About Steven Best's Smoky Mountain Theater
Steven Best's Smoky Mountain Theater is a compact venue on East Wears Valley Road in Pigeon Forge with two shows: a close-up style magic act and a music tribute. The capacity is 180, which means every seat is near the stage.
The shows
Steven Best's Unbelievable Magic Show is an intimate magic show with illusions, comedy, music and audience participation. The listing says it was voted Best Family Magic Show by The International Magicians Society, and that Steven Best is a Merlin Award winner who previously headlined in Las Vegas. Those are the venue's own claims, but the small room is the real selling point: in a theater this size, you can see the performer's hands.
Cash & The King is a tribute to Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, starring Josh Rush. The listed songs include "Heartbreak Hotel," "Suspicious Minds," "Ring of Fire" and "Folsom Prison Blues." That gives you a magic night and a music night in one building, which is useful if your group splits on tastes.
Where it is
The theater is at 157 E. Wears Valley Road, #12, just off the Parkway on the road toward Wears Valley. It is a few doors from other small theaters, including the Red Skelton tribute, so you can plan a couple of evenings in the same area.
Tickets and showtimes
The listing does not publish showtimes or ticket prices. It says to call the box office for showtimes, and the phone number is (865) 856-1117. The listing does not name a separate venue website, so the Pigeon Forge tourism office listing linked below is the best place to start.
Groups
The listing gives a capacity of 180, a group rate minimum of 15 and one complimentary admission for the group leader. If you are traveling with a church group or a family reunion, that is a lower minimum than many larger theaters ask.
Planning tips
Close-up magic works best when you can see the stage clearly, so ask the box office about seating when you book. A small room also means shows can sell out on busy weekends, so call ahead for peak weeks.
Dinner is not part of the ticket. Eat before or after at one of the nearby restaurants.
If you have kids, the magic show is the safer pick, since it is described as family friendly. Cash & The King is a better fit for teens and adults who know the songs. Because the venue lists only phone ordering for showtimes, a short call also gets you the current schedule and any seasonal changes.
You can read the tourism office's description on the venue listing, or browse all Pigeon Forge shows to compare it against the larger theaters on the Parkway.
Pigeon Forge has several magic shows, and this one is the smallest room of the group, so it suits travelers who prefer an intimate setting over a big production.