Myrtle Beach’s reputation as a live entertainment destination has been significantly influenced by the presence of Dolly Parton’s dinner theater, which, alongside The Carolina Opry, helped establish the Grand Strand’s vibrant show scene. This development is highlighted as The Carolina Opry celebrates its 40th anniversary, while the theater now housing Pirates Voyage marks over three decades of live entertainment.
Pirates Voyage itself reached its 15-year milestone in Myrtle Beach in June. The two neighboring theaters, though never sharing a stage, collectively solidified Myrtle Beach’s standing as a hub for live performances.
Calvin Gilmore launched the first Carolina Opry in Surfside Beach in 1986. At that time, Myrtle Beach was primarily known for its beaches and golf courses, not for professionally produced live theater. Gilmore’s connection to the Grand Strand dates back to his college years when he and friends, unable to find a hotel, slept on a golf course near the future site of The Carolina Opry.
When Gilmore sought a location for his theater, he recalled Myrtle Beach. His goal was to provide nightly entertainment for families visiting the Grand Strand. After transforming a former nightclub in Surfside Beach, Gilmore and his team quickly found success, with the show selling out by the end of its first year and every night the following year. This success demonstrated a strong audience for live entertainment in the area.
The Carolina Opry’s achievements spurred a broader expansion of live entertainment throughout the Grand Strand. Country music stars and new venues emerged, making live shows an increasingly vital part of the Myrtle Beach vacation experience. Gilmore noted that this growth attracted developers and entertainment figures from Nashville, Los Angeles, and New York, including Dolly Parton.
In 1992, Gilmore and Parton became neighbors, with their theaters situated side by side. Parton’s Dixie Stampede later evolved into Pirates Voyage, a large-scale dinner theater featuring pirate crews, live animals, acrobatics, and battles on land, deck, and water. The Myrtle Beach production remains a significant family entertainment attraction.
Gilmore acknowledged Parton’s extensive influence, stating he benefited from her presence in Myrtle Beach after meeting her while scouting locations. Today, the Grand Strand’s entertainment landscape encompasses country and tribute shows, magic, comedy, dinner theaters, and other live productions, fulfilling visitor expectations. Gilmore emphasizes the longevity of these establishments as a key part of their story.
