Byrd Theater holding fundraiser to service organ

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - A striking symbol of the historic Carytown movie palace, this syncopated senior is showing some signs of age. But in about 24 hours, you can treat yourself to a movie-going experience and help raise money at the same time.

"This is the original organ in its original installation," said Byrd Theatre general manager Todd Schall-Vess.

The Wurlitzer organ is arguably Byrd Theater's most recognizable trademark, designed in 1928 as a "one man orchestra" to accompany silent movies and still being played at regular weekly shows.

"It's something that so rare these days and there are so few places that you can see it," said Schall-Vess.

But at 85 years old, the organ's in desperate need of tune ups.

"The leather deteriorates, the glue deteriorates over time, the pads deteriorates, and all of those things have to be removed, cleaned, things that need to be refashioned and everything has to be put back together," said Schall-Vess.

The organ itself goes far beyond what you see the organist playing. There are four rooms above the theatre with organ pipes and other instrumentation.

"There are no speakers; nothing is synthesized; everything you hear is an actual instrument being played," said Schall-Vess.

It's been in the restoration process for the past few years but still has a long way to go. To help get it there is the annual showing of the original 1925 movie, "Phantom of the Opera." The silent film will be accompanied by the organ Friday night.

"The organ and everything else in this building is in need of that TLC to make sure the Byrd Theater is here for another 86 years," said Schall-Vess.

The show is at 7:30 p.m. Friday, October 24.

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