Princess Theatre

The Princess Theatre Center for the Performing Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit performing arts venue and landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places. For more than a century it has stood as a cultural landmark in north Alabama. Its story begins in 1887 as a livery stable; by 1919 the building was reborn as a silent film and vaudeville playhouse, opening on December 30, 1919 with the play Tea for Three. After a 1941 renovation it adopted the Art Deco style that still defines it, including a neon marquee and murals by architect Albert Frahn. When the movie house closed in 1978, the City of Decatur invested $750,000 to restore and reopen it as the city's performing arts center with 677 seats.

The Princess Theatre's story begins in 1887, not as a theatre but as a livery stable where townspeople parked their horses. By 1919, the building was reborn as a silent film and vaudeville playhouse, hosting 'high class roadshows, pictures, and Keith Vaudeville' (RKO). On opening night, December 30, 1919, Tea for Three graced the stage, accompanied by local orchestras; the next day audiences paid 20 to 30 cents to see The Wolf on the big screen. After a striking renovation in 1941, the Princess adopted the Art Deco style that still defines it today, with a brilliantly lit neon marquee becoming an icon for the region. Architect Albert Frahn adorned the auditorium with burgundy and gray murals that glowed under blacklight; fluorescent carpeting lit the aisles, the terrazzo lobby floor featured a map of Alabama, and imported veneer walls and geometric vitrolite glass created a sleek, modern façade. The Princess reopened with Ginger Rogers in Tom, Dick and Harry. When the movie house closed in 1978, the City of Decatur stepped in, investing $750,000 to restore and reopen the Princess as the city's performing arts center. With 677 seats, the Theatre became a stage home for local performing groups, a hub for community rentals, and a venue for nationally touring artists. Over the years, its stage welcomed Tony Randall, Ray Charles, Broadway...

A historic Art Deco landmark and nonprofit performing arts center serving as a major anchor for downtown Decatur and north Alabama.

Product categories. Live performances · Movies · Community rentals · Educational programs

1. 1Home - The Princess Theatreprincesstheatre.org
2. 2History - The Princess Theatreprincesstheatre.org
3. 3About Us - The Princess Theatreprincesstheatre.org