Alex Theatre

Always a joy coming to Alex Theatre. I have been here multiple times over the past few years for various events and the experience is always pleasant. Beautiful theatre that’s always clean and well-​kept. If there’s ever a show here, definitely check it out!

This review is for the free tour of the Alex that is offered every couple of months.
Unlike most theater tours, it included going backstage and on stage with the crew there to operate the riggings, lights, and sound. The tour group was large because it had a number of volunteer ushers to help give them a better understanding of the theater, but made it cumbersome to negotiate the tight spaces like the dressing rooms, orchestra pit, and lighting booth.
Access to the entire theater was the best part of the tour because it is not a very ornate or pretty auditorium compared to the Chinese or El Capitan in Hollywood and the Los Angeles or United Artists/​Ace Hotel in downtown LA.
The tour lasted 1 hour, 45 minutes with nearby validated parking for a buck. I made reservations by e-​mail which was pointless as we didn’t need to check-​in and the group size was unlimited.

I came here to see Mindy Kaling for LA talks and it was amazing! The venue is great, super open, and clean. Every seat is a good seat. I sat closer to the back, and Mindy was still easy to see and hear. I would definitely come back

The first time I went to the Alex Theatre was back in 1977 to see the original Star Wars. My mom and I walked over there from our home a couple blocks away and it was jammed packed. We ended up sitting in different rows.
The Alex Theatre has been a Glendale landmark since 1925. It is owned by the City of Glendale and operated by the Glendale Arts non-​profit. In 1992 $ 6.2 Million in public funds was used to restore the Alex Theatre. Now it is home to the Alex Film Society, Glendale Youth Orchestra, Los Angeles Ballet and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
The Red Chair Children’s Production Company presents The Nutcracker on December 13, 2015. On February 27, 2016 the Los Angeles Ballet presents Don Quixote. There will be many other productions so check it out.
I am really glad the Alex Theatre was added to the National Register for Historic Places. I wish they would show the new Star Wars film there.

My work hosted a function here yesterday. The staff was so helpful and everything was so clean and sparkly!
What a beautiful venue! The décor and ambiance was so old hollywood. I loved watching all our students and staff perform on the stage. The only minus was that the IT and stage crew set up at entrance of the theatre. But other than that there was more than enough room for all of us to sit. The audio was great-​no glitches.
Hopefully, I get to visit again soon.

Came here for the 1^st time last night for the Three Stooges event. According to the website, the Alex was built in 1925 and seats something like 1,600 people. Architecturally, the theater has that same majestic quality as the Egyptian & the Pantages: winding staircases, sloping aisles that will ensure no one’s head is in your way (*vertigo sufferers, beware of balcony*) and a dated, old-​timey charm. My only gripe is the place had no elevator; the stairs can be difficult for older folks and those with orthopedic issues to reach the balcony level.
Seating:
Main floor and balcony area with different tiers of seating in between. There were so many different places to sit I actually tried out 4 different sections (upper and lower) before I settled on the balcony. Note: the center balcony rows can be a bit narrow for those who like a little more legroom. Try sitting a little off to the side for more space.
Bathroom:
I didn’t use it, but I was told the gentleman’s bathroom was quite nice.
Bar/​Concessions:
Not sure if concessions are always outside or just for this event. For this event, they were sold outside: $ 2 popcorn, $ 1-​$ 2 brownies, $ 2 coffee. «Bar» area was on top floor and was limited and dated.
Parking:
Lots of options. Got lucky and found metered parking in front of the theater. The Alex is w/​i walking distance of Americana/​Brand Blvd. shops & Galleria so you’ll find something.
Restaurants:
Too many choices to count, lots of dinner options w/​i a block or two. Added bonus: Porto’s is across the street. :)

I love this theater. Beautiful theater, with an exceptional staff and services. The new dressing rooms are huge, bright and very modern.

I have been to the Alex Theatre more times than I can count on one hand. I Iove the atmosphere here.
The architecture is amazing if a bit outdated. Haven’t sat in the balcony yet, but I imagine it’s just as nice. It’s a tight space in this theatre so no matter where you sit, you’re bound to get a good view. All event’s i’ve been to have been school performances from my nieces school and i always have a great time. The chairs are pretty uncomfortable, they could do with a little upholstering. Maybe add a cushion or two, but theres plenty of leg space, never feel cramped.
I wish the little café outside had better choices during intermission, and the last time we went, the ‘gentleman’ serving drinks and food took such a long time, we missed 10 mins of the 2^nd half. I was a little annoyed. And I wish it wasn’t food ‘catered’ from Porto’s cause they charge twice as much as what Porto’s charges.

Helloooo leg room! The seats here are roomier than most theaters (if you’ve been to a theater in New York, you know what I’m talking about). It’s also well maintained and quite cozy. We got orchestra seats but I imagine, given the size of the theater, that almost everyone could see the stage well. There’s a concessions area that sells water and cookies (from Porto’s if I might add) during intercession but the lines can get long and depending on the duration of your break, you might not make it back to your seat in time. Plan ahead if your coming for a show as street parking is limited and the theater doesn’t have its own private parking.

I really like this place. I worked an event here, but got to enjoy a portion of the show. I bopped around different seats of the venue, and it was very comfortable. Iys just s nice, cozy place, with some history. I look forward to coming back.

