Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1087775
11 F or some children, seeing the monstrous Alabama Theatre pipe organ rise from seemingly nowhere could cause nightmares. But that wasn't the case for Tom Cronier. "I wasn't more than 5 or 6 years old. I was walking down the main aisle of the theatre when the organ began rising into view from the orchestra pit," said Cronier, remembering his first visit. "I kept thinking, 'Wow, where did that sound come from?' That thunderous sound was a little thrilling and a little frightening for a little kid." That almost overpowering experience planted a seed in Cronier's heart that, years later, blossomed into a passion for the organ and its home. As longtime volunteers, Tom and his wife, Loretta, are often at the theatre, whether or not the doors are open. During the popular summer and holiday movie seasons, Tom is at the door to greet the crowds and collect their tickets. Meanwhile, Loretta is just steps away, selling souvenirs and merchandise, such as T-shirts, posters, tote bags, postcards and Christmas ornaments. The Croniers also usher when concerts are held at the theatre. "It's lots and lots of fun," said Cronier, a retired Alabama Power costing analyst. "Seeing the people having fun and enjoying themselves is great. We enjoy the crowds and the organ music, and those old films are good, too." Loretta added that children keep her coming back as a volunteer. "I just love watching the wonderment on the kids' faces," she said. "They are so awestruck because you don't see theatres like it anymore." Having fun is what it's all about for Tom, especially during the year-end holidays, his favorite time of year at the Alabama. That's when he truly gets into the festive spirit, donning a Santa hat to welcome the crowds that come to the theatre for their favorite Christmas movies. Tom said showing holiday movies, which was the idea of former Alabama Theatre President and General Manager Cecil Whitmire, has been a game- changer. In the early 1990s, the theatre had been showing movie classics during the summer, but movies weren't as popular at other times and rental bookings were sparse. Adding the holiday movie series was Whitmire's way of helping the struggling theatre regain its footing after falling on hard times during the previous decade. "For the first one or two years, we showed a few Christmas movies, but nobody came," Tom said. "Cecil had the idea of Lifetime Organizer CRONIER BECOMES BIG BERTHA'S BEST CRONY by CARLA DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHIL FREE