I’m an Organist and one of the Curators of the Pipe Organ, so here’s an update on work going on at the Arcada. Within the past few months, up-lights have been placed by the Procenium arch, and really helps the front of the theatre not look so dank. The floors in the theatre have been painted “theatre” red. (a big step up from the half-ripped up, filthy baby blue floor) And recently the theatre regained lost dressing room space which, for the past several decades were gutted and being used by the bar next door. Previously, a billiards room on the second floor was used as THE dressing room. This will help stage-shows immensely.
The original 1926-28 3/16 Marr-Colton/Geneva Theatre Pipe Organ(thats a mouthful)is still played prior to select shows, but unfortunately is not advertised, so you’ll never know when its played(typical). The Organ is playable, but do to 80 years of water damage and neglect, much of the organ needs to be rebuilt, and some chestwork is so damaged, it will require replacement chests. This I say as a matter of fact, not a matter of dire immportance. Serious work(and money) will be put into the organ only when the Theatre’s wellfare is secured. Seeing the uncertain future of the Theatre, we merely try to keep the organ in playable condition, and pray for the Theatre’s future.
Well, I hope SOMEONE found all this rambling useful.
In reference to the organ. CATOE does own the 4/20 Wurlitzer, and yes, some pipework was stolen when the instrument was stored in a particular building. The console has been restored, and pneumatic stop-action has been replaced with electric action. All pipework is replacable with WurliTzer pipework. Once CATOE has the keyboard rebuilding completed, the console will be put on display in the Grande Hallway of the Theatre. Once there is sufficiant finacial support and Grants, CATOE will reinstall the WurliTzer in its home.
I’m an Organist and one of the Curators of the Pipe Organ, so here’s an update on work going on at the Arcada. Within the past few months, up-lights have been placed by the Procenium arch, and really helps the front of the theatre not look so dank. The floors in the theatre have been painted “theatre” red. (a big step up from the half-ripped up, filthy baby blue floor) And recently the theatre regained lost dressing room space which, for the past several decades were gutted and being used by the bar next door. Previously, a billiards room on the second floor was used as THE dressing room. This will help stage-shows immensely.
The original 1926-28 3/16 Marr-Colton/Geneva Theatre Pipe Organ(thats a mouthful)is still played prior to select shows, but unfortunately is not advertised, so you’ll never know when its played(typical). The Organ is playable, but do to 80 years of water damage and neglect, much of the organ needs to be rebuilt, and some chestwork is so damaged, it will require replacement chests. This I say as a matter of fact, not a matter of dire immportance. Serious work(and money) will be put into the organ only when the Theatre’s wellfare is secured. Seeing the uncertain future of the Theatre, we merely try to keep the organ in playable condition, and pray for the Theatre’s future.
Well, I hope SOMEONE found all this rambling useful.
Yes, I own the Console from that instrument.
In reference to the organ. CATOE does own the 4/20 Wurlitzer, and yes, some pipework was stolen when the instrument was stored in a particular building. The console has been restored, and pneumatic stop-action has been replaced with electric action. All pipework is replacable with WurliTzer pipework. Once CATOE has the keyboard rebuilding completed, the console will be put on display in the Grande Hallway of the Theatre. Once there is sufficiant finacial support and Grants, CATOE will reinstall the WurliTzer in its home.