Comedy Barn’s ninth season

Theater provides wholesome family fun Family-friendly comedians, award-winning cloggers, ventriloquists, jugglers, fire-eaters, country musicians, and fun barnyard animals are all in store for you. Last Wednesday night, my wife and I found all that entertainment under one roof – The Comedy Barn Theater on the Parkway in Pigeon Forge. Now in its ninth season, the multi-million dollar theater has some new cast members, new routines, new jokes, and new country/gospel/patriotic music this year. But one thing hasn’t changed – the laughter that fills the auditorium as people from all over the country enjoy this magical, musical extravaganza. Billed as the “Funniest Show in Town” nine years in a row, the show is even funnier this season, according to its owners. “Any time you come to The Comedy Barn Theater,” said co-owner and performer Jim Hedrick, “you can be guaranteed one thing – you will laugh a lot. We’ll leave you in stitches.” Beginning June 1, The Comedy Barn will feature the new act of Peter Pitofsky, a comedian who has appeared on the David Letterman Show with his “rubber band man” act. Pitofsky bends his entire body into different contortions with many facial expressions. According to Hedrick, Pitofsky is best described as a “prat fall artist” in the roaring 20’s style of comedy, who also does impressions. “You’ve got to see his Rocky Stallone impression,” said Hedrick. “People will be absolutely amazed.” “We are constantly finding new talent to keep our shows interesting and extra special,” said David Fee, co-owner and CEO of The Comedy Barn. “We want to keep a smile on everyone’s face and we’re committed to exploring new and different ways to make people laugh.” From Grandpa Duffy – the world’s only “manamatronic,” computer-generated character who plays four instruments – to the star-spangled show finale, The Comedy Barn serves up a wholesome, fun show for the entire family. With a wide range of acts, hosts, personalities, and offbeat fun, it’s a family variety show with comedy that won’t embarrass any member of the family. Paul Harvey said of the show in 2003, “Over one million dads, moms, and kids have enjoyed the live Comedy Barn show since its beginning and, today, David Fee’s Comedy Barn Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, is one of the most successful comedy shows in the nation. He has proven there is a market for clean family comedy in America.” Performers in the show, along with juggler, fire eater and comedian Hedrick, include Dawn Elberson and her trained Comedy Barn canines; Wes Herrick, a character actor and musician who plays “Grandpa Duffy” and “Granny;” Stephen Knowles, award-winning ventriloquist, comedian, and man of many voices; comedian Eric Lambert; comedian and singer Denise Hurst; and husband-wife ventriloquist team Bob and Marty Hamil. Musicians include Steve Curry and Ron Jeffrey, members of the original Archie Campbell Hee Haw band; drummer Kevin Frank; singer Debbie Bohanan; and guitar player Clyde Foley Cummings. The show is approximately two hours long with a 20-minute intermission. Hedrick is anticipating “a record year” for 2004. “It’s early in the season,” he said, “and we’ve already exceeded our expectations.” Fee concluded, “We’re a barrel of laughs and more. If you love to laugh and you love great music, you’ll love this show!”