The Grand Strand is famous for its annual Christmas shows at such palatial theaters as The Carolina Opry and the Alabama Theatre. But now – with the new Redneck Christmas Show at the GTS Theatre in Myrtle Beach – there's a less-fancy alternative for folks who love to laugh at themselves and sing along to humorous songs at a show that's straight out of the trailer park.
While other local theaters boast professional actors, singers and dancers from touring performance groups, the GTS Theatre is unveiling a less-polished but more comfortable show for the whole family. The Redneck Christmas Show features slapstick comedy for the masses and a collection of holiday spoof songs performed by the cast and rounded out by the crowd's good-natured silliness.
Laugh at the common-man comedy of the GTS Theatre’s regular cast, and volunteer to take the stage and steal the show with some ad-lib skits and sketches. Sing along to holiday favorites like “Grandma Got Run Over by A Reindeer,””I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,””The Twelve Redneck Days of Christmas” and many more. Look for a visit from the green, greedy one during the song “Mr. Grinch,” and don’t be surprised if you see Santa Claus himself – or at least a reasonable redneck replica – drop in for a song or two.
This all-ages show runs throughout the months of November and December on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, the GTS Theatre makes the transition to a Motown-themed showcase called the Motor City Musical, which tells the story behind the Motown sound with songs from the 1960s and '70s. Dance and sing along to the classic songs of The Temptations, Diana Ross, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin and the Jackson 5 – all performed by the GTS Theatre's all-star cast.
If you are looking for a more serious-minded Christmas show on the Grand Strand this holiday season, you have plenty of options. Several local venues offer Christmas shows that are heavier on the song and dance side and a bit lighter on the comedy, although most are also good for a few laughs. Here's a look at some of your holiday show options on the Strand:
* Alabama Theatre: This Barefoot Landing theater puts on The South’s Grandest Christmas Show, a showcase of song, dance, comedy and more. The show runs November through December.
* Legends in Concert: Go back in time and celebrate the holidays with tribute artists performing Christmas songs by such artists as Elvis Presley, Nat King Cole and The Blues Brothers.
* Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament: Celebrate Christmas the really old-fashioned way at this historical Middle Ages-themed venue. The castle is decorated for the holidays, and the show takes on a Christmas theme in one of the most spectacular displays in town. The show runs in November and December.
* The Carolina Opry: Calvin Gilmore and a star-studded lineup take the stage to celebrate the holidays in traditional fashion in The Christmas Show of the South. The show runs November through December.
* The Palace Theatre: This Broadway at the Beach venue is closed through the holidays due to damage sustained in Hurricane Matthew, so Christmas Wonderland will not run this year.
* Pirates Voyage: Located beside The Carolina Opry, this Dolly Parton production proves that even the surliest of pirates can get in to the Christmas spirit. The Christmas show runs Nov. 10 through the end of December.
After a fun night out at the Christmas show, it's time to head back to your holiday home base at Compass Cove Resort, where we always have a white-sand Christmas for folks who prefer sand over snow. Experience the joy of celebrating the season in Myrtle Beach and at Compass Cove Resort.
