If you're having a hard time getting into the holiday spirit, the Alabama Theatre is serving up heaping helpings with its annual production of “The South's Grandest Christmas” show. For guests at North Beach Plantation, holiday cheer is only a short distance away.
Located at Barefoot Landing in North Myrtle Beach, the Alabama Theatre has made a name for itself with this traditional Christmas showcase. Highlighting the wonders of a country Christmas below the Mason/Dixon line, this award-winning performance has been known to put a smile on the faces of even the biggest scrooges in the audience.
“The South's Grandest Christmas Show” is two and a half hours of pure Christmas magic. Featuring a talented and tight cast with years of experience in this annual show performing classic holiday songs, smooth dance moves and a little bit of comedy, this showcase gets rave reviews even from those accustomed to off-Broadway productions.
The combination of lighting, scenery, sound and artistry allows the Alabama Theater to put on what some call the best Christmas show this side of the North Pole. In fact, a special visitor from the top of the planet makes a surprise appearance to the delight of the crowds. Guests and children even get the chance to meet Ol' St. Nick and other cast members after the show, the perfect opportunity to take some holiday photos.
But Santa Claus isn't the only loveable character you will remember from the show. Local yokel/comic Ricky Mokel emcees the festivities and brings his home-spun brand of humor to the audience. Word to the wise: Taking a bathroom break while he's got the mic and risk being the subject of some good-natured ridicule from Mokel.
But “The South's Grandest Christmas” is mostly made up of spine-tingling musical and dance numbers that will fill you with the holiday spirit. Performed by a familiar cast of stage veterans with a full backing band and horn section, the tight routines are a hit with the audiences. The fiddle and saxophone and solos are also crowd favorites.
Music of all genres is represented in the production, so everyone is sure to find something they like. Featuring a blend of country, gospel, bluegrass and even some ol' fashioned rock 'n' roll, the music keeps the crowd swaying to a variety of tunes. Many holiday classics get an update and makeover from the cast to keep things fresh.
Alabama Theater long-time stars Greg Rowles and Katie Casey lead a talented cast of familiar faces for Alabama Theatre regulars. The continuity of the cast adds to the on-stage chemistry, and the recent addition of new technology allows for some new scenes not previously featured, such as a video board showing US military service members reuniting with their loved ones for Christmas.
If that doesn't hit you where it hurts, it's time to get your ticker checked. The smiles on the faces of the folks coming out of the theater are in stark contrast to those same expressions entering the theater 2 1/2 hours earlier. So take your favorite scrooge to see “The South's Grandest Christmas” and let the holiday good times roll. Take a stroll along the decorated boardwalk at Barefoot Landing for a nice post-show leg-stretcher.
The Alabama Theatre is located at the Barefoot Landing complex and features nightly shows of “The South’s Grandest Christmas,” along with occasional matinees performances. Show times are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., although matinees are only held on certain dates. For more information, show times and dates or to purchase tickets, visit the web site.
(Posted: 11/10/14)
