(0)Walk along the streets of downtown Gatlinburg, the gem of the Smoky Mountains, only to stumble upon another smaller treasure with big, boisterously funny personality right out of the 1800’s: Sweet Fanny Adams Theater. Her intimate seating auditorium means every seat in the house is a “house seat.” Bring the kids for a fun family night to the theater to change the pace from arcades and go-karts, surprise your partner with a unique date night, or revel in laughter with a group of friends. Whoever you are sharing your Smoky Mountain cabin with, family, friends, a church group, or athletic team, the young will crack up and the old will rediscover their childish humor during the one-of-a-kind musical comedy shows of the Sweet Fanny Adams Theater!
The History
The oldest and longest-running theater in the Smoky Mountain area, Sweet Fanny Adams Theater was the inspiration and dream-come-to-life of long-time entertainers Don and Pat MacPherson. After gracing the stages of Las Vegas, the multi-talented couple created a stage all their own in downtown Gatlinburg in 1977, where more than 30 original musical comedies were written, directed, and performed by the dynamic duo of showmanship. Don poured out his love of creative expression and laughter on their stage in Gatlinburg for 33 years until his passing in 2010.
Pat MacPherson has since moved on to be a full-time retired grandmother, but according to her bio on their website, “has lost her favorite pair of false eyelashes somewhere in the theatre. They answer to ‘Fred’. If anyone should find them, please notify animal control immediately.” That’s just a little taste of the comedy you’ll find coming out of Sweet Fanny Adams! After years of theatrical experience and touring the country with the Barnum and Baily Circus as Crunchy the Clown, Director Chris MacPherson continues to showcase the family’s love of show at the Sweet Fanny Adams Theater.
The show continues to employ other talented actors and actresses from Las Vegas, New York, and professional acting companies onstage to perform quality shows with tons of laughs. Sweet Fanny Adams Theater has been recognized as one of the most unique professional theater companies in the country and was recognized as a National Historic Treasure by the city of Gatlinburg!
The Experience
Like her founders, the Sweet Fanny Adams stage packs a whole lot of personality! The 1890s-style theatre will charm you from the streets with its American beaux-arts red-and-white architecture and alluring posters reminiscent of vintage circus promotions. Under the spotlights illuminating the entrance, approach the quaint box office and purchase your tickets for the current season’s original production.
In the auditorium, slide into the cushions of your seat in the warm glow of the house lights before the first actor hits the stage. Thick, bright red curtains graze the floor as they open to reveal the shenanigans of a silent movie director, serenading Southern belles, goofy men dancing in trench coats, and other players from the long list of hilarious Fanny Adams characters. As is customary with the classic intimate theatre setting, actors tend to break the fourth wall and interact with the audience; don’t laugh too hard at someone else’s embarrassment, because you may be the next temporary star of the show!
Corsets, steampunk, clown attire, and pirate costumes parade across the stage as boisterous characters sing, dance, and make fools of one another – and even some members of the audience! The holidays are a special time in the Smoky Mountains, so naturally Sweet Fanny Adams Theater puts on a special holiday extravaganza! Hilarious interpretations of Christmas classics, like A Christmas Carol, are sure to be the highlight of your holiday season in the Smokies.
Shows
Each show has its own comedic musical personality. Some present and past examples: Frolic – Something Amusing This Way, The Kerfuffle Follies, and The Dancing Trench Coats. Every performance season showcases another original Fanny Adams show. With originality, experience, and a passion for the performing arts, whichever production you attend during your visit to the Smokies is sure to be of the highlights of your trip!
At the end of each show, audience members have the opportunity to give to an area charity that helps shelter, spay, and neuter pets. The offering is completely optional; it’s just another way for this great theatre to give something back!
2018 Tickets:
Adults $24.12 + tax
Senior/military/AAA Discount $22.33 + tax
Children Under 12 $8.50 + tax
Children small enough for your lap: FREE!
Reservations are advised because the auditorium is intimate, and these shows are a popular attraction for locals and tourists!
Group Rates are available; simply give Sweet Fanny Adams Theater a call!
Sweet Fanny Adams Theater | 865.436.4039 | 461 Parkway, Traffic Light #3, Gatlinburg
Box office open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on show days.
Over 40 years of experience, locally owned and operated, and a staple of the Gatlinburg community, the Sweet Fanny Adams Theater is sure to woo you with her one-of-a-kind-shows with a whole lot of heart and even more personality!
Where to Stay
After gut-busting laughs and a heartwarming good time, return to your perfect, cozy Cabins for YOU lodge! Hundreds of cabins provide you with tons of options in location, size, and even the type of views. Our Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge cabins boast homey furnishings, fully loaded kitchens, and awesome amenities like hot tubs and game rooms! Find your dream cabin in the Smokies even quicker with our helpful Options For YOU online search tool; we take all the information you provide and find your best match. You even have the ability to specify amenities such as indoor pool or movie theater!
Other Unique Shows in the Smoky Mountains
Acrobats of China
In celebration of the beautiful history and arts of Asian culture, Acrobats of China is a captivating display of acrobatic feats! The size of the theater provides an up-close show of human strength, body control, and athletic talent with the gorgeous flair of authentic Chinese traditions and full cultural dress.
The Tragic Opera of the Goddess of Luo River will hypnotize you as the dancers tangle and untangle themselves high in the air on acrobatic silks. Human juggling will have you in awe of the pure athleticism and focus during the interpretive performance dedicated to chasing your dreams in times of difficulty. Numerous impressive acts and a captivating cultural experience make the Acrobats of China one of the area’s most highly rated shows!
Impossibilities-Magic, Mindreading, and Mayhem!
In the Iris Theater at the base of the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle, prepare to have your minds blown and your bellies sore with laughter in one of Gatlinburg visitors’ favorite shows! This show is a change of pace from the country music, black bears, and hillbilly shenanigans; be fooled over and over by more than just a sleight of hand by magical comedian Chris Collins and Master Mentalist Erik Dobell. The two have more than 40 years of experience combined and have appeared on FOX, America’s Got Talent, and NBC after years of performing in Las Vegas. The intimate setting of the theater means there is a good chance you are going to be pulled into magic show or be the target of a few jokes!