July 6, 2023 – PIGEON FORGE, Tenn., — The “Array Variety Show” at the Mountain of Entertainment Theater in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., is adding a spectacular new act, the high-flying silk aerialists “Duo Artis,” Leann Farley and Semyon Gruzdev. Farley has been dancing professionally since the age of of 15 and has performed in multiple shows throughout her career both in the United States and overseas. Gruzdev graduated from one of the most prestigious dance academies in Russia and was a member of the Russian National Theater Dance Group. In 2010 while performing in the Yakov Smirnoff Show in Branson, Mo., Farley and Gruzdev formed their partnership, “Duo Artis,” and have been performing their aerial silks and quick change act together throughout the United States ever since. They will join the “Array Variety Show” on July 11, 2023. “Duo Artis” are best known in the local area for their eight seasons of performances at the former Smoky Mountain Opry Theater. They have also performed locally at Dolly Parton’s Stampede Dinner Attraction.
“We change the show periodically to keep it fresh and exciting, ensuring our guests are drawn back again and again,” said Hugh Warren, emcee/host/producer of the “Array Variety Show.” “Leann and Semyon ‘Duo Artis’ combine knowledge of dance, performance and aerial artistry with silks. They will whirl and somersault in a beautiful flowing routine spinning 20 feet over the stage, in a spine-tingling performance. They will wow people. There are not any safety nets.
“They also will perform an amazing quick change act where they will do sparkling, glittering, split-second costume changes that will inspire ‘oohs and ahhs’ from our audiences,” Warren said. “They will dazzle the crowd with their act and keep everyone guessing as to what is coming next. Everyone will watch in awe as our aerialists gracefully fly through the air, and they will be astounded with their quick-change act. The audience will barely blink, and they will have changed costumes. We are very excited they are joining the ‘Array Variety Show.’ Come be amazed at what these world-class performers have to offer.”
The “Array Variety Show” boasts singers, dancers, musicians and lots of specialty acts, including one of the world’s best jugglers, renowned Argentinian gaucho dancers, a comic illusionist and the new spectacular silk aerialists. “Our ‘Array Variety Show’ has specialty acts and stunts you may not see anywhere else,” Warren said. The show features all kinds of music including: country, rock, pop, Broadway, movie themes, Latin, gospel and patriotic.”
The Mountain of Entertainment Theater is located at 2135 Parkway (between traffic lights 0 and 1) in Pigeon Forge and seats 534 people. Show times are Monday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., and there is a Saturday 3:00 p.m. matinee. Tickets are on sale now. Ticket prices are $38.95, plus tax for adults and $12.95, plus tax for children ages 4 to 11. Children ages 1-3 are free, if they are sitting on an adult’s lap. Group rates are available for groups of 20 or more. Concessions are available, including Amish pretzels, popcorn, candy and soft drinks. The theater will be closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas. The show will run for this season until Dec. 30th, 2023. Then it will close for two months and open back up in March of 2024. For more information, call the theater’s box office (865) 245-4FUN (4386) or visit mountainofentertainmenttheater.com.
The theater also has a new family-friendly, matinee magic show. The new show stars internationally-acclaimed illusionist, Jason Hudy. He combines large-scale illusions and imagination to form the show, “Illusionation!, The Magic of Jason Hudy.” Show time is 3:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday through Sept. 28, 2023. The show will run at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, October through December 29, 2023 (with the exception of the week of October 15th), with occasional Friday matinee shows. Ticket prices for “Illusionation!, The Magic of Jason Hudy” Show are $29.95, plus tax for adults and children ages 11 and under are free.
“Duo Artis” will be replacing aerialists and chair balancing artists, Nicole Landkas and Cristian Bilea, “Duo Devotion.” Landkas and Bilea are heading out on tour with Coronas of Hollywood Inc., a traveling group out of Florida, also known as Circus Hollywood. Hugh and Chelsi Warren also produce a Christmas show called “Noel” at the Michiana Event Center in Shipshewana, Ind.