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There is no more iconic Birmingham entertainment venue than the Alabama Theatre! Located in downtown Birmingham, this beautifully, renovated theater hosts concerts, seasonal events, and other fun occasions and celebrations. We recently attended the White Christmas viewing as part of their holiday series. Of course, the movie was proceeded by Christmas carols led by the theater host on the theater's pipe organ that ascends from below the stage. There was also a performance by the Vestavia Rockettes to get us all in the holiday spirit. The theater was decorated beautifully and everyone seemed to enjoy the show as much as I did. Feel free to wear your holiday finest, or jeans and a sweater. Arrive early, as seats are not assigned for the Christmas movie series. We arrived about 30 minutes before the show started, but still found excellent seats in the top balcony. Concessions are offered on multiple levels of the theater, so there's really no need to wait in a long line. Tickets for the holiday movie events sell out quickly, so order early!
Built in 1927 this venue is a rich part of Birmingham's heritage. I love coming to the Alabama Theatre whenever the opportunity presents itself. I've visited here a number of times and it's always an enjoyable experience. My most recent visit was to attend the Miss Alabama Pageant. I have been associated with this organization for many years and this was my first time attending the pageant here. In previous years when I've attended , the pageant was held at Samford University. I felt like there wasn't a bad seat in the house but I was wrong ! Our seats were located in the left Mezzanine section and they are terrible . It's extremely difficult to see the stage. No other complaints otherwise because the beauty and charm of this venue makes up for any other shortcomings. The dedicated ushers are all so friendly and helpful. Downtown parking always presents a unique challenge but if you get the opportunity to attend an event here , do yourself a favor and go!!
Absolutely a phenomenal and beautiful theater. First visit to this iconic theater to attend a concert and was impressed. A nostalgic theater with spectacular art and decor throughout the theater. This place is stunning. We attended the Lake Street Dive concert and would definitely go back for more.
How can you not love the Alabama Theater? It's simply mesmerizing. I remember the first time I came as a child. I have no clue what was on the stage/ screen. (Probably something educational.) I do remember walking in and having no expectations but being completely blown away by the beauty and extravagance. Every area is filled with grandeur. Every detail is perfect. Everything you watch is just better here. We saw The Princess Bride today and I noticed so many new details in the movie that I never noticed before. The comraderie and atmosphere is something you will not find at your average movie theater. I am so glad that the time and effort was put into restoring this beautiful, historic theater and the Lyric across the street. Oh, and don't forget that organ! Big Bertha, the mighty Wurlitzer, it is such an icon!
I was harassed by the security while entering the building, and the director doesn't think it's important enough to apologize to me for. I'm absolutely disgusted by this correspondence and my last encounter with the Alabama.
Nostalgic, unique, iconic. Intimate, ornate, beautiful. Visit and support an Alabama treasure. http://alabamatheatre.com/support-the-alabama/become-a-member/
I love the Alabama Theatre. I had only been a few times as a child coming to see Christmas movies, but recently came here with fellow Yelp elite, Casi R. to see Gone With the Wind. The movie was amazing, and I loved how elegant the theater was inside. Lines are pretty common here. We had to park far away, and there was a huge line getting our tickets checked, getting concessions, and also for the ladies' room. I would highly recommend getting here early if you plan to see a popular movie.
