NIGHTLIFE ROCKS! Entertainment in Myrtle Beach Pumps Up the Volume
Boasting a unique variety of award-winning music, dance, comedy, dinner shows and celebrity concerts, the Myrtle Beach area today is home to some of the best of the entertainment world. Several showplaces and thousands of seats provide the perfect venues for top-notch entertainment every night of the week – in addition to the Grand Strand’s music festivals and dancing scene. Whether travelers are looking for a family-friendly entertainment experience or a simple spot to let loose, the Myrtle Beach area has plenty of fantastically fun options for a night on the town.
~ Live Entertainment ~
The Alabama Theatre
Gaylord Entertainment presents ONE The Show at the Alabama Theatre, featuring multi-talented entertainers performing America’s favorite music including country, Broadway, bluegrass and gospel, as well as comedy, dance and more. The 2009 Guest Artists Concert Series will welcome touring acts such as Merle Haggard, Clint Black, Loretta Lynn, Little Richard, Engelbert Humperdink, George Jones and many others. For more information, call (800) 342-2262 or visit www.Alabama-Theatre.com.
Atlantic Stage
In partnership with Coastal Carolina University, Atlantic Stage is the first and only professional theatre company in the Myrtle Beach area. Atlantic Stage was formed in August 2008 and is comprised of professional directors and designers, as well as professional actors and stage managers who are members of the Actors Equity Association. It is committed to bringing the Myrtle Beach area the best in Broadway, Off-Broadway and new plays from regional theatre across the United States. A not-for-profit theatre, Atlantic Stage is funded through ticket sales, private donations, and in kind donations from Coastal Carolina University and the Department of Theatre, the Horry County Arts and Cultural Council and individuals. For more information, visit www.atlanticstage.com.
Carolina Master Chorale
The Carolina Master Chorale is the oldest community chorus on the Grand Strand, founded in 1982. The volunteer chorus consists of over 70 auditioned members. Members, from all parts of the Grand Strand, north to Calabash and west to Conway, are of very diverse backgrounds of music experience. The group consists of locals, raised and newcomers, dedicated to filling the Grand Strand with music. The group is led by the music director and conductor, Dr. Timothy Koch, who is recognized as a champion of contemporary composers and as a leading interpreter of choral/orchestral masterworks. The Carolina Master Chorale not only contributes to the cultural and civic life of the Grand Strand, but acts as cultural ambassadors for the community through performances in other South Carolina cities, in other parts of the United States, and in other countries. It offers four concerts during its annual season, including the concert for combined choruses at the “Festival-By-the Sea,” a weekend-long choral workshop for invited choruses from the United States and Canada, featuring internationally known choral conductors. For more information, call (843) 444-5774 or visit www.carolinamasterchorale.com.
The Carolina Opry Presented by Calvin Gilmore
Calvin Gilmore Presents The Carolina Opry – consistently voted best show by readers of Myrtle Beach’s daily newspaper. The Opry also won the prestigious South Carolina Governor’s Cup for “Most Outstanding Attraction.” Guests will enjoy a variety of stellar music, dance and comedy acts performed by professional artists including “All That!” of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Joining the Opry’s repertoire on select nights is Good Vibrations, in which the Carolina Opry cast turns out hits from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. For more information, call (800) 843-6779 or visit www.TheCarolinaOpry.com.
Coastal Carolina University Cultural Arts
Each year, Coastal Carolina University presents a dynamic cultural program for students, community and visitors to the area. The online calendar offers a detailed listing of the exciting program of events scheduled for the 2009 – 2010 season. For more information, call (843) 349-2502 or visit www.coastal.edu/culturalarts/.
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede Dinner & Show in Myrtle Beach is a fun-filled, action-packed extravaganza in which 32 beautiful horses and a cast of top-notch riders perform spectacular feats while competing in a friendly North vs. South rivalry. Each ticket includes a special Carriage Room Opening Act, the thrilling Main Show and a delicious four-course dinner. For more information, call (800) 433-4401 or visit www.DixieStampede.com.
House of Blues
The House of Blues attracts standouts in the world of blues, jazz, gospel and rock. Norah Jones, Edwin McCain, Keith Urban, Hootie & The Blowfish and Chris Isaak are just a few of the headliners who have appeared on the Myrtle Beach stage. Other big draws include the Sunday Gospel Brunch, Teen Dance Night, Murder Mystery Dinner Theater and the all-new Rockstar Karaoke, where amateurs take the stage to sing their favorite tunes, accompanied by a live band. For more information, call (843) 272-3000 or visit www.HoB.com.
Legends in Concert
In 2006, Calvin Gilmore’s two-year-old Tribute Show, formerly located in North Myrtle Beach, merged with the ever-popular Legends In Concert at the Surfside Beach location. The show features state-of-the-art lighting, sound and technical equipment and a cast of dynamic tribute artists portraying such show business greats as Frank Sinatra, Barbara Streisand, Rod Stewart, Elvis Presley and a host of others. For more information, call (800) 960-7469 or visit www.LegendsInConcertSC.com.
Le Grande Cirque at The Palace Theatre
The regal, 2,700-seat Palace Theatre is home to Le Grande Cirque, a mesmerizing spectacle of artistry and imagination performed by some of the world’s greatest acrobatic and theatrical performers. Le Grande Cirque features a cast of more than 50 world-class acrobats, jugglers and performers from China, Russia, Monte Carlo and Europe, all in one exhilarating show. For more information, call (800) 905-4228 or visit www.PalaceTheatreMyrtleBeach.com.
