Center Theater to host The Embers!
The Center Theater is kicking off 2025 in style with a live beach music event guaranteed to get you out of your seat and onto the dance floor or enjoying the feel-good sounds of The Embers from a nearby Adirondack chair.
“There won’t be sand in our toes, but we’re definitely setting the stage for a new era of Alive After Five entertainment and look forward to celebrating the theater’s long-awaited comeback with the citizens of Hartsville, Darlington County, and neighboring communities,” said Hartsville Community Center Building Commissioner Ben Gore. “Renovations are still underway, but we wanted to share our excitement and host a fun, laid-back shag party before the 900 new seats come in.”
The ticketed event is a fund- and friend-raiser and a key indicator of what the community can look forward to when restorations are complete sometime in the next 12-15 months. The renovated landmark will host a variety of entertainment, like music concerts, comedy acts, live theater, and local performances. It will also return to its roots as a 1930s movie house showcasing family-friendly and seasonal films.
“We’re optimistic about the future and want the community to join us in anticipating the artistic revival of live entertainment and what that can mean for all of us,” said The Center Theater’s General Manager Kim Cranford. “We can’t think of a better way to inaugurate the city’s new cultural district and our renovated performance hall than with the award-winning Embers.”
Tickets are on sale for $50 (individual) and $75 (couple) on the Theater’s website https://thecentertheater.com/events/2025/shagging-with-the-embers
In addition to the smooth sounds of The Embers, Tracee Auman will offer shag lessons from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for people who want to learn or brush up on their skills, and Jamie Beasley of Beasley’s Barbeque Catering will enhance the event with delicious food and drink indicative of an authentic South Carolina beach dance party.
“The return of The Center Theater represents a substantial economic development boost for Hartsville,” said Center Stage Ideation Committee Chairwoman Virginia Gantt. “Its comeback will enliven and enlighten our community in myriad ways, and Shagging with The Embers is just a taste of what you can expect. We have three hardworking committees and a growing lineup of generous sponsors and donors working hard to ensure the best is yet to come.”
For more information about Shagging with The Embers or The Center Theater Comeback and timeline, contact Kim Cranford at kim.cranford@thecentertheater.com.
