Two weeks ago I decided to do something I never get around to do. I bought a Living Social coupon for the historic Redford Theatre. I was pleasantly stunned to hear piano being played in the lobby. I then went to get my small pop, popcorn and candy that came with my package. You can even get your picture taken with Santa! Once I got seated in the near full theater, I waited to the wonderful organ music started playing. I noticed before the movie started that the theatre was almost full! Once the music was done, they made some announcements, had us stand for the Star Spangled Banner, then he played the Charge song played at baseball games, then melded into music from the movie. In case you are wondering, yes the film was shown on film with 2 projectors which have to be manually switched like back in the day before they spliced the reals together. They had a Light up Christmas tree and a holiday village in the orchestra pit with several trains running on it that they turned off during the movie. Of course there was a intermission. I went this time to use the Foursquare coupon from checking in to get another pop. The line was huge due to a small theater and concession area and the fact that people can afford what is served. Pop is $1 for small and $1.50 for large. Popcorn is cheap to, I forget the price. Candy started at $1 and it is the store sizes. None of the padded box’s of candy with a 1/4 of it full. Of course there was more Christmas music being played by the organist. Once you heard It’s A Wonderful Life music playing, we all knew to go back to our seats. They picked the raffle winners. Sadly none of my 7 tickets won me anything, but people won $100,$85. gift certificate, shirts…. The other part went back into the non-profit. The movie started up after some announcements and a Wedding Proposal of two volunteers. I knew it was kinda weird what they were doing, then WOW! She said yes. She was soo sure she grabbed the other Microphone so everyone heard her say yes. They got a standing ovation! Afterwards finished with Auld Lang Syne on the organ.
The Motor City Theatre Organ Society, who operates the theatre because of the organ has done a superb job. There is no paid staff, they are all very friendly and helpful. Well maybe the security guard(s) outside they rent. This also keeps costs low for us. Yes, you have to dress up as if you are going to the Fox Theatre or Fisher. Many men opted for button down shirts tucked into jeans. Dually noted as I wore dress pants. Tickets are only $4 a person and if you look at the ticket price and what you get out of your experience, you would forget you paid $4 and got service if you were at the fox theatre, but less than the price of a local or chain first run movie theater.
I cannot wait to see a silent film there! I will be going back and if you never saw how films were shown way back then, defiantly go. They will have Gone with the Wind, Three Stooges festival, The Apartment as well as others.
If you live in Metro Detroit, this is a hidden gem that needs your support. They still need to do more, like new carpet in the lobby. Which they have a donation bin for. So come on down, support the Motor City Theatre Organ Society and allow them to grow the Redford Theatre!