatre signed a lease that should keep them in their new location, which seats 500 guests, just off the Parkway for the next 16 years. If you look at things in a landmark sort of way, that means they should be right beside Country Tonight Theatre for these next 16 years.
Call toll free for reservations:
1-800-325-3078 or (865) 428-7852