Courtesy Myrtle Beach State Park
Entertainment
After days of shopping, many groups enjoy evenings of entertainment, and Myrtle Beach has numerous theaters and attractions that deliver a wide variety of shows.
The Alabama Theatre, in Barefoot Landing, is named after the legendary country band Alabama, whose members founded the theater in 1993.
“The show content is about variety, with something for everyone,” said Charlie Bradshaw, vice president of sales at Alabama Theatre. “There’s contemporary and classic country, Broadway, big-band, Motown, comedy.”
“We replace 30 [percent] to 40 percent of the show every year to keep it fresh. Every three years, it’s just about a brand-new show,” said Bradshaw. For the holidays, the theater produces “The South’s Grandest Christmas Show.”
Special group pricing is available for 20 or more. And on motorcoach trips, the driver and escort receive comp tickets.
“We have a meet-and-greet program where staff members step on the bus and welcome groups and bring them around to a special VIP motorcoach entrance,” Bradshaw said. “We usher them right to their seats with a program and souvenir.”
Do you wish you could see and hear the sounds of great musical performers from years past — Elvis, Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra — or more contemporary acts such as Adele, Lady Gaga and Justin Timberlake? Enjoy the next best thing at Legends in Concert in Myrtle Beach. Tribute artists dress, look and sound just like the real deal. You’ll be amazed at the effort they put into perfecting the mannerisms and voices of stars from then and now.
“We present five great acts in one great show,” said Chris Beattie, regional general manager for the theater. “It’s a full production with a live band and six background singers and dancers. While we remain attached to our classic legends, we have introduced superstars of today because that’s what kids want to see.”
Legends in Concert features a large stable of artists.
“We change our acts four times a year, based on the season and the demographic makeup of the audiences that come to Myrtle Beach,” Beattie said.
For nearly three decades, the Carolina Opry Theater has entertained thousands of Myrtle Beach visitors in its state-of-the-art, 2,200-seat auditorium. Four shows are performed in one theater.
“Carolina Opry” offers music, dance and comedy. The best oldies music from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s comes together in “Good Vibrations.” “Light Laser Extravaganza” features a dazzling laser light show choreographed to music. Finally, during the holidays, there’s the “Carolina Opry Christmas Special,” a show the producers admit is “shamelessly sentimental.”
“We get a lot of families, church groups and tour groups that like to travel to the beach during the holidays because of the great shopping. They also want to have a Christmas experience in our theater,” said the venue’s national group sales manager, Margaret Wallace.
If your group numbers 22 or more, the Carolina Opry Theater will give group rates. But group planners are urged to book early to get the best dates and seats.
“People have many choices, and we appreciate when they choose to spend their money to come to our show,” said Wallace. “We want to treat them special.”
The Palace Theatre, located at Broadway at the Beach, brings more live entertainment to the stage, as well as musicals from around the world and Broadway theater productions.
Two of the big shows now appearing are “Hot Jersey Nights,” featuring the songs and harmonies of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and “Illusions of Magic,” a show that will amaze with magic, special effects, scenery and music. It even includes a 200-pound Bengal tiger.
One of the best things about the Palace is the variety of the entertainment.
“It’s really a show for all ages. We’re really proud to say that,” said Katie Alderson, formerly a performer and now a production coordinator for the Palace.
