The Lerner Theatre Kicks Off 100th Anniversary

Loading Events

« All Events

  • This event has passed.

The Lerner Theatre Kicks Off 100th Anniversary

November 24, 2024 @ 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

The Lerner Theatre Kicks Off 100th Anniversary with
Free Kimball Organ Silent Movie: The Navigator
On November 24th
One hundred years later, The Lerner marks its centennial year by inviting the community to step back in time with the return of this film and a commemorative performance

Elkhart, IN – The Lerner Theatre announces the official launch of its centennial celebration with a special, complimentary screening of Buster Keaton’s The Navigator. This unique silent film event will be held on Sunday, November 24th, 2024, at 3:00 PM and will feature The Lerner’s historic 1924 Kimball Pipe Organ played by the renowned Clark Wilson. One hundred years later, The Lerner marks its centennial year by inviting the community to step back in time with the return of this film and a commemorative performance on the original 1924 Kimball Organ installed for opening night. On the opening day of The Lerner in 1924, the newest of Buster Keaton’s photoplays dawned the silver screen alongside a live accompaniment on the brand-new 1924 Kimball Pipe Organ.

Since a major piece of history will be celebrated for the City of Elkhart, Mayor Rod Roberson has named Diana Lawson as chair of The Lerner 100 Anniversary Committee. Led by Lawson, the committees include a group of community leaders who are dedicated to making the Lerner’s centennial a truly unforgettable celebration. With the support of the Honorary Executive Committee—comprised of Dallas Bergl, Jack Cittadine, Bob Deputy, Arvis Dawson, and former City of Elkhart Mayor Dick Moore—the team is committed to engaging the community in this once-in-a-lifetime celebration. In addition, there are appointed committee chairs composed of community members.

“The Lerner was already seven years old, when our family’s business joined it on Main Street, in downtown Elkhart. Over the last hundred years, this enduring theater has played host to countless special events, ranging from silent films in the 1920’s, to Elco movie premieres in the ’80’s, and unforgettable concerts and ballroom celebrations, more recently. In doing so, The Lerner has become an iconic and irreplaceable fixture of our community. If Elkhart residents, whether current or former, were to close their eyes, and envision Elkhart – past, present or future – they are likely to see the Lerner as the beat of the city with a heart.”” said Danny Reynolds of Stephenson’s of Elkhart and Community Outreach Chair for The Lerner 100th Anniversary.

The Lerner’s 1924 Kimball Organ is one of only two Kimball Organs still installed in its original home. Unlike regular pipe organs, theatre pipe organs, such as The Lerner’s Kimball, rose to fame in the 1920’s as the world’s first synthesizers, designed to replicate the sound of a full symphony with the skill of just one musician. Musicians had the freedom to mold and shape the scores and effects of popular films with each performance. With three keyboards, an upright piano, dozens of instruments, over 15 sets of pipes, and 6 miles of connective wires, the mighty Kimball plays the Lerner Theatre in a way that no other acoustic instrument can. The historic organ hosts over 1100 pipes up to 16 feet long, concealed behind large gold chamber covers in the theatre’s auditorium. Both sound effects and movie scores are played live on the organ as the film plays on the silver screen. For any performance, the Kimball Organ offers a unique, immersive experience like no other.

In addition to the movie screening (run time 1 hour with a 15-minute intermission), attendees will be transported through a century of history with costumed ambassadors from Premier Arts, The Lerner Theatre’s resident theatre company, offering a glimpse into the energy and excitement of opening day in 1924. The event will also feature The Lerner’s annual holiday window displays, a visual tribute to the theatre’s legacy over the past 100 years. A complete program will kick off the festivities on Sunday, November 24th with a welcome from City of Elkhart’s Mayor Rod Roberson and Lerner 100 Chair Diana Lawson, ELCO choir and more.

The Lerner invites everyone to join us for this landmark occasion as we begin a year-long celebration of our centennial. As a part of this special November 24th event, guests can share their personal stories and memories of The Lerner as part of an ongoing centennial storytelling initiative. The committee is asking residents to bring in their Lerner/ELCO history. In addition, guests can enjoy complimentary popcorn during the movie screening provided by the Elkhart County CVB.

“At the Elkhart County CVB, we are thrilled to support The Lerner as it kicks off this milestone year. The Lerner Theatre holds a special place in our community’s history, and we are excited to help shine a spotlight on its legacy as we look forward to a future full of culture, entertainment, and shared memories.” Jon Hunsberger, executive director, Elkhart County CVB

This event is made possible through the generous support of The Elkhart County CVB, The Friends of The Lerner, and The Community Foundation of Elkhart County.

The Lerner 100 Kick Off Celebration
Sunday, November 24th
Doors open 2:30 pm – Program begins at 3 pm
The Lerner, 410 South Main Street
No tickets or RSVP required- All Are Welcome

TheLerner.com

About the Elkhart County CVB:
The Elkhart County CVB is the official tourism advertising/marketing and public/community relations organization for the Elkhart County hospitality industry. The ECCVB advances quality-of-place initiatives in our downtowns and rural spaces, parks and natural environment, arts and culture, and events, festivals, groups and activities that help forge social connections.

About The Lerner Theatre:
The Lerner Theatre, an Elkhart landmark, is part of a revival, a new era for the arts, commerce and life in the heart of our community. The Lerner Theatre is a city owned and operated facility, built in 1924. With the completion of an $18-million-dollar renovation in 2011, The Lerner Theatre has truly put the “heart” back in downtown Elkhart. The Lerner is evidence of this rebirth with its timeless, never-lost quality of an old theatre reborn as a state-of-the-art performance and event facility.

Details

Date:
November 24, 2024
Time:
3:00 pm - 5:30 pm
Event Category:
Website:
TheLerner.com