HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – The Alhambra Theatre celebrates 95 years with a season full of events including live performances, classic movie showings, community theater and a wide variety of school day shows.
Last year, the theater hosted over 200 events and sees about 40,000 people per year, with the main theater holding up to 650 people.
Alhambra’s visitors include more than just the community of Hopkinsville, according to Executive Director Margaret Prim. “We see a lot of people from surrounding counties come in for our bigger shows,” Prim said.
On show nights, the town of Hopkinsville is hopping. “We drive a lot of our downtown businesses on big nights,” Prim said. “Our restaurants are full, and everyone comes out.”
95 years of history
The theater opened in 1928, a year before the Great Depression. It presented live stage shows and silent movies. Movie bills changed daily, and a new show was brought in every week.
Since 1928, the theater has gone through multiple renovations all while maintaining the history of Alhambra.
To this day, the outside cornerstone indicates the collaboration between the city and the county. Inside, the theater boasts its original archway entrance, tile floor and chandelier from 1928. The original electric panel, part of the original marquee, old film reels, and tin ceiling have all been added to the ambience and décor of the historic building.
In 2012, the theater almost closed due to age and lack of community interest. “In the last 11 years we completely overhauled the theater,” said Prim.
The theater reopened in 2018 with a new renovation including an expansion and adding a bar called The Hall, which can sit up to 80 people.
“Everything in The Hall is intentional,” said Prim. “We have a lot of original pieces. The bar itself is made out of the glass from the original tiles.”
Upcoming events
Alhambra has a variety of upcoming live shows and school day shows. The Pennyroyal Arts Council also holds workshops, and exclusive days for smARTS (students meeting the ARTS). More than 11,000 students have been introduced to the performing arts through school day and in-school performances. The full smARTS schedule can be found on their website.
2023-2024 Live Season:
When: Saturday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m.
Details: A Beatles tribute band will perform at the Alhambra Theatre with a full orchestra. They will perform beginning with their debut on The Ed Sullivan show in 1964 to their break up in 1970.
When: Friday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m.
Details: Brothers Malcolm and Umoja learned to play violin through South Florida’s public school system, and attended Dillard High School for the Performing Arts. Together, these brothers are Sons of Mystro. They use their violins to interpret reggae classics, American pop songs and their own creations accompanied by a DJ & a drummer.
When: Thursday, Dec. 21, from 7-10 p.m.
Details: Come join us in the old village of Killarney in Ireland for an evening of Irish traditions and your favorite Christmas songs. Watch Irish dancers leap through the air and tap their feet while you enjoy the music and harmonies of the season.
When: Friday, Feb. 16, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Details: Alfreda is an international singing powerhouse who has performed with Cher, Celine Dion, Sir Elton John, Whitney Houston, Yanni, Warren Haynes, and many others. In Alfreda Sings Aretha, she pays tribute to the “Queen of Soul” herself, Aretha Franklin.
When: Saturday, March 23, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Details: Spotted on Disney Plus’ The Mandalorian, actor and comedian Jen Kober will take the stage as she dares you not to laugh in this hard- hitting, phenomenally funny hour.
When: Friday, April 12, 2024 at 7 p.m.
Details: Originating in Asheville, North Carolina, these Grammy winning, perennial Billboard chart-toppers, and frequent collaborators of the renowned banjoist (and occasional comedian) Steve Martin, have spent nearly two decades bending and shaping the bluegrass aesthetic. They are often compared to predecessors The Band, Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and the modern Zac Brown Band.
This year, Alhambra will also be hosting a jazz series. “We’ve never done a jazz series yet but it will be four shows throughout December, January and March,” Prim said.
To buy tickets or support Alhambra, call 270-887-4296 or email info@pennyroyalarts.org.