9 months ago
The Alabama Theatre has a very rich history here in Birmingham and has been a landmark since the 1920's. It is a beautiful and elegant venue that has been renovated over the years but kept its identity to its original state. I've attended several events here over the years, from concerts, to movies to guest speakers. My high school graduation was held here back in 1997. There are usually snacks such as popcorn available for purchase and beverages. I don't remember other food being available. The staff is always pleasant and ready to assist. Pro Tip: The seating on the lower level is much more comfy than upstairs, especially if you are hippy or curvy or just want more room. Buy your tickets keeping this in mind. read more
8 months ago
Great venue for a show or concert. There's plenty of street parking along with paid parking nearby. The venue offered snacks, cocktails and drinks. I'm not sure about prices, I didn't have any. I don't think any of the seats are bad for viewing the stage.i do think that they should invest funds into renovating or replacing the seats. The seats are short, low and small. They also do not have an elevator. Be prepared to climb many stairs if you don't purchase floor seats. They seemed to have improved the sound system, which really made the musical experience better. I thoroughly enjoyed Orchestra Noir and can't wait to see them again next year. I will definitely go back. read more
2 years ago
How do you say beauttttttttiful!! My goodness! I forgot that I was in Alabama it was beautiful inside! Be aware, restrooms are at the bottom or the very top floor. This is just a beautiful building! The seats on the 1st balcony are in even numbers. read more
10 months ago
There is no more iconic Birmingham entertainment venue than the Alabama Theatre! Located in downtown Birmingham, this beautifully, renovated theater hosts concerts, seasonal events, and other fun occasions and celebrations. We recently attended the White Christmas viewing as part of their holiday series. Of course, the movie was proceeded by Christmas carols led by the theater host on the theater's pipe organ that ascends from below the stage. There was also a performance by the Vestavia Rockettes to get us all in the holiday spirit. The theater was decorated beautifully and everyone seemed to enjoy the show as much as I did. Feel free to wear your holiday finest, or jeans and a sweater. Arrive early, as seats are not assigned for the Christmas movie series. We arrived about 30 minutes before the show started, but still found excellent seats in the top balcony. Concessions are offered on multiple levels of the theater, so there's really no need to wait in a long line. Tickets for the holiday movie events sell out quickly, so order early! read more
2 years ago
5 months ago
1 year ago
1 year ago
Built in 1927 this venue is a rich part of Birmingham's heritage. I love coming to the Alabama Theatre whenever the opportunity presents itself. I've visited here a number of times and it's always an enjoyable experience. My most recent visit was to attend the Miss Alabama Pageant. I have been associated with this organization for many years and this was my first time attending the pageant here. In previous years when I've attended , the pageant was held at Samford University. I felt like there wasn't a bad seat in the house but I was wrong ! Our seats were located in the left Mezzanine section and they are terrible . It's extremely difficult to see the stage. No other complaints otherwise because the beauty and charm of this venue makes up for any other shortcomings. The dedicated ushers are all so friendly and helpful. Downtown parking always presents a unique challenge but if you get the opportunity to attend an event here , do yourself a favor and go!! read more
2 years ago
Absolutely a phenomenal and beautiful theater. First visit to this iconic theater to attend a concert and was impressed. A nostalgic theater with spectacular art and decor throughout the theater. This place is stunning. We attended the Lake Street Dive concert and would definitely go back for more. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
How can you not love the Alabama Theater? It's simply mesmerizing. I remember the first time I came as a child. I have no clue what was on the stage/ screen. (Probably something educational.) I do remember walking in and having no expectations but being completely blown away by the beauty and extravagance. Every area is filled with grandeur. Every detail is perfect. Everything you watch is just better here. We saw The Princess Bride today and I noticed so many new details in the movie that I never noticed before. The comraderie and atmosphere is something you will not find at your average movie theater. I am so glad that the time and effort was put into restoring this beautiful, historic theater and the Lyric across the street. Oh, and don't forget that organ! Big Bertha, the mighty Wurlitzer, it is such an icon! read more
5 years ago
I was harassed by the security while entering the building, and the director doesn't think it's important enough to apologize to me for. I'm absolutely disgusted by this correspondence and my last encounter with the Alabama. read more
