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Alex Theatre | |
 The Alex Theatre in 2006 | |
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| Location | 216 North Brand Boulevard Glendale, California |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 34°8′55.62″N118°15′17.20″W / 34.1487833°N 118.2547778°W /34.1487833; -118.2547778 |
| Built | 1925 |
| Architect | Lindley & Selkirk Associates; Et al. |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Art Deco, Moderne |
| NRHP reference No. | 96000102[1] |
| Added to NRHP | February 16, 1996 |
TheAlex Theatre is a historic performing arts and entertainment venue located at 216 North Brand Boulevard inGlendale, California, United States. Built in 1925, it has served as a landmark movie palace, community hub, and cultural anchor for the region. The theatre seats 1,400 and is known for its distinctive 100-foot neon tower designed by S. Charles Lee in 1940.[2] After a major restoration in 1993, the Alex was added to theNational Register of Historic Places in 1996. Owned by the City of Glendale, the venue was managed by Glendale Arts from 2008 to 2021 before transitioning to SAS Entertainment Partners. It continues to host concerts, theatrical productions, film screenings, television tapings, and special events, drawing audiences from across Southern California.
The Alex Theatre originally opened in 1925 as the Alexander Theatre,[3] and was designed by architects Arthur G. Lindley and Charles R. Selkirk Associates,[3][4][5][6][7] although at least one written source attributes it to the architectural firm ofMeyer & Holler.[8] Lindley & Selkirk Associates also designed theHotel Glendale.[9] The interior combinesneo-classic Greek and Egyptian architectural elements, inspired by theEgyptian Theatre in Hollywood.[citation needed]
In 1940, theater architectS. Charles Lee redesigned the exterior of the Alexander,[3][4][6] adding the iconic neon tower, starburst sphere, and marquee that shortened the name to the Alex.
The Alexander officially opened on September 4, 1925, operated by the West Coast–Langley Theatre Circuit. It featured vaudeville performances, plays, and silent movies.[10] A largeWurlitzer organ provided live accompaniment.
Located near Walt Disney’s Hyperion studio, the Alex became his preferred site for previewing cartoons.[11] Films such asNational Velvet andGoing My Way (both 1944) held previews there. A 1948 backstage fire caused $150,000 in damage.[5]
The Alex thrived during the mid-20th century with blockbusters likeBen-Hur (1959). A CinemaScope screen and surround-sound were added in 1954.
A city-funded restoration in 1993 revived the theatre and returned its 1940 neon tower. In 1996 it was added to the National Register of Historic Places.[1]
Management briefly passed to Theatre Corporation of America, which withdrew in 1994. The City then created the Alex Regional Theatre (ART) Board, supported by a $415,000 annual subsidy until 2015.
In 2008 the ART Board transitioned into the nonprofit Glendale Arts, which managed the Alex for over a decade.[12] The group programmed more than 200 days annually, drew 70,000–90,000 patrons per year, generated $1.3 million in local business activity, and provided $84,000 in subsidies to resident companies that yielded $573,000 in ticket revenue.[12]
Glendale Arts led a $6.5 million backstage expansion (2014) and the Illuminate Project (2015), which restored the neon tower and marquee. It also launched the Illuminate Dinner fundraiser to support upkeep.[12] For these efforts, the Alex received Theatre of the Year (Los Angeles Historic Theatre Foundation), a Preservation Award (Glendale Historical Society), and Beautification of the Year (Montrose–Verdugo City Chamber of Commerce) in 2017.[12]
The Alex hosted nationally recognized events including theRuPaul’s Drag Race season 9 finale (2017), NBC’sBring the Funny finale (2019), and episodes ofMy Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman (2019–2020). It has appeared in numerous TV and film productions, includingCriminal Minds,Glee,Curb Your Enthusiasm,Veronica Mars,You, and others.
Since 2015 the venue has also presented annual Wild Honey Orchestra benefit concerts supporting autism nonprofits, with tributes to The Beatles, The Beach Boys, The Band, Buffalo Springfield, The Kinks, and The Lovin’ Spoonful.
The Alex has hosted appearances by prominent artists and public figures, including:
In June 2021, Nina Crowe became CEO and Maria Sahakian COO of Glendale Arts. Sahakian had booked 3,400 events generating $30 million. Former CEO Elissa Glickman (2012–2021) remained as advisor.[13]
In October 2021, the City awarded management to SAS Entertainment Partners, ending Glendale Arts’ tenure.[14]
The Alex has hosted numerous resident companies. TheGay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles performed more than 100 concerts there between 1994 and 2021.[15] In 2018, a matinée was canceled due to a bomb threat.[16]
The Musical Theatre Guild ended its tenure after 2023 when SAS ended its residency.[17]
The Alex Film Society continues screenings, includingThe Three Stooges Big Screen Event (2024). The Glendale Youth Orchestra also performs regularly, entering its 36th season in 2025–26.[18]
