Alex Theatre

Architecture

The Alex Theatre originally opened in 1925 as the Alexander Theatre, and was designed by architects Arthur G. Lindley and Charles R. Selkirk Associates, although at least one written source attributes it to the architectural firm of Meyer & Holler. Lindley & Selkirk Associates also designed the Hotel Glendale. The interior combines neo-classic Greek and Egyptian architectural elements, inspired by the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

In 1940, theater architect S. Charles Lee redesigned the exterior of the Alexander, adding the iconic neon tower, starburst sphere, and marquee that shortened the name to the Alex.

History

The Alexander officially opened on September 4, 1925, operated by the West Coast–Langley Theatre Circuit. It featured vaudeville performances, plays, and silent movies. A large Wurlitzer organ provided live accompaniment.

Located near Walt Disney’s Hyperion studio, the Alex became his preferred site for previewing cartoons. Films such as National Velvet and Going My Way (both 1944) held previews there. A 1948 backstage fire caused $150,000 in damage.

The Alex thrived during the mid-20th century with blockbusters like Ben-Hur (1959). A CinemaScope screen and surround-sound were added in 1954.

Post-renovation management and programming (1994–present)

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.

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.

Glendale Arts era (2008–2021)

In 2008 the ART Board transitioned into the nonprofit Glendale Arts, which managed the Alex for over a decade. 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.

Restoration and capital projects

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. 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.

Programming and notable events

The Alex hosted nationally recognized events including the RuPaul’s Drag Race season 9 finale (2017), NBC’s Bring the Funny finale (2019), and episodes of My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman (2019–2020). It has appeared in numerous TV and film productions, including Criminal 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.

Notable performers

The Alex has hosted appearances by prominent artists and public figures, including:

• Jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval in benefit concerts (2014, 2015).
• Steve Martin and Martin Short for a Live Talks LA conversation (2014).
• Robby Krieger of The Doors in concert (2016).
• Actor Elliott Gould and singer Sally Kellerman at a MASH* reunion screening (mid-2010s).
• Comedian Doug Benson taping a live show (2016).

Leadership changes and transition to SAS

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.

In October 2021, the City awarded management to SAS Entertainment Partners, ending Glendale Arts’ tenure.

Resident companies

The Alex has hosted numerous resident companies. The Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles performed more than 100 concerts there between 1994 and 2021. In 2018, a matinée was canceled due to a bomb threat.

The Musical Theatre Guild ended its tenure after 2023 when SAS ended its residency.

The Alex Film Society continues screenings, including The Three Stooges Big Screen Event (2024). The Glendale Youth Orchestra also performs regularly, entering its 36th season in 2025–26.

Gallery

|File:Glendale, Ca.-Alex Theatre-1925-1.jpg| The Alex Theatre (2014) |File:Glendale, Ca.-Alex Theatre-1925-2.JPG | Side view with neon tower (2014) |File:Glendale, Ca.-Alex Theatre-1925-4.jpg |Courtyard |File:Glendale, Ca.-Alex Theatre-1925-5.jpg |Ticket booth |File:Alex ceiling.jpg|Ceiling inside auditorium |File:Alex lights.jpg|Interior light fixture |File:Alex proscenium.jpg|Proscenium

References

References

1. {{NRISref. 2007a
2. "Alex Theatre".
3. "NPGallery Asset Detail".
4. Counter, B.. "Los Angeles Theatres: Alex Theatre: history + street views".
5. "Alex Theatre in Glendale, CA - Cinema Treasures".
6. "Alex Theatre {{!}} Los Angeles Conservancy".
7. "National Register of Historical Places - CALIFORNIA (CA), Los Angeles County".
8. (1984). "The City Observed: Los Angeles; A Guide to its Architecture and Landscapes". Vintage Books, a division of [[Random House]].
9. "NPGallery Asset Detail".
10. Holly Andres. (September 2, 2021). "Historic Alex Theatre in Glendale celebrates its 96th year with an open house on Sept. 4". Los Angeles Daily News.
11. "Disney's Preview Palace: The Alex Theater".
12. (2021-07-27). "Glendale Arts: Our Conviction for the Alex and for Glendale".
13. (2021-06-23). "New Leadership for Glendale Arts".
14. (2021-09-30). "Glendale Arts Ousted in Favor of SAS".
15. "Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles".
16. (2018-06-23). "Concert by Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles canceled after bomb threat". Los Angeles Times.
17. (2022-09-06). "Longtime Resident Company, Musical Theatre Guild, Will Depart Alex Theatre".
18. (2025-05-01). "GYO Presents 36th Season Finale at the Alex Theatre".