I love the Alabama Theatre. I had only been a few times as a child coming to see Christmas movies, but recently came here with fellow Yelp elite, Casi R. to see Gone With the Wind. The movie was amazing, and I loved how elegant the theater was inside. Lines are pretty common here. We had to park far away, and there was a huge line getting our tickets checked, getting concessions, and also for the ladies' room. I would highly recommend getting here early if you plan to see a popular movie. read more
13 years ago
Saturday, March 8th, Tony and I was urban hiking in Birmingham and when I rounded the corner and saw the "ALABAMA THEATER" and the marque all lite up..I was so excited...almost giddy...my husband calls it ARCHITECTURE ORGASM...I just call it PURE EXCITEMENT...a rush from the past...a charge to my memory of good and happy thoughts...okay ORGASM...lol !!! I love to tour old buildings and OMG this one was OPEN!!!! They were having some sort of Talent show auditions and people were everywhere, practicing in the lobby, the hallways and bathroom..I went from Basement to 5th floor...climbing the red carpeted steps in "PURE AWE" of the gold, red and art deco glitz of the Fabulous 20's... Tony felt we were trespassing so he went outside to the sidewalk to smoke..MISSING the beauty of the building from top to bottom..besides if I was trespassing it would be good to have someone on the outside to Bail me out!!! ((( LOL))) I found a very nice lady with a badge on showing she was security. I told her I was only interested in the theater and the beauty of the building and asked if I could meander through the halls and take pictures..she said..."WHY YES of course...ENJOY"...and enjoy I did... Around every corner and up every step..another step back into time... I am in love !!! This has to be the MOST BEAUTIFUL example of GOLDEN GLITZ of the ART DECO age..every light fixture, every panel in the ceiling, every red velvet layer of material on the walls, flooring and seats...PERFECT NIRVANA... If you are in the area and get to enjoy the grandeur of this theater..YOU MUST!!!! read more
9 years ago
10 years ago
Being new to the Birmingham AL area, I thought that I would visit a historical landmark and boy did it not disappoint! The entrance is filled witj the old fashion signage-light bulbs. I was not sure what to expect as I was only going to see some movie. I was blown away by the decorations on the inside lobby from the crown molding, beautiful wood carvings surrounding the ceiling, to the chandeliers hanging. The theatre is large surrounding a small stage, with an amaxing skylight over head. What is fascinating about this venue is that prior to the movie starting, a traditional Oregon player comes out of the floor and introduces himself to the crowd, plays some tunes prior to the movie starting and then disappears back into the stage. The artwork, history, decorations, red carpet made this historical monument breath taking! I am so excited to go and revisit again soon. read more
8 years ago
9 years ago
I had no idea how cool this theater was!! I just went for the first time to see Psycho for the summer film series and I was blown away! The theater is absolutely beautiful! It has high ceilings, ornate wall carvings, and the old style ticket booth at the front. Tickets were only $8 and there is a pre-show beforehand with the organist! Gary the organist was so funny and he did a cute sing-a-long beforehand to get us all excited before the movie Also don't worry if you didn't want to miss out on a weekend night drink, they do sell alcohol there and not for those usually crazy movie prices! Drafts were $5 and local brews $6. They also have some specialty cocktails as well! This theater is a beautiful piece of history in Birmingham and is definitely worth a see! read more
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." After seeing it in that majestic setting on that huge screen, I was terrified when I happened to meet Charleston Heston years later. If I'd seen it on our home TV, it wouldn't have resonated as so real. If you are ever fortunate enough to see a show or movie here, then go ahead and count yourself as a lucky dog. 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. read more
11 years ago
The Alabama theatre is a building worth Wikipedia-ing. I recently spent a good six hours here preparing for and watching a UAB Medical School fundraiser show, and the more we explored the theatre, the more intrigued I became by it's design and its intricacies. But before I go all architect on you, I'll review the theatre as a public venue: VENUE LOCATION -Central to downtown- not too far from some good dining & drinking options -Street parking is your best option -Conveniently located across from The Lyric -On the Bus line VENUE DECOR/DESIGN -Unique to the Theatre, and not what you'd expect to find in downtown Birmingham -Plush! red velvet curtains, stone busts of (assuringly) famous people, chandeliers, thick carpeting, etc. -There are lots of little corridors and circulation routes to thoroughly confused just about everyone -The lobby is grand! VENUE AMENITIES -The chairs are old and falling apart -There is little to no leg room -The bathrooms are in serious need of an update Overall, not a terrible place to sit and watch a show or a concert. Not the most comfortable hours of my life, but even in the balcony, the view was decent. read more
