About the Theatre

Country music stars ALABAMA had a desire to return to their musical roots in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina where they honed their impressive three-part harmonies while playing for tips at The Bowery, a local nightclub. Alabama wanted to bring its unique perspective to the rising entertainment industry on the Grand Strand and the Alabama Theatre was born.

The 1993 opening of the Alabama Theatre was covered by major media including CBS Morning Show, NBC Nightly News, Good Morning America, CMT, TNN, and countless national and regional publications. Alabama Theatre was even a question on the popular game show Jeopardy.

Gaylord Entertainment was brought on board to collaborate in writing, directing, and producing a nightly show incorporating many musical genres. Gaylord Entertainment, then owner of the Grand Ole Opry, Opryland USA Theme Park, Opryland Hotels, TNN & CMT, was no stranger to big-time show business and brought a talented team from Nashville, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles to write, choreograph, costume and produce the first season’s shows called American Pride and Christmas in Dixie.

Turn the page to 2024 and the Alabama Theatre remains at the forefront of entertainment venues on the East Coast with Gaylord Entertainment continuing to produce smash hit shows such as ICONIC and The South’s Grandest Christmas Show. The Guest Artist Concert Series also brings in top touring acts once a week like The Beach Boys, Jay Leno, Three Dog Night, Josh Turner,  Jo Dee Messina, Little River Band, Oak Ridge Boys, and many more. The theater was recently nominated for the Country Music Association’s Venue of the Year award.

The Alabama Theatre is always looking to continue our journey to entertain the masses as music, technology, and our theater evolves. This year we have stepped through the door and into the next page of our journey with the introduction to ICONIC. A new show featuring fresh music, brand new  choreography, and even more comedy, thrills, and enjoyment. The Alabama Theatre shows remain on the cutting edge of entertainment technology by adding new scenic, video, and sound elements to all of our shows.

Planning for each year’s shows begins many months prior to the grand opening before a live audience. Creative direction is set first with the goal of making the new year’s show fresh and exciting for returning patrons by introducing new songs, scenic elements, costumes, and performers. Next, writers, choreographers, music directors, and technical experts develop the new show and prepare for rehearsals and scenic implementation. Extensive rehearsals follow involving the singers, dancers, and band learning the new show under the direction of the production team. Even the technical crew is integral to the rehearsal process since they must perfect the flow of the show backstage. 

The Alabama Theatre is proud to have been voted the Best Live Entertainment Theater in Myrtle Beach by both visitors and locals numerous times. The theater works very hard to make sure both our signature shows, ICONIC and The South’s Grandest Christmas Show, are special entertainment experiences for all our visitors.