Off the Beaten Path
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![]() Billed as The South’s Grandest Christmas Show, I believe it. I always strive to write a balanced review, so let’s start with the negatives first. Then, I will gush all the positives. Handicapped parking is mainly on the South side of the theater; however, it is not easily visible if you come in from the front or North. There was no visible ramp from the front, so guests walked up about a dozen brick steps with hand railing. Wheelchairs are available for guests who need to borrow one to transport from vehicles to seats. We learned this afterward, so our party struggled up the brick stairs. The front parking lot is tricky to navigate, with angles everywhere. Please give yourself ample time to park and enter the theater, which opens 45 minutes before show times. There is a back way that snakes in front of the House of Blues, allowing us to miss most of the parking lot traffic. The seats were close together, requiring us to move into the aisle when someone inside our row needed to go out. As an ADD person, the backdrop moving parts were distracting to me, but no one else in my group said it was a problem for them. At my most critical, this is all I can find for issues. From the moment I ordered tickets online, the experience was a delight. The ease of getting the tickets at the will-call window was delightful. All the staff were amiable and helpful. The ushers took their time with lights to help guests safely navigate to their seats. The lobby is enormous and bright, featuring a Christmas tree wired into the chandelier for safety. Food, Pepsi products, beer, and wine are available in the lobby and allowed inside the theater. The popcorn was delicious, and only $4.50 for a large bucket. Drinks ranged from $2.50 for sodas/water to $5.00 for wine. The walls of the lobby are lined with award-winning records for the group - Alabama. Reading the Backstage booklet showcased the experiences of the cast. In its 30th anniversary year, the Alabama Theatre hires experienced, polished entertainers. I will not highlight all the performers, but I could wax eloquently on all the performers. I have seen Slim Chance perform before in Pigeon Forge, so I was delighted to see him as part of the show. He is an outstanding entertainer with comedic banter, juggling, and puppetry. Another standout is the young acrobat and dancer - Daniel Blackwood. He loves what he does, and it radiates throughout the theater. The acoustics in the theater work well. Congratulations to the sound architect. I have attended many shows, and the sound balance between the live band and the singers worked well in the theater. The theater is beautiful, and multiple screens and projections help set the scene well. The moving set pieces during the show highlight the piano player. The sets are beautiful and fit the songs and scenes well. I was particularly moved by the simplicity of the manger scene in Mary Did You Know on the back screen. Did I mention the fantastic dancing? All the cast members danced well, but my favorite was the toy soldiers on the enormous toy keyboard. The overhead camera projected the actions to the audience, which enhanced the experience. Every sequin in Myrtle Beach must be on stage at the Alabama Theater. Nearly every inch of fabric was covered in sequins or reflective ribbons, which reflected the lighting. Performers were scintillating in multiple ways as they shone in the spotlights. I will see another show this week, so I am sure there are more sequins to be seen. Look for that review later. Tickets run from $45 to $65 per person, matinee and evening shows. Please be sure to buy directly from the Alabama Theater website, as some third-party vendors are charging two or three times that amount for the same show. I read online in some reviews where some were scalped that high. Overall, parking was acceptable, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the restrooms had several stalls and were very clean. The lobby was attractive and set up for guest pictures. Ushers quickly and safely took every party to their seats. The show moved well with a short intermission. The mix of genres appealed to music lovers with the transitions from modern to classic and back continuous. The band was talented and tight, with their numbers featured a few times, including a popular Trans-Siberian orchestra piece. Individual musicians often came out to interact with the singers and for musical solos. One fascinating song combined a classical introduction to moving to an operatic style Ava Maria. Shows are six nights a week with select matinees. You may order tickets and find out availability here: https://www.alabama-theatre.com/the-souths-grandest-christmas-show The South’s Grandest Christmas Show is worth the drive. Be sure and get popcorn.
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