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Billings, Montana, is home to a vibrant performing arts culture, and the Alberta Bair Theater provides a beautiful venue. The theater has a long history in Billings and has entertained and delighted locals and visitors for decades.
Today's visitors can enjoy the renovated space in this historic theater while enjoying holiday favorites.
HISTORY OF ALBERTA BAIR THEATER
The theater first opened in 1931 under the name Fox Theater. Its first event showed the motion picture Merely Mary Ann starring Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. 20th Century Fox financed part of the Art Deco theater, which featured chandeliers, dressing rooms, and a stage.
Throughout the decades, the Fox Theater held community concerts and was the home to Billings Symphony Orchestra & Chorale. This organization brought Ray Charles, Dizzy Gillespie, Judy Collins, and George Winston.
Carsich Theaters bought the Fox Theatre in 1978. They planned to use the space for a modern movie theater. However, the community rallied to keep the theater for its original purpose.
Alberta Bair provided a lead gift to buy the theater and keep it as a community organization. Charles Bair had built a homestead on the theater's site, and Alberta Bair was born in that home. Charles Bair sold the land to Fox Theater. In 1987, the renovations were completed, and the theater was renamed the Alberta Bair Theater.
In 2019, the theater was renovated again to meet the needs of modern productions and audiences.
ABOUT THE THEATER
The Alberta Bair Theater is the largest fully-equipped performing arts center in the area. It boasts 1,390 seats and hosts musicians, theater, and dance performances. The theater also provides educational programming to over 22,000 school children a year.
ALBERTA BAIR THEATER EVENTS
Alberta Bair Theater hosts various events, performances, and concerts throughout the year. In addition, the theater focuses on festive programming during the holiday season.
THE NUTCRACKER
The Nutcracker is a timeless ballet brought to life by genius composer Tchaikovsky. This beloved ballet is a holiday tradition enjoyed by the whole family.
The San Diego Ballet Company performs the Nutcracker. Over 100 local young ballet students and singers will join in the production. The Billings Symphony will provide the musical score.
This version of the holiday classic is light-hearted and fun. Whether it's your first time seeing The Nutcracker or your 100th, you will fall in love with this remarkable production.
The Nutcracker will be performed during Thanksgiving Weekend. Performances are scheduled for November 27, 2021, at 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. On November 28, 2021, there's a matinee at 2:00 pm.
THE SIMON AND GARFUNKEL STORY
Music lovers will be thrilled that The Simon and Garfunkel Story is coming to Billings. This innovative production combines massive projection photos and original footage with a live band. All your favorites will be performed, including the hits "Homeward Bound," "Mrs. Robinson," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water."
This production chronicles Paul Simon's and Art Garfunkel's journey more than just a music event.
BILLINGS SYMPHONY COUNTRY CHRISTMAS
Check out the stirring Country Christmas musical performance if you can't get enough holiday cheer. Celebrate in Montana fashion with a country flair. Guest artists Clinton Curtis, Christopher Grant, and Celia Woodsmith will bring your holiday favorites to life.
Join in the Country Christmas fun on December 18, 2021, at 7:30 pm, or December 19, 2021, at 2:00 pm.
Enjoy the Festive Season in Billings
There's no wrong time to visit Billings, Montana. The holiday season is a great time to enjoy local art, support local theater and music productions, and enjoy the festivities. Stay warm and cozy at Dude Rancher Lodge.
