Alex Theatre
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Alex Theatre
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The Alex Theatre in 2006
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| Location | 216 North Brand Boulevard Glendale, California |
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| Coordinates | 34°8′55.62″N 118°15′17.20″W / 34.1487833°N 118.2547778°WCoordinates: 34°8′55.62″N 118°15′17.20″W / 34.1487833°N 118.2547778°W |
| Built | 1925 |
| Architect | Lindley & Selkirk Associates; Et al. |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival, Art Deco, Moderne |
| NRHP Reference # | 96000102 |
| Added to NRHP | February 16, 1996 |
The Alex Theatre is a landmark located at 216 North Brand Boulevard in Glendale, California, United States. It is currently owned by the city of Glendale and operated by Glendale Arts.
The architectural design of the original 1925 Alexander (as it was known until about 1939) was attributed to the architectural firm of Meyer & Holler; the front addition in 1939 was attributed to 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 Downtown Los Angeles, the Academy Theatre in Inglewood, as well as the Tujunga Theatre in Tujunga. His contributions included a 100-foot-tall (30 m) 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.
The Alexander officially opened its doors on September 4, 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.
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