Dolly Parton’s Dinner Theater Sparks Debate In Orange Beach

(KMDL-FM) Two of Louisiana's favorite things, Dolly Parton and Orange Beach, Alabama, are at odds with one another. Dolly wants to build a dinner theater project in Orange Beach. Many community leaders in Orange Beach see this as a good thing for tourism. Many residents are voicing a different opinion, saying the project would destroy the vibe of the community.

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Orange Beach and the area around Perdido Key and the whole "Flora-Bama" region are popular vacation spots for travelers from Louisiana. The reason many prefer Orange Beach over Destin, Panama City, or even Fort Walton is the fact that the vibe, although tourist-driven, is not glitzy and fast-paced; it's more laid back and family-friendly.

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Dolly Parton Plans Pirate Dinner Theater and Show for Popular Beach Destination

Those who support Dolly's project in Orange Beach say the planned Pirates Voyage and Dinner Show would deliver exactly that to the community. The "theater" promises clashing pirates and amazing special effects. Dolly and her company have similar shows in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Panama City Beach, Florida, and several other locations.

The main concern from residents is increased traffic, the loss of trees, the additional noise of increased automobiles, and there is a concern about where stormwater would drain once the project has been built.

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The two sides met last night in a packed town hall meeting to discuss the project. So, as a frequent guest to Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, and that part of the Beach, how would you feel about having a Dolly Parton Dinner Theater attraction to visit during your vacation?

My family has visited a Dolly Dinner Theater; it wasn't the Pirate show, it was the Stampede Show in Pigeon Forge. I thought the show was great, the jokes were funny, the actors and acrobats were amazing, and best of all, the food was great.

Could a Dolly Dinner Theater Be Built in South Louisiana?

I am thinking that if Orange Beach doesn't want Dolly, we'll be honored to have her here in Lafayette. She could build that Pirate show theater right next to the new Buc-ee's out on the Interstate. While we're at it, let's go ahead and build that P.F. Chang's everyone has been wanting.