The Alex Theatre is a landmark located at 216 North Brand Boulevard in Glendale, California of the United States of America. It is currently owned by the City of Glendale and operated by Glendale Arts.

ALEX THEATRE TICKETS EVENT DATE AVAILABILITY HMG The Company: Conclusion Tickets 10/8 Oct 08, 2026 Thu, 7:00 PM Georgian National Ballet: Sukhishvili Tickets 10/10 Oct 10, 2026 Sat, 7:00 PM Sonata Music School Gala Concert Tickets 11/1 Nov 01, 2026 Sun, 5:00 PM Furia Tanguera Tickets 11/6 Nov 06, 2026 Fri, 8:00 PM World Ballet Company: The Nutcracker Tickets 12/18 Dec 18, 2026 Fri, 7:00 PM

Architecture

The Alexander , as it was known until 1940, was designed by the architecture firm of Arthur G. Lindley and Charles R. Selkirk, who also designed the Hotel Glendale. The unique interior has distinct neo-classic Greek and Egyptian architectural elements, similar to the Greco-Egyptian period of Ptolemaic Egypt. A long walkway and courtyard separating the ticket booth from the lobby was inspired after the famous Grauman's Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood.

In 1940, notable theater architect S. Charles Lee was commissioned to redesign the exterior of the Alexander . Lee's portfolio included the Tower Theatre and The Los Angeles Theatre , both in Los Angeles, the Academy Theatre in Inglewood, as well as the Tujunga Theatre in Tujunga. His contributions included a 100 foot tall art-deco column with neon lights, topped by a spiked, neon sphere that gave it a "starburst" appearance. A neon, angled marquee emblazoned the theater's new name, the Alex , which was shortened to fit the larger letters.

History

The Alexander officially opened its doors on September 4th, 1925. It was operated by the West Coast-Langley Theatre Circuit and featured vaudeville performances, plays and silent movies on a single screen. It was named after Alexander Langley, the son of C.L. Langley, owner of the West Coast chain that included the Raymond Theater in Pasadena, and the Orange Theatre in the city of Orange. In addition to the lavish architecture, a huge Wurlitzer pipe organ was installed. A regular organist supplied improvised accompaniment during the silent picture era. Several movies had their preview screening at The Alex , inviting celebrities such as Alice Faye, Don Ameche, Elizabeth Taylor for National Velvet and Bing Crosby for Going My Way (both 1944). A backstage fire in 1948 caused $150,000 in damages.

Starting in the 1950s, the Alex showed blockbuster films such as Ben-Hur (1959) and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984). A wide aspect ratio screen was installed in 1954, along with a surround sound system to accommodate the new Cinemascope pictures.

The Alex underwent an extensive renovation in 1993 which restored much of the original wall-painting and decorations, as well as the neon spire added by S. Charles Lee.

The Alex today

The Alex Theatre Performing Arts and Entertainment Center has been the centerpiece of the City's arts, culture and community events since it originally opened. The Theatre's diverse schedule boosts roughly 250 events per year and attracts more than 100,000 patrons annually. Programs range from classical and contemporary concerts, theatre, dance, comedy, fundraising and special events as well as TV and film productions and industry related award presentations.

Resident companies include the Alex Film Society, Gay Men's Chorus of Los Angeles, Glendale Youth Orchestra, Musical Theatre Guild, and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

The Alex Film Society regularly schedules classic films, often accompanied with special guests (e.g., the annual Thanksgiving weekend tradition 'Three Stooges Big Screen Event,' which children, grandchildren, and other relatives of the Stooges often attend), live musical performances of the films soundtrack and vintage photos.

Tours are available that take you backstage and cover the entire history of the Alex .

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