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Hear the Avalon Theatre's rare Page organ played live by Jon Tusak—an atmospheric, pre-show performance included with movie admission. Arrive early to catch ocean light along Casino Way and make an evening of it.
Hear the Avalon Theatre's rare Page organ played live by Jon Tusak—an atmospheric, pre-show performance included with movie admission. Arrive early to catch ocean light along Casino Way and make an evening of it.
Book with The Avalon Theatre
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Operated by The Avalon Theatre · Avalon, California
On the shoreline of Avalon, California, a short walk from the harbor, the Avalon Theatre invites visitors into a rare surviving piece of Americana: an evening with Jon Tusak and the theatre's Page organ. Located at The Avalon Theatre - 1 Casino Way, Avalon CA, this pre-show concert is included with movie admission (or available on its own with a separate ticket) and fills the room with the Hammond-like roar and piston-driven drama of vintage theatre organ music. Step inside and you meet an intimate 800-seat house where ornate plasterwork, acoustical warmth, and the pipe ranks of a Page organ create a cinematic soundstage unlike modern multiplexes. The instrument's swell and chime echo off the auditorium's decorative ceiling while performers draw from a repertoire that ranges from classic film cues to whimsical pop arrangements. Jon Tusak's playing focuses attention on the organ's mechanical pulse: sliding stops, percussive effects and thunderous bass that feel both antique and immediate. For visitors, the concert is more than a soundtrack - it's an entry point into Avalon's cultural life. The theatre sits across from the harbor, so plan to arrive early and stroll Casino Way for ocean light and boat traffic before doors open. The venue is wheelchair accessible and offers assistive listening devices; under-18s require an adult chaperone, and photography during the feature presentation is strictly prohibited. Tickets are modestly priced, with discounts for children, seniors and Avalon residents, making this an affordable cultural stop between beach walks and boat tours. Because the organ is a mechanical instrument in a historic room, evenings can be cool; light layers are recommended. Note also the strict no outside food or drink policy and the theatre's right to escort disruptive patrons. This event works well as a single-night highlight or as part of a longer Catalina Island visit: pair the concert with dinner at a nearby waterfront table or an after-show moonlit walk along the harbor. The Page organ and the Avalon Theatre are distinctive because they preserve live, mechanical theatre music in its original environment - rare on the West Coast - and because the concerts connect daily life in Avalon back to the era of film palaces and organists who threaded music through silent cinema and early talkies. Practical details: arrive 20-30 minutes before curtain for seating, bring printed or mobile tickets, and have ID ready if you're chaperoning minors. Whether you're an organ aficionado or a traveler looking for local color, Jon Tusak's evening on the Avalon Theatre Page Organ turns a simple movie night into a memorable performance. Check the theatre's schedule online and purchase tickets early during summer and holiday weekends; seating fills fast when cruise ships are in port and community events coincide with screenings year-round.
easy.
1 hour.
Minimal physical fitness required; primarily a seated cultural experience
The pre-show organ concert is included with regular movie admission; a separate ticket is required only for those attending the concert without a screening.
Yes. The venue is wheelchair accessible and provides assistive listening devices.
No. Photography and videography are strictly prohibited during the feature presentation; exterior and lobby photos before the show are acceptable unless otherwise noted.
Under-18s are not admitted without an adult chaperone; chaperones must be at least 21 years old and may accompany up to five minors.
The booking states No Refunds or Exchanges; check your ticketing source for any exceptions or rescheduling notices.
Plan to arrive 20-30 minutes before curtain to find seating, use restrooms, and enjoy the harbor views along Casino Way.
The concert centers on the historic Avalon Theatre Page Organ, a mechanical theatre organ preserved in its original performance space and used to accompany films and live shows.
Respect the theatre's no outside food/drink policy and keep noise low; supporting local businesses and following venue rules helps preserve Avalon’s small-community character.
The Avalon Theatre is a historic movie palace located in Avalon, California on Santa Catalina Island. The theatre programs classic and contemporary film screenings, special events, live scores, and expert discussions that celebrate cinema and local history. Housed in the Avalon Casino complex, the venue hosts curated showings such as 3D screenings of Universal Monsters, centennial presentations of The Phantom of the Opera, modern blockbusters like Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and community-oriented documentary screenings. The Avalon Theatre presents unique cinematic experiences with attention to film history and presentation quality. Guests can attend screenings that include rare archival footage and live musical accompaniment; the Phantom of the Opera event features live music from Michael Mortilla and commentary from Academy executive Randy Haberkamp. The 3D Screening includes a world premiere score, rare 3-D photos, and expert discussions. Other programmed titles have included Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, Hollywood's Magical Island, and Frankenstein, demonstrating a range from genre classics to local history. Located in downtown Avalon, the theatre is accessible to visitors arriving by ferry or private boat and serves island residents and tourists. Programming emphasizes preservation, education, and entertainment, partnering with historians, musicians, and film professionals when possible. The Avalon Theatre maintains a reputation as a cultural hub on Catalina Island, offering memorable film events in a historic setting. Visitors should check event listings and ticketing information for specific screening dates, times, and special presentations. Concessions, local exhibits, and accessible seating improve visitor experience during screenings.
Book with The Avalon Theatre