What a 1927 beauty!!! I loved touring this theatre and hearing all the interesting facts about it. The Moorish archs, the Chinese lamps, the Venetian details...create an architectural melting pot that just leaves you in awe. They've done a great job preserving it and the place looks great in spite of the years. Some of the floral carpet is still original! My fave part was able to hear the original organ ("Big Bertha") played. What an amazing instrument! The music that came out of it transported me back in time and I can imagine people dressed in big gowns enjoying this magnificent theater decades ago. Yelp 100 Challenge! 2015: 11/100 read more
7 years ago
I visited the Alabama Theatre for the first time even after being a native to Birmingham. I decided to go to the movie "It is a Wonderful Life - Sing a long. The theater was decked out in all of it's finest for Christmas. The bar was well stocked with unique cocktails, as well as soft drinks, usual pasties (not homemade) and popcorn. I got a soft blonde brownie, some popcorn and a coke. It was reasonably priced and fresh. The lines were long, however, moved fast. Seems every one was in their seats in time for the start of the show. The Master of ceremonies for the sing-a-long was funny and very talented. The movie was fantastic even though I was apprehensive about individuals singing while I was enjoying the movie. That was not a problem after all. I really recommend it read more
5 years ago
18 years ago
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. 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! read more
Alabama Theater Tour , why not... The venue is very nice! I couldn't see a bad seat in the house. Very intimate setting but large enough. Acoustics and sound was good. Very beautiful venue. My favorite was Ms.Bertha ( pipe organ built in 1927). read more
11 years ago
What a beautiful, somewhat eerie, magical, and historic place to visit! Whether its for a seasonal or holiday screening (ie Rocky Horror Picture Show), a concert or symphony, or even a tour, you'll be wide-eyed the whole time! Fun fact: In the 1930s, it had one of the largest Mickey Mouse Clubs in the world! Pretty cool! Silenced History & Progress: Birmingham has progressed a lot since 1927 and one can't help to enjoy the elegant features (gold leaf paint, red carpet, beautiful chandeliers, life-like statues, etc) of a building "not everyone" could enjoy throughout its heyday. This theatre is one of two (The Lyric) long-standing pieces of history in a GREAT part of the city that brings so many people together for so many events. So get off Yelp and find the perfect reason to check out this Mission/Spanish Revival work of art...and history!! read more
Wow what a beautiful place. My wife and I got to see the great Eddie Izzard here. What a show. Parking- downtown street parking for the most part. Bathrooms- plenty of stalls and very clean. Lobby- Huge. Gorgeously decorated. Everything has been renovated but looks authentic from a long long time ago. Theater- not 1 bad seat. Think of an English auditorium that you would watch a small/medium sized play in. Wonderful acoustics. You can't really appreciate the beauty of this place until you go inside. I can't wait for the next event here so I can go back. read more
This may be my new favorite place in Birmingham overall! I finally made it out last weekend to the showing of Psycho, which was the opening of the summer film series. This place is an old movie theater from the 1920s that was safe from destruction and is now in Alabama historical site. I was completely in awe the entire time I was at the movie theater. From the ornate ceilings and decorations in the lobby to the super sweet volunteers helping out... the lead-up to the movie was great. Nothing can compare to that feeling first walking into the theater room... High ceilings with that are beautifully decorated, curtains on the sides of the screen, a balcony from which you can watch the movie, and old private seating areas that are now closed... you would never find this in a modern-day theater! Before the movie, they showed trivia/fun facts about the movie, showed an old cartoon, and had an organist playing a beautiful old red organ that rises out of the floor. The whole experience was quite literally a blast from the past. The movie was great of course, Psycho is one of my favorites. All this entertainment for only $8!! They sold popcorn, candy, sodas, and beer in the lobby, all for much more reasonable prices than you would find at any other theater. I was blown away by how cool the Alabama theater was. I'll definitely come back! read more
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More info about Alabama Theatre
1817 3rd Ave N
Birmingham, AL 35203
Directions
(205) 252-2262
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http://www.alabamatheatre.com
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