Remember the Alamo

An Austin institution is closing down! Well kind of...The original Alamo Drafthouse which has been named the #1 Theatre in America by Entertainment Weekly, is moving locations. The original location was tucked in the heart of Austin's warehouse district. But now Alamo is moving to sixth street (of all places) and expanding. Although this in theory is a good thing, I will miss the old locale. There are many Alamo locations, but the downtown/original Alamo hosts the unique events. The other locations merely show regular new releases. Where is the fun in that?

Some of you may be wondering what the Alamo Drafthouse is all about. Well in the words of Entertainment Weekly the Alamo Drafthouse is: "One of America's most fanatically unique movie-going experiences." And that is the truth.

Alamo is a full service theatre (with servers who bring food to your seat) specializing in off the wall movies from horror nights to random cartoons; to my personal favorite: THE SING-ALONGS!
Yes I said sing-along.

I personally have been to the following Alamo events to name a few: Moulin Rouge, Journey, Mickey Mouse Club (as in Britney, Christina, and Justin), and Trapped in the Closet (as in R.Kelly)--All sing-alongs, and the Saved by the Bell marathon.
In fine Alamo form each event includes props including waterguns, balloons, slap bracelets--whatever is necessary for acting out the show.

This Wednesday is the final night at the Alamo. I sadly will be out of town, but the "Last night at the Alamo Feast" includes a wrench for attendees to unbolt their seats and take them home with them. Eccentric?

Although I will be out of town for the last night, I did attend the last sing-along, thanks to my brother Daniel. Appropriately named, "The Ultimate Sing-along," the event featured songs from past Alamo Sing-alongs. During 99 Red Balloons, we blew up red balloons and bounced them around. As the audience sang to Purple Rain purple streamers were thrown all along. And as the show opened with Thriller four of the Alamo workers dressed like ghouls did the entire Thriller dance.

If you are in Austin, you need to check out The Alamo. The new location will open in September.

FYI: Monday's feature is the The Princess Bride Quote-Along.

Just in case my doctor is reading this, no, I did not sing one single note! Torture, I know, but I didn't want to strain my vocal chords. Off to Dallas today and to a special "Supper" tomorrow. I will share all next week.

-RXW