The Orpheum Theatre, located on South Main Street at Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, was built in 1928 and 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. A $4.7 million renovation in the 1980s included refurbishing of ornamental plasterwork, crystal chandeliers and original furnishings plus remodeling of backstage and technical areas. It seats 2,400.
History
The Orpheum Theatre has survived several financial bankruptcies, a devastating fire, 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.
Theatre Memphis is a non-profit community theatre located in Memphis, Tennessee. As one of the oldest and most successful community theatres in the country, Theatre Memphis has offered an opportunity for people with every degree of talent to become part of the creative process. The building houses two separate stages - the Lohrey MainStage, which seats 400, and the smaller black-box theatre, the Next Stage, which seats 100.
History
Theatre Memphis was founded in 1920 and presented three one-act plays as its first performance on May 20, 1921. In 1925, the theatre opened its doors to its first permanent home, housed in a former stable. By 1929, the theatre had moved to its second permanent home on the east wing of the Pink Palace, the unfinished mansion of Piggly Wiggly founder, Clarence Saunders. Eugart Yerian, a graduate of Pasadena Playhouse in California, arrived in 1932 as theatre director and served in that position until 1961. In 1962, Sherwood Lohrey was named theatre director where he remained until his retirement in 1995. Theatre Memphis opened its doors on its current location in East Memphis on May 1, 1975.
In recent years, Theatre Memphis has expanded its personnel to 14 full-time staff members and over 700 volunteers. They have also upgraded their current facilities, expand community outreach and consistently balance annual budgets
The Orpheum Theatre, also known as New Orpheum Theatre and Orpheum Electric Building, is a performing arts center located at 528 S. Pierce Street in Sioux City, Iowa. Built in 1927 as a vaudeville and movie palace, the theatre was restored in 1999 and today is the home of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra.
Early history
The Sioux City Orpheum was designed by the nationally known Chicago firm of Rapp & Rapp and constructed in 1927 as part of the Orpheum Circuit. The major builder for the theatre was local Sioux City businessman, Arthur Sanford. It was one of the largest theatres in Iowa at its time and was certainly somewhat of a risk financially for Mr. Sanford, with a total construction cost of 1.75 million. This once opulent vaudeville and moving picture house boasted a large 2,650 seat, three story auditorium complete with Wurlitzer pipe organ, half circle boxes, hand carved detailing, gilded ornamentation, several crystal chandeliers and a hand painted ceiling. Throughout the years, the Orpheum was used for symphony performances, ballet and special attractions and hosted entertainers such as Fred Astaire, Tallulah Bankhead, and Katharine Hepburn.
Built in 1926 by Rapp and Rapp, the Limestone, Art Deco exterior and French Renaissance interior made the building an icon, with the "Orpheum" sign towering over State Street. There have been limited changes to the structure of the building over the years. The terrazzo floors, chandeliers, grand staircase, and statue of Orpheus overlooking the entryway are still intact. Partially financed by dentist William Beecroft, also known as "Mr. Theater," The Orpheum cost $750,000 to build and originally featured vaudeville shows and a movie theater, later featuring contemporary artists and film. The Orpheum sponsors the yearly Madison Independent Film Festival and serves food daily from its Lobby Lounge restaurant.
The Orpheum Theatre was the first building in Wisconsin to have air conditioning; the air conditioner itself takes up an entire room in the basement. Furthermore, it was the first building on its block between Johnson Street and State Street.
"Memphis, Tennessee" is a song by Chuck Berry. It is sometimes shortened to "Memphis". In the UK, the song charted at #6 in 1963, at the same time Decca Records issued a cover version in the UK by Dave Berry and the Cruisers, which also became a UK Top 20 hit single. "Memphis, Tennessee" was most successfully covered by Johnny Rivers whose version of the song was a #2 US hit in 1964.
Chuck Berry later composed a sequel, "Little Marie", which appeared in 1964 as a single and on the album St. Louis to Liverpool.
Take a look back at the Orpheum Theatre's history in downtown Memphis. From its beginning as the Grand Opera House to where Broadway Meets Beale today, the South's Finest Theatre has been through decades of triumph and challenges.
published: 02 Feb 2015
The Orpheum Theatre Story in 90 Seconds
The Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, Tennessee
published: 03 May 2012
Introducing the Name-A-Seat Campaign
Ready to put your name down in Memphis history? Be a part of the historic Orpheum Theatre, a place where the Mid-South has been making memories since 1928. When you engrave a seat with your name, a loved one’s name, or with an honorarium or memorial, you create a lasting legacy. Name a Seat today: orpheum-memphis.com/nameaseat
published: 14 Oct 2019
Orpheum Theatre Video Tour
Learn more about renting the Orpheum Theatre: https://orpheum-memphis.com/rent
published: 15 Feb 2021
Orpheum Ghost Stories with Vincent Astor
Local theatre historian Vincent Astor shares his Orpheum ghost stories.
published: 29 Oct 2012
The ghost of the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis
published: 04 Oct 2016
Wicked Load-In at the Orpheum Theatre
Meet Steven Quinn, company manager of the musical Wicked. He oversees over 100 crew members who help erect the magic of the Wicked stage in under 30 hours.
