After the abrupt departure of its last two shows, officials with the Smoky Mountain Palace Theater and its Legends of China and Shaolin Kung Fu productions have what they hope will be permanent shows to replace them. Officials with Nonstop Creativity Entertainment Co., which produces the new shows, are completing an agreement to purchase the Pigeon Forge theater.
"We have everything in place," said Matthew Yu, CEO of Nonstop. "The whole idea of purchasing the theater is to continue to promote the brand. We want to continue to modify our program and introduce new artistries."
The shows, which premiered last month, are seen as Chinese variety shows, according to Yu. He described them as featuring magic, kung fu moves like those of Bruce Lee, cast members from Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill" and the "Matrix" films, as well as acrobatics and folk dance.
"The reason we call it 'Legends of China' is we believe there are top Chinese artistries that have either never been seen before in the U.S. or they're just intriguing in ways of how they perform," Yu said. "It's really a very nice package show, giving a little bit of Chinese artistry to American audiences."
A similar show, Acrobats of China, has performed for nine years in Branson, Mo., but this is believed to be the first time shows of this magnitude have been done, Yu said.
"We're taking a different spin, although the acrobatic performance is still part of our show here but with the additions," he said.
There are more than 82 cast members, according to Yu, including 40 for Legends of China, 30 in the Shaolin Kung Fun show and more to follow with the forthcoming premiere of another show, "Thunderdrum."
Yu said their shows should not be compared to the Great China Acrobats theater show in Sevierville.
"Their show is good. It's been here for four years, but we're not here to compete with them," Yu said. "We are here to complement them and take our show to the next level. People who have seen our show say this is a Las Vegas style show, with lighting and music and the skill levels."
He said even though "Fixin' to Rain" and the "Smoky Mountain Opry" shows are gone, there is no pressure to live up to a certain type of production.
"Our commitment wherever we go is to put on the best show possible," Yu said. "We had the idea to put together the best show in the theater all along. We worked with (the other shows) on the way we organize the stages and how we may work together as two production companies."
"What we've got is a plan to get out the word as far as brochures and literature to all area motels and cabin rentals," said Gary LaPrees of LaPrees Advertising. "We are working with some fast food and higher-end restaurants to give an incentive to offer discounted ticket situations so guests can take advantage of coming here."