TCR’S DAZZLING RHINESTONE THEATRE
ORGAN DELIGHTS AUDIENCES THIS
HOLIDAY SEASON
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 Friday
and Saturday evening performance of ELF - The Musical.
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.