First opened in 1930, Davis Theatre for Performing Arts was founded as one of Montgomery’s first movie theaters. In 1976, the cinema closed its doors, but later reopened in the early 1980s after the venue was purchased by a top Alabama university. Since then, the theater has been transformed into a multi-purpose performance space dedicated to the arts. In fact, the venue hosts a range of special events each month including theatrical productions, musicals, dance performances and the magical Candlelight concert series.
Located in the heart of Montgomery, the theater is super easy to get to. Molton & Montgomery is the closest bus stop to the venue and both the Rosa Parks Museum and Freedom Rides Museum can be found just a block away.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about Davis Theatre for Performing Arts
1. Movie magic
On the night of January 25 1930, the venue opened its doors for the first time as ‘The Paramount Theatre’, a sophisticated cinema designed to screen talkies and Vaudeville shows. After the grand opening, the movie theater went on to show films for another 45 years until 1976. Gone With the Wind was the last movie screened here before its closure, and the venue wouldn’t open again for seven more years.
2. A helping hand
After almost a decade gathering dust, the venue was purchased by Troy University and reopened in 1983. The theater was named after local businessman Tine W. Davis who donated a large sum of money to fund the building’s restoration. Grand chandeliers and the original ornamentation were refurbished by hand, and the building’s fabulous exterior featuring bright neon lights was restored to its former glory.
3. The venue is a top-class performance space
Nowadays, the Davis Theatre is something of a local treasure in downtown Montgomery. The dazzling facade welcomes visitors to enjoy magical shows inside the 1200-seat theater every week. With excellent acoustics, state-of-the-art facilities and even a full-size orchestra pit, there are few better places to catch a live performance in the city.
Candlelight concerts at Davis Theatre for Performing Arts
The Candlelight series invites you to experience your favorite songs in a whole new light at these sensational concerts taking place inside the theater. Skilled musicians put a classical spin on contemporary songs by the likes of Coldplay and Taylor Swift and also pay tribute to iconic compositions by Vivaldi, Jules Massenet and Astor Piazzolla. Prepare to immerse yourself in a serene candlelit setting and feel enchanted by every soothing note performed live on the night.
What else can you do at Davis Theatre for Performing Arts?
First and foremost, the theater is a venue specially designed to host live performances on stage. That being said, you can still expect to attend a host of art exhibitions and educational programs related to the performing arts. There are also regular events for the community hosted here such as lectures, panel discussions, fundraisers and film screenings.
Montgomery has its fair share of gorgeous venues with a rich history, and Davis Theatre for Performing Arts is no exception. Having stood proud in the city for almost 100 years, the theater has been a shining beacon for the arts, but it hasn’t been without a few knockbacks along the way. This season, the spectacular Candlelight concert series is lighting up the venue to bring dazzling live music performances illuminated by a sea of candles to the city to continue the venue’s legacy.