Alabama Theatre
Alabama Theatre
4.5
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After a complete restoration, this historic venue once again shows its 1927 grandeur.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
221 reviews
Excellent
158
Very good
54
Average
6
Poor
2
Terrible
1
Lance F
Hartselle, AL314 contributions
Jun 2022
Went to the theater for the stand up comedy of Leanne Morgan. The acoustics were not good. I was seated in the balcony and at one point people started shouting that they couldn't hear. Leanne Morgan did all I think she could do but I just don't think the theater could provide better sound. Leanne kept asking "is that better?" And finally people started saying yes but you still couldn't hear. Several people got up and left including an entire row of women in front of us who said "no point in staying if you can't hear the comedian". We stuck it out and could hear bits and pieces. Another huge complaint was there are no tv's or monitors to watch the show on from up in the balcony area where it would be impossible to see the performer. In a comedy show gestures and facial expressions are important and nobody in the balcony could see that. It would be easy enough for them to mount some screens to the walls or hang a screen from the roof. I highly doubt I go back to this place and definitely wont go there to watch another comedy show
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
baronvonrichtoven
Tuscaloosa, Alabama40 contributions
Jul 2014 • Solo
The Alabama Theatre is one of the most exciting historic attractions in Alabama. The movie palace was restored by the late Mr. Cecil Whitmire. He helped save The Alabama Theatre when it declared bankruptcy in 1986. He had a hand in creating Birmingham Landmarks that lead the effort in rescuing the beautiful palace. He presided over the restoration of the building, restoring it to its historic former glory. He was an accomplished organist and played the organ at the beginning and ending of a show. Imagine, you walk into this palace with Hollywood light bulbs outside the building, in the entrance and on the signs. You see antique furniture and mirrors. You walk into the seating area to find velvet seats on several levels. The artwork on the ceilings and walls is breathtaking and the lighting reminds you of days gone by. The night begins with the organist playing the organ as it rises from below the stage. It comes to rest on the stage and he welcomes you to the theatre. There are sing alongs with the words on the screen while the organ plays loudly and beautifully. There's a cartoon and then the movie. This is how evenings begin during the summer film festival. They play old movies as well as some newer ones. Ah, to watch "North by Northwest" on the screen with a larger than life Cary Grant! There are concerts and shows throughout the year including a comedy night with Kevin James this past year. My favorite memory is Halloween. Patrons dress up in Halloween costumes and attend a showing of the original, silent "Phantom of the Opera" while the organist plays the entire movie score. Amazing! If you are ever in Birmingham, check out their website and see a great show, but the surroundings really make the evening! www.alabamatheatre.com
Written May 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Donna S
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico49 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
We went on two different ocasions, one was a live show and the other to watch Casablanca. Both events were great! This theater is actually a few years older than The Fabulous Fox in ATL! Definitely a great date night idea!
Written May 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travis W
Knoxville, TN140 contributions
Apr 2015 • Couples
Went to see Dave Chappelle there. Get the dress circle seats. The place seats about 2000. The dress circle is about 15 ft up and extends all the way over row M. Stopped by security 4 times on our way to the seats. Amazing view and we were told by more than 1 staff member they were the best seats in the house!
Written May 28, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Florence_AlabamaDave
Florence, Alabama8 contributions
Sep 2011 • Couples
On a recent weekend getaway to Birmingham, my wife and I took a tour of this incredible historic theatre! Being a theatre director, I naturally have an interest in these buildings. However, you do not need to be "in the business" to stand in awe of this breathtaking structure. It is, without a doubt, the most beautiful theatre I have ever seen in my life, including Broadway! Built in 1927 with funding by Adolph Zukor, president of Paramount Studios, it is appropriately named "The showplace of the south". Every aspect of this grand old film palace reminds us of a time when going to the movies was an event! Seating more than 2000 people, the incredibly ornate walls, ceilings, light fixtures, hallways, staircases statuary, artworks and even the bathrooms make you feel as if you are entering another world! The largest Wurlitzer pipe organ in the south still calls the Alabama theatre home. This amazing instrument painted in colors of red, black, white and gold is itself a work of art. It makes its appropriate entrance rising from beneath the stage on its own elevator. The sound it produces is simply incredible. Seeing this theatre is truly a family event. Children from the ages of 8 yrs and up will enjoy it as much as mom and dad. You can see it in as little as 30 minutes. We stayed for over an hour listening to Jessica, who runs the theatre, fill us in on the history and current activities. She did not have to do it but she was so warm and friendly and a wealth of information. (Note to her boss: Give her a raise. She is an icredible asset to your organization!) She even played the organ for us! Among other things, they do a series of Christmas classic films during the holidays. I can't imagine this theatre decorated for Christmas. We will definetely be back with our grandson! This theatre is truly inspiring. If you are interested in history and art or, if you want to give your children a visual experience they have never seen, the Alabama theatre is an absolute must see! In our opinion, it is the number 1. attraction in Birmingham! You can learn more at their website, which needs to be improved. It simply does not reflect the granduer of this wonderful place.
