Friday, Nov. 06, 2009

It's the season for singing

Local theaters have embarked on their sleigh ride into the Christmas season this week, making snow by the sand, at least for two hours every night.

Officials from five Myrtle Beach-area venues said their rehearsals began a few months ago, in the dog days of summer, when Christmas stood at a distance on the calendar.

Each theater's head of operations shared an overview in planning their Christmas show editions, so hitch up your horse and fasten the jingle bells.

"THE CAROLINA OPRY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL"

"We start looking for songs in August, and by the time October gets here, we have most of it," said Calvin Gilmore, the founder, owner, producer and director of The Carolina Opry, in its 24th year.

On a break last week from fine-tuning "The Little Drummer Boy" with the cast, Gilmore said, "It's a real exciting program with drums coming from everywhere."

Arranging the show each year entails blending old and contemporary tunes.

"We try to keep a balance of the things that people told us over and over again that they've loved," Gilmore said. "And add enough new stuff to keep it exciting, but not take away the traditional songs that everyone knows and loves."

Gilmore has added a patriotic tribute to U.S. troops, "Sending You a Little Christmas," a hit for pianist Jim Brickman and singer Kristy Starling in 2003, when U.S. forces first occupied Iraq.

"We've never done anything like this," Gilmore said, describing "a very moving song" with video.

For laughs, fiddler and guitarist Trent Wideman will turn himself into 80-year-old Aunt Dessie, a character named after a real-life aunt Gilmore had.

"That I did not know," said Jordan Gilmore Watkins, his daughter and Opry marketing director.

"THE CAROLINA OPRY CHRISTMAS SPECIAL"

Where | The Carolina Opry, northern junction of U.S. 17 and U.S. 17 Business, Myrtle Beach, next to Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction

When | 1 or 7 p.m., depending on date, through Jan. 2

How much (including tax) | $39.95, $45.95 and $54.95 ages 17 and older; $26 ages 3-16 and students with ID

Show length | About 21/2 hours, including 20-minute intermission

Also - "Light," a 45-minute laser show, holiday edition with music from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Burl Ives to Bon Jovi, daily through December. Tickets $15 ages 17 and older, $10 ages 3-16.

For more info | 913-8888, 913-4000 or 800-843-6779; or www.thecarolinaopry.com

CHRISTMAS AT DIXIE STAMPEDE

Next door to the Opry is "Christmas at Dixie Stampede." Larry McCoy, its director of marketing, said besides its popular live nativity, a new wonderland will appear in black lighting with elaborate costumes.

"This year, we are presenting the magic of toys," he said. "It's one of those scenes that kind of takes you back. ... I think it's like a child opening up a toy on Christmas morning."

Other treats for diners include some new twists on the theme of a ballet made famous by Tchaikovsky, such as horsemanship with a toy soldier in the saddle.

"It takes you back to the good old enchanting flavor of 'The Nutcracker," McCoy said.

Such toy and "Nutcracker" themes, along with the nativity and Dixie's own cast of livestock, move McCoy.

"This presents to me what Christmas is all about," he said. "A time to be thankful and feel good."

"CHRISTMAS AT DIXIE STAMPEDE"

Where | Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede Dinner Attraction, northern junction of U.S. 17 and U.S. 17 Business, Myrtle Beach, next to The Carolina Opry

When | 1, 4 or 6 p.m., depending on date, through Jan. 2

How much (including tax) | $46.40 and $51.93 ages 12 and older; $24.30 and $29.83 ages 4-11.

Show length | Main arena show about 90 minutes, with no intermission; pre-show in Carriage Room about 30 minutes (starting 45 minutes before main show)

For more info | 497-9700 or 800-433-4401; or www.dixiestampede.com

LEGENDS IN CONCERT

Chris Beattie, general manager for Legends in Concert, said its cast likes to present the best of both worlds at Christmas, with each tribute artist doing some signature standard songs as well as some yuletide fare.

"Elvis is always there," she said. "He sings 'Blue Christmas.'"

Beattie said an addition from last year was brought back: a light show with the house band's adaptation of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra's "Carol of the Bells."

"The dancers are made up as snowmen," Beattie said.

The performers reflect an array of styles, from the Blues Brothers to Frank Sinatra to country by Alan Jackson. The woman playing Whitney Houston "was picked because of her vocal range and ability to belt out the music," Beattie said.

