About the Historic Carolina Opry Theater

The impressive variety of live music shows in Myrtle Beach can be traced back to one man, Calvin Gilmore, and his singular vision that first-rate entertainment could thrive along the Grand Strand. The Carolina Opry Theater was the first live theater to open in Myrtle Beach and the only one in the area for 7 years. Several years and many successes later, a number of corporations have followed Gilmore’s model and opened theaters of their own. Now in its 38th season, the critically acclaimed theater boasts over 10,000 performances. 

Gilmore’s exceptionally high standards for talent and production quality have been recognized by the industry and the public; his shows are the only shows to be designated “Most Outstanding Attraction” by the state of South Carolina, to be called “Top Myrtle Beach Attraction” by CNBC and to be voted #1 every single year! If you are looking for top quality Myrtle Beach Shows, look no further than The Carolina Opry Theater.

The first variety show in Myrtle Beach—and still voted #1 every single year—the award-winning 38th season of The Carolina Opry show blends two hours of critically acclaimed music, comedy and dance with 35 of the nation’s top performers and was recently named by CNBC as the “Top Attraction in Myrtle Beach!”

The Carolina Opry Theater also brings you Time Warp, the best music of the 60s, 70s, and 80s, blended with rich multimedia screens, special effects, and elaborate costuming, all performed live by the award-winning cast of The Carolina Opry.

November through December, the theater is transformed into a winter wonderland as Calvin Gilmore presents the South’s most eagerly awaited production, The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, often referred to as “The Christmas Show of the South!”

The theater also features The Myrtle Beach Performing Arts Series, known for bringing acts such as LeAnn Rimes, Gladys Knight, Travis Tritt, Art Garfunkel, Dwight Yoakam, Lyle Lovett, Kansas, America, Wynonna Judd, The Russian National Ballet and some of the most amazing tribute acts in the country!

On June 2, 1986, when Calvin Gilmore opened his doors to the first paying customers of The Carolina Opry, few locals or vacationers knew what to expect. Another country bar? Maybe Hee Haw at the beach?

What they got was a breath of fresh air. A sensational show in a cool theater. The kind of show you could take your kids or your grandmother to—but it also blew back the hair of your hard-to-please brother-in-law from New York. 

By late summer the word had gotten around that something spectacular was happening at The Carolina Opry, and the long line of patrons snaked out the door and around the building. Tour buses stood bumper to bumper. Gilmore had only 12 entertainers and musicians to work with, himself among the number, but they packed a wallop. 

Eight years later, the dam broke. Imitators rushed to cash in on The Carolina Opry’s success. The Dixie Stampede (now Pirate’s Voyage) grabbed his kite tail by sharing his prime site in Myrtle Beach. The investment group that created the Alabama Theater used Gilmore’s architect and his literal blueprints to build a theater. Burroughs and Chapin planned an entertainment complex that they hoped would corner the whole market with numerous shows. 

Nearly 40 years later, The Carolina Opry remains the top show in the market and Gilmore stands alone as a producer, performer, and entrepreneur. 

Though some have survived, none have managed to create the high quality production standard or the customer loyalty of Gilmore Entertainment. Why? Well, maybe because the cook is in the kitchen. The show is not created by a hired gun from somewhere else; it is written, produced, and directed right here in Myrtle Beach by the onsite owner. And it may be worth noting that it is owned entirely by the Gilmore family. 

The inauguration and phenomenal success of The Carolina Opry Christmas Special (“The Christmas Show of the South”) made Myrtle Beach a year-round destination. Many may have forgotten that thirty years ago Myrtle Beach rolled up the sidewalks after Labor Day. It was hard to find a restaurant open for lunch in December. Then the Christmas tour buses began to roll to The Carolina Opry Christmas Special. Families from throughout the region came to Myrtle Beach in December just to see the show. Hotels and restaurants not only opened—they filled. And a new seasonal market was born.

And along the way, spurred on by the entertainment boom that Gilmore inspired, the Grand Strand experienced exponential growth. The buzz brought heavy hitters like Marriott and Hard Rock Café and Medieval Times to the banquet table. 

Gilmore himself has performed numerous times on The Grand Ole Opry, was recognized for his accomplishments by the South Carolina state senate, and was bestowed the Palmetto Patriot award. His shows stand alone on the Grand Strand with major media accolades include NBC Nightly News, USA Today, CNN, Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, The New York Times, Detroit Free Press, and a host of others. The Huffington Post recently noted that Gilmore’s shows featured “World-Class entertainers that blew us away . . . literally!”

Gilmore’s shows are the only shows to have won every major South Carolina tourism award, including the coveted South Carolina Governer’s Cup and Most Outstanding Attraction and are the only shows to be voted #1 for 30 years.

Now approaching our 40th anniversary season, The Calvin Gilmore Theater brings a level of production diversity never seen in Myrtle Beach. The theater hosts 3 original productions: The classic Carolina Opry show, Time Warp and the much-loved Carolina Opry Christmas Special (“The Christmas Show of the South”). The theater is also home to the Myrtle Beach Performing Arts series, featuring celebrity concerts like Dwight Yoakam, Gladys Knight, Blues Traveler, Gaither Vocal Band, Leann Rimes, Art Garfunkel and Travis Tritt as well as uncanny tribute tributes to artists like ABBA, The Bee Gees, Michael Jackson, the Eagles and more.

If the Carolina Opry Theater doesn’t have what you want, then you may need to check your pulse! You know the old saying: There's nothing like an original. 

