This grand theatre opened on January 25, 1930, as The Paramount Theatre. It was a
Movie Palace, designed for the talkies and Vaudeville shows. Countless numbers of
patrons not only enjoyed movies and shows in the palace, but many couples enjoyed
their first date, first kiss or marriage proposal here. There were many weddings held
on the stage of The Paramount!
In 1976, after the last feature Gone With the Wind, the majestic Paramount Theatre
closed its doors. The theatre was purchased by Troy University and reopened in 1983
as The Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts. Named for the late Tine W. Davis and
his wife Eunice, the major contributors to the restoration process.
The Davis Theatre is a downtown landmark and is one of only a handful of such theatre
spaces still standing across the South. The acoustics are excellent, and with twelve-hundred
seats, the size is perfect. It has a full-size orchestra pit, and the stage is easily
seen from any seat in the house. There is a feeling of intimacy long since sacrificed
in modern theatre design.
The Davis Theatre is ideal for Montgomery's needs in size, design and location; in
the center of a revitalized downtown area where it is a perfect complement to the
city's convention facilities.
The theatre hosts amateur and professional musicals, dramatic productions, chamber
music groups, symphony orchestras, dance groups, ballets and instrumental performances
of all types. Moreover, the theatre is available to civic, cultural and educational
institutions to merge these programs with other activities to expand and enrich the
life of the community. In the downtown Montgomery area, civic and convention groups
have access to a lavish, nostalgic, first-rate, multi-purpose theatre.
The original plaster ornamentation have been reproduced exactly. The ornate chandeliers
have been restored by hand to their original luster. In addition, the entire air conditioning,
heating and electrical distribution systems have been replaced, and new carpeting
installed throughout. The Davis Theatre for the Performing Arts reopened its doors
with a Gala Grand Reopening on May 21, 1983. James Whitmore performed the title role in Will Rogers' U.S.A. for this historic event.
A complete state-of-the-art audio and lighting system was installed, all of the theatre
seats were replaced, the rigging and curtains were replaced, and the stage and backstage
areas were enlarged.
The complete exterior of the theatre was restored to its original beauty, including
the grand marquee.
