Summer Marketing Intern Isabella Rivera shares her perspective about the Mighty Wurlitzer and an upcoming interview with resident organist, Dr. Jonathan Kleefield on GBH’s “The Culture Show”.
How can a single instrument replicate the sound and potency of an entire symphony orchestra? Through 2,495 pipes, seven tuned percussions, and effects mirroring drums and cymbals, the Mighty Wurlitzer has been crowned one of the cultural jewels of Worcester since its installment at the Hanover Theatre in 2009. Assembled and gifted to the theatre by Donald Phipps, the Mighty Wurlitzer is used in multiple ways at The Hanover Theatre. Capturing audiences with its melodic refrains and boisterous sound, this magnificent instrument alone is potent enough to fill the 2,300-seat theater.
In 2021, I had the privilege of experiencing the organ for myself when I had the honor of performing in the annual production of A Christmas Carol. The production expertly intertwines traditional holiday carols with Charles Dickens’ original text to culminate a production so whimsical and heartfelt that any Scrooge would be filled with holiday cheer by the final bows. For three weeks, the entire cast worked as a unit: interpreting Dickens’ words for the stage, waltzing around the rehearsal space, and learning harmonies to classic carols (for a dead language, Latin had never felt so alive in my mind). As a singer and lover of all things Christmas, I was inspired by how talented my fellow castmates were and could not even imagine how these iconic carols could sound any more magnificent.
That is, until I heard The Mighty Wurlitzer.
The organ is unique in that it perfectly captures the emotion of movements on stage through sound. The memory of this feeling that is strongest in mind from A Christmas Carol is the “Scary Requiem” sequence that takes place towards the end of the second act. After a frightening encounter with the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, the stage transforms into a spectacle of transformation as Scrooge returns to the present day. Paired perfectly with this visual display, the organ releases a cacophony of bells and whistles, inviting the audience on the journey with Scrooge.
I still find it incredible to think about today. The power of an entire symphony orchestra operated by one person on a singular instrument.
Three years later, I was fortunate enough this summer to return to The Hanover Theatre, this time as a marketing and communications intern. One of my first assignments was shadowing the management of a radio interview between WGBH and resident organist Dr. Jonathan Kleefield. Clever and warm-hearted, Dr. Kleefield is not only knowledgeable of the instrument, but he is also deeply passionate about its history and significance. As I sat in the historic theatre, I witnessed Dr. Kleefield express his admiration for the rich history of the organ, initially providing music to films that had no sound at all at venues such as The Hanover Theatre.
One of the highlights of the interview was when Dr. Kleefield played the overture to the beloved film “The Wizard of Oz.” Suddenly, the chiming of the bells, the resounding boom of the pipes, and the melodies resonating off the walls all came back to me, the magic of being transported to new worlds that I had not felt in three years. Even the interviewer, Edgar B. Herwick III, couldn’t help but close his eyes, a smile on his face as he was transported to Oz.
Intrigued to hear more about the story and significance of the Mighty Wurlitzer? Be sure to tune into the full interview on The Culture Show September 10 between 2-3 PM on 88.7 FM!
I could ramble on forever about the beauty and magnificence that is the Mighty Wurlitzer, but the only way to truly understand is to experience it for yourself!
After successful spring concerts and silent film screenings, The Hanover Theatre welcomes Dr. Kleefield and the accomplished organist Clark Wilson this fall for events on September 11, October 13, and November 6!
America the Beautiful: A Patriotic Musical Revue celebrates the wonders and greatness of our beloved country on a solemn day of remembrance, September 11 at 12 PM. Marches, melodies and folk tunes can be expected in Kleefield’s always crowd-pleasing programming at The Hanover Theatre. Beginning with the National Anthem and ending with a Carmen Dragon inspired “America the Beautiful,” the Mighty Wurlitzer proves to be a perfect instrument to honor the United States and its people.
Clark Wilson will take on the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ to accompany John S. Robertson’s iconic silent film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde October 13, 2024 at 2 PM. Considered by many to be the first great American horror film, John S. Robertson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde allowed stage legend John Barrymore to deliver his first virtuoso performance on film. Blending historical charm with grim naturalism, this family friendly version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is one of the more faithful of the many screen adaptations of Robert Louis Stevenson’s story (though greatly influenced by T. R. Sullivan’s popular stage treatment), recounting a visionary scientist’s ill-fated attempts to unleash the human mysteries that dwell beneath the shell of the civilized self.
Wrapping up the series, patrons can return to Tinseltown for A Hollywood Musical Revue: Part Two with Dr. Jonathan Kleefield on November 6 at 12 PM. This revue provides a golden opportunity to reminisce about vintage Hollywood glamour in the perfect setting, the historic Hanover Theatre. Highlights include nostalgic songs penned by Richard Rodgers of the famed Rodgers and Hammerstein writing team along with the iconic chart topper “As Time Goes By,” arranged for posterity by Max Steiner for the Oscar® winning film “Casablanca” and more! Hollywood melodies fill the former movie theatre for an unforgettable afternoon of entertainment.
To ensure the Mighty Wurlitzer is properly cared for and remains a fitting legacy to the work of Don Phipps and the organ team, visit TheHanoverTheatre.org/mightywurlitzer/ to donate to the Mighty Wurlitzer fund. Every dollar raised supports the maintenance of this majestic instrument and creates opportunities where it can be shared with patrons and the greater community.
