Davis Theatre

Examining the perfect complement to the Montgomery’s convention facilities

“We are a family orientated theatre, the productions we bring in are quality productions, and attract river region patrons. My favorite part about the theatre is the personal touch. We get to know our patrons, they are always willing to come back.”

The Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts hosts amateur professional musicals, dramatic productions, music groups, and dance performances of all types in downtown Montgomery. This grand theater opened on January 25, 1930, and has undergone several renovations since. After renovations, it held a Gala Grand Reopening on May 21, 1983.

The Davis Theatre is a downtown landmark and is one of only a handful of such theaters still standing across the South. The theater prides itself on its excellent acoustics, twelve-hundred seats; its ideal size is perfect. It has a full-size orchestra pit, and the stage is easily seen from any seat in the house. According to the official website, there is a feeling of intimacy long since sacrificed in modern theatre design.

Theatre director Emma Rudolph says the theatre has grown because of extensive renovations, which add quality to the experience.

The first night The Paramount Theatre opened it’s doors in 1930 with the showing of “How the West was Won”; restorations began in the early 1980’s. [Photo courtesy of Cinema Treasures]

Present day photo of the Davis Theatre; the theatre has remained unchanged since 1983. [Photo courtesy of Exploring Montgomery]

Exact Restorations

The theater’s plaster ornamentation have been reproduced exactly, and the chandeliers have been restored by hand to their original luster. In addition, new carpeting has been installed throughout, and the entire air conditioning, heating and electrical distribution systems have been replaced.

One of the first nights the Davis Theatre had it’s doors open in the 1930’s; the night shot shows just how popular attendance was at the theatre. [Photo courtesy of Exploring Montgomery]

A shot in 2014 of the outside of the Davis Theatre with advertisements for their home school, Troy University; the marquee was updated to it’s original beauty in the 1980’s. [Photo courtesy of Exploring Montgomery]

In the past, it was a Movie Palace, designed for the talkies and Vaudeville shows.

Renovations in the 80s built complete state-of-the-art audio and lighting systems, all of the theater seats were replaced, the riggings and curtains were replaced, the stage and backstage areas were enlarged. The complete exterior of the theater was restored to its original beauty, including the grand marquee.

Location

The Davis Theatre is located at 251 Montgomery St. in downtown Montgomery, and has stayed in the same place since it opened in 1929. The Rosa Parks Museum is across the street from the Davis Theatre.

“According to plans prepared by McDonald & Company, architects and engineers, of Atlanta, the de luxe theatre which Publix Theatres Corporation is to build at Montgomery, Ala., will be one of the handsomest and most completely equipped houses of its kind in the South.” (From the July 6, 1929 issue of Motion Picture News)

What Makes it Special

The Davis Theatre is a gem for Montgomery largely because of its history and functionality.

Director of the theater, Emma Rudolph, has been the director for 13 years. When asked about what makes the theatre special to her, her response was simple. “We are a family orientated theatre, the productions we bring in are quality productions, and attract River Region patrons,” said Rudolph.

“My favorite part about the theatre is the personal touch. We get to know our patrons, they are always willing to come back,” added Rudolph.

The future plans for this building are to continue to put on shows, ballets, concerts, musicals and much more. Throughout April, May, and June, the theater has a packed schedule — so be sure to get your tickets to visit a performance of your choice today.