8/16/26 Finally made it to the Live Taping of Nurse John Comedy show at the Alex Theater; Glendale, Ca with life long friends (fellow nurse buddy Mai & Yelp friend, Allen P) It's a good venue, all the while an older theater due to its non ADA compliant status--no elevators, and I had to carefully drag my bulky & heavy medical boot up & down the stairs. Thankfully our tickets were upgraded to the orchestra section (we had the balcony initially. That was kind of the usher to accommodate us. My nurse buddies and I have been meaning to catch Nurse John's act for some time now and finally had the opportunity to see him in Glendale (not having to drive to San Diego or anywhere 2 hours away). I love that this venue is near many restaurants. It was a great show and we enjoyed it a lot. The seats are a bit dated but well maintained, The AC/temperature could've been cooler but it was fairly comfortable It was, after all, a packed house. There's street, valet & nearby parking structures available. Concession stands had beverages & popcorn for sale. The show was also selling T-shirts for $45 (Medicated, Caffeinated & Dehydrated and the other, Short Staffed, with Nurse John's image on the shirts) I would have probably purchased it if it were a different color, blue gray or maybe even white (if it was $30-35). All in all, a pretty good experience. read more

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(Attended 07/31/26 FR @ 11:30am and many times before while growing up): It was a long journey that brought me back to the Alex Theatre! Growing up in the city and surrounding area, I saw countless films at the historic Alex Theatre, and later many stage performances, concerts, and revival films. I truly grew up in this theatre. Opened on September 04,1925 as the Alexander Theatre, it was initially a thriving Vaudeville house and movie palace. In the decades that followed, it attracted countless performances to the stage and screen across many entertainment genres. Early on, major Hollywood studios lined up their films and the most glamorous stars of the day here for previews. In 1940, the iconic marquee and 100ft-tall Art Deco neon tower with chasing color lights and sparkling spheres were added to the exterior while the theatre's name was officially shortened to "Alex". On September 26, 1991, a screening of "Terminator 2: Judgement Day" would be the last first-run screening of any film as the theatre ceased operations. Eventually, the venue would be used for live performances and revival showings. Fast-forward to July 17, 2026, the first-run screening of any motion picture in nearly 35 years occurred with "The Odyssey" in 70mm. Would this reconnection with the Alex Theatre prove to be a worthy voyage!? PURCHASE(S) "The Odyssey" 70mm Section Orchestra Seat U1 ($24.00): I was a fan of this story when I had to read it for school growing up (along with "The Illiad"), it really resonated with me, and I loved Greek mythology. I opted for a relaxing Friday morning viewing and a good reason to escape the sweltering heat and humidity outside. As for the film, this epic was as eye-popping as advertised, the cinematography was gorgeous, the acting was brilliant, and the pace was amazing as I never felt the weight of the movie's run time. I gave it two hands and feet up! Online Booking Fee ($3.00): Seemingly a BS charge born out of convenience and the opportunity to choose your own seat, I wasn't a fan of this one bit. Large Buttered Popcorn ($9.00): Buttery, fluffy, and fresh, this was one of life's simple pleasures, and the collective aroma was just addicting! Plus, this served as breakfast and lunch for me. Firestone Walker Brewing Co. 805 Blonde Golden Ale Beer 4.7% ABV 16floz Can ($9.00): Golden amber color, malty sweet aroma, light body, malty sweet flavor, crisp smooth finish, and malty sweet aftertaste. SERVICE I easily purchased my ticket online, I was able to select my seat, the friendly young man at the concessions quickly completed my drink and food order, a trio of jovial young women ushers checked my ticket outside the lobby area, and I casually found to my seat and settled in - easy-peasy! PARKING (Varied; FREE this instance): I literally parked blocks away because I didn't want to pay for it, and walked the nearly fifteen minutes to the theatre. All of the streets closest to the theatre were timed (2-hour limits), the surrounding lots charged (I didn't bother to check the rates), and there was a lot directly behind the theatre that possibly validated because I saw a machine in the lobby - 'nuff said! ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE A beautifully-restored and maintained intimate single-screen theatre of a bygone era with its charming original ticket booth (I didn't believe it was still in use) that greeted you, an open opulent courtyard as you approached the decorative lobby with its two long staircases on each side, and finally inside the actual awe-inspiring theatre with slightly amphitheatre seating and a balcony. I counted three separate concession stands that all served the same things. Plenty of natural lighting came through the large opening that led into the lobby while electric ceiling lights filled in everywhere else. There weren't any TVs nor any background music, but there was plenty of chatter and general sounds all around. ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL I had an awesome time at The Alex Theatre, and I would definitely return for movies and more. The new sound system was incredible! Sure, getting to the venue could be heavily-trafficked because of downtown Glendale, the movie going and viewing experiences have drastically changed within the past several years, and the prices for both tickets and concessions (limited menu) were getting out of hand. So, this wasn't something I did on a regular basis. The customer service was easy, friendly, and straightforward. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $47.00 BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, they accepted my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS read more