Looking for things to do in Myrtle Beach? 
We’ve scoped out the best in Myrtle Beach 
attractions and restaurants so you don’t have to! 
Take a look at our list of top things to do in Myrtle Beach. 

The Carolina Opry Theater - Okay, if you are looking for an incredible time and something you can't do anywhere else – this is it! The Carolina Opry is the original show in Myrtle Beach and still the best in Myrtle Beach. Many have imitated but none have been able to equal the quality and talent of The Carolina Opry and Time Warp. The award-winning shows blend two hours of high-energy music, comedy and dance in a beautiful 2,000 seat theater complete with high-tech lighting and sound. But don't just take our word for it! The shows are highly acclaimed by The New York Times, USA Today, NBC Nightly News, and CNN, and named “Top Attraction in Myrtle Beach” by CNBC. In addition, it is an incredible value compared to live entertainment of this quality in Vegas or New York.

Duplin Winery - Looking for the perfect way to unwind after a long day? Uncork the sweeter side of Myrtle Beach at Duplin Winery, makers of America’s favorite Muscadine wine. Their convenient North Myrtle Beach location is stunning! Kick back with a glass of something cool, or gather some friends for a wine tasting. The staff is ready to educate and entertain you on the winemaking method while you enjoy a delicious tasting. Plus, you can watch the bottling process, relax in the courtyard, and shop in their gorgeous retail store offering wine, fudge, gourmet dips and dressings, wine accessories and some very unique gifts and housewares. It's worth a stop for the gift shop alone!

Hook & Barrel Restaurant - Just a block south of The Carolina Opry Theater, you’ll find the nationally-known local restaurant, Hook & Barrel. With plenty of outdoor seating, and ‘eatertainment’ on the inside, this restaurant is something you won’t want to miss! The menu is packed with delectable dishes, including a market of fresh, sustainable seafood prepared just how you like it. You won’t want to miss their famous Shrimp Scampi, made for you right on the bar top. And don’t forget to check out Croissants Bistro & Bakery, right next door, for freshly roasted coffee and the best brunch in town!

Brookgreen Gardens - Beautiful live oaks, renowned sculpture, rich history – and a zoo for the kids! From its beginning in 1931, this non-profit outdoor museum with its majestic oaks and world-renowned sculpture  has been a place to renew your spirit. Relive history as you walk the Lowcountry Trail and tour the only accredited zoo on the Carolina coast, where you will see native animals in their natural habitats. Beautiful gardens, rich historical sites and gracious southern hospitality tempt you to return again and again. Bonus – daytime admission here is good for 7 consecutive days!

Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood Buffet - A landmark on the Grand Strand, The Original Benjamin's Calabash Seafood Buffet serves fresh local seafood daily. Their award-winning, world-famous buffet introduced Calabash style lightly battered and deep-fried seafood to the Myrtle Beach area. They also boast a delicious salad bar, a pasta station, dessert bar and just about any other food you can think of! Not only is their food great, but the restaurant itself is a seafaring adventure with a nautical theme and handcrafted model ships throughout. Don't miss the playroom with a loaded kid-sized play kitchen, a boat with fishing rods, mops for swabbing the deck, and arcade games!

Flamingo Grill- It's no surprise Flamingo Grill is voted "Best All Around Restaurant" year after year! With fried lobster bites, lobster tail and filet, shrimp and grits, seared tuna peppercorn, flounder, salmon, a number of pasta dishes and so much more - there is something for everyone and everything is delicious! You'll love the upscale art deco decor as well. If you are looking for a local spot with nationally renowned cuisine, this is it!

Angelo's Steak and Pasta - On the South end of the beach you'll find Angelo's Steak and Pasta, a local Italian restaurant known for "the greatest steaks in the universe." That may sound like an exaggeration, but the steaks really are incredible! They are hand cut on premises, perfectly aged and served on a sizzling plate. (I order mine rare and cook each bite to my liking on the sizzling plate!) If you are looking for a little more variety, they also have an "all-you-can-eat" Italian buffet. Of course, you can always order from their full Italian menu of appetizers, full bar and some great early bird deals. All of their entrees, including the buffet, are authentic family recipes with their own personal touch.

Carolina Seafood & Steak - A family-friendly restaurant located near the famed Restaurant Row in Myrtle Beach, Carolina Seafood & Steak boasts a variety of  Southern flavors. From prime cuts of meat to seafood to burgers to Italian dishes, this restaurant has a little bit of everything. Carolina Seafood & Steak also features a wide kids menu, delicious desserts and great rates at happy hour! 

Fiesta Mexicana - These guys are the experts on Mexican cuisine on this side of the border! Quality is something Fiesta Mexicana takes very seriously; everything is made to order from only the freshest ingredients. The menu, designed by renowned chef Gabriel Hernandez, is a blend of traditional recipes and delicious new creations. There is something for everyone from sizzling fajitas to cool cocktails! A family-owned restuarant, you can count on quality service and attention to detail in a clean and comfortable atmosphere. 

The Chesapeake House - If you really want some local flavor, you have to try The Chesapeake House. Family owned and operated since 1971, it's a Myrtle Beach landmark and a long-standing family tradition. From their scenic waterway views to their fresh local seafood, USDA steaks, delicious homemade salad dressings, award-winning fish stew and world famous cinnamon rolls baked fresh daily, you'll have an evening to remember!

For more dining, lodging and 
vacation package savings, visit:
TheCarolinaOpry.com/Deals