'One of the hidden gems of Milwaukee': Pabst Theater chandelier to regain its sparkle as volunteers spend hours polishing it

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Pabst Theater's 1.23-ton chandelier hasn't been cleaned since 2018, so volunteers have gathered there starting on Monday, April 24, working through Tuesday, April 25, to thoroughly clean it.

"We are taking off five layers of dust and smoke effects from different shows, bringing the crystals back to life in their beautiful glory," said volunteer Sandra Wicker. "If you look carefully at the crystals that have not been cleaned yet, you're actually going to see little cobwebs all over."

A manual crank was used to lower the chandelier, which took more than an hour to do. A task that is usually done every one or two years was put on pause by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's great to be able to invite people back in the theaters, to see volunteers be able to come back to help us," explained Sara Peronto with the Pabst Theater Group. "Having volunteers come in and be able to help us clean and just do these little, they seem like little maintenance projects, but really that all is part of what we need to do to preserve the historical significance of these buildings and keep them as beautiful as they once were."

Volunteers aim to hand-polish the chandelier's 33,000 crystals over the course of two days, while maintenance personnel will test its over-125 lamps for electrical operation.

"We're always looking for volunteers to come and help out. We're also looking for volunteers to come and help at other events that we have; even just ushering for the shows," Wicker said. "I love sharing my love of the city with people who come here. This is one of the hidden gems of Milwaukee."

Those interested in volunteering at the Pabst are asked to call 414-242-8200.