"She carries the finale," Beattie said, noting the group effort that comprises all Christmas selections, "from 'O Holy Night' to 'Joy to the World.'"

"LEGENDS IN CONCERT"

Where | Legends in Concert, U.S. 17 Business, Surfside Beach, south of Surfside Drive/Glenns Bay Road

When | 8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and occasionally at 2 p.m. Tuesdays, through Dec. 19 and Dec. 26-30, and 6 and 10 p.m. Dec. 31

Tribute artists - The Blues Brothers, Whitney Houston, Alan Jackson, Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra

How much (including tax) | $34.95 and $39.95 ($37.95 and $42.95 at 10 p.m. Dec. 31 only, including simulcast from) ages 17 and older, and $14.95 and $19.95 ages 3-16.

Show length | About two hours, with a 15-minute intermission

For more info | 238-7827 or 800-960-7469; or www.legendsinconcert.com

PALACE THEATRE

Jay Lodge, chief executive officer of the Palace Theatre, said in scheduling its end-of-year lineup, the new management wanted to focus on a mix.

"We're trying to bring in a few different things and variety," he said. "Something for everyone, young and old, residents and tourists."

Three guest artists - Christian singers Sandi Patti and Michael W. Smith and singer-dancer-actress Debbie Reynolds - will each spend a few days in "Christmastime Starring The Twelve Irish Tenors," which also showcases area youth choirs.

Lodge said besides performing with the Tenors, each guest will perform his or her own set of tunes, and a live nativity happens at every show.

"All of them are different," Lodge said, "and it's really nice to have variety."

The Palace also is home to the Long Bay Theatre, with a cast of area residents who will stage a weekend of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" Nov. 27-30. In its first year, directed by Greg London, the troupe's other plays performed include "Charlotte's Web" and "Little Shop of Horrors" in summer and fall, respectively.

"CHRISTMASTIME! STARRING THE TWELVE IRISH TENORS" and LONG BAY THEATRE'S "A CHRISTMAS CAROL"

Where | Palace Theatre, Broadway at the Beach, 21st Avenue North and U.S. 17, Myrtle Beach

What, when and how much (including tax) |

"Tenors " - 8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays, 10 a.m. Wednesdays and 2 p.m. Thursdays through Jan. 2. Evenings $35, $40 and $45 and matinees $30 for ages 13 and older; all shows $10 ages 3-12

"A Christmas Carol" - 2 p. m. Nov. 27, 3 p.m. Nov. 28-29, and 10 a.m. Nov. 30. $30 ages 13 and older, $15 ages 3-10

Special guests for "Tenors," included in ticket prices:

Sandi Patty, Nov. 16-21

Michael W. Smith, Dec. 3-5

Debbie Reynolds, Dec. 8-12

For more info | 448-0588 or 800-905-4228; or www. palacetheatremyrtlebeach.com

ALABAMA THEATRE

Bob Wood, president of the Alabama Theatre, said Christmas encompasses a limited amount of material, but many changes take place annually with its holiday show.

About 15 songs have been changed, new costumes made and the cast enlarged to 30.

The four new members hail from Belgium, Puerto Rico, North Carolina and Tampa, Fla., Wood said.

Like the Palace, Alabama also welcomes celebrities. Performers include Aaron Burr, winner in 2005 from the "Greatest Dancer in America Challenge" on ABC's "Good Morning America,'' and Tammy Cochran, a country singer whose hits include "Angels in Waiting" and "Life Happened."

Visitors who lack the snowflakes and sparkle of Jack Frost or who have retired from the North can expect a winter wonderland at Alabama.

"We'll have a little snow inside the theater," Wood said.

"THE SOUTH'S GRANDEST CHRISTMAS SHOW"

Where | Alabama Theatre, Barefoot Landing, North Myrtle Beach

When | 8 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays through Jan. 2, also 2 p.m. some weekdays and Saturdays, and 3 and 9 p.m. Dec. 31

How much (including tax) | $38.50, $42.50 and $47.50 ages 17 and older; $19.50 ages 3-16

Show length | About two hours, with a 20-minute intermission

For more info | Call 272-1111 or 800-342-2262; www.alabama-theatre.com