For more than 20 years, the Alabama Theatre has been providing quality, family-friendly entertainment to local and visiting audiences on the Grand Strand. And based on all the dancing, singing, laughing and clapping going on at the Barefoot Landing venue, there’s a lot more in store for the future.
Although the palatial 2,000-seat auditorium has been in operation since 1993 and is deeply rooted in the Myrtle Beach area’s tradition of bringing quality entertainment to the stage, the Alabama Theatre also has a knack for providing timely and cutting-edge performances that keep generations of families coming back for more. If that sounds familiar, it’s because that is the claim to fame of the namesake country music super group that got its start on the Grand Strand, and that’s the goal Alabama had in mind to carry on the musical mission.
Alabama, which occasional returns to its roots for special performances on the group’s home stage, served as the house band at the legendary oceanfront honky-tonk, The Bowery, in downtown Myrtle Beach. Playing for peanuts and living like beach bums, the group honed its modern country/rock sound that revolutionized traditional Southern music in the 1980s.
True to its roots, Alabama left a permanent impact on the local entertainment scene that carries on inside the walls of its namesake theater. Featuring touring concerts of legendary musicians and comedians, such as past guests Vince Gill and Bill Cosby, the Alabama Theatre also is home to numerous off-Broadway theatrical productions and other occasional events that pack the house on a regular basis.
One of the Grand Strand’s most popular and longest-running productions is the award-winning “One: The Show,” a showcase of music, dance, skits and stumps that keeps crowds coming back year after year to see the updated edition. Running February through October, “One” offers a little something for everyone and is a family favorite. So is the annual holiday tradition of “The South's Grandest Christmas Show,” featuring a star-studded cast performing all the Christmas classics. Running in November and December, this assembly of professional singers, dancers, ice skaters and comedians is sure to get your family in the holiday spirit.
On nights when the Alabama Theatre isn’t putting on a dazzling show, it’s often delivering an excellent concert lineup. Past performers to play the stage include Alabama, of course, as well The Temptations, the Oak Ridge Boys, George Jones, the Kingston Trio, and the Four Tops. Upcoming performances include Loretta Lynn, Gail Bliss’ tribute to Patsy Cline, and Three Dog Night. The Alabama Theatre also plays host the Carolina Beach Music Association’s annual awards and the National Shag Dancing Championships in keeping with North Myrtle Beach’s close ties to the beach music and shag dancing scenes.
The Alabama Theatre has been voted the No. 1 Live Theatre Attraction on the Grand Strand by numerous publications, web sites and travel groups and provides wholesome family entertainment to locals and visitors seven nights a week, along with some occasional daytime matinees. The intimate atmosphere features all the modern, high-tech lighting, sound and stage equipment and the seats are comfortable and close to the stage. The old saying “There isn’t a bad seat in the house” actually applies here. After the show, hang out in the elegant lobby for some photo ops with members of the cast who take time to meet and greet the fans.
The Alabama Theatre's box office is open all day and night but show times and ticket prices vary from performance to performance. For more information about show times or to purchase advanced tickets, call 800-342-2262 or visit the website.
(Posted: 10/20/14)
