This Show Belongs in This Pigeon Forge Venue

June In June (in Pigeon Forge, TN)

There are forms of entertainment that are thriving right now. People are seeking ways to lighten their load, to smile to laugh and connect with each other. In addition, rather than not vacation at all, people are vacationing closer to home. The Smokey Mountain National Park is already one of the most visited parks in the United States with millions visiting the area every year. Currently, this area relies primarily on attractions/amusements (Dollywood being the most popular) and formulaic musical comedy reviews to entertain the crowds.  We propose a venue that produces high quality theatrical shows celebrating the rich history of country music and it’s great personalities.  These shows will not only appeal to the current market but with PR and marketing savvy will broaden it by bringing people into the area who come specifically to see them.  

Wildwood Flowers is the ideal show to open with, having already proven its appeal to audiences. In addition, this is the area of the country where its music and the Carter family originated. This show depicts a family whose life was infused with a passion and respect for music and the pure desire to share it with others. It’s about a simpler time and the beauty of the simple things in life. The message is one of hope in uncertain times, of the power of music and laughter to lift us up, of the importance of relationships with loved ones over all else. It touches hearts, and inspires people to laugh, sing, and spread the word.

A business plan has been developed to present Wildwood Flowers: The June Carter Musical as a show with the potential to run in the Pigeon Forge market for an extended period of time. Conceiver, co-writer and producer, Angela Holley Bennett, is seeking investors/partners to form a theatrical production company and begin production and daily performances of the show beginning June 2010. The current plan involves leasing the Showplace Theatre with a current seating capacity of 250 (easily expandable to 350) in the heart of Pigeon Forge’s theatre district. This venue is for sale, but the owner has agreed on a 2-year lease with the option to buy. The requested funding of $500,000 will cover the start-up capital including marketing, pre-production, and production expenses in addition to working capitol to cover the first year.  To get the show up and running by June, approximately $200,000 would be needed upfront. Once this production is up and running successfully, the option to mount it’s sequel, Johnny and June, and run the two shows back to back is a very strong possibility.  (This show was actually written prior to Wildwood Flowers but the rights to use Johnny Cash’s name and likeness in a theatrical production were not available at the time.) Obviously, this show would appeal to an even wider market. It is apparent when looking at modest projections of ticket sales, merchandise and concession sales that this is potentially a great business opportunity.

For a copy of the business plan, contact Angela at info@thejunecartermusical.com