Written September 12, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ASWilliams
Birmingham, Alabama6 contributions
This theatre is one of Birmingham's best attractions. It's absolutely beautiful inside and as soon as you step through the doors, you are transported back in time. All the lush drapes and beautiful hanging chandeliers remind you of what it must have been like in the 1920's. They recently purchased a new Wurlitzer Organ and have the Mighty Musical Monday Concert on the first Monday of every month. It starts at noon and is free. Everyone is encouraged to bring lunch and listen to the organist play on the Wurlitzer. It's great.
It's a shame that more entertainers don't opt to perform here. The acoustics are great and there is alot of seating. It's great at Halloween, especially during the silent film version of Lon Chaney's Phantom of the Opera. The organist plays the entire score while the movie plays on. He's so good, you forget it's not the sound from the movie. They have people dressed as ghosts and they make a big production out of it.
They usually have the Symphony in for the New Year's Eve bash. There isn't a bad seat in the house. The acoustics are great.
This is one of my favorite places in Birmingham and my husband I are always seeking out shows to attend.
It's a shame that more entertainers don't opt to perform here. The acoustics are great and there is alot of seating. It's great at Halloween, especially during the silent film version of Lon Chaney's Phantom of the Opera. The organist plays the entire score while the movie plays on. He's so good, you forget it's not the sound from the movie. They have people dressed as ghosts and they make a big production out of it.
They usually have the Symphony in for the New Year's Eve bash. There isn't a bad seat in the house. The acoustics are great.
This is one of my favorite places in Birmingham and my husband I are always seeking out shows to attend.
Written August 29, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
herndonjeanie
Alabaster, AL26 contributions
Dec 2019
Went to see the Russian Nutcracker. This is a very beautiful building. We had ok seating. Will most likely attend another event again.
Written January 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ccohan9355
Saranac Lake, NY40 contributions
Dec 2019
The Alabama Theater is a grand dame of the golden age of movie houses. Built in the 1920's it is ornately finished inside in Moorish style. Seating 2,100 people the space soars. A organ rises from below onto the stage with a charming organist playing wonderful tunes. When in Birmingham regardless of what is showing, ya gotta go and experience this glorious space.
Written December 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard S
Birmingham, AL108 contributions
May 2018 • Couples
What used to be a horse drawn fire brigade....once a live running theatre now is host to parties,graduations and many more events other than just being a wonderful place to view a movie. Sound is more than perfect no matter where you sit. Bob Ralston from the Lawrence Welk show used to plat the Wurlitzer organ there....Make sure to visit when you’re in town.
Written March 19, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RKSheehan
Birmingham, AL44 contributions
Jul 2018 • Couples
The Alabama theatre is a destination for cinephiles, thespians, and anyone who appreciates art deco architecture. The Alabama has a summer and holiday series of classic movies, shown in rare form these days on the big screen. Think, "Casablanca" for Valentine's, "Singing' In the Rain," during the summer, and favorites like "Elf" and "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," in the winter.
Beyond the obvious entertainment of a movie or concert, the structure is like stepping back in time because of the fantastical Old Hollywood decor. It's an ideal venue for glamorous photos (even if they're just taken on your iPhone). Arrive early to take in the splendor, get a good seat, and check out the concession stand.
Beyond the obvious entertainment of a movie or concert, the structure is like stepping back in time because of the fantastical Old Hollywood decor. It's an ideal venue for glamorous photos (even if they're just taken on your iPhone). Arrive early to take in the splendor, get a good seat, and check out the concession stand.
Written September 3, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to tour your facility on Saturday 3/18/17 , is it possible?
Written March 10, 2017
Can I tour the theatre? I plan on being in the area from January 6-11.
Written January 1, 2017
The people that operate the theater are generally accommodating. Call them and see if you can set something up.
Written January 2, 2017
Alisha W
Guntersville, Alabama
What is the dress code for attending Alabama Theatre? Dressy or casual?
Written October 29, 2016
Sorry for the delayed response. Depending on the event, it can be either. For example, Swan Lake was presented by the Russian Ballet last year and dress was formal. But for film series, casual.
Written December 20, 2016
What are the best seats in this theater? I've found that the closest row is now always the best. Someone mentioned front row in J balcony? Thoughts?
Written March 19, 2015
We have sat in multiple places in the theatre. We sat on the floor about half way up from stage for a concert and it was perfect. For movies, I generally sit in the balcony on the side near the back - away from the blocking poles - for the best views of the screen and also for best people watching opportunities on the floor!
Written March 19, 2015
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