Reuben's Swashbuckling Adventure (SDC)

New this year for the summer, performing in the Opera House, is the million dollar musical production, Reuben's Swashbuckling Adventure.

Music while you wait for the show includes numerous titles from Peter Crowley, including: "Where the Compass Goes Mad," "Battleship," "The Kingdom Above the Sky," and "Destination Tortuga," by Antti Martikainen.

The story starts off with Reuben reading the story of Treasure Island before falling asleep.

The actual musical starts off with a bang as we are definitely in a pirate story.  Captain Long John Silver makes a grand entrance swinging from a rope.

We are treated to "Sailing for Adventure" from Muppet Treasure Island as the crew dances about with the Captain and Reuben.

The opening number sets up what should be a very promising performance.  Full of high energy and great choreography.

Then it just kind of stops.  Reuben, puts his fists on his hips (he'll do this numerous times during the show) and says he is looking for his... destiny.  Say, what?  The pirates have the same reaction.

Now, you might have thought this whole show was about pirates, and if you went by all of the advertising and the fact that the ushers are all dressed as pirates, you would have good reason -- but no, the pirates theme is actually a very small portion of the show.

Now for some reason we are in a gypsy camp.  No real explanation why.  Did Reuben read a story about gypsies before starting Treasure Island?  Who knows.  We aren't told why we are here.

We meet a soothsayer... I mean, fortune teller and he looks familiar.

Then it is time for "Time to Start Living" from Pippin

For some reason everyone in the audience is expected to recognize the song.  They even bring out the words to help you sing along, but most people sat in confusion during my performance.

Next we move on to the woods where we meet Friar Tuck and some other clergymen.  No sign of Robin Hood during this portion.  You'll notice that Captain Long John Silver is accompanying Reuben on the entirety of this journey

The clergymen perform a R&B mix of "This Little Light of Mine" (we're still trying to locate where it originated from) and honestly this was probably the most divisive musical number of the show among those watching.

Next we meet Marlin (not Merlin - that's his brother) who sings a few lines from "Defying Gravity" from Wicked as he flies in and off the stage.

Finally Reuben wakes back up in his bed and his mother is there to discuss his dream

The show ends with "Bright Star" from the musical Bright Star.

All in all, the show is very entertaining, but I question the staying-power as I feel it will become dated very quickly.  The story-line is not exactly easy to follow.  Reuben is trying to find his destiny.  That's really all the info that you are provided.  There's no swashbuckling to speak of and the whole thing feels extremely rushed.  I imagine that they will make tweaks and revisions as the season progresses.  We look forward to seeing it again later this season to see what has changed and improved.

They have a photo op "Photo with a Pirate" at the exit.  Again, they're pushing the pirate theme without it really being a pirate show. Very confusing.

Star-Spangled Summer (SDC)

Welcome to Star-Spangled Summer at Silver Dollar City

A special Fun Junction toy store has been set up in the Frisco Barn

Be sure to pick up all of your favorite toys when you visit.

In the Red Gold Heritage Hall, Kadan and Brooklyn Rockett are performing their Kids Magic show.  They don't allow photos during the show, so this is all you're going to get.  They have a meet-and-greet photo opportunity after the show.  

As for the show, it really lacks any pacing - and the kids have yet to learn how to work with a "dead audience". While their illusions are decent, they are retired old acts from more famous magicians.

Sons of the Silver Dollar is performing their Summer Song Lists now (each of the shows during the day features different songs).  They were performing at Boat Works today, but they will occasionally perform at the Gazebo instead this summer. 

Dance Explosion is performing at the Dockside Theater

This show features a dance troupe that does some clogging and other modern dance styles.  If the show feels repetitive after a couple of songs, it's not just your imagination.

The surprise jewel of the festival was the Greg Bennick show in the Riverfront Playhouse.  The guy really knew how to work the audience and his juggling and jokes were very entertaining.

It also helped that he picked a great assistant from the audience who stole the show a few times.

Star-Spangled Summer runs through July 21st.

Be sure to check out our special report on Reuben's Swashbuckling Adventure.

Rivertown Smokehouse (SDC)

The crews are making good progress on the new Dining Patio for the Rivertown Food Court.

This new area will provide lake view dining in a more spacious set-up

You can see that it will stretch most of the length of the Lake when completed.

The reason they are building such a large patio is that the new ride will exit patrons onto this patio area.

The new Smokehouse, which should go vertical soon, is located across the pathway from the former White River Mercantile building.

You can see they are ready to lay the floor for the build and then shortly after that, the walls will start to go up.

Here's a different view so you can see where it is located (the White River Mercantile building is there on the right).  Also you can see just how big the building is.  Without the need for indoor seating, the building doesn't have to be as big as the old one was

In other news, the former Mercantile building has found a new life as a Clearance Shop.

With the change of plans (the building was originally supposed to be completely demolished) the shop is once again being utilized instead of sitting empty.

It'll be interesting to see what all this building is used for as the season progresses.

Pumpkins in the City (SDC)

The trail to the Pumpkin Plaza is receiving split rail fencing on the other side of the pathway.  They've also put down wood chips to start landscaping the area.

This is the other end of that pathway (right next to the train tracks).  You'll notice they have the first post up to begin making the split rail fence from this end.

Phoenix (Adventureland)

Thanks to Bryson, we have some awesome photos to share of the progress on Phoenix.  He took these from the train ride.

As you can see, the ride appears to be complete.

The trains are on the track, but are still covered up.

 

Kris was able to get this photo of one of the cars unwrapped.

Testing should begin any day now.