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Century-Old Wurlitzer Theater Organ to Sound Again for One Night

chicagoarchitecture.org
The Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ at The Chicago Theatre

Here in Central Ohio, we are fortunate to hear the Mighty Morton theater organ on a regular basis. Clark Wilson is the current resident organist at the Ohio Theatre, where the organ has lived since the theater opened in 1928.

He has also played the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ in The Chicago Theatre, accompanying singer Michael Feinstein, a Columbus native, in the "re-premiere" of the instrument.

The Chicago organ, built in 1921, is not heard as often. But you'll have a chance very soon, as the website Atlas Obscura is offering not only a Jan. 26 performance, but a chance for a little behind-the-scenes peek at the theater and the instrument as well.

According to the website:

"The event will start with a mini tour of the Chicago Theatre by Atlas Obscura Field Agent and theatre historian Leyla I. Royale. The tour will be followed by an in-depth examination of the Mighty Wurlitzer by pipe organ master Glenn Tallar, the resident organist at the Chicago Theatre."

Here, Clark Wilson demonstrates the amazing Morton theater organ.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PByYp-Fo_sU

CAPA (the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts) should soon announce the 47th season of its Summer Movie Series, the longest-running classic movie series in the country. If you can't make it to Chicago, the Mighty Morton comes to life this summer right in downtown Columbus.