Alabama Theatre — Attraction in Birmingham

I first went to the theater when my family moved down to Birmingham 33 years ago. It was a wreck. It needed a ton of restoration work yet you could see the 'bones' were there for a beautiful facility if the money and effort could be raised. I was 30 years old then. Now I'm 63. What an incredible difference has occurred over the years. The theater is absolutely incredible. They have restored it to it's original splendor of it's creation in 1927!

The occasion for our visit tonight was a viewing of the Christmas classic WHITE CHRISTMAS. The movie remains the same which is timeless but the pre-show entertainment of the Vestavia Hills High Rockettes was beyond my expectations and was just wonderful! And the playing of the still incredibly impressive WURLITZER 'Big Bertha' organ by the house organist was worth the admission price alone!

My greatest compliments to everyone who put the evening together as they made it a lifelong memory for all of us there! The evening was a joy and highlight of the season!

UPDATE (8/26/23) - At the invitation of a friend I attended a 'INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SILENT FILM' presentation with guest organist Nathan Avakian at the ALABAMA THEATER. It was part of Birmingham's annual Sidewalk Film Festival. The presentation centered largely upon the WURLITZER theater organ that is more than 100 years old. I have heard the organ played several times before and enjoyed it but this day, played by Mr. Avakian, it made those 'silent films' come alive! I've never really enjoyed silent films before that you see on TV (TCM). Experienced in this place with the extraordinary variety of sounds made by Mr Avakian with 'Big Bertha' I was enthralled!

Birmingham is indeed blessed to have people who donate enormous personal time to attending to, fixing, carrying for this beautiful theater and wonderful musical creation. If not for the dedication and talents of these very few a true treasure of yesteryears would be gone and an amazement would be lost. Cudos to all who have and continue to make the ALABAMA THEATER the crown jewel...

The Alabama Theater is the oldest in Alabama. It has been beautifully restored. Starting with the lit sign outside and the entering the theatre you get the feeling you've stepped back in time. The carved wood and the acoustics that lend that regal sound makes you stop and imagine the original opening night of this majestic theatre. Then Big Bertha the organ so lovingly named rises up out of the floor. The organ master tells a little history of the theatre and organ. Then plays and we sing along on this night it was Christmas carols. As we wait for the movie White Christmas to begin the smells of the popcorn popping wafts in from the entry way. We had popcorn, soda, hotdogs, and candy for all of us on our group. The lights dim and the curtain parts to display this huge movie screen. The sound in the theatre is simply amazing. It makes other theatres wish they could be so melodious. Let me tell you if you have not experienced it for yourself you haven't experienced a real theatre ever. I can't describe how awe inspiring it is enough. This is something that you need to experience for yourself. While your there take the time to look at it and marvel at the ornate design...

♿️ This was my first time inside and it was for a rock show. It is gorgeous from the chandeliers and ceilings to the walls, even the bathrooms. So full of history and this is a beautiful theater. In the lobby they have a small cabinet with different Vulcan souvenirs that have been made throughout the years and just things from the time period that have been donated. The attention to detail is immaculate. Next chance I get I will definitely return. There is a handicap bathroom on the main floor. Your wheelchair will fit just fine throughout the lobby, but you may have to sit in the back, as it is all downhill getting to the seats. But, it is worth it to see this historic theater brought back to life. There are the regular restrooms down a flight of stairs. It has a huge waiting, primping area before going inside the actual restrooms. There is a bar with a few of their speciality drinks. Lines were not that long and service was pretty quick. ...