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Went to the Alex Theatre in Glendale to see The Odyssey, which was advertised as a 70mm presentation. The aspect ratio was completely wrong. Audio was horrible--muddy, unbalanced, and hard to understand. The seats feel like they're straight out of the 1930s: zero padding, no headrests, and so uncomfortable it was nearly impossible to sit through a three-hour movie without constant shifting and back pain. For a theater charging premium prices and hyping a special format, this was a total letdown. Do yourself a favor and skip it. read more

Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the Alex Theatre is a performing arts and entertainment venue located in Glendale, CA. Built in 1925 it's known for its distinctive 100-foot neon tower that was designed by S. Charles Lee in 1940. The venue seats 1,400 and is owned by the City of Glendale. It hosts concerts, theatrical productions, film screenings, and special events. The building combines neo-classic Greek & Egyptian architectural elements with Art Deco décor. It is two stories with terrace & balcony seating and a bar upstairs. I recently attended my nephew's High School graduation here. The theatre was clean, the seats were comfortable, and the acoustics were good. Concessions weren't available, so I can't comment on that. The theatre has lots of charm. I'd come back for a movie screening. *Metered street parking or public lots. read more

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I spent the last four nights seeing the Star Trek film festival at the Alex theater. This theater is absolutely gorgeous! Everyone who works there is also really friendly and helpful. I had such a great time! My only issue is that the theater was freezing. I'm so glad I had a sweatshirt with me. For night two I even brought a blanket to put on my lap. For those of you with limited mobility, you'll be happy to hear that the stairs have railings on both sides. I normally have to sit in ADA seating because I can't walk up and down stairs without a railing, but I didn't have to do that at this theater. read more

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The Bottom Line 4 stars: Nice historic venue to enjoy some good entertainment. Location 4: On the Northeast corner of Brand and East Wilson Avenues in Glendale, California. Limited and time-limited (2 hours max) metered street parking and plenty of paid parking lots. The theater does not have their own self-parking or valet. If you use certain city-owned parking lots you can validate at the theater and only pay $1 for 4 hours (as of the time of my last visit). Check their website for more info. Plenty of cafes, bars and restaurants around and some awesome Armenian food! Venue 4: Historic, nostalgic Art Deco venue originally built in 1925 and renovated a couple of times. Currently owned by the City of Glendale. Smaller venue with a capacity of fourteen hundred people. Main Floor, Terrace and Balcony seating. It's a small place so virtually every seat is a good seat. Seats are comfortable and legroom is acceptable. They do live performances and also movie screenings. Service 4: Staff were friendly and polite during my limited interaction of getting my ticket scanned at the entrance and being ushered to my seat. Food & Drinks N/A: I did not have any food or drinks there. There are plenty of nice bars and restaurants nearby :) read more

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Full disclosure- I grew up in Glendale and went to the movies religiously as a kid every weekend. The Alex was the bomb back then and still is today. They've refurbished it nicely. We went to see The Odyssey in 70mm. It was an event, with people clapping at the end and roaring with delight. This is a great venue to see any presentation they offer- screenings, stage plays, lectures- you name it. Go! read more

