Last Updated on 12/1/2008

Published on 5/9/2008

Gilmore Entertainment of Myrtle Beach and the City of Roanoke Rapids, N.C., have signed a letter of intent whereby Gilmore Entertainment will take over all operation of and production for the 1,500-seat Roanoke Rapids Theatre (formerly The Randy Parton Theatre), located on I-95 in Roanoke Rapids.

Gilmore Entertainment is owned by Pawleys Island entrepreneur Calvin Gilmore.

The year-old theater, which anchors Carolina Crossroads, a planned entertainment, shopping and hotel development, has been challenged since its inception with low attendance and the lack of experienced management.

Gilmore Entertainment, which owns and operates the Carolina Opry and has an unblemished 23-year record of success, has tentatively agreed to step in to help Roanoke Rapids with the fledgling theater, although the group cautions that it may be an uphill battle that will not be won for several years.

Gilmore, founder, award-winning producer and performer at The Carolina Opry, and chairman of Gilmore Entertainment, said, "This development came from a group of good citizens who wanted to create jobs for the young people in their region. But creating an audience for a theater so far from any urban area or other major tourist attractions is not something that can happen overnight. At Gilmore Entertainment, we have the production and administrative infrastructure, the marketing experience and the motor coach relationships to move the project in the right direction.

"I believe that our sterling reputation and our presence will have a positive impact on the entire 1,000-acre Carolina Crossroads project. We are uniquely positioned to create some momentum for the theater."

He adds, however, "We have been quite open with city officials about the fact that given all those things, this is still a tough nut to crack. We don't have any silver bullets, but we are willing to step up and try to help them get it rolling."

Gilmore Entertainment's responsibility for the theater will include front of house management, show production, ticketing, operations and marketing. David Olive, president of Gilmore Entertainment, feels that the company can bring a lot to the table.

"We have seasoned production and management teams that are second to none, and can move quickly and efficiently into all of those areas. We also have a whole lot of loyal fans who drive up and down I-95 regularly."

City of Roanoke Rapids Mayor Drewery Beale said, "The city is pleased to be working with Calvin Gilmore and Gilmore Entertainment. We are excited about the possibilities that an organization such as Gilmore Entertainment brings to our project. Their expertise and experience are well-known throughout the entertainment industry."

Carolina Crossroads

Carolina Crossroads was developed in 2007 as the East Coast's newest destination for family fun, music, shopping and entertainment.

Development plans include 25,000 square feet of retail, shops and restaurants, with future plans to expand to 300,000 square feet of retail outlet stores. Earlier this year, a 147-room Hilton Garden Inn and a 100-site RV park opened at the entrance to the development. Carolina Crossroads is strategically located along I-95 and U.S. 158 at Exit 171, between Raleigh, N.C., and Richmond, Va.

The Carolina Opry

The Carolina Opry is the first live variety show on the Grand Strand in Myrtle Beach and continues to be the gold standard in entertainment. Gilmore, owner and producer of The Carolina Opry, opened the theater in 1986 kicking off an entertainment boom along the Grand Strand. Currently in its 23rd season, The Carolina Opry is the only show in Myrtle Beach to be awarded the Governor's Cup and Most Outstanding Attraction by the State of South Carolina.

Gilmore has made numerous appearances on the Grand Ole Opry. His awards include the prestigious IGCITA, which he received in Las Vegas for the quality of his productions. He also brought the first nationally televised TV series to Myrtle Beach in 1989, "Country Music Spotlight," which aired on the Family Channel Television Network.

Roanoke Rapids

The Roanoke Rapids Theatre is the cornerstone of the Carolina Crossroads Music and Entertainment District, located at Exit 171 off I-95 in Roanoke Rapids.

The 1,500-seat, state-of-the-art facility was built by the City of Roanoke Rapids in 2006 as a premier tourist attraction for the region and the State of North Carolina.

The theatre offers corporate meeting facilities and performances including nationally-known country, rock, gospel and beach music acts, along with Broadway shows and various other theatrical productions.

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Visit www.rrtheatre.com for more information.