LIGHT Presented by Calvin Gilmore
LIGHT is America’s biggest multi-million dollar permanent laser light show, presented at the Gilmore Auditorium. The laser show is provided by Lightwave International, who provides lasers for big-name concert tours such as Madonna and Pink Floyd. The production can feature a number of themes, including Classic Rock, Christian, Patriotic, Family Fun, Beatles, Led Zeppelin, U2, Pink Floyd and Holiday. The 45-minute running time is ideal for patrons of all ages, while the spectacular show ensures that all visitors will be left delighted and amazed. For more information, call (800) 843- 6779 or visit www.TheCarolinaOpry.com.
The Long Bay Symphony
The Long Bay Symphony Orchestra has been performing 15-20 concerts each year since its founding in 1987. Offering a variety of classical music ranging from chamber music to a full orchestra and youth orchestra, The Long Bay Symphony provides a welcoming musical respite for visitors to the Myrtle Beach area. Adult tickets are available for $20 – $45 and student tickets are offered at $10, making an evening at the symphony accessible for all family visitors.
The Magical Spirit of Ireland at The Palace Theatre
This production combines the sensational talents of the world renowned Spirit of the Dance performers with the Incredible Irish Tenors to immerse theater-goers in an Irish journey like no other. The performance includes traditional Irish folk songs, popular pop hits and even a few Broadway inspired numbers to entrance the audience and give them a sense of Irish culture at its finest. Located at the Palace Theater, the 90 minute production is not to be missed! For more information please call (800) 987-9852 or visit www.PalaceTheatreMyrtleBeach.com.
Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament
At Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, the glory and chivalry of the Middle Ages come to life amid pageantry and thrilling tournament action. Guests enjoy a four-course banquet while six knights compete in medieval games of skill astride magnificent Andalusian stallions. For more information, call (888) We-Joust or visit www.MedievalTimes.com.
Theatre of the Republic
The Theatre of the Republic’s mission is to provide affordable and quality community theatre for everyone. The theatre is housed within a beautifully renovated historical building on Main Street in downtown Conway, and has entertained theatre lovers for over 40 years. In addition to six main season shows, Theatre of the Republic produces everything from musical revues, to holiday shows and children’s theatre productions. The non-profit Theatre of the Republic was named the official theatre of Horry County in 1975. For more information call (843) 488-0821 or visit www.theatreoftherepublic.com.
~ Nightlife Aplenty~
Casino Boats from Little River, SC
The Atlantic Ocean is home to Myrtle Beach’s casino ships, providing guests with scenic and entertaining excursions that include gambling, fine-dining and live-entertainment. The five hour cruises set sail twice a day from beautiful Little River, just a short drive north from the central Myrtle Beach area.
Celebrity Square at Broadway at the Beach
Celebrity Square is a New-Orleans style boulevard bursting with ten of Myrtle Beach’s hottest clubs and nightspots, from the well-known Hard Rock Café and Margaritaville to haunts like Crocodile Rocks and Fat Tuesday. Travelers can eye out for in-season Happy Hours, street parties and daily specials; there is always something new to entertain visitors! For more information call (800) 386-4662 or visit www.broadwayatthebeach.com/nightlife.html.
Carolina Improv Company
Carolina Improv Company (CIC) presents interactive improv comedy, appropriate for all ages, in which the audience becomes a part of the show. Think “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”. CIC also offers improv classes to adults, as well as teambuilding and public speaking training to groups and organizations and is now located in its new home of Uptown at the Myrtle Beach Mall. Uptown is also available for meetings and facility rentals. For more information, visit www.carolinaimprov.com or call 843.272.4242.
Comedy Cabana
The Comedy Cabana is Myrtle Beach’s own five-star comedy club, featuring some of the top names in comedy. With performances every Tuesday – Saturday, and additional shows June – August, you are in for a comedic treat. Reservations are highly recommended. Please call (843) 449-4242 or visit www.comedycabana.com for more information.
Shag Dancing
Myrtle Beach is home to the time-honored tradition of shag dancing – also known as the Carolina Beach Shag. The shag dance started as a beach dance popular with young adults of the collegiate age back in the fifties and sixties. It has been referred to by some as “a sort of a lazy jitterbug” that used to be danced late at night on the beaches. The Ocean Drive section of North Myrtle Beach is where the Shag originated decades ago and continues to stand strong, housing a plethora of Shag dancing clubs such as Fat Harold’s Beach Club, Duck’s, and OD Lounge.
~ Seasonal Entertainment ~
Each Christmas season, the Myrtle Beach area’s many theaters and attractions stage heart-warming and celebratory performances. Parades ring in the season all along the Grand Strand, while holiday displays like the Night of a Thousand Candles at Brookgreen Gardens and Festival of Trees at Ripley’s Aquarium are festivities to be enjoyed. With great seasonal rates offered alongside with a wide array of holiday shopping options, the Grand Strand is an ideal place for families to spend the holidays.
The South’s Grandest Christmas Show at The Alabama Theatre
Each Christmas season, The Alabama Theatre presents The South’s Grandest Christmas Show, a festive spectacle of traditional carols and holiday musical favorites along with dance and comedy acts.
The Carolina Opry Christmas Special
The magic of the season comes to life each year at The Carolina Opry’s colorful and eagerly awaited holiday music variety and comedy show.
Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede
The Dixie Stampede is magically transformed during the holiday season to include a live nativity scene and holiday music, while guests enjoy a fabulous four-course feast.
For additional information on the Myrtle Beach Area, visit www.VisitMyrtleBeach.com
January 20, 2010
Posted in: United States South