HISTORY SPEAKS
TCR’S DAZZLING RHINESTONE THEATRE
ORGAN DELIGHTS ANNIE AUDIENCES
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
BY KATIE HALLMAN
1928 was a thrilling year in entertainment development for Cedar
Rapids. As the 1920s 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 1980s, and with
our ownership of this historic space came a very special tenant: The
Rhinestone Barton.
Installed in time for the Iowa 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 each performance of Annie. 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 Kelzeberg 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.
FALL MARQUEE | theatrecr.org
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