Alex Theatre May Close its Curtains on Renovations

Glendale's Alex Theatre may have to put aside renovations pending a possible sale following the elimination of redevelopment agencies in California, according to the Glendale News-Press. 

If the city can't take ownership, the landmark theater could go up for sale - which would make it at threat to close, The News-Press reports. 

"In their most recent quarterly report, Glendale Arts, which operates the theater, said they’re holding off on the major upgrades until they know whether earlier moves to try and transfer ownership of the venue from the now-defunct Redevelopment Agency to the city are deemed legal," according to the News-Press.

The Alex Theatre opens its curtains to foothill and greater Los Angeles residents for performances from Los Angeles Ballet, Glendale Pops Orchestra and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.

Musicians including Bonnie Raitt, Jackson Browne, Sheryl Crowe, Garbage and Crowded House have also performed at the location. The stage is the location for many foothills residents' childhood performances and community events. 

Glendale Arts and coordinates local talent, according to its website. The organization would like to find a means of purchasing the location. 

"We are so committed to managing the theater that if the option came up, we want first dibs," Glendale Arts interim chief executive Elissa Glickman told The Times.

Another historic, local theater at risk is South Pasadena's Rialto, which closed its doors on February 2, 2010 following a city inspection that cited fire and safety code violations, according to .  

Before anyone can set foot in the Rialto those safety concerns must be corrected, South Pasadena Patch reported. No revitalizations plans are underway as the exterior conditions, including the current sign, are at risk. 

, Barry McComb of Glendale Arts spoke about how a local patron who comes out to The Alex Theatre spends $17.51 on a visit in addition to the costs of admission. Out-of-towners, on the other hand, will spend $30—and 61 percent of the theater's attendees are from outside the area. This means they are spending $30 on food, shopping, etc.

Glendale Arts has launched several YouTube campaign videos to promote the Alex Theatre and maintaining it. Several local leaders and business owners are featured, including City Manager Scott Ochoa; Betty Porto, owner of Porto's Bakery; Glendale Police Lt. Bruce Fox; Glendale Police Fire Chief Harold Scoggins and several others.

[Note: An earlier version of this article stated that the Alex Theatre could close according to a Los Angeles Times story. While the theater could close, it is also unknown who could take ownership. Patch regrets this error.]