“It is truly an honor to care for this majestic theater organ, and we do not take that responsibility lightly,” said Fox Theatre President and CEO Allan Vella. “Mighty Mo is a world-renowned theater organ, and our significant investment in its future is testament to the magic and wonder it creates for every guest who walks through our doors. Ultimately, Mighty Mo is more than a musical instrument; it’s an integral part of our nationally celebrated historic landmark.”

The Fox Theatre welcomes more than half a million visitors annually, and Mighty Mo is one of the country’s most beloved and treasured theater organs. Following almost 100 years of use, the Fox Theatre organists and restoration staff recognized its gradual deterioration and evaluated countless scenarios before selecting Lithonia, Georgia-based A.E. Schlueter Organ Pipe Company for the important and delicate project. The Schlueter team, alongside Organist and Project Manager Ken Double, spent six months constructing an interim, stand-in console to ensure Fox Theatre audiences an authentic experience while Mighty Mo undergoes needed work.

“Schlueter is an industry leader with more than 30 years of experience with pipe organs,” said Leigh Burns, director of the Fox Theatre Institute, which houses the theater’s restoration department. “This is a passion project for everyone involved, and we are confident we have enlisted the most qualified team poised to ensure the treasured Moeller organ remains part of the fabric of Fox Theatre for another century – hopefully even longer!”

Constructed in the 1920s by M.P. Moller Pipe Organ Company, which closed its doors over 30 years ago, Mighty Mo is one of only five theater organs of its kind still in operation worldwide. In addition to ensuring the instrument’s continued functionality, this rehabilitation project will correct temporary enhancements made in the 1970s that did not reflect original Moeller workmanship. Upgrades to the internal control system will also allow for expanded capabilities, while bringing wiring up to code and the console up to the American Guild of Organists’ specifications.

"I've been playing theater organs since 1972, and have been lucky enough to play Mighty Mo at the Fox Theatre since 2013. At each show, I have the opportunity to personally witness how meaningful this organ is to our guests,” said Organist and Project Manager Ken Double. “We have spent immeasurable hours meticulously planning for these improvements, so it’s exciting and reassuring to see the care with which this restoration is being approached.” 

Prior to the interim console’s installation in early January, each tab on Mighty Mo was manually mapped to preserve its unique capabilities and signature sounds – identifying the derivation of every stop on the organ. This elaborate and time-consuming endeavor ultimately took months longer than anticipated due to its intricate complexities and the preservation team’s dedication to accuracy. As part of the project, some non-functional original elements will be retired in place, holding onto the history and craftsmanship for future generations while keeping the instrument viable for decades to come.

The overall Mighty Mo rehabilitation project includes an ongoing full, separate archival study, including photographs and materials analyses; most importantly, it encompasses a full record of all previous refurbishments to the Moeller Organ throughout its 90-year Fox Theatre history. This archival project aligns with the Fox Theatre’s overall preservation methodology and heavily weighs the long-term outlook and life of the theater, allowing for future patrons to continue enjoying Mighty Mo for years to come. The archival component of the project will also be highlighted during public events throughout the 90th celebration of the Fox Theatre.