In the heart of downtown Decatur, The Princess Theatre stands as a beacon of history, culture, and community. Over a century old, the Princess has grown from a humble livery stable into one of North Alabama’s most treasured performing arts centers, a place where generations have gathered to celebrate the magic of theater, music, and dance.
A Century of Stage and Screen
The theatre first opened its doors in 1919 as a silent film and vaudeville house. Over the years, it witnessed the evolution of entertainment—from organ-accompanied films to talkies, and eventually to live performances that filled its auditorium with applause and laughter. In 1941, the Princess underwent a major Art Deco makeover that still defines its character today. Local architect Albert Frahn decorated the auditorium with burgundy and gray walls and murals that glow under blacklight.
The lobby features a terrazzo floor with a map of Alabama, highlighting Decatur and the Tennessee River, along with sleek veneer walls and curved stair rails. Outside, the geometric façade is accented with glass bricks, yellow and black vitrolite, and a two-story marquee boasting more than 3,000 feet of neon tubing—an iconic symbol of downtown Decatur. The theater reopened on August 7, 1941, with Tom, Dick and Harry starring Ginger Rogers, a moment that cemented its place in the community’s cultural life.
A Hub for Arts and Education
After closing as a movie house in 1978, the Princess was reborn as a vibrant center for learning and creativity, transforming into a performing arts hub that nurtures both artists and audiences of all ages. The City of Decatur purchased the building and invested $750,000 to renovate it as a performing arts center. The 677-seat theater became home to local performing arts groups, a multipurpose rental facility, and an arts education resource for schools.
Today, as North Alabama’s largest classroom, the Princess annually serves more than 20,000 students and teachers through Young Audience Professional Series performances, school matinees, master classes, and teacher workshops. Visiting artists participate in residencies in the community, offering both performances and hands-on workshops for students and the public.
Visiting artists participate in residencies in the community, offering workshops and performances for schools and the public. The theater is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its significance as both a cultural and historic landmark.
For more than twenty years, the Princess has hosted an array of national and regional events, including performances by Tony Randall, Ray Charles, the Glenn Miller Orchestra, and Broadway tours like Evita and Big River. Local performing groups continue to make the Princess stage their home, presenting children’s theater, choral concerts, musicals, dance, and theater productions. Annually, more than 60,000 people attend events at the Princess.
Community and Cultural Impact
More than just a performance space, the Princess Theatre serves as a cornerstone for Decatur’s cultural life, bringing together residents and visitors alike while fostering a sense of connection, creativity, and shared experience.
Reflecting on the theater’s impact, managing director Jen DiCarlo says, “I’m so grateful for the people it brings. It’s beautiful that we attract visitors from all over—last year alone, we had guests from 39 different states come to see our shows. I think that’s really the heart of it: the theater brings together such a diverse mix of people who get to experience Decatur and see everything our community has to offer.”
DiCarlo emphasizes that the arts play a vital role in enriching lives, inspiring creativity, lifting spirits, and fostering both personal and community well-being. “The arts are extremely important for health and happiness,” she says.
The Princess continues to be a hub for music and performance in Decatur. Most concerts are presented by the theater itself, and the coming months are packed with exciting events. Country music legend Marty Stuart is set to perform, while the holiday season will bring screenings of classic films and a magical presentation of The Nutcracker by a local dance company.
Holiday Movies for the Family
During the Christmas season, the Princess Theatre becomes a true holiday destination. In addition to live performances, the theater will host screenings of beloved holiday films, including It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, and White Christmas. Families and visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere while revisiting classic holiday favorites on the big screen. The full schedule of holiday movies and events can be found on the theater’s website, offering plenty of opportunities to celebrate the season in Decatur’s historic crown jewel.
Whether you visit for a national touring artist, a local performance, or a children’s show, the Princess Theatre offers an experience that is both historic and alive with energy. Its Art Deco charm, glowing murals, and neon marquee remain a captivating reminder of Decatur’s cultural heritage.
For a full schedule of upcoming shows and tickets, visit princesstheatre.org and discover all that this North Alabama treasure has to offer.
Courtesy of SoulGrown Alabama
