Meet Elizabeth Wylde – The Lady Behind The Original Motown Tribute Show at GTS Theatre
USA news March 21, 2025
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NATIONWIDE - MARCH 2025 -Myrtle Beach, SC – GTS Theatre, an exceptional venue nestled in Myrtle Beach, is known for its intimate atmosphere where extraordinary talent takes center stage. At the heart of this iconic venue is Elizabeth Wylde, the producer and visionary behind the award-winning Motor City Musical, the Original Motown Tribute Show. As the CEO of GTS Theatre, Elizabeth has embarked on a remarkable journey, bringing unforgettable performances to life, including tributes to legendary artists like Ray Charles, Tina Turner, Aretha Franklin, and more.Founded in 2016, GTS Theatre is not merely a performance space but a cultural landmark where history and music converge to offer a one-of-a-kind experience. One of the theater's most beloved shows is the Motor City Musical, which celebrates more than 60 years of Motown music. The performance honors the iconic artists of the Motown era, including The Temptations, The Four Tops, Diana Ross, and the Jackson 5. This tribute show has quickly gained a reputation as one of the finest in Myrtle Beach, offering electrifying performances that transport audiences back to the revolutionary sounds of Motown—music that helped break social barriers and unite the nation.Elizabeth Wylde’s journey in entertainment began in 1988 when she first produced the Original Motown Tribute Show for the Golden 13—the first 13 African American Naval Officers at Great Lakes Naval Base. This pivotal show marked the beginning of Elizabeth's lifelong passion for Motown music. In 2016, she and her family revived the tribute show in their newly established GTS Theatre, cementing it as a staple in Myrtle Beach. With high-energy performances and a deep connection to the music, the Motor City Musical has become a fan favorite, drawing crowds from near and far.GTS Theatre’s continued success is largely due to Elizabeth's love for live performances and the unique family background that has shaped her career. Elizabeth hails from a family of entertainers. Her great-great-grandfather was a Vaudevillian, while her grandfather was a talented jazz musician. Elizabeth herself began performing on stage at the tender age of three. Although a tragic car accident at 17 altered her career path, Elizabeth remained immersed in the world of entertainment, eventually returning to the stage.Before launching GTS Theatre, Elizabeth and her husband, Rich Wylde, had a distinguished career as hypnotists. They became the only husband-and-wife hypnotist duo in the United States, even appearing on the Jerry Springer Show. They also owned the largest comedy club in the Midwest, Dells Comedy Club, in Wisconsin Dells, where they entertained thousands of guests nightly. However, after years of public recognition, they chose to step back from the spotlight and relocate to Myrtle Beach. There, they embarked on a new chapter in theater, and GTS Theatre was born. Elizabeth's dream of creating a memorable, family-friendly venue for live performances finally came to fruition.Despite facing personal challenges, including the passing of Elizabeth’s mother in 2015, Elizabeth and Rich have built a vibrant legacy in Myrtle Beach. The intimate setting of GTS Theatre has allowed them to foster a close relationship with their audience while celebrating the soul of the music they honor. The Motor City Musical has become a living tribute to Motown, offering a unique musical experience that resonates with audiences of all ages.In addition to Motor City Musical, Elizabeth has introduced a new production, Sound Tracks of Soul: The History of Soul Music & The Impact It Had on the Civil Rights Movement. This new show offers tributes to legendary artists such as Ray Charles, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd, James Brown, Isaac Hayes, and more. The production highlights powerful songs from the 1960s that were integral to the Civil Rights Movement but were not featured on the Motown label. This show fills an important gap left by the Motor City Musical and expands the celebration of soulful music that shaped a generation and changed the course of American history.GTS Theatre’s ongoing success can be attributed to the passion and dedication of Elizabeth Wylde and her family. Elizabeth’s family connections add an interesting layer to her rich background. She is related to Judy Tyler, who starred with Elvis Presley in Jailhouse Rock, and The Fontaine Sisters, known for singing backup for Perry Como. Her husband Rich’s cousin is Roy Clark, a renowned musician and television personality.As a semi-retired couple, Elizabeth and Rich continue to build their entertainment empire in Myrtle Beach. GTS Theatre has flourished as a family-owned business, becoming one of the top attractions in the area. The Motor City Musical, along with the new Sound Tracks of Soul production, have garnered rave reviews, solidifying GTS Theatre’s reputation as a premier venue for live performances.Beyond her work as a producer, Elizabeth has also ventured into the literary world, authoring The Ultimate Guide to Couples Activities: 125 Activities to Enhance Your Relationship during the COVID-19 shutdown. This book reflects her commitment to fostering strong relationships, a value she extends into her work at GTS Theatre.GTS Theatre is more than just an entertainment venue—it’s a place where music, history, and culture come together to create an unforgettable experience for every guest. Elizabeth Wylde and her family are dedicated to honoring the power of music and the stories it tells, bringing their love of performance to the stage each night.For more information on GTS Theatre and to check out upcoming shows, visitwww.gtstheatre.com.Follow GTS Theatre on social media: