Vaudeville returns to Alex Theatre

Joyce Rudolph Enjoy!

GLENDALE -- The Alex Film Society is kicking off its new season by

returning vaudeville to The Alex Theatre.

The idea came to society officials after the success of last

September’s 75th anniversary show, featuring variety acts and hosted by

the late Steve Allen.

“Return to Vaudeville!” on Sept. 15 will feature a live stage show,

along with a screening of W.C. Fields’ “The Bank Dick” (1940), said Randy

Carter, society president.

Six acts are planned, including a tap-dancing troupe, a magician who

works with pigeons, a contortionist, a levitation act and the music group

Ian Whitcomb and the Bungalow Boys, playing ‘20s and ‘30s tunes with a

sing-along.

“The Alex was a vaudeville palace when it opened in 1925, so this is something that will bring it right back to its roots,” Carter said. “Los

Angeles has been lacking a nice vaudeville venue, so we’re trying to

bring regularly scheduled vaudeville back to Los Angeles.”

The society is hoping to provide more stage show events during future

seasons, Carter said, but additional shows depend on how well the first

one is attended.

“It’s this showmanship touch that makes it so much fun,” he said. “But

there is risk attached. We are looking to the community to support the

event.”

The money made from the show will go to shows in the future, he added.

Alex Film Society season

“Return to Vaudeville,” featuring W.C. Fields’ “The Bank Dick” (1940),

8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, tickets $15 for adults and $12 for children

and society members.

“Frankenstein” (1931), Universal, 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, Tickets

$8.50, $6 for society members.

“The Three Stooges Big Screen Event!” 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 24,

tickets adults $12, $10 matinee; children $10, $8 matinee, $6 society

members.

“Arsenic and Old Lace” (1944), Warner Bros., 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday,

Jan. 19, tickets $8.50, $7 matinee, $6 society members.

For tickets, call Telecharge (800) 233-3123 or stop by The Alex box

office, 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale. For information, call 754-8250 or

check out the Web site at www.keyconnect.com/alexfilmsoc.