Palace Theatre Brings Off-Broadway Entertainment to Broadway at the Beach

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Broadway at the Beach wouldn’t be the same without off-Broadway entertainment, and the Palace Theatre is where you will find it. The beautiful 1920s-style theater-house structure is home to performances by the top touring companies on the circuit, as well as special concert events. The venue adds another dimension to every performance, proving the perfect backdrop for an evening of live entertainment.

The 2,600-seat theater is just the right size for an intimate performance as there truly isn’t a bad seat in the house. In addition to its many award-winning shows that have called the Palace Theatre home, the concert hall also has played host to big-name musical artists and comedy acts, including singer-songwriter icon Willie Nelson, blues legend B.B. King, and popular comedian Ron “Tater Salad” White.

The show starts upon your arrival at the Palace Theatre, which features giant statues of lions guarding the front entrance and a golden dome that towers over the facility. Walk on the red carpet into a lobby that looks straight out of “The Great Gatsby.” Three large but elegant crystal chandeliers hang high above a winding staircase that leads to the mezzanine level. A vintage concession stand serves the traditional favorites of popcorn, candy and sodas, and the bar offers beer, wine and mixed drinks for the adults. A gift shop and other vendors are set up throughout the 63,700 square foot facility.

But the main attraction is on the stage, where critically acclaimed shows play before packed houses at the Palace. Crowds fill the comfortable seats and enjoy state-of-the-art sound, lighting and special effects while the talented troops of singers, dancers and comedians perform. The company regularly meets with audience members after the show to sign autographs and pose for pictures in the lobby. The delighted crowds come from all walks of life, from couples and families to large groups and bus tours, in search of wholesome entertainment in a luxurious setting.

The Palace Theatre recently released its lineup for 2015, highlighted by a third run for “Hot Jersey Nights,” a tribute to the music of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. Back by popular demand, this musical showcase features the Philadelphia sound of the 1950s and ‘60s, when the doo-wop sound swept across America. Older fans can take a stroll down memory lane to familiar tunes like “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Sherry Baby” and “Walk Like A Man,” while younger fans can learn about the music their grandparents danced to back in the day.

Another repeat run is scheduled for “Illusions of Magic,” a Las Vegas-style show that features music and dance into the world of magic. Utilizing high-tech special effects and cunning sleight of hand, this showcase puts a new spin on the traditional magic show. Audience members serve as volunteers for tricks that will leave you amazed and baffled about how each stunt was done. Spoiler alert: It’s magic.

The spring lineup includes a series of one-night-only tributes to some of the most recognizable acts in music history. On Feb. 7, witness the British invasion 60 years later with a performance of “Beatlemania,” which pays homage to the Fab Four from their early mop-top days to their later years. March 15 sees a production of “Hotel California,” a musical tribute to The Eagles, followed by an April 25 showcase of “Queen,” a collection of hits by the namesake band.

The Palace Theatre ticket office is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., followed by nightly performances. For show times, tickets or more information, visit www.palacetheatremyrtlebeach.com.

 

(Posted: 2/3/15)