Birmingham Welcomes Back the Mighty Wurlitzer
After nearly eight months of essential repairs and maintenance, Birmingham’s beloved Big Bertha, the mighty Wurlitzer organ, has returned to its home at the historic Alabama Theatre. Originally installed when the theatre opened in 1927, this grand instrument has been a staple of the venue for decades, cherished by both performers and audiences.
In February, Bertha was carefully removed for the first time since 1998 to undergo mechanical repairs. The restoration process was handled by the Atlanta-based A.E. Schlueter Pipe Organ Company, who ensured the organ would be in optimal condition for its return.
A Sweet Homecoming
On Tuesday, excitement filled the air as Bertha was reinstalled at the Alabama Theatre. Organist Gary W. Jones expressed his enthusiasm about working with the freshly tuned organ. “I’ll be spending the rest of the day playing the hell out of it to make sure it’s ready for Friday night,” Jones said. This marks Bertha’s public debut following its lengthy absence, coinciding with the screening of the family Halloween classic Hocus Pocus.
But that’s not all—the organ will showcase its powers once again on Sunday during a special presentation of The Phantom of the Opera, an event that greatly highlights the instrument’s unique capabilities.
A Piece of History
Big Bertha is not just any Wurlitzer organ. She is one of only three surviving of the original 17 Wurlitzer organs commissioned by Paramount Pictures for its theaters. Remarkably, Bertha is the only one still located in its original venue, making her an essential part of the theatre’s history and an iconic element of Birmingham’s cultural landscape.
“When they loaded Bertha, I was very nervous,” Jones admitted. “But I quickly realized the guys from Schlueter knew exactly what they were doing. They’ve done a tremendous job taking care of Bertha.” With extensive craftsmanship and care invested in the restoration, the organ is expected to produce the rich, melodic tones that audiences have come to love.
Community Spirit
This weekend promises to be a joyful celebration of both cinema and music. Tickets to the Friday screening of Hocus Pocus, accompanied by a special audience sing-along featuring Bertha, are on sale now at the Alabama Theatre’s website. The return of the Wurlitzer is a nostalgic reminder of the theatre’s long-standing tradition of providing high-quality entertainment.
As the community gears up for these exciting events, local residents are encouraged to share their experiences with Bertha. Have you heard her play at the Alabama Theatre? Be sure to tag your stories and photos and let your neighbors know what they can look forward to!
The return of Big Bertha is a momentous occasion for Birmingham, celebrating a rich culture of music and film that continues to thrive in the heart of the city.
