Alabama Theatre, Birmingham, AL

The Alabama Theatre was established in 1927 by Paramount Studios. It was meant to be a place to showcase the Paramount brand of films. It was used as a "movie palace'' for 55 years, except for a time with the annual Miss Alabama Pageant and the weekly Mickey Mouse Club. In 1987 the theater owners went bankrupt, but Alabama did not want to lose their theater. Instead, the Birmingham Landmarks Company purchased the theater. They are a non- profit organization.

Since then the Alabama Theatre has been a place for Performing Arts. It will host a number of live events and films throughout the year. Typically they have about 300 different events in a year for the half million residents of the city. In 1998 the theater had to undergo a renovation working from the front door to the back door. The work was completed by Ever Greene Studios in New York City. Within 8 months the theater was restored to its 1927 looks with new gold leaf paint, carpet, and drapes. Even the organ chambers obtained an update.

Anyone in Birmingham for a visit will want to take a quick peek at the theater. Tours are offered when the facilities are open. One can also call to inquire about touring the building. The best way to see the facility is through one of the shows. Tickets can be purchased at the Alabama Theatre box office an hour before the show time. Some of the concerts and performance events are offered through Ticketmaster for prior purchase. Smoking is not allowed at the theater. Directions to the theater are fairly simple. Highway 31, 280, and even I65 and I20 can bring visitors to the theater with some road changes in the mix.

The ticket pricing is dependent on the event being hosted. Some shows will be a little more than others. A few of the events at the theater include TheatreWorks, American Theatre, Harry Connick Jr., and a showing of the old film Casablanca. The Hoover Beauty Walk and Beauty and the Beast are other events held at the theater. A VIP Dance, Nextstar Competition, and Dance USA also host events throughout the year.

As one can imagine the events at the Alabama Theatre will vary from year to year. It is impossible to state which productions might occur in the next few years, but those listed above are for 2010. A few others for 2010 include Applause Talent and Time Step. Children's Dance, American Theatre, North Jefferson, and Norah Jones are at the theater in May. Events for the summer season have yet to be announced, but one can expect there to be quite a few events for children no longer in school.

At the theater is a gift shop. Visitors are able to bring home souvenirs of their excursion to the old and prominent facility. CD's, prints, and post cards are all offered at the Gift Shop. During shows one can also obtain a program to keep a keepsake.