Bill Coffman and Bill Field from the fabulous Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo came to talk about their Mighty Wurlizter Organ and the programs and classic movies they have coming up.
About Old Town Music Hall
“This place is right out of the 1920’s!” you think, as you take your seat. The theatre has a very quiet, antique elegance. The old chandeliers seem to have a very long story to tell. “How many wonderful films have played here in this historic place?” The lights dim and a man with red suspenders comes from behind the curtains. “Didn’t I just buy popcorn from this guy?” Bill Coffman begins his monologue consisting of some jokes that only he could get by with, and a short history of the classic film for the day. He ALWAYS reminds patrons to “Get your prescriptions filled at the snack bar!”
He then turns to the massive console to play music from the same year as the film. Major goosebumps as the Mighty Wurlitzer makes itself known. The curtains open to display the entire back of the theatre occupied by this wonderful instrument. First time visitors are taken aback at the size of the Wurlitzer Organ! This short concert is more than worth the modest admission! Unless you are used to this organ, the sound will overwhelm you. Once you ARE used to it, nothing else will do!!!
The concert is followed by a sing-along just as it was in the “old days”! The slides used to provide the words to the songs are mostly originals from the golden days of the theatre! Everything remains as it once was and will always remain so. After a short intermission, the feature begins. Each and every one of the silent, and “talkies” are true classics. Sometimes, the children of the stars visit the theatre and entertain patrons with stories and memorabilia.
Old Town Music Hall is now running two Century 35mm. projectors, donated to the theater by The Nethercutt Foundation. The original 16mm projector is still in use as well thanks to a unique arrangement of locators in the floor and wheels on one 35mm and the 16mm projector. We can run a comedy on the 16mm and swap in the second 35mm during intermission to run the feature. Many thanks go out to the volunteers that made this possible!
Music Playlist:
- Theme Song: “Miracles From Molecules” by the Sherman Brothers (Available only at Disneyland!!!)
- Calendar Song: “Sorta Blue” The Music from Peter Gunn composed and conducted by Henry Mancini
- “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You” Big Band Hit Songs on the MIghty Wurlizter Pipe Organ
- Closing Song: “Five Foot Two” by Lenny Dee
- Closing Song: “Soul Bossa Nova” by Qunicy Jones off the album “Martini Madness”
