Something Special About The Carolina Opry
by Discover Myrtle Beach

"If you see only one show…"

That's the tagline for the Carolina Opry which is about to celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2006. The production value of the performance is arguably one of the best in Myrtle Beach and the surrounding area. With wins for every major South Carolina tourism award, including "Most Outstanding Attraction" and the only show to win the "Governor's Cup Award", that argument virtually comes to an end.

In 1986, creator Calvin Gilmore began the Carolina Opry in a modest 1,000-seat theater in Surfside Beach. In 1993, while still playing to sold out audiences night after night, Gilmore built a 2,200-seat, state-of-the-art theater in Myrtle Beach and put together a show like none other on the Grand Strand.

The show consists of a cast of 35 performers and a mixture of country music, rock 'n roll, pop, Broadway, gospel, and comedy thrown in for good measure. Even before the curtain goes up, the audience is entertained by a comedy pre-show to set the mood for a night of fun entertainment.

Once the music begins a sense of something wonderful already resonates though the theater, and that's when it hits you. An amazing experience of sight and sound engulfs the audience. The quality of the voices on stage accompanied by the music and dancing is simply, in a word, "Spectacular". The show's momentum builds to electrifying proportions as each musical number unfolds.

For us, there are a couple of memorable moments in the show worth mentioning. First is the trio of ultra-talented piano players all playing together on one grand piano while changing their lineup at the keys. This is an eye-popper to watch and listen to as they never miss a note.

And of course, we have to mention Bogie, the seemingly simple minded comic relief of the show. This comic persona is a scene stealer whenever he appears on stage.

Actually, to single out any one moment of the Carolina Opry does not do justice to the outstanding performance of the entire show and its cast and crew. There tagline hits its mark perfectly. "If you see only one show, make it the Carolina Opry."

The only problem with that tagline we can find is that Calvin Gilmore has also unveiled his latest show at the Carolina Opry which runs each Friday night. "Good Vibrations" is a flashback to the sixties, seventies, and eighties with great musical moments from each decade. This ninety minute, no intermission show lives up to the expectations of those who expect the very best from Calvin Gilmore and his team.

This November, the main show will be set aside for two months to make way for the nineteen year tradition of the Carolina Opry Christmas Special. This holiday classic combines traditional music of the season with "Yuletide" comedy. In keeping with value, this Christmas Special offers up music, dance, and laughter for all audiences.

We must conclude that the Carolina Opry is destine to change their tagline. "If you see only three shows…" Now that's truth in advertising.

Recently, we sat down with Executive Vice President, Bruce French to get in a quick interview about the Carolina Opry and its upcoming milestone anniversary.

When we asked French what makes the show so special. "It's all about the music", he said. "Calvin (Gilmore) performs in the show two or three nights a week. He has a gift for raising the pace of the show when he performs."

And when asked about the loveable Bogie, he quickly stated, "He's a guy with a great big heart that loves to make people laugh. His comedy is infectious."

While specifics are not set on what will be included in the show for their 20th anniversary, French said they are working on some new things to celebrate it. We're already in our 20th season, but May 2, 2006 is the 20th anniversary. We've been focusing on our Christmas show which begins November 1st and in November we are celebrating another milestone in our 5,500 performance.

This show has seen many others come and go over the years, so this 5,500 mark is not something to be overlooked. There is definitely something special going on behind these theater doors and we, for one, are looking forward to the next twenty years.

Carolina Opry
Ticketing: 843-913-4000 or 800-843-6779.
Groups of 22 or more, call 843-913-1450 or 1-800-633-1508.
Website: www.cgp.net