Orpheum Theatre (Memphis)
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The Orpheum in Memphis, Tennessee, built in 1928, is one of the few remaining "movie palaces" of the 1920s. The theatre presents a variety of events from Broadway shows and concerts to films. [1]. A $4.7 million dollar renovation in the 1980s included refurbishing of ornamental plasterwork, crystal chandeliers and original furnishings plus remodeling of backstage and technical areas. It seats 2,500.
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[edit] History
The Orpheum Theatre has survived several financial bankruptcies, a devastating fire, the decay of downtown Memphis and the threat of demolition for the construction of an office complex. However, the Orpheum, called the "South's Finest Theatre" rose above all this and now is a premiere performing arts center for the Mid-South.
In 1890 The Grand Opera House was built on the corner of Main and Beale Street. The Grand was billed as the classiest theatre outside of New York City. Vaudeville was the main source of entertainment at the time. The Grand became part of the Orpheum Vaudeville circuit in 1907, and was renamed the Orpheum Theatre.
Vaudeville at the Orpheum was successful for almost two decades. Then in 1923 a fire broke out during a show that featured a strip-tease artist by the name of Blossom Seeley and burned the theatre to the ground.
[edit] Building a new Orpheum
In 1928, at a cost of $1.6 million, a new Orpheum was built on the original site of The Grand, but it was a different theater. The new Orpheum is twice as large as her predecessor and is beautifully decorated. A few decorations include lavish tasseled brocade draperies, enormous crystal chandeliers, gilded moldings and a large Wurlitzer pipe organ. The Orpheum was purchased by the Malco movie theater chain in 1940 and presented first run movies.
[edit] Renovation
In 1976, Malco decided to sell the building, and there was talk of demolishing the old theater to build an office complex. However, in 1977 the Memphis Development Foundation purchased The Orpheum and began bringing Broadway productions and concerts back to the theatre.
After 54 years, The Orpheum was closed on Christmas in 1982 to begin a $5 million renovation to restore The Theatre to its 1928 opulence. A grand reopening celebration was held in January of 1984, and it signaled the rebirth of entertainment in downtown Memphis.
The Orpheum, which is managed by the Memphis Development Foundation, presents two seasons of Broadway tours. In fact, on an average annual basis, The Orpheum has presented more Broadway touring productions than any other theater in the country.
In addition to bringing the finest Broadway Productions to the area, a wide array of entertainers have graced the Orpheum's stage, including actor Cary Grant, musicians Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Kenny G, Patti LaBelle, figure skater Dorothy Hamill and the Vienna Choir Boys.
Two of Memphis' local arts groups, Ballet Memphis and Opera Memphis, also call The Orpheum home.
The Orpheum Theatre, a non-profit organization, continues to flourish because of the generous support of the community.[2]
