Shell Game

The historic Alabama Theatre is easily recognizable with it's  huge neon signage. Built in 1927, it's a Birmingham treasure. I recently watched a showing of To Kill A Mockingbird there and just sitting in that gorgeous theatre brought back fond memories of all the zillion movies I saw there when I was growing up. Most likely the side of the building which faces 18th Street goes unnoticed. It's really quite unusual, with it's wonderful shell pattern.

Look Up!

One of many beautiful ceiling details at the Historic Alabama Theatre. 

Since 1927...

the glamorous light fixtures in the Historic Alabama Theatre have been lighting the Showplace of the South. A treasure!

Christmas in Birmingham - The Historic Alabama Theatre

From the Mezzanine of the Alabama Theatre

Lighting Up The Alabama

The historic Alabama Theatre is a Birmingham treasure that has been so beautifully restored and we are grateful. I watched many a movie here growing up, but I'll admit that I didn't appreciate the exquisite interior, especially the light fixtures.  Today I share a stunning chandelier that hangs at the entrance, reflected in the mirrored wall.

Box Office

I can vividly remember standing here and getting my ticket to see a movie at the Alabama Theatre. As we opened the doors.... the smell or popcorn!  Thankfully this glorious theatre has been restored and is still showing movies here in downtown Birmingham.

The Box Office

The Historic Alabama Theatre ( built in 1926) has been so beautifully preserved.   I spent many wonderful times here as a girl growing up in Birmingham.  I can still smell the popcorn, and hear the "Mighty Wurlitzer" being played before the movie started.  Thankfully it's still around, making new memories.  This ornate box office with the gorgeous overhead lights still rings my bell!  ( I snapped this not long ago through the glass!)

Alabama Sunset

 


 Last Sunday, I was taking a spin around downtown with Josh Hailey and company chasing the last hours of daylight.  We roared up to the Alabama Theater and I jumped out for a quick snap.  Josh caught it from the car... a drive by shooting. 

Know the Ropes

The Historic Alabama Theatre

Thank you again Tom Cronier, excellent Alabama Theatre volunteer, for another great tour of this
Birmingham landmark last Saturday.

Art Folk Gallery at Young & Vann

1731 1st Avenue North

Birmingham, AL 35203

From Snapshots to Photographs 

Virginia Jones 

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Birmingham Glam II - The Alabama Theatre

Last Easter, my church, Independent Presbyterian, worshipped at the Alabama Theatre while our sanctuary was under renovation.  I took the opportunity to have another photo shoot there.  I grew up going downtown on Saturdays and watching so many wonderful movies in this historic theater.  Now as a photographer, I delight in capturing the details I took for granted as a teenager.  Today, one of the many amazing lights that grace the sides of the theatre.  

Glam

Sunday my church held Easter services at the historic Alabama Theatre.  Before the service I wandered around and took more photos to add to my growing collection from this grand old place. I have many fond memories of Saturdays spent here when I was growing up.  Built in 1927, it has been lovingly restored and still runs movies and is a popular venue for weddings and concerts.  Today, one of the magnificent chandeliers reflected in the mirrored walls.

Just Grand

That's how I would describe Birmingham's historic Alabama Theatre.  I've brought you here many times.  Today the staircase.  This lovely old theater is 84 year young now and thanks to the late Cecil Whitmire and many others, it has been lovingly preserved.  It evokes many wonderful memories for me as a girl growing up here.

Farewell Dear Friend

Sunday, Birmingham and the state of Alabama lost a dear friend. Cecil Whitmire who was responsible for the renovation and preservation of our beautiful Alabama Theatre passed away. Cecil began playing, what we all call "The Mighty Wurlitzer" in the late 1970's . In 1987 he became the president of Alabama Landmarks and is credited with giving our fabulous 83 year old Alabama Theatre a new life. I was privileged to have met him in recent years when I photographed the Alabama and another of his loves.....the Lyric. We mourn the loss of a wonderful friend and hope that others will step up to continue the renovation and preservation of the theatres that he so loved.

