It could be the neon sign, or the classic marquee, possibly the organ that disappears under the stage, or maybe the amazing concerts, perhaps the holiday movies that come with sing alongs, or all of the cinematic classics that they play through out the year... I'm certain that it is one of these things that makes me love the Theatre as much as I do.
My first memory of the Theatre is my parents taking me to see "The Ten Commandments." Â After seeing it in that majestic setting on that huge screen, I was terrified when I happened to meet Charleston Heston years later. Â If I'd seen it on our home TV, it wouldn't have resonated as so real. Â
If you are ever fortunate enough to see a show or movie here, then go ahead and count yourself as a lucky dog. Â Of all the things I've been lucky to see at The Alabama, watching "It's A Wonderful Life" each year with people I love, is by far my favorite.
Go ahead and start making memories of your own... you can thank me later.
Oh boy. I feel like a jerk for giving this place such a middling grade, what with it being such a beautiful and historic Birmingham landmark, but I almost always leave here underwhelmed by my actual movie-viewing experience. I've sat down to watch a number of films over the past few years and been immediately disappointed to realize I was watching a DVD or a Blu-ray being run through a digital projector rather than an actual film print of the movie. I understand that this isn't L.A., and it probably isn't very economical for the Alabama Theatre to rent a 35mm print of Jaws, but I just can't justify spending $10 to see a movie here when I literally have the same disc at home. This seems like a relatively new development because I remember seeing classic movies like The Godfather and Annie Hall here in the late 90s that were clearly actual film prints. Another issue for me is the sound. I'll preface this by saying that I know absolutely nothing about acoustics, but the sound setup is such an echoey mess that I often struggle to hear dialog from the movie I'm watching (and no, I'm not 90 years old). A friend of mine saw Brian Regan do stand-up here, and he had similar complaints.
I really want to love this place, and I am genuinely happy that it has been preserved. However, for me this is just not the ideal venue to actually watch a movie. Maybe my expectations have been spoiled by cookie-cutter multiplexes that are specifically built for modern sound systems and have the revenue to actually rent film prints (which isn't cheap, I'm sure). Having said that, they do hold some great events here. My complaints aside, the annual Rocky Horror Picture Show mascarade ball is something that everyone should experience at least once, and this theater is practically the heart of the Sidewalk Film Festival. Also, on a more personal note, Tom Waits' performance here several years ago is one of the greatest things I've ever witnessed, and I'm still kicking myself for not seeing George Carlin when he performed here on his final tour.
If you haven't been you must go. They don't make theatres like this anymore. They just don't. Â I saw Willie Nelson perform here a couple weeks back and it was incredible. A legendary singer inside a legendary theatre.
First, there isn't a bad seat in the house in my opinion. I sat in the Mezzanine and could see the stage with no problem. I did sit behind a clown who danced by himself, but hopefully you won't have that same experience. I went around Christmas time so the tree and decorations were up and they were beautiful.
Second, they had a full bar. Beer, wine, booze, it was all there and helped make a good night a great night. They were a little stingy on the pour, but I am sure that is so they don't have 10,000 drunks stumbling around this gorgeous theatre.
Even if there isn't an event going on you can go check out a tour of this old place. I would recommend everyone go see it. It is a time capsule of the good old days.
This place has a huge cool factor! Â We went here with our teenaged boys and some other friends to see Home Alone, part of the Christmas movie series they show here in December. Â We had a blast! Â If you are ok with heights, go all the way to the top tier to sit. Â The old organ that comes out of the stage is wonderful and you can just imagine what it was like going to a theatre in the late 20's/early 30's. Â Get there early-try to park on the street, but there are small lots within a block or 2, but you have to pay, not much though. Â Theatre reasonably priced. Â I can't wait to go back!
Review Source:With an ambiance and history that rivals many of the greats, this theatre is an amazing structure that has gifted Birmingham for the last 80 years. Â My mother has toured the place more times than I can count and never gets tired of seeing this place in all its glory as she remembers when it wasn't so grande.
A bit about the place taken from the website:
The Alabama Theatre was built in 1927 by Paramount Studios as an Alabama showcase for Paramount films. It was used primarily as a movie palace for 55 years, with the exception of the annual Miss Alabama pagent and the weekly Mickey Mouse Club. In 1987, the owners of the facility declared bankruptcy and the theatre was purchased by Birmingham Landmarks Inc., a non-profit corporation.
The new Alabama Theatre for the Performing Arts hosts many live events, as well as films. Each year the Theatre hosts over 300 events attended by a half million Birmingham area citizens.
In 1998, the Theatre underwent a complete front door to back door restoration. The work was done by EverGreene Studios from New York City. In 8 months, the theatre went from its look of faded grandeur to a sparkling 1927 look with all the gold leaf paint either replaced or cleaned. In addition to the restoration, new carpet was installed in the ladies lounge and new drapes were installed on the stage and organ chambers.
The Alabama is a must-see for any tourist or resident!
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