THE CAROLINA OPRY:
A Conversation with Founder Calvin Gilmore
As The Carolina Opry celebrates its 40th anniversary, founder Calvin Gilmore reflects on four decades of family, hard work, and the enduring magic of live music
THE CAROLINA OPRY: A Conversation with Founder Calvin Gilmore
As The Carolina Opry celebrates its 40th anniversary, founder Calvin Gilmore reflects on four decades of family, hard work, and the enduring magic of live music
Please introduce us to the Carolina Opry, including your status as a legendary theater and the variety of performances offered.
Calvin Gilmore: This year marks our 40th anniversary, which is really something special to me. When I opened The Carolina Opry back in 1986, I never imagined it would grow into what it is today—or that it would become the foundation for live theatre in Myrtle Beach. At that time, there was nothing like it here. We helped create a new kind of entertainment destination along the coast, and to see it still thriving after four decades is one of my proudest accomplishments.
The Carolina Opry Theater has become a true landmark on the Grand Strand, and I’m proud that it’s still family-owned and operated. My children have joined me in continuing the legacy, and together we’ve kept the same values that started it all— authenticity, excellence, and heart.
Today, our line-up includes The Carolina Opry, our flagship variety show that blends music, comedy, and dance; Time Warp, which celebrates the best hits of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s; and The Carolina Opry Christmas Special, which has become known as “The Christmas Show of the South.” Every show features live music, an incredible cast, and the kind of production quality you’d expect from a major entertainment capital—but with that warmth and sincerity that can only come from Myrtle Beach.
In your opinion, what makes the Carolina Opry stand out as a mustvisit location in South Carolina?
Calvin Gilmore: What sets The Carolina Opry apart is that everything you see and hear is completely live—no tracks, no tricks. There’s something powerful about that connection between the artists and the audience. You can feel the energy in the room, and that’s something technology will never replace.
I also think what makes us different is the people on our stage. I search all over the country for the very best talent, and I mean that sincerely. Every single person in our cast is talented enough to headline anywhere—they’re that good. You won’t find a more talented group of singers, dancers, and musicians anywhere. We don’t rely on big props or flashy sets to make an impression. We make you can feel in your soul people remember.
Then there’s the experience itself. We run this theater the same way we did in the beginning—with a lot of pride and personal care. We treat every guest like family. I still hear from people who came to our very first shows and now bring their kids and grandkids. That kind of loyalty is incredibly meaningful.
For travellers—especially those visiting from outside the US—it’s a chance to experience a genuine slice of Southern culture: great music, great people, and a warm welcome that makes you feel right at home.
Calvin Gilmore in 1986
The carolina opry theater - present day
Calvin Gilmore
Rolling Stone has called you a visionary; can you tell us a bit more about the history of The Carolina Opry and its importance in the city’s culture today?
Calvin Gilmore: When I started The Carolina Opry, Myrtle Beach was a very different place. The tourism scene basically shut down after Labor Day, and I believed there was potential for something more—a place where visitors and locals could enjoy high-quality entertainment all year long.
We opened with a small cast and a lot of faith, and that first season sold out almost immediately. Before long, we were performing to full houses night after night. It was the first live music theatre in Myrtle Beach, and it really changed the direction of the Grand Strand. Before long, other theatres started opening, and a whole entertainment industry was born here.
Over the years, our shows have been featured on NBC, CBS, and The Family Channel. But what I’m most proud of is that after all this time, The Carolina Opry is still a family-run business built entirely on hard work—not outside investors. It’s just our family, our team, and a lot of dedication behind the scenes. My kids are involved now, and they’ve brought fresh ideas whilst helping preserve the heart of what we do. That’s what keeps it authentic—and that’s what keeps it ours.
As we approach our 40th anniversary, I can honestly say that The Carolina Opry has become part of the cultural fabric of Myrtle Beach. Generations of families have made it part of their tradition, and that’s the best legacy I could ever hope for.
Please tell us more about the building itself and how the venue offers a truly unique experience.
Calvin Gilmore: From the start, I wanted to build a theatre that would make people say “wow” the moment they walked in. The 2,200-seat auditorium is designed for comfort and sound quality, with perfect sightlines and the best acoustics you’ll find anywhere. Our lighting and audio systems are state-of-the-art, and we’re constantly updating them to stay ahead.
The lobby and common spaces reflect our Southern hospitality—spacious, comfortable, and friendly. People often tell me they feel at home here, which is exactly what I want.
At Christmas, the whole building transforms into something magical. We decorate with miles of lights, a 30-foot Christmas tree, and towering toy soldiers, inside and out. It’s a sight to behold, and the atmosphere inside during our Christmas Special is unlike anything else in the South.
I think the theatre itself has become part of the experience—more than a venue, it’s a place people look forward to visiting year after year.
Can you tell us more about any upcoming shows and what sort of production visitors can anticipate?
Calvin Gilmore: This year’s line-up really captures who we are as a theatre.
• The Carolina Opry is where it all began. It’s still a crowd favourite because it offers something for everyone—country, pop, Broadway, gospel, comedy, and dance, all backed by some of the most talented musicians in the country. After 40 years, it’s still our signature show.
• Time Warp is pure fun—a journey through the greatest hits of the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s with all the energy and flair of those decades. People love it because it takes them back to the best moments of their lives.
• And of course, The Carolina Opry Christmas Special is the highlight of the year. It’s a huge production with more than 35 performers, the Calvin Gilmore Band, and breathtaking holiday décor. It has truly become known as “The Christmas Show of the South”.
• We also host special concerts and touring artists throughout the year, so there’s always something new happening.
As we enter our 40th season, we’re celebrating the past but also looking ahead. We’ve added new numbers, new talent, and some surprises that honour how far we’ve come. It’s still live, it’s still family-run, and it’s still full of heart—just the way it started.
Plan Your Visit
The Carolina Opry Theater is located at 8901 N. Kings Highway, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The Carolina Opry and Time Warp perform year-round on rotating nights, offering visitors unforgettable live entertainment in every season. Special concerts featuring national touring artists take place on select nights throughout the year, and the beloved Carolina Opry Christmas Special fills the theatre with holiday magic every November and December
Showtimes vary by season, with most evening performances beginning at 7:00 pm. and select matinees at 1:00 pm.
For tickets and show schedules, visit TheCarolinaOpry.com or call 843-9134000
original live production