I have many posts of the Alabama and the Lyric here, here, and here, and here,

The Box Office

I think I'll ride the Worldwide Photo Walk, that I joined last Saturday, for a few more days if you don't mind. Today, the view through the window of the Alabama Theater's lobby. I liked the lights and the reflection. ( Well I'd have liked to go inside and get it without the reflection, but they were having an event with a Rolls parked outside. Sigh)

Birmingham Rouge VI - The Mighty Wurlitzer

Quick, what's BIG, red and at 82 years of age can still belt out a tune? The Historic Alabama Theatre's "Mighty Wurlitzer" of course! Big Bertha, as she is affectionately known, has to be the most over the top organ anywhere! At the time the theatre was built in 1927, silent movies accompanied by an orchestra were the norm. Using an organ for smaller shows and matinees was a way to save money. I have many fond memories of afternoons spent here as a girl. Before and after the movie, the spotlight would dramatically shine on the stage and the floor would open and the organ and organist would magically rise up! From 1937 -1956 audiences were entertained by Stanleigh Malotte, who not only played but added some interesting commentary on Birmingham politics etc. The Alabama's faithful steward, Cecil Whitmire, not only oversees the preservation of the wonderful old theatre, but still plays from time to time. On my tour with volunteer and friend Tom Cronier, we were treated to a concert via the computerized system that has been installed. The Alabama Theatre is a Birmingham treasure that thankfully has been lovingly preserved.

For previous posts on the Alabama click here , here. and here

A HUGE congrats to our dear friend Bob Crowe who is celebrating his Saint Louis MO Daily Photo's 1,000th post today. Can you believe that??? Bob has to be the hardest working blogger on City Daily Photo, and might I add a terrific friend and mentor. Take a big bow B!!!

The Dancing Chairs!

I hope you'll love this post as much as I do.  This is another photo from the "abandoned office building adjoining the abandoned Lyric Theatre."  This photo made me smile when I took it. What made it more fun was the response my friend Bob Crowe, ( St. Louis Daily Photo),  had when I sent him some of the photos.  Bob, may I quote you???

" What are those things and how do they stand independently?  My immediate strong association was to a poor-side -of -town version of Mickey Mouse's buckets and mops in the Sorcerer's Apprentice section of Disney's Fantasia.  Whatever those things are - old chair backs? - they are dancing. "

Well, my friend and tour guide of the Alabama and Lyric, Tom Cronier, had something to add:

"Wander, wander

Faster, faster

Fetch your master

WATER  

Gushing from the buckets

See when I look at that room I see old Alabama Theatre seats that were stored  here when the Alabama got new ones.  BUT you and Bob see something magical."

What can I add,  but that these are the side panels from old seats from the Alabama Theatre across the street that are piled in this room.  You  will have to admit they seem to be dancing to the window to get one last glimpse.  

All Lit Up

The Alabama Theater as you have already seen here and here, is a treasure trove of beautiful details and furnishings.  The lighting fixtures are no exception.  Luckily they have been lovingly maintained. 

Thanks to my producer/manager who was smart enough to help me out by voting for the one I had already chosen! 

Lobby Chandelier from beneath

The Projection Room

"Reels"

If you saw my post on 1/5/09, you know that I got a grand tour of Birmingham's Alabama Theater on Sunday.  Part of the tour was a trek (think mountain goats) up to the topmost regions of the theater, above the Upper Balcony to see the Projection Room.  The Upper Balcony was a place I don't think I had ever been.  Back in the day, "nice girls" didn't sit in the Upper Balcony. Many of you know why!  I digress.  The Projection Room was a grand place full of  spotlights, projectors and dusty old reels.  Another photographer's buffet! Thanks again Tom for a fabulous tour!

Big White Al and the Projectors

(Sounds like a rock n roll group from the 60's doesn't it!)

"Big White Al, the spotlight!"

The Tune du Jour is the theme from " A Summer Place"

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Discover Various Artists!

81 And Still a Gorgeous Lady!

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!

 The Tune du Jour is a special presentation . Click here.

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PARIS THROUGH MY LENS