TCR ’ s Dazzling Rhinestone Theatre Organ Delights Beauty and the Beast Audiences this Holiday Season
1928 was a thrilling year in entertainment development for Cedar Rapids . As the 1920 ' s neared their close , two of our most iconic theatrical venues raced to open their doors : The Capitol Theatre ( now The Paramount ) and The Iowa Theatre that TCR now calls home . TCR took residence in our current building in the early 1980 ' s , and with our ownership of this historic space came a very special tenant : The Rhinestone Barton organ .
Installed just in time for the Iowa Theatre to open its doors on June 6 , 1928 , The Rhinestone Barton organ is one of its kind in both sound and spectacle . With over 1,000 pipes and numerous instruments nestled behind the orchestra boxes on either side of the Auditorium stage , the music it produces is unlike any theatre organ of its kind . Even when quiet , just one look at its black velvet , rhinestone-encrusted console is quick to delight any viewer .
Today the Rhinestone Barton is owned and maintained by the dedicated members of Cedar Rapids Barton , Inc ., and together with CRBI we are thrilled to feature the sounds of this beautiful instrument before the curtain rises on most Thursday , Friday and Saturday evenings along with several other select performances of Beauty and the Beast . Doors open to the Auditorium 30 minutes before each show , and you ’ ll want to be sure to stroll down the right side of the orchestra level to take a peek at this dazzling instrument . David C . Kelzenberg himself will be sharing his talents with us and we look forward to experiencing the magic with you !
Special thanks to Cedar Rapids Barton , Inc . and their president , David Kelzenberg , for bringing the extra joy of holiday organ music to TCR .
30 BEAUTY AND THE BEAST | theatrecr . org