Oh did I have some fun on Sunday afternoon! I was given a grand tour of Birmingham's historic Alabama Theater. Advertised as the Showplace of the South when it opened in 1927, thankfully it STILL is. A word of thanks to Birmingham Landmarks, Inc. who rescued her from the wrecking ball and lovingly has restored every nook and cranny. Today the theater is used for a myriad of cultural and social events. They even show old movies from time to time. The "mighty Wurlitzer organ" is still right there and what a thrill it was to hear it again! Since I grew up in Birmingham, this tour brought back so many wonderful memories for me. My friend Tom Cronier, volunteer extraordinaire, gave me a tour I shall not forget. From the projection room and attic at the top, to the fancy schmancy restrooms in the "basement", I saw and photographed it all. Today four photos, but I promise more in the weeks to come. Sit back and enjoy the show!
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19 comments:
The organ shot is my favourite.
The Orpheum in Vancouver has a Wurlitzer that comes up out of the floor too but it isn't fire engine red. This one is a beauty.
je trouve la première photo très belle, les lumières du spectacle...
"Attention, mesdames et messieurs, dans un instant on va commencer
Installez-vous dans votre fauteuil bien gentiment
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, partez, tous les projecteurs vont s'allumer
Et tous les acteurs vont s'animer en même temps..." Fugain
I think the first picture very beautiful, the lights of the show ...
"Attention, ladies and gentlemen, in a moment we will start
Settle into your seat kindly
5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0, go, all the spotlight will turn on
And all the players will come alive at the same time ... "Fugain
V, Bless them for saving it all AND bless YOU for sharing it with us! I too love the RED Wurlitzer. They are so magnificent when played. Your photos are great - but of course!
These photos are great, and this would be my number 1 stop (Okay, no.2 after meeting you!) if I ever come to Birmingham.
I am glad you posted these wonderful photos, Virginia, because restorating rather than destroying to make place for new apartment buildings like they have done next to where I live, is so important. That organ is superb there on stage. All full of atmosphere of the "Ladies-and-gentlemen...!, like Olivier so rightly mentioned.!
There's that mellow light again that you excel at..
So satisfying to read of these gracious buildings being saved. I think we're more conscious these days of our heritage.
Oh how absolutely marvellous, Virgina. What an absolute treat you had and are giving us.
Virginia, I posted an answer on Monte Carlo. Also will post update on Postcards after vet visit on Thursday. May post tomorrow tho about another dog. If I ever get to feeling less tired....
Very nice photos! How wonderful that you were able to take a backstage tour. I like the first one because you don't realize right away that it's an old theater.
Classy lady, indeed! Architecture from that time era are always so ornate and detail oriented, unlike today's sleek, glass surfaces.
BTW, I left the answer to DUMBO on the blog (below the photo under Update).
Classy! I think we are all happy this old building was saved. So much character, charm, and history to these old buildings.
The ornament details in the second photo look grand, V! Looking at these photos is like traveling back in time.
Your 100 stranger photos look even bolder and more expressive too. How did you approach them?
Great pictures conveying the warm atmosphere the place must have.
Shhhh. It's the spackle.
What a thrill it must have been to follow the guide...
and icing on the cake...listening to the organ..
Lucky you, V!
You know, at a glance, the right of the top image looks like a set of dentures, which is a pretty cool effect. Also really like the B&W, well, edging into sepia, of the theater's facade. It could be an old newspaper photo.
Crack me up Bob. Only you would think dentures. I was hoping for accolades for my depth of field but I'll settle for a nice set of dentures my friend.
V
Wow you captured it.
once again.
Beautiful.
Can't wait for the Lyric to be renovated too.
Downtown might shine once again.
I am obviously drawn to the Alabama shot. No explanations needed. It's good to see a city that has some sense to preserve and not destroy.
It's simply marvellous and your photos are superbs
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