Experience the show that locals & visitors call “a definite must-see” at Lakewood Camping Resort’s “High Steppin’ Country”. The longest-running oceanfront show on the Grand Strand returns for the 2023 season on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. Filled with a young cast of talented singers & dancers, High Steppin’ Country has served as a launching pad for broadway performers, professional dancers, and even Country music star, Josh Turner! This high-energy variety show has been a staple for tourists & Grand Strand locals alike for over 40 years.
This year’s show will be showcasing a unique section dedicated to nostalgic hits from the 1980s. This is a great opportunity for fans of that era to relive some of their favorite music and for those who are newer to the genre to discover some classic songs.The cast will also continue the tradition of performing old and new country, gospel and patriotic medleys. Children also have a chance to interact with the cast on stage as they learn to walk the dinosaur with Jellyfish, High Steppin’ Country’s mascot. High Steppin’ Country performances are every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday night at 8:30 p.m., gates open at 8 p.m. The show is free to all guests of Lakewood Camping Resort. All you have to do is pick up your tickets at the Information Center. However, High Steppin’ Country is such a popular and iconic part of Myrtle Beach entertainment, that it is open to the public. So, reserve your seats early!
New for 2023 HSC Early Entry
For a $5 fee, patrons may enter the theater from the information center ten minutes before the general admission gates open. Early Entry also includes a small popcorn!
Lakewood Campers: Tickets to High Steppin’ Country are included in the cost of your stay! If you wish to take advantage of this amenity, visit the Information Center to pick up your tickets. Act fast, performances do sell out!
Pricing for general public:
The longest running show on the Grand Strand, “High Steppin’ Country’ opened in 1976 on the stage of its custom-built outdoor theater at Lakewood’s Magic Harbor Amusement Park. However, the idea for the show came several years earlier when the late Phillip Perry dreamed of offering Myrtle Beach its first country show. After collaborating with his wife Gail and Emmy award-winning choreographer Mallory Graham, the result was a high-energy show with a country motif, which included gospel. The show was an instant success.
In 1985 the Perry family sold Magic Harbor, and “High Steppin’ Country” moved to Lakewood Camping Resort. Although the stage was smaller, and the seats were hard wooden benches, the large audiences continued to come. With the crowds came the revamping of the show’s format. A patriotic section, a pop section, and a children’s number were added to the country and gospel, giving the show something for everyone.
After Hurricane Hugo completely destroyed the theater in 1989, there was some doubt about the show’s future. The idea that the 1990 tourist season would come and go without HSC brought much disappointment from both the locals and the campers. As a result of Phil and Gail Perry’s determination and support, the show opened that June in the Grand Strand’s only oceanfront amphitheater where is has continued to this day.
Following the death of Phillip Perry, his daughter and daughter-in-law, both former cast members, took over the show as co-producers. Karla Perry Mauldin and Rhonda Perry, along with vocal director Kraig McBroom, choreographer Abigail Perry and Stage Manager Becky Bannon make up High Steppin’s present production staff. In addition, we have a professional lighting designer.
