Show goes on for Glendale’s Alex Theatre

The 90-year-old Alex Theatre in Glendale has survived through generations of moviegoers and live entertainment, as well as a period of uncertainty as developers hungrily vied for the prime downtown property.

In recent years, under the management of Glendale Arts, it’s become an increasingly significant venue not just for the city but for the region, with major musical, dance, dramatic and other cultural fare.

This week, Glendale Arts announced a new five-year agreement with the Glendale Economic Development Corp. The new lease and management deal at the venue known for its vaudeville-era neo-Greek architecture will run through 2020.

The Alex reopened last year after significant renovations to its stage and backstage areas, followed with a full calendar of events that included the Los Angeles Ballet, a hilarious talk by Steve Martin and Martin Short, concerts by Arturo Sandoval and a live tribute the Beatles’ “White Album,” a screening of “MASH” with cast members Elliott Gould and Sally Kellerman, and much more.

In celebration of the venue’s nine decades, the Alex has also established the Illuminate Project, a $75,000 fundraising campaign to relight the Theatre’s iconic 100-foot-tall tower and spire.

This Saturday, the Alex Film Society brings a screening of 1958’s “High School Confidential,” and Kyle Cease hosts his two-day “Evolving Out Loud” event on Aug. 8.

For a complete schedule, see www.alextheatre.org.