Press Release
Release Date: 6/14/07
Contact: Judith Dutton, (417) 332-2772
Jack Burke, (417) 239-1011
Attachments: Picture of theater
Changing Face of the Dutton Theater
Branson, MO…The only constant in life is change, and nowhere is that more apparent than at the Dutton Theater in Branson. Originally known as Boxcar Willie’s Theater, there have been major changes since the arrival of the Dutton family and much more change is currently underway.
The Dutton Theater is currently in the process of a two-stage makeover, according to family patriarch Dean Dutton, “With the recent growth in Branson, we felt that our theater needed a fresh, new look to continually attract the attention of the tourists. We really wanted to accomplish the entire makeover this year, but the reality of time limitations dictated that it be done in a two-stage process.”
The updating for the 2007 season has just been completed. Springfield Sign and Neon has redesigned the entire frontal fascia of the theater to provide more depth to the visual lines of the theater. Additional fascia lighting provides a constantly changing look to the front of the theater and increases visibility. In addition to the new fascia, the exterior of the entire theater and the adjoining restaurant has been painted in the Dutton “signature” colors of purple and yellow. According to Dean, “The new design complements our trademark revolving sign for better continuity of overall appearance.”
The interior of the lobby area also has a new look. Counters and walls, painted in the yellow and purple theme, with extensive use of white on the upper walls and ceiling has made the lobby appear larger and more open. Dutton photographs provide a gallery appearance to the walls and the gift and memorabilia area is also more open to the lobby traffic.
Phase two, which is scheduled to take place this winter, is a major expansion and total redesign of the lobby area. Branson architect Tom Treat, along with interior designer Billi Naoiti, has created a dramatic new design with a modern, flowing look.
Dean’s wife Sheila tells us, “We are so excited with the visionary approach that Tom Treat has taken. Everything just flows! He has designed a lobby with great traffic patterns for our patrons, while making the workflow much better for our staff. Plus, for the first time, we will have a real gift shop.”
Without altering the “footprint” of the current building, Treat was able to expand the size of the lobby by enclosing the exterior portico of the theater. This provided the additional square footage for the inclusion of a gift shop and enlargement of the rest room facilities.
Billi Naoiti worked with Treat to create a modern, yet comfortable, design through the use of wonderful colors, lots of chrome and flooring patterns that actually help with the traffic flow.
According to Sheila, “The biggest challenge was to proceed with phase one’s reworking of the fascia in such a way that it would not have to be re-done when we completed phase two’s work next year. Tom’s architectural plans were so designed that the remodeling will not destroy all of this year’s work. We’ll just have some minor lighting adjustments to make on the enclosure of the portico.”
Dean summed it all up when he said, “By the time we open for the 2008 season, it will be like an entirely new theater. If Boxcar Willie looks down from the theater in the sky, he won’t even recognize it as his old theater.”
(Note: An architectural rendering of the expanded lobby will be available for viewing at the June 14th Press Conference.)
About the Dutton Theater
The Dutton Theater currently hosts the Dutton Family Show, which has recently appeared on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, and the new Island Fire Show. Jim Owen will also be performing a morning show at the theater later this year.
About Treat Associates Architects
Tom Treat has been serving the architectural needs of Missouri businesses for the past 15 years. Over his 29-year career, he has also practiced in the Napa Valley of California, Tucson, Arizona, and Breckenridge, Colorado. Tom Treat can be reached at (417) 336-2015.