I must admit when it comes to my love of many different kinds of musical experiences, musical theater is more of a “like.” I appreciate those involved, but it usually isn’t my cup of tea.

However, my wife loves the theater, and I often go with her because that’s what you do after 21 years of marriage. If she can go to a Saturday night cow sale, I can go watch a fancy play with her from time to time.

With that in mind, on a recent trip to a popular southern vacation area (Pigeon Forge, Tenn.) I made my annual pilgrimage to Dollywood. I have said this before, but it bears repeating: This is a great place to hear music from the time you walk in until the fireworks go off at night.

Some of that music comes in the form of musical theater shows, from outdoor street performances to large indoor productions, which are usually packed. As you can imagine, my wife loves these mini-shows and I follow along – in the event I have a Saturday night cow sale coming up.

I will say that over the years, I have come to enjoy these experiences. And during our most recent trip, I did pay more attention than I normally do.

There is one particular show at Dollywood that I have actually seen a couple of times, when we’ve been able to get in. It is called “Dreamland Drive-In” and it follows the lives of a group of teenagers from their high school days in the 1950s until today.

The show is full of the most popular songs of each era revisited, set against the background of the most popular diner in town.

Now for the country music fans out there, you won’t really find any of “your music” in this show. But you will find a group of young performers honing their skills and performing a delightful presentation, several times a day, most every day.

I really admire hard workers, and I know in order for this show to be as good as it is, these folks have put in a lot of hard work. And it has to be one of the most popular shows in the park, if the usual packed house is any indication.

I won’t tell you how it ends, for those who may go to see it for the first time, but it is heartwarming, great for all ages and a welcome addition to a place built on the value of music. I can’t wait until next year’s trip.

Oh, and see you at the cow sale!

Bluegrass Johnson comes from a long line of country music performers and enjoys a passion for the rhythm and melody. From the hills of Kentucky, he will offer his opinions on a variety of country music every other week. Readers with questions or comments may write to Johnson in care of this publication.