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Was going to see The Odyssey with a friend @TheAlex in #Glendale. @thealex is an old time movie theater with multiple levels and felt seats. The glory of old #hollywood could be seen and felt. When I arrived I was greeted by Marylea and then Emma in the main lobby. Emma helped me secure a refund for the cancellation that my friend created. kudos to Marylea and Emma for getting my movie experience off to a better start. read more

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Crazy as it seems, today was my first time going to The Alex Theater even though I've lived in Los Angeles nearly 40 years. And just in time for their 100th anniversary year. It's a nicely renovated theater from the height of movie palace development, with lovely Art Deco touches on the walls and ceiling. The seats aren't quite as comfortable as you'd have in newer theaters, but they ARE roomier than the oldest of the Broadway houses in NYC, so I'll consider this a win. I was here to see the annual Oscar Preview event presented by LAist with Larry Mantle and the full roster of film critics that rotate onto his Friday Film Week show. The presentation was well organized and run very smoothly for a one-off, sound was very good, visuals nicely presented, and I get the sense that the team at The Alex knows how to make these events happen seamlessly for their clients. I can imagine it's a nice place to see a film, though I know they also have live performances (orchestras, dance, theater), and I'll make a point fo coming back before too long, as this is a lovely environment with plenty of restaurants and bars within walking distance. Glad I finally made it... read more

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The Alex is a beautiful, historic theater. It is smaller than some of the incredible Hollywood theaters, but definitely shouldn't be ignored! The theater has been well maintained and is full of historic detail. We have seen a few performances here in the last few years. I think they tend to specialize mostly in ballets and choirs. The performances we saw here were wonderful, with national touring companies. The atmosphere is semi-formal, with a lot of people dressing up and making it a fun night out. To me it feels a lot like a miniature pantages, it's just much easier to park and get in and out! read more

Way too cold, lousy sound system. Went to see The Odyssey on July 27. Left auditorium early because it was too cold and I couldn't hear the movie. Seats were old and uncomfortable too. read more

The Alex Theater is a historic theater in downtown Glendale. I love when I have opportunities to visit old-school theaters like this one that have been preserved. The design of the Alex Theater was inspired by the Egyptian theater so if you've been to the Egyptian you'll immediately recognize the open courtyard area between the box office and entrance. I have been attending events at this location for over 4 decades and have seen both movies and live musical performances here. I prefer sitting upstairs in the balcony seats, but I've sat downstairs as well. If you're attending an event here come early. Parking can be challenging but there are plenty of flat lots and structures within walking distance. read more

Just went to see the Odyssey at the Alex and it was great! It's just beautiful in there. The sound got a bit muddy at times, but I understand they're working on a new sound system. The whole experience felt a bit special. I loved the red carpet you get to walk on as you enter and exit. It was interesting to discover that The Alex is very much a part of old Hollywood. There was a gentleman there who seemed like a bit of an overseer. I don't know his name or title, but he was kind and thoughtful, and I got the impression he really does care about the Alex Theatre and that the movie goers have a good time. That was an extra nice touch. Overall, this adventure was quite enjoyable. read more

Yearly tradition to watch the nutcracker at the Alex theatre. Tickets sell out fast! We have always been in the balcony and don't mind it. My youngest is 4 and was able to see in between people, they have boosters if needed. The seats are pretty close together but there is enough space to sit comfortably. read more

Alex Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Glendale, California

Gorgeous and a great venue to see the Odyssey. Skip the popcorn. It is too expensive.

Right in the heart of Glendale. This theater was a surprise. I loved the walk up from the street, and the seating was really nice and spacious. Every seat gets a good view of the stage. The entryway was nice and clean and very spacious. Parking is within walking distance and most likely paid, so prepare for that. Lots of club life near by and a few places to eat after the show. read more

detector of operations and their security company needs to be fired. The way they talk to people is disgusting read more

