There was a time when the movie industry promoted movie palaces, grand, elaborately decorated buildings designed to attract movie-goers between the 1910’s and 1940’s. While many were torn down as television eclipsed movie outings, some found a new use for the community. That’s certainly true of the Fox, or “Fabulous Fox” Theatre in Midtown
Atlanta. The building, which survived a 1996 fire thanks to the quick response of onsite technical director Joe Patten, is atmospheric and encourages a more active participation by the audience. Typical modern shows can range from Saturday morning cartoons for the kids, a performance of To Kill a Mockingbird, or sing-alongs for Disney’s The Little Mermaid or Mary Poppins. Only at the Fox Theater can you see and hear the “Might Mo,” the second largest Theater Pipe Organ in the world. It’s functional and magnificent with 42 ranks, four manuals, and 376 stop tabs.42 ranks, four manuals, and 376 stop tabs. You’ll only find a bigger pipe organ at Radio City Music Hall, in New York City.
