THE MIGHTY WURLITZER RETURNS TO THE HISTORIC MEYER THEATRE

GREEN BAY, WI, May 17, 2005 — On Thursday, May 26, at 7 p.m., theatre-goers will have the opportunity to enjoy the mighty sounds of the original Wurlitzer pipe organ that formerly graced the Meyer Theatre building back in 1930. The free concert is open to the community and will feature “The Sounds of Broadway,” with world-renowned guest organist, Jelani Eddington.

The Wurlitzer organ was once the centerpiece of the original Fox Theatre, entertaining patrons during vaudeville shows, amateur nights, sing-alongs, and Saturday night intermissions. Just as the theatre building experienced neglect and change over its many years, so too was the mighty Wurlitzer ignored and virtually forgotten.

Removed from Green Bay in 1975, the organ was purchased by Steven Adams of Neenah in 1989 to prevent it from being sold for parts. The instrument remained in storage until 2001, when it was purchased and returned to the Meyer, thanks to a generous donation by Billie Kress.

Over the course of four years, the organ was painstakingly rebuilt. The console was rebuilt, pneumatics for the percussion have been releathered, a blower was reinstalled, and 572 pipes have been put back into place. The pipes range in size from the dimension of a pencil to the length of 20 feet. With the recent efforts of organ technician Gary Bieck, the mighty Wurlitzer has finally been restored to its original glory

“This is a great instrument to have back in the theatre,” said Kramer Rock, Meyer Theatre board president. “Putting this piece of the theatre’s history back into its rightful place wouldn’t have been possible without the tremendous generosity of Billie Kress.”

“I’ve always had a passion for classical organ music,” says Kress. “I look forward to hearing the different sounds of our organ. It will provide a nostalgic experience for the ‘mature’ generation and a fun, new experience for younger people.”

In his upcoming May 26 performance at the Meyer Theatre, Jelani Eddington, will present a program of musical standards from Broadway by legendary songwriters such as George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hammerstein, and countless other luminaries. Additionally, Eddington will take requests from the audience.

The American Theatre Organ Society named Eddington the 2001 Theatre Organist Of The Year. Having received the award at the age of 27, Eddington retains the distinction of being the youngest-ever recipient of this prestigious honor.

Seating for the May 26 free concert is on first-come, first-served basis, while seats are available.

Media that wish to visit the theatre to learn more about how the organ was rebuilt are encouraged to contact Julie Lamine at (920) 433-3343 for an interview with Wurlitzer specialist, Gary Bieck.

The Meyer Theatre is a member of the League of Historic American Theatres, an international not-for-profit network of people and organizations that promote the rescue, restoration, and reuse of historic theatres and other heritage buildings to serve communities.