I maybe a little biased I’ve been working here part time since January. But it truly is an awesome space. I love the architecture and the little artistic details throughout the courtyard, theater and lobby. It is an almost 90 years old building, so there’s neat stories all throughout the history of the place.
The only real drawback of this theater is the fact that there is no public elevator. It doesn’t matter to me since I love running up and down stairs, but I know for a good majority of our patrons, this is a huge disappointment. And since my job is to make everyone feel welcome and comfortable, this makes my job a bit more challenging.
But all in all, if you plan your visit in advance, letting staff know that you can’t (or won’t) do stairs when purchasing your ticket, it isn’t as frustrating for all parties.

Nice and intimate space…
I’ve been here twice for two completely different events.
The first event was for relay for life (walk for cancer awareness). My band played during the event and the whole event was set up right outside of the main theater (between the gate and the actual theater). The event was well organized and they allowed us to park at the back which was great considering all the equipment we had to haul.
The second event was for a pageant. I was one of the judges so I was able to experience being seated on the first row, front and center. The ambiance was nice and being up front did not hurt my neck. I can’t comment on how the view is like up on the balcony but it seemed like everyone up there had a good view of the stage.
They had a bar set up right outside. The outside area provided good space for the banner and red carpet.
The chairs were comfortable.
It didn’t get stuffy at all.
The sound system kept cutting in and out.
The place itself is very clean. As soon as the event ended, they were quick to kick everyone out of the inside area. It seemed like it was okay to hangout by the gate though…
Parking this time was DIFFICULT! It was a Sunday and we had to pay for parking on the meters.
I would love to come back to experience a show or a play.

This was one of the worst customer service experiences I’ve ever had. On my way out a couple weeks ago, I had to get my parking validated by the machine in the lobby area. I was patiently waiting in the line when one of the Alex Theatre’s employees came up to us and said the machine was broken. She took all of our tickets to manually validate them herself. I originally handed her a blue ticket and she handed me back a yellow one. I told her about this and she looked at me like I was stupid and said «no, it was yellow.» I again told her that it was blue and she said «no, it was yellow» and then just walked away. It was in fact the wrong ticket and I had to pay the maximum parking fee.
Instead of taking the time to listen to your guest, this woman just treated me like I didn’t know what I was saying and that I was a waste of her time.

Such a beautifully detailed theatre. Clean, well maintained and generally friendly staff.

I came to see Billy Elliot here. This was my first time to the theatre. Oh I loved it and wish they had more Broadway shows here or just more of a variety shows. The place is small so there is no bad seats. The entrance is pretty cool.

How did I even end up here?! I think I saw a youtube video of an amazing ballet dancer, then I wanted to see ballet, and then I saw the Alex Theatre often hosts the Los Angeles Ballet, and THEN I saw the theatre was putting on «Billy Elliot the Musical» the same weekend my musical-​adverse husband was out of town. With tickets as cheap as $ 25, WHY NOT?!
It’s a gorgeous, art deco theatre, with a beautiful courtyard to welcome you. I went for the $ 2 for a bottle of water, but you can definitely bring your own drinks and snacks with you. I had no problem bringing in a sweet treat that I had brought from home.
I groaned when I first saw my seat. I «splurged» for the $ 35 seats (so affordable, I love it) and was right behind one of the sound booths. It turned out to not be a problem at all! The view was only slightly obscured, and after a minute, I didn’t even notice. The seats themselves weren’t great in terms of comfort, but I managed to get through 3 hours without too much fidgeting. I could see anyone with a bonier butt having trouble, though!
The performance was solid and I had fun. I might’ve been disappointed if I had paid top dollar to see a similar show at the Pantages, but I got my $ 35 worth.
Parking in the garage across the street was a breeze, and only $ 1 (with validation)! Further proof that a night out at the theatre doesn’t have to break the bank. I support any organization that makes quality art more accessible.

Old theater, pretty well maintained. Seats are padded, but not fancy. Restrooms. The marquee and entry are the most interesting architectural features. There is am interesting frieze over the stage, but the speakers diminish the beauty. Good venue, three parking structures close. Orange street parking has a shortcut the through middle of the of the block almost across from the Alex. Validated parking $ 1 for 4 hours.

I have been to the Alex Theatre a handful of times for various shows. It is not the most glamorous venue, but it has a lot of character and old school charm. The entrance is a huge outdoor courtyard, and to your right you will see refreshments sold. There is also a bar upstairs for the upper level.
As soon as you enter, there are ushers who are extremely helpful and willing to find you your seat. They will guide you in which direction to head, are there you will find more ushers to tell you where you sit! The staff is definitely kind, courteous, and easy to get a hold of.
I have sat both on the lower and upper level. Since it is a smaller theater, there really is no bad seat in the house. You can see the performers very well from any seat!
There are restrooms on both floors, and they are always well maintained.
The parking around here can look like a mess, but I have always found a metered spot on Brand Blvd and walked right over.
I do recommend the Alex Theatre to anyone in the area who wants to see a local performance!

The renovations are almost done. Went there recently to see Malcolm Gladwell interview Michael Lewis. The Alex is beautiful, and great venue for dance, comedy, music, public speakers. Easy parking, easy access. Clean bathrooms.

This is such an old school gorgeous theatre they really don’t make them like this anymore. I have been to The Alex on several occasions; plays, musicals, concerts and movies. Every time it is such an amazing experience. I highly recommend seeing one or a few of their many events through out the year.
Get there early some events are at a first come first serve seating arrangement. Also parking is a pain in Glendale, so give yourself time for that.