Attended the AirTalk FilmWeek Oscar Preview this past weekend, a roughly hour and a half show where the great Larry Mantle shares the stage with a group of film critics to talk about the upcoming Oscar nominees and their picks on what is likely to win, what ought to win, and everything in between. Compared to last year's venue over in DTLA at the Orpheum, traffic here was a lot less hectic and parking was a breeze. If you want free parking, you can walk a couple blocks to/from the Galleria. Parking on the streets and in the structures is free for the first 90 minutes, and validated parking is available for $1 for the first four hours when you scan at the theater. Our group sat in the Orchestra Center so the view and sound were decent. The group of critics provided a lot of charm and insight, though it did feel as if they were really pressed for time. The discussion on "the heart" of animated films this year started things off, with differing opinions on the level of polish in one film and the industry's perception of commercial success not translating to probability of wins. My takeaway was adding Sing Sing, I'm Still Here, Black Box Diaries, Soundtrack to a Coup D'etat, and more to my ever-expanding list. Their last discussion was on the films that changed their lives, including Chinatown, Closer, The Learning Tree, My Neighbor Totoro, McCabe and Mrs. Miller, and Fantasia. A fun discussion for movie enjoyers. read more

Alex Theatre - Oscar preview - Performing Arts Near Me - Glendale, California

Wow, the minute I saw the movie that I wanted to see and on my way there I purchased a ticket. It was so easy and then when I got there, the employees were great and overall it's just such a pro operation. I've been to many theaters in my life and they're good theaters with good employees and good managers but this one was top notch. It seems like the people really know the movie industry and I could sense that they really love the movie industry and wanted me or the other patrons to enjoy their experience along with enjoy enjoying the movie! There is a area where you can buy some concessions and the theater itself is just fantastic. The whole building structure is phenomenal. It's great to see this theater and I'm very grateful for the experience I had today. read more

Alex Theatre - One of the greatest movies in America cinema history - Performing Arts Near Me - Glendale, California

I went to the Alex Theatre recently. I attended the Pee-Wee's Big Adventure 40th Anniversary Reunion event. I had a great experience. I like that concessions were available. I love that the courtyard could easily accomodate the event's exhibitors, vendors, and photo op setups. I sat in the rear orchestra for the film screening and felt I had a good view of the stage. read more

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I saw The Odessey at the Alex last night. More on that later. First of all, the theater is still a remnant of the old days. It still has feeling of better days. Now the critic. The seats were quite over priced. The seats were relatively comfortable. Yes, it has a 70mm screen. From the very first scene of the movie until 2-1/2 hour ending. The sound system of the movie was extremely muddled and distorted. I couldn't understand 80% of the dialogue. Yes the volume could be cranked up. But the clarity and premium sound was totally lacking. It was very hard to understand. I don't know how or when the sound system was designed but it was obviously absent of modern day state of the art sound. It felt as though it was produced to mono center channel speaker(s). Finally, the movie itself was definitely flawed in so many ways IMO. I know the great majority of the viewers Loved this movie. So I'm going against the grain. I didn't like the movie at all. I thought the acting was bad (except for Damon and a little dog that had to play dead. All the big name stars were wasted in boring roles. Finally, I'm positive this theater is excellent with live performances. read more

We went a few times over the holiday season with family. We love this venue. Concessions / bar were another story. Waited in line for what seemed like 20 minutes while watching some older grumpy guy teach a younger staff member to open a bottle of champagne while the line was about 40 people deep. We left w/out purchasing anything. The same old school charm still exists. Steps in the upper theatre are steep. Sound /lighting were decent. We would attempt one more try this upcoming year. read more

The exterior of the theater was beautiful, and the staff was fantastic. We saw Hans Zimmer and others and were expecting something more symphony-centered, but found the AI visuals distracting. The live singers for Dune and The Lion King were a nice touch, though overall it felt a bit cheesy. The seating was tight, but we still had a good view of the stage. read more

Alex Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Glendale, California

Went to the Alex Theater on the 20th of September to see Angelina Jordan headline her first LA area show! The venue has an old school nostalgic feel, not quite old Hollywood but close. From the marquee to the box office the courtyard and the lobby the vibe brings back a mid 20th century feel. The auditorium and stage were set up beautifully with great acoustics and site lines. The seats were comfortable for the audience. Really enjoyed the whole experience! All in all a great way to enjoy the musical talents of Angelina Jordan at a venue that was perfect for a tuneup before her major tour. read more

