O.K. Corral, Tombstone

I'm not sure which show the previous reviewer saw. We were in town and saw the 5:00 show, 'Tragedy At The O.K. Corral', which was in a word, AWESOME. The show began on the street, with Wyatt and Morgan Earp confronting the villains and telling them to leave town, and forcibly disarming one of them. The confrontation led to the Earps kicking Ike Clanton out of Big Nose Kate's saloon and forcing them down to the O.K. Corral site. Everyone on the street was witness to the commotion going on and it was the first time that I as a spectator, felt like I was PART of the show! The Earps, then joined by Virgil and Doc Holliday, went into the Corral area where a short play was held, depicting the start of the fight from the Clantons and McLoury's point of view. Of course the climactic showdown was the gunfight itself. Nothing boring here, folks. It was the best time we had in Tombstone! After the gunfight, the crowd was invited back to Big Nose Kates for 'questioning', which was a big party where the cast of the show reenacted famous scenes from the 'Tombstone' movie and mingled with the crowd. There was even a 'catfight' between the two rival saloon songstresses! Excellent! We had a great time and will DEFINITELY be back for more. To whoever organized this show, thank you much! And to the fellows who played 'Doc' and 'Wyatt', thanks for making it special. R.G. Winnipeg, MB, Canada

I love this history event. In fact I can't stop watching it! I have never seen this place before so I think it is awesome, and thanks for letting me express how I feel.

When I came into Tombstone, I had a mind of the old west. It was well met with the area. We were in time for the 5pm show at the OK Corral. It was a true waste of my time. It was a very boring show to say the least. It took forever to get to the actual reenactment of the Gunfight. Also being pretty hip on history. I had a few complaints of their show as well. It was all evolved around Doc Holiday and even infused poetry. Now I wouldn't mind that normally, but come on. I expected a little more bang for my buck. My wife asked me what happened, I basically could not follow the story. A nap back at the hotel would have been a bit better than that show.

Too bad the contributor (review dated 7/26/07) didn't read the other reviews and stay for the Main Event at 5:00! He is correct, the traditional 2:00 show is sloppy and unprofessional. Good thing their guns failed to go off, they have been known to fire live ammo! I do not understand why the "Main Event" is not posted on the official OK Corral web site or recognized by most of the travel sites at which I've looked. It is by far the best show in town. But, be sure to be at the far end of town at 4:30 for the real curtain rising or you will miss half the story. These are professional "Street Theater" actors that know how to involve the audience without threatening them. They will draw you right along into the theater for the climax of what began up the street. And, afterward, they will even meet you at a local saloon to discuss the outcome. Don't miss the "Main Event".

The one event we *never* miss when we visit Tombstone is the OK Corral’s great *new* show, “Tragedy at the OK Corral.” Not your ordinary re-enactment, “Tragedy” is a well-written and -acted dramatic theatrical presentation, starring good-looking professional actors close to the actual ages of the original participants. Doc Holliday opens and closes the part of the show inside the OK Corral’s amphitheatre with poetry that serves well to bookend the unfolding drama of Tombstone’s main event (see other review by that title, this site) – the 1881 incident that still defines the town. Among the many unique aspects of this outstanding production is that the cowboys' side of the story is presented thoughtfully, including a few chuckles. Many pieces of the legend are explained, many theories examined, many relationships illuminated. And the outcome is rightfully described as a tragedy, with the dead still on the ground as the audience files out. The more tenderhearted will have tears in their eyes as they go. If you have walked the streets of Tombstone in recent years and done a double-take at some men who looked so much like Earp brothers or Doc Holliday that you had to check your watch to see what year it is, chances are you have seen one or more of the actors from this troupe. The show actually begins around 4:30 outside the Silver Nugget at 6th and Allen Streets and continues down the street, often involving spectators, as the argument and tension between the Earp party and the Cowboys grow. The audience may purchase their tickets at the door at 5:00 p.m., but I recommend buying them earlier in the day so you can tour the other attractions at the Corral. Then catch the walkdown at 4:30, going right in to the amphitheatre at 5 with the ticket bought earlier. The show in the outdoor theatre lasts about 45 minutes. If you buy your tickets earlier, be sure to specify you want them for the 5:00 show. The Tragedy is presented Friday thru Monday (and select other days during busier months). As a frequent added treat on Saturdays and Sundays (11 a.m. and noon), Doc Holliday demonstrates his favorite card game, Faro, along with delightful autobiographical banter designed to distract you from the game for reasons he will clearly state! One more must-see for the Tombstone novice and veteran alike, Doc Holliday fan, or “Tombstone” movie buff. If you haven’t been back to the OK Corral for a few years, it’s time. The new entertainment there makes it well worth the trip.

I just got back from my day trip to Tombstone, Arizona and I was initially so excited about seeing the OK Corral re-enactment. Much to my dismay, the show wasn't even "OK" as one would assume. Point of fact, it was awful. Maybe the actors were having a bad day, maybe it was their first day, or maybe I was witnessing the "B-Squad" actors rather than the usual A-Team, but the whole show was a disappointment. The actor's weapons wouldn't fire, you couldn't even hear what they were saying, and they kept their backs to the audience through most of the show. I was straining to hear them and trying to follow what was going on. I thought it was a rip-off at $7.50 per person. The rest of Tombstone was great and totally worth it. AVOID THE OK CORRAL!!!

Tombstone's Main Event is a new theatrical presentation with professional actors portraying the events leading up to and culminating in the famous gunfight. The event takes place Fridays, Saturdays and select Sundays and weekdays at 5 pm at the Corral (call for details), and is 45 minutes long. A free interactive street theater performance begins at the Birdcage Theater on the opposite end of Allen Street at about 4:30 and makes its way to the Corral gates, where admission for the Main Event is $5.00 for adults (children under 12 are currently free). This show is aimed at adults and history buffs, as well as fans of the movie "Tombstone". Families, teens, and older children will also enjoy. Much of the play is dialogue driven and will be over the heads of younger children, who may also be greatly alarmed by the gunshots. The Corral stays open until 6 pm on the days of the Main Event (not to be confused with the 2 pm re-enactment).

Tombstone, is the best example of the typical western town in the 1880's. To fully understand more about how the OK Corral got to be famous, you have to see the gunfight re-enactment. Come early and if you are going with your children don't forget to bring something to cover their heads. Bring sunscreen, , water, wear shades and hats that covers your whole face. There is no shade and the show starts at 2:00 pm and you will be literally under the sun for 45 minutes. Before the show starts one of the actors stands infront and people can ask questions about the history of tombstone or the OK Corral gunfight. It's very informative. The actors were all excellent and some made us laugh. After the show you can take your photos with the actors. Not to be missed!! We stayed at Sierra Vista and it was only 20 minutes from Gateway Inn and Suites.

This was great., I think this was the best of Tombstone., The gunfight was something really you don't want to miss. The show prior to that is also great. The whole O.K. Corral, is the best in the west.