The Byrd Theatre pays tribute to America and the motion picture palace Saturday

Enjoy a screening of “Yankee Doodle Dandy” and get a behind-the-scenes tour of the theatre and its Mightly Wurlitzer organ.

June 29, 2016; 9:01 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

This Saturday, there won’t be fireworks, but there will be plenty of memorable melodies and fancy footwork. On Saturday, July 2nd at 10:00 AM, The Byrd’s ongoing “Family Classics” series will turn back the clock to celebrate America’s Independence through song and dance, featuring Yankee Doodle Dandy. The 1942 wartime musical stars James Cagney in a musical-biography of Broadway legend George M. Cohan.

All Family Classics continue to include a special performance by Bob Gulledge on the Mighty Wurlitzer and a classic Warner Brothers cartoon. Admission is The Byrd’s standard rate of $2.00.

The movie palace will also be opening its doors for a free theatre tour and Mighty Wurlitzer Organ demonstration. From backstage to the balcony, visitors can learn about the theatre’s decor, rare marble and two-and-a-half ton crystal chandelier, original set of Brounet murals, and even its ghosts. Guests will then receive a private demo of the Mighty Wurlitzer theatre organ, witnessing some of the unique sound effects, all made from hand crafted instruments housed in four rooms over the proscenium.

The tour will begin at approximately 1:00 PM following the conclusion of Yankee Doodle Dandy. Donations to the Byrd Theatre Foundation are welcome.