Reviewed by: Callie Morrison
Alabama Theatre hosting first dual-console organ concert this weekend
Reading time: 3 minutes
This Sunday, the Alabama Theatre’s venerable Big Bertha organ console will be joined by a second console in Double Take!, the Theatre’s first-ever dual-console organ concert. Presented by the Alabama Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS), Double Take! will feature two organists playing two consoles—each controlling the 2,000+ pipes and 200+ percussion instruments in the organ chambers.
Two organ consoles for the price of one
Much has been said about Big Bertha, the one-of-a-kind, red and gold console of the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Organ at the Alabama Theatre. The gorgeous instrument has been an irreplaceable part of the historic theatre since it opened in 1927, and is even credited with saving the Alabama Theatre from destruction following a bankruptcy in 1986.
“That crazy little group of organ nuts raised enough money to pay the back taxes and assume the mortgage of the Alabama Theatre. This instrument saved the building. I would not be sitting where I am today without this organ and the Alabama Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society.”
Gary Jones, House Organist at the Alabama Theatre, in an interview with Bham Now
Unlike a piano, the Alabama Theatre’s organ is made up of two main parts: the console and the organ chambers, which contain 2,000+ percussion and 200+ percussion instruments. This means multiple consoles can control the organ chambers simultaneously.
In 2024, Big Bertha was removed from the Alabama Theatre for nearly eight months-worth of repairs. While the iconic console was out for maintenance, the Theatre brought in a stand-in console called Frankie. Short for Frankenstein-Morton, Frankie is a custom-built combination of multiple organ parts:
- A Robert-Morton console shell from the Aztec Theatre in San Antonio, TX
- Three Wurlitzer keyboards formerly owned by George Wright
- Spare stop actions, bolsters and stop tabs from other organs
See Big Bertha + Frankie at the Alabama Theatre, Sunday, January 18
This Sunday, January 18 at 2PM, the Alabama Theatre will host Double Take!, an unprecedented celebration of music with dual-console arrangements. The concert will include both Big Bertha and Frankie, played by organists Nathan Avakian and Donnie Rankin, backed by special guest drummer Donny Stults.
Presented by the Alabama Chapter of the American Theatre Organ Society, Double Take! will feature music by John Williams, Dave Brubeck, Gustav Holst, Britney Spears, Billie Eilish and more.
“This rare opportunity to have dual consoles (plus a percussionist!) with three of the most talented musicians we’ve ever hosted is surely not to be missed.
Not your standard theatre organ fare, the team will present various musical genres all the way up to very modern pop!
This will be a once in a lifetime concert at The Alabama and ‘Big Bertha’ (the Alabama Theatre’s Mighty Wurlitzer) is ready to deliver”
Gary Jones, House Organist, Alabama Theatre
