a man standing next to a large organ — Gary Jones ready to play the Mighty Wurlitzer (Bham Now)

After nearly 8-months of repairs and maintenance, “Big Bertha” the Mighty Wurlitzer organ has returned to its home in the Alabama Theatre in downtown Birmingham.

The organ, which has been a part of the Alabama Theatre since it opened in 1927, was removed from the building in February for the first time since 1998 for mechanical repairs and maintenance. After the extended break, organist Gary W. Jones said he’s excited to get the Mighty Wurlitzer tuned up for a pair of highly-anticipated events this weekend.

I’ll be spending the rest of the day playing the hell out of it to make sure it’s ready for Friday night when it makes its public debut before Hocus Pocus. Then we have Phantom of the Opera on Sunday which really utilizes Bertha in a way few other events can.

-Gary W. Jones

a group of people moving a large object in a building — Getting Bertha into place (Bham Now)

Bertha was one of 17 Wurlitzer organs commissioned by Paramount Pictures for the studio’s own theaters around the country designed specifically to provide musical accompaniment for films. Of those original 17, Bertha is one of only three that survive today and the only one still in its original location. Over the years, the organ has become synonymous with the Alabama Theatre itself, as iconic as the classic movie house’s marquee.

The repairs to Bertha were performed by Atlanta-based A.E. Schlueter Pipe Organ Company, who were also on hand to help with the return and installation on Tuesday.

When they loaded Bertha I was very nervous but I very quickly realized the guys from Schlueter knew exactly what they were doing. They’ve done a tremendous job taking care of Bertha.

-Gary W. Jones

a stage with a stage and people in front of it — The Alabama Theatre opened in 1927 with Big Bertha installed as an opening-day feature. (Bham Now)

Bertha will be played for the first time since its departure on Friday night when Jones will perform an audience sing-a-long before the family Halloween classic Hocus Pocus. Tickets are on sale now at the Alabama Theatre’s website.