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Super disappointed spent $27 to see the Odyssey at the Alex and they were letting late arrivals in up to 15 minutes after the start of the film. It was very distracting. read more

This was my first time going to this theater for Hans Zimmer and other films. The event was cancelled but no email or text. When I got to the venue, there was no sign or notice to let the patron know it's been cancelled. Horrible drive to Glendale and even worst finding out the concert was cancelled. read more

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The Service: Every staff we have encountered are very friendly & helpful. The Theater: It's a landmark in Glendale. Love the historical exterior look. Nice courtyard to hangout before the show. Mid size theater with good sound system. The Parking: They validate parking for 3 close by public parking structures. We went to 222 S. Orange which is about 2 minutes walk only. read more

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Definitely a three-star/four-star tweener. THE GOOD It's a historic theater with a long history, and some of its exterior architectural details are interesting, especially considering what a Podunk place Glendale must have been in the 1920s. Besides the lovely old marquee and quaint Futurist (?) box office, there's a nice courtyard between the gates and the theater building itself. I came recently to see my cousin conduct the Armenian Pops Orchestra, and the outdoor area really enlivened the experience, as people had plenty of room to mingle in the perfect weather without crowding the theater itself. It was also fun after the performance, although the employees seemed a little too premature in shooing audience members off the premises entirely. The acoustics of the theater are very good, and the seating feels wide rather than deep, which makes it so that more people can be close to the stage. THE BAD It's an old theater. Some old theaters age like fine wine, but most start to show their age. Unfortunately, the Alex is showing its age. The seats have obviously been replaced many times over 100 years, but it doesn't look (or feel) like they've been replaced or reupholstered in the last thirty. The seats and rows could also use better, more visible numbers and letters, respectively, so that it's not so difficult to find your seat in the dark. The slope of the aisles as they approach the stage is nice and gradual, but when you enter the theater itself from the lobby, you have to go down two small sets of stairs, with different doors feeding into the same place. It seems like a minor thing, but that additional set of stairs really serves no purpose except to create more risk for a fall, especially if there's an emergency. The stage itself is very small for the size of the theater. This really only matters to the people performing here, so if you're thinking of using the venue for an event, be sure you have enough room for your performance. The interior of the theater is also shabby in a run-down rather than a classic way. Old places like this should transport you back in time to when they were new; they're not supposed to look old. They need to repaint or at least touch up the decorative details above and around the stage. I don't think it's advertised anywhere, but the Alex Theatre is supposed to validate parking for the municipal structure nearby on North Orange Street. I happened to know about this when I arrived, so I validated my ticket in the machine right away, but after the performance, the workers said that the machine wasn't working, so whoever parked in that structure and hadn't already validated their ticket ended up having to pay way too much for parking on a Sunday night. FURTHER THOUGHTS Am I being too hard on the old boy? Possibly. Its location is perfect, especially if you have time before the show to grab something to eat--you'll have plenty of choices within walking distance. It's also very close to the freeway. Still, after the buildup of the exterior structure and the marquee and the courtyard, the theater itself feels disappointing. I would definitely come back to see another musical performance, but there are plenty of better historic and new theaters around. The Alex doesn't stand out. read more

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Alex theater is a landmark in Glendale, specially for Armenians. Most major shows and concerts happen here. I have been here so many times and always enjoyed my time here. A beautiful, clean and nice theater in the middle of Glendale. It's kept well and I really value that. Friendly staff helping everyone. Many restaurants and bars all around. read more

Alex Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Glendale, California

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It's definitely an older theater but small and intimate! We watched the Nutcracker and happened to be upfront so had an amazing view. I dont love that there is only ONE stand for refreshments so its extremely slow! Other than the entrance where it looks grandiose and amazing. Going in.. its very underwhelming. I love that courtyard though so gives you a good space as a breather during breaks. parking- the perks they offer $1 parking for 4 hours in 3 different lots close by. i used the one on Orange street and then i had walked all the way to the end of the street to go around to the Alex Theater. However there is a little alleyway with greenery tunnel that helps you cut through the buidings so you come out right across for the Alex theater than having to walk all the way around. if you come out from the parking, turn right and you will see it! read more

