The magnificence of The ALEX Theatre in Glendale, California is one that is challenging to capture on camera. The classic marquee and street-side box office is already charming from the moment you approach its location on Brand Blvd., and the true wonder awaits the minute you collect your ticket and step toward the entry doors. Beyond them lies a beauty fully unexpected if one has no prior knowledge of the theatre; where you may be expecting to step right into a lobby, you are instead greeted by a broad open courtyard of greenery where the starry night shines down on the excitement buzzing within the theatre, and in the long queue awaiting entry. Glistening lights line the trees that encircle the entry, and a bright, bold marquee sign honors the 100-year legacy of the theatre.
Classic architecture, stunning chandeliers, and a loving tribute to the theatre’s origins decorate the walls of the lobby, showcasing stories of some of the Alex Theatre’s earliest contributors, iconic film debuts, and even featuring pieces of classic equipment. With so much history, and so many legends of film (and theatre) present within its walls, the excitement of simply entering the theatre for the first time was an experience in itself.
Once you managed to pull yourself away from marveling at the beauty of the courtyard and officially enter the lobby, there was no mistaking what kind of experience you were in for with the evening’s special event, “Napoleon Dynamite Live!”. With a single step inside, you could immediately spot Napoleon Dynamite wigs, “Vote for Pedro” t-shirts, and even full Rex Kwon Do and Summer Piñata costumes.
Part of the Centennial Season celebrating 100 Years of the Alex Theatre, “Napoleon Dynamite Live!” is an immersive experience taking you through the beloved film twice – first, as the full cinematic experience on screen, and then through nearly every step of production from the perspective of the three main actors, telling tales of the making of the now 22-year-old film (though their live tour which began two years ago is still called a “20th Anniversary Celebration”), and what made it so special. They spoke about everything from the actual processes of production, to fun facts and quirky characters they met along the way that inspired specific scenes, lines, and actions, like Napoleon’s Gatorade moment, or Pedro’s impulsive hair shaving.
Following a fun musical intro where Efren Ramirez (Pedro Sanchez), and Jon Gries (Uncle Rico) made their way on stage, the duo made a comic bit of wondering where their friend Jon Heder (Napoleon Dynamite) might be, as the audience was greeted with the surprise of Napoleon riding in on his bike, speeding down the ramp between the audience seats, and arriving on stage to join his castmates in the opening song.
Borrowing some crystals from audience members to fuel their “time machine”, the trio proceeded to tell their individual stories of how they came to be part of Napoleon Dynamite and their first impressions of the role and the cast. As Jon Heder had a hand in the original production, his stories spoke more about the roots of the film and discussions between himself and the Producer, while Efren Ramirez spoke more on his audition experience and making the important decision between accepting a role in another film, or stepping into his iconic place as Pedro in Napoleon Dynamite. Jon Gries spoke about how he was first approached to join the film, and the picture-perfect direction given to him to characterize the role.
After the initial conversations that laid the groundwork and answered some fundamental questions and curiosities about the film and its trio of main actors, the full audience immediately became part of the show – whether they expected to or not. Jon Heder, in turn, became a part of the audience in a sense, stepping off the stage and making the entire theatre a stage instead, where he and Jon Gries both guided an interactive audience Q&A.
Two lucky individuals were selected to come up to the front and answer some tricky trivia questions – both walked away with prizes. Jon Heder gathered some young Glendale locals on stage to recreate the “Happy Hands Club” scene performed to Bette Midler’s “The Rose”. With no training and hardly any warning, Jon Heder went straight into the performance, and his young performers were quick on the uptake to join in.
Plenty of audience participation continued throughout the evening, including a young fan who played the role of “Pedro” in a reenacted scene with Jon Heder, complete with mustache provided by Efren. Another young fan joined “Napoleon” on stage in a game of tetherball.
Though they may not have been present for the evening, plenty of praises were sung about other key cast members, like Aaron Ruell (Kip) and Tina Majorino (Deb), as well as the authentic Idaho locals who became memorable characters, like Farmer Lyle (played by the late Dale Critchlow) and his nearly unintelligible story about the Shoshone arrowheads he found.
In all stories, the authenticity of the film was emphasized. From the grapefruit hitting Uncle Rico’s windshield, to the milk from the “cow that got into an onion patch”, Jon Heder assured his captive audience that the film was authentically played as could be.
Efren Ramirez also played a double role that night as a DJ (a role he plays in his own life as well), playing music and sound effects to keep the experience thoroughly immersive. The theme of having a soundtrack to the show made a perfect transition, once The Dance Alliance of Camarillo made a special appearance at the ALEX to perform their rendition of Napoleon’s dance to “Canned Heat”. You can see the performance here:
With this high-energy performance serving as the grand finale, the trio brought the show to a close, thanking all the fans in attendance.
It was heartwarming to see such a packed theater of excited fans who have always loved the film and pop culture surrounding Napoleon Dynamite, and even a few who saw it for the very first time at The ALEX that night. An enjoyable night for all, in a Southern California landmark in which Studio Chat was honored to be present.
The Napoleon Dynamite Live! tour is still ongoing throughout the rest of 2026, and you can find a chance to catch it in your city at: https://www.napoleondynamitelive.com/.
For more on the past, present, and future of The ALEX, visit: https://www.thealex.com/ or follow the theatre at: https://www.instagram.com/thealex_theatre/ or https://www.facebook.com/thealextheatrela/.