Alhambra Theatre

Alhambra Theatre. . , 1928: The Alhambra Theatre first raised its curtain on May 28, 1928, to live stage shows and silent movies. The facility's name was inspired by the opulent Alhambra Palace in Granada, Spain. The auditorium's Spanish-Moorish décor has been maintained throughout its history. The theater's premier movie was "Don Juan" starring John Barrymore, which was accompanied by comedies, newsreels and a live orchestra. Vaudeville, Broadway, nationally known celebrities along with local talent graced the Alhambra's stage., 1943: A significant renovation included a prominent Art Deco marquee that "wrapped" the exterior corner of the theater while an expanded lobby was afforded by a previous adjacent soda shop. As with many facilities in the South, the Alhambra Theatre was segregated by race from its 1928 opening into the 1960s. African American patrons used a separate ticket window, a side entrance and occupied balcony seats., 1970-80s: This period saw both decline and revival for the theater. A new multi-screen theater on Fort Campbell Boulevard drew the movie-going public and falling demand for live performances led the Alhambra to being shuttered. The possibility of demolition to provide additional downtown parking was considered. However, a small band of residents with vision and persistence were committed to the Alhambra's resurrection. Their advocacy and hands-on efforts gained momentum, facility upgrades were made, and the Pennyroyal Arts Council leased and managed the theater beginning in 1983. As a community performing arts center, the Alhambra was once again a venue for local and traveling performances. , 2000s: Additional improvements were completed in 2007, 2013 and 2018 thanks largely to local financial contributions, a Renaissance Grant from the City of Hopkinsville, and funding from the Christian County Fiscal Court. The fully renovated and upgraded Alhambra Theatre featured an updated lobby and other public areas, new auditorium seats (650 capacity), modernized marquee (that replicated its predecessor's Art Deco design), creation of The Hall at the Alhambra (hospitality and meeting area), and beautiful finishes in every aspect of this historic treasure! Local choirs, dance and theatrical groups and nationally known artists continue to showcase their talents in this iconic performing arts venue. The Alhambra Theatre and the county-owned building in which it is located-stand within the Hopkinsville Commercial Historic District of the National Register of Historic Places. , Famous Personalities at the Alhambra , . Evangelist Billy Sunday (1928) , . Cowboy Stars of stage, screen and radio: Tom Mix, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers (1940s-50s) , . Ailey II dance company of the internationally acclaimed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (2017) , . Black Violin, the classical-meets-hip-hop duo of Kevin Sylvester and Wilner Baptiste (2022) , . Recording Artists: Maureen McGovern (Oscar winner), CeCe Winans (multiple Gospel Grammy winner), Marty Stuart (multiple Country Grammy winner).. and many more notable performers.