Loved seeing the Glendale youth orchestra but there was a man in a fedora there with a bad vibe who was looming over all of the attendees. I think he was the owner? It ruined the performance a bit and created a bad atmosphere, but the kids were great! read more

Their Box Office customer service is pretty bad. They will hang up on you instead of answering your questions. This is the second time I've had a bad experience. read more

Went to the theater to see the Hans Zimmer concert. Absolutely phenomenal! Would recommend highly! However if you have mobility issues, like you use a wheelchair or a scooter or a cane, avoid this theater if your seats are in the balcony. They do not have an elevator or escalator or anything to assist mobility impaired to get to the balcony. You have to climb up stairs. Approximately two flights. I use a cane. I made it, but not without great difficulty. read more

Nice views throughout the place. Very clean and calm ambience. I'd come here anytime. The parking is almost free if you park in Orange St Parking structure. Don't forget to validate the ticket at the theater read more

Alex Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - Glendale, California

We atended a event there last night, Paula Poundstone and were seated in the highest balcony, row H. The accoustics were so bad that we could make out less than 10% of the show - in addition, since a stand up comedian works the front part of the stage, Ms. Poundstone was not visible at any point in the performance. Finally, the seats are old and small and there is apparently no policy about extremely obese customers sitting in a designated section so they "spill over" into the seat adjacent to them. This section of the theater should be closed off during this type of performance since you can't see or hear the performer. read more

I just saw Bill Burr July 3, 2025, Bill was great, but because the sound system was so horrible It was very difficult to hear everything he was saying, so I missed most of the jokes. I was a sound man for approximately 6 years and it's not hard to get a sound system to sound wonderful. I noted they had all the right gear and it should've sounded amazing, but it didn't. It was very very loud but lacking low mid range and very heavy on the high frequencies. My ears were still ringing many hours after the concert.. everything else about the venue, layout the people, was quite excellent, but I'll never go to this venue again. read more

Alex Theatre - lol, just the top of my head! - Performing Arts Near Me - Glendale, California

A magnificent vintage theater dedicated during to an era when movie viewing and stage performances were a special event. So wonderful to see it is in such wonderful condition. read more

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I came to the Alex Theater tonight to see The Nutcracker with my old man, and I felt like I was at a Chuck-E-Cheese. It was such a bummer. Children and adults were carrying on loud conversations, using flash photography during the ballet; children were literally running up and down the aisles during the show! It was so hard to appreciate any of the play. The show couldn't end soon enough. There was no attempt by the ushers to mitigate the chaos, maybe because this is a standard now? In addition, there appear to be no easily accessible elevators or ramps in the upper areas. For folks with mobility issues, like my dad, that is not cool and pretty nerve-wracking. There were no announcements made announcing the beginning of the show or intermission. If you're not sitting near the front of the stage, you'll likely not be able to see much. This theatre has so much potential, but it really needs an overhaul physically and with the expectations set for its attendees. I don't see myself coming back unless major changes are made. read more

Do not sit in the balcony! This theater needs serious updating. I saw Paula Poundstone at the Alex last night and she was great but the venue's balcony seating was absolutely terrible. First, my view from Row D was obstructed by a railing that went clear across the lower balcony, obstructing people's line of sight to the stage. There should have been some large video screens on either side of the theater so balcony patrons could enjoy seeing the performer, or there should have been a warning at the time of purchase that some balcony seats would have obstructed views. Second, the balcony is not safe for older adults. (1) There is no elevator or escalator for the patrons to use to get up to the balcony, and (2) the stairs in the upper balcony are precarious for older patrons or patrons with mobility issues. read more

Went to watch a premiere here and they did a great job with organizing the event. Checkin went smoothly. Set up inside was gorgeous. They had drinks and food outside that allowed people to mingle and chat and the ushers were very helpful. read more

Alex Theatre - Outside - Performing Arts Near Me - Glendale, California

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