Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Duck! The Robertsons are heading for the Rio in ‘Dynasty’ musical

Phil Robertson

Zach Dilgard / A&E / AP

This 2012 photo released by A&E shows Phil Robertson, Jase Robertson, Si Robertson and Willie Robertson from the A&E series “Duck Dynasty.”

The most famous bearded entertainers to hit the national scene since ZZ Top released “Eliminator” are beating a path to VegasVille.

The gentlemen from the A&E reality-TV series “Duck Dynasty” are reportedly backing a musical based on their story. The show is to be titled “The Duck Commander Family Musical,” and it is to be staged at the Rio beginning in February, according to a story about the production in The New York Times.

The show is to be a 90-minute adaptation of the family’s uniquely American saga stemming from humble beginnings in the swamps of Louisiana to a lucrative hunting-merchandise business. No formal announcement has been made by the show’s producers or Caesars Entertainment officials, but out of New York the show is being described as a done deal.

A cast of actors will portray the Robertson clan featuring brothers Phil and Si and Phil’s sons Jase, Willie and Jep. The family has full authorization over the show’s content.

The story in the Times outlines the show’s potential for controversy, reminding of comments by Phil Robertson, who has compared homosexuality to bestiality.

“The show will end up challenging the views and assumptions of people across the political spectrum, more than most theater does,” said Michael David, the show’s producer, who also has helmed “Jersey Boys,” a version of which is performed at Paris Las Vegas and will compete with the Robertsons’ saga. As Phil Robertson said, the show has been “a great ride so far.” The show is named for his creation, the Duck Commander bird call, and based on his own book about the family.

In a twist of irony, Robertson was replaced as quarterback at Louisiana Tech after an injury by a rising star named Terry Bradshaw, who also took a shot at the Las Vegas stage with his own musical at the Mirage in June 2013.

Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at Twitter.com/JohnnyKats. Also, follow “Kats With the Dish” at Twitter.com/KatsWiththeDish.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy