Our October program will be a group outing to Seattle on the bus to see a silent movie accompanied by organ.

We should arrive in Seattle in time to find food and/or libations near the theatre prior to the show.

However you get there, we will meet in the lobby at 6:45 PM.

The Movie

WITHIN OUR GATES (1920), is the earliest surviving feature film by an African American director (Oscar Micheaux). The story involves and idealistic young woman who attempts to raise money for an elementary school to serve the Black community.

The Organist

Organist Tedde Gibson will provide  accompaniment for the silent movie.  He is a native of Tacoma, and studied organ with David Dahl and Mel Butler.

The Organ

The Paramount Theatre is home to the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ, one of the last three remaining organs of its kind to reside in its original environment. Installed in time for the theatre’s March 1, 1928 grand opening, the Paramount’s “Publix 1” style Wurlitzer has one of the most ornate organ consoles ever produced. Its elegant keydesk was decorated at the Wurlitzer factory in Louis XVI style to match the theatre décor, including replication of the ornate flower basket designs featured throughout the grand theatre.

Installed at a cost of over $100,000, The Paramount’s Mighty Wurlitzer includes an entire grand piano and drum-set built into the side panels of the auditorium. Next to these run hundreds of pipes and bells, chimes, whistles, and horns allowing one musician to fill a large auditorium with a “symphony” of music.

Transportation

We will meet at the Tacoma Dome Station  Zone B to take the 4:37 Sound Transit 594 express bus to Seattle.  There is ample free parking in the Tacoma Dome Station garage across from Freighthouse Square.  The parking deck is located at 424 E. 25th Street, Tacoma, WA.  The bus stop in Seattle is less than a block from the Paramount Theatre, so walking will be minimal.   After the show we will return on the bus to the Tacoma Dome Station.

Please plan to arrive at Zone B by 4:25 PM. The buses sometimes fill up at that time of day, and nobody wants to stand up for that trip.

If you wish to park and board the same bus in Lakewood, board route 594 at 4:00 at Lakewood Station.  You will be able to return to the same station on the same bus with the group after the show.

Already in Seattle or driving?

If you wish to drive and meet us at the theatre, the theatre has provided parking a parking suggestion.

Cost

The full one-way cost of the bus trip to Seattle is $3.75, cash or Orca  card only.  If you are over 65 and have an Orca card, the cost is $1.00.  Senior Orca cards are free and may be obtained by mail by following these directions.  If you are 65 or over, and do not have an Orca card, you could plan to arrive at the Tacoma Dome Station in time to purchase one before boarding the bus.  There is a Bus Shop in the same facility, but facing South 25th Street across from Freighthouse Square.

Theater admission is  $10.00.   Tickets may be purchased at the door or online.  There is a significant markup in the price of online tickets.