by VICTORIA ELIZABETH
CTFashionMag.com
BY VICTORIA ELIZABETH
Tucked away in an intimate theater just off the bustling Pigeon Forge parkway in the Great Smoky Mountains, Brian Hoffman’s Red Skelton Tribute Theater has housed and hosted a rotating line up of many great musical and comedy acts throughout the years, and most notably, the headlining show “Remembering Red: A Tribute to Red Skelton.”
Starring seasoned stand-up comedy veteran, Brian Hoffman, Remembering Red- A Tribute to Red Skelton not only holds the honor of being one of the only professional long-standing Red Skelton tribute shows in the world, but also the only tribute show officially endorsed by Skelton’s widow and family.
I was immensely pleased to return and spotlight this heartwarming tribute show to whom many consider one of the foremost pioneering American comics of our time.
Skelton staunchly stood behind his belief that comedy does not have to be rude, crude, offensive, or just plain dirty in order to be funny; even turning down many broadcast and appearance opportunities as he didn’t want to be associated with brash content.
Seamlessly combining actual bits from Skelton’s acclaimed “The Red Skelton Show” (which played for nearly two decades on NBC and later CBS) as well as little known factoids, and trivia about the comedy icon’s life and career, Hoffman creates a striking tribute to someone who dedicated his life to spreading joy, laughter, and happiness.
Hoffman flawlessly embodies the very essence of Red Skelton in physical appearance, mannerisms, speech, and comic timing, kicking off the show with one of Red’s many iconic acts, Gertrude and Heathcliffe, a couple of silly and witty seagulls who engage in shenanigans as they sit perched near a dock. He then transitions into a hilarious pantomime of a mouse stealing a piece of cheese, then without skipping a beat, proceeds to act out a laugh out loud reenactment of a hillbilly shotgun wedding, featuring a reluctant groom, a screaming baby, and a jar of moonshine.
The headliner, who is personable, warm, and highly interactive with his audience pauses briefly to address the crowd as himself, providing insight into his unconventional career choice.
Years ago, when he performed standup at the acclaimed Akron Comedy Club in Ohio, guests constantly told him that he was a dead ringer for Red Skelton and that he should pay tribute to the legendary entertainer in his stand-up act. Hoffman didn’t pay much attention to these comments initially ; however, when a near fatal vehicle accident left him with a scar that matched Skelton’s almost exactly, he figured this must be sign from God and that it was time to take action.
The rest, as they say, is history, and Hoffman has since entertained thousands of guests from across the country, enabling Red Skelton fans to relive the comic’s top moments from the ’50’s, ’60’s, and early ’70’s. Hoffman performs over 250 shows in one year, and in addition to his residency at the Red Skelton Tribute Theater, which he owns, he travels across the world paying tribute to Skelton at large venue’s including the Amish Country Theater in Berlin, Ohio.
Additional stand-out moments in this content-laden and action-packed show include a horrified dad who sees his newborn baby for the first time and is less than pleased by his appearance, the crowd-pleasing classic “Junior: The Mean Widdle Kid”, and a reenactment of an old man opening a squeaky door. Hoffman infuses the show with some good-natured political satire, bringing to life all of Red’s beloved and wildly colorful characters,including the hapless Clem Kadiddlehopper and the lovable “bum” Freddie the Freeloader.
He brings chuckles with a poem called “Frogs”, set to the rhythmic tune of Rudyard Kipling’s “Boots,” and a deliriously boozy advertisement for Guzzler’s Gin. The show takes a somber and respectful turn with a patriotic recitation of Skelton’s now-iconic “Pledge of Allegiance,” which exemplified the star’s unwavering and infallible patriotism.
A staggering array of original Red Skelton paintings are proudly displayed throughout the theater space, and fans of the beloved comic are afforded the opportunity to purchase prints, as well as vehicle decals, post cards, specialty Red T-Shirts, and much more from the gift shop.
Brian Hoffman, always approachable and appreciative of his fans, takes time to meet and greet with audience members in the lobby, taking photos and signing autographs.
Special thanks to Brian Hoffman and the entire Remembering Red team for arranging our return visit for this spotlight feature!
WEBSITE: https://redskeltontributetheater.com
PHONE NUMBER: (865) 428-8900
INSTAGRAM: @redskelton4u
