The Alabama Theater

[trof]

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.

I went to the Alabama in the 40s, 50s (Mickey Mouse Club), and 60s.
It is one of THE classic movie palaces.

The website tour is amazing, and looks just like I remember it.
http://www.alabamatheatre.com/about.aspx?rn=1&rb=1&lr=1

[dbonds]

1. Brings back memories.

I used to work at the old Forbes Piano Shop. In the early 80s the Alabama had cheap movies, similar to todays dollar theaters but much classier environment. Even then it was a site to behold, although it was in need of cleaning and repairs. Glad to see it is still around and all polished up.

[trof]

2. E. E. FORBES & SONS PIANO CO. Whoa. Nostalgia trip.

Went to high school with Eddie Forbes.
He was third generation ( I think) of the piano merchants.

[Bossy Monkey]

3. Oh thank heaven. I thought you were talking about the band Alabama's

theater in Myrtle Beach. Was thinking, That doesn't sound like trof...

[trof]

4. It IS confusing.

On I-57 in northeast Alabama (Ft. Payne) there are highway signs for "Alabama Museum".

A lot of folks think it's some kind of natural history thang.
;-)