CHRISTMAS AT THE FOX
(an article published in the ATOS Journal – used with permission)

What can only be called a triumphant event for the theatre organ took place on Monday evening, December 18 at the Atlanta Fox Theatre. Following the great success of Organist in Residence Larry Douglas Embury’s recent recording, Christmas at the Fox starring “Larry, Carols and Mo,” the management of the theatre decided to present Larry Douglas in a Christmas concert at the theatre. (Patrons arrived at the theatre while six snow machines on top of the marquee were raining snow onto Peachtree Street. It was an awesome sight!)

As initially planned, the program was to consist of a 45-minute Christmas organ concert which included a carols sing followed by a screening of “It’s a Wonderful Life.” The Fox decided as its Christmas gift to the community, tickets to the event would be free, requesting only that ticket holders bring a contribution of a toy for “Toys for Tots.” Marines in their dress uniform were in the arcade to accept these toys. Interest among Atlantans turned out to be considerable. Tickets had to be picked up in advance at the box office of the theatre. When they were made available at 10:00 a.m. on December 1st, there was a line around the theatre. By 5:00 p.m. the next day, all 4700 tickets had been claimed. There had been no significant advertising of the event resulting in exploration of a second show on a different evening. As planning for this event was underway, the Fox Theatre was named Atlanta’s “Best Building of the Decade 1926 – 1935” by the American Institute of Architects. As a result of the flood of interest, the program was expanded to include an appearance by the legendary Atlanta Boy Choir on stage during, as well as in the Arcade prior to the program. And in a special moment for the theatre organ, Larry Douglas included in the program Thomas Williford, his 14 year old student to play a couple of selections.

When they arrived, concertgoers could see large SOLD OUT signs posted and, upon entering the theatre, were treated to the visual feast of the magnificent stage sets for the Atlanta Ballet’s production of Nutcracker. Radio personalities from the event sponsor, Atlanta’s B98.5 FM, introduced Larry Douglas. When they spoke of “The Mighty Mo” a great cheer went up from the audience, showing just how beloved the instrument is among Atlantans. Then Larry Douglas Embury brought the console up and embarked on an 80 minute program of Christmas songs, carols and hymns, including the thrilling sound of the Möller (“Gee, Dad, this is NOT a WurliTzer”) accompanying as they sang “Adeste Fidelis” and “Angels We Have Heard On High.”

Thomas Williford, played LeRoy Anderson’s “Sleigh Ride” with the audience erupting with applause, following it with John Rutter’s “Toccata on Seven.” It was impressive to see this boy navigate the 376 stops as he played. Mr. Embury’s inclusion of his student was rewarded by the number of young people who came down front to see the console up close after the event.

A surprise for the audience was in store when Larry Douglas brought the organ to floor level and walked over to the 6’ gold leaf grand piano on its lift and played a tremendous arrangement of “The Christmas Song.” At the conclusion of the concert, the Atlanta Boy Choir were on stage to sing, “Let it Snow.” While they sang with organ accompanying them, the winter snow of the Nutcracker was falling on stage. Then their director motioned for the audience to join them and as that happened, the giant snow machine above the proscenium arch was snowing out in the theatre. This was “theatre” in all its glory. It was obvious many people left during intermission before the film.

More than 4500 people came to downtown Atlanta on a weeknight the week before Christmas for an event largely planned around the theatre organ, a tribute to the foresight of the Fox management, to Larry Douglas Embury, his popularity with Atlanta audiences, and to a magnificent theatre and organ beloved by Atlantans. It is worth noting that the Atlanta Chapter of The American Theatre Organ Society, (ATOS) was not involved in planning or executing this event – it was solely the idea of Larry Douglas Embury and the Fox management. The Fox is now talking about making this a yearly event.