Connect with the Orpheum Theatre –
Website: orpheum-memphis.com
Facebook: facebook.com/theorpheum/
Instagram: instagram.com/orpheummemphis
Twitter: twitter.com/TheOrpheumTN
Snapchat: @orpheummemphis
published: 07 Mar 2018
2024 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards Nominations
And the nominees for the 2024 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards are...*cue drumroll* 🥁
We can't wait to see you in our theatre to celebrate our 15th anniversary of the HSMTA's, happening on May 23rd at the Orpheum Theatre!
published: 22 Apr 2024
'Wicked' returns to Orpheum Theatre in Memphis!
Find ticket prices and more 👉 https://tinyurl.com/26jjklqp
“Wicked” is returning to the Broadway stage right here in the Bluff City.
Stage crews arrived at the Orpheum Theatre on Monday to set up for the Broadway show’s nearly three-week run here in Memphis.
For more Local News from WMC: https://www.actionnews5.com/
For more YouTube Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClB7bBkHRCx5MTrf94dW2aQ
published: 03 Apr 2024
Hidden secrets of Orpheum Theatre to be unveiled during virtual fundraiser
A virtual fundraiser will take Orpheum fans to places they've never seen before.
Take a look back at the Orpheum Theatre's history in downtown Memphis. From its beginning as the Grand Opera House to where Broadway Meets Beale today, the Sout...
Take a look back at the Orpheum Theatre's history in downtown Memphis. From its beginning as the Grand Opera House to where Broadway Meets Beale today, the South's Finest Theatre has been through decades of triumph and challenges.
Take a look back at the Orpheum Theatre's history in downtown Memphis. From its beginning as the Grand Opera House to where Broadway Meets Beale today, the South's Finest Theatre has been through decades of triumph and challenges.
Ready to put your name down in Memphis history? Be a part of the historic Orpheum Theatre, a place where the Mid-South has been making memories since 1928. When...
Ready to put your name down in Memphis history? Be a part of the historic Orpheum Theatre, a place where the Mid-South has been making memories since 1928. When you engrave a seat with your name, a loved one’s name, or with an honorarium or memorial, you create a lasting legacy. Name a Seat today: orpheum-memphis.com/nameaseat
Ready to put your name down in Memphis history? Be a part of the historic Orpheum Theatre, a place where the Mid-South has been making memories since 1928. When you engrave a seat with your name, a loved one’s name, or with an honorarium or memorial, you create a lasting legacy. Name a Seat today: orpheum-memphis.com/nameaseat
Meet Steven Quinn, company manager of the musical Wicked. He oversees over 100 crew members who help erect the magic of the Wicked stage in under 30 hours.
Con...
Meet Steven Quinn, company manager of the musical Wicked. He oversees over 100 crew members who help erect the magic of the Wicked stage in under 30 hours.
Connect with the Orpheum Theatre –
Website: orpheum-memphis.com
Facebook: facebook.com/theorpheum/
Instagram: instagram.com/orpheummemphis
Twitter: twitter.com/TheOrpheumTN
Snapchat: @orpheummemphis
Meet Steven Quinn, company manager of the musical Wicked. He oversees over 100 crew members who help erect the magic of the Wicked stage in under 30 hours.
Connect with the Orpheum Theatre –
Website: orpheum-memphis.com
Facebook: facebook.com/theorpheum/
Instagram: instagram.com/orpheummemphis
Twitter: twitter.com/TheOrpheumTN
Snapchat: @orpheummemphis
And the nominees for the 2024 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards are...*cue drumroll* 🥁
We can't wait to see you in our theatre to celebrate our 15th a...
And the nominees for the 2024 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards are...*cue drumroll* 🥁
We can't wait to see you in our theatre to celebrate our 15th anniversary of the HSMTA's, happening on May 23rd at the Orpheum Theatre!
And the nominees for the 2024 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards are...*cue drumroll* 🥁
We can't wait to see you in our theatre to celebrate our 15th anniversary of the HSMTA's, happening on May 23rd at the Orpheum Theatre!
Find ticket prices and more 👉 https://tinyurl.com/26jjklqp
“Wicked” is returning to the Broadway stage right here in the Bluff City.
Stage crews arrived at th...
Find ticket prices and more 👉 https://tinyurl.com/26jjklqp
“Wicked” is returning to the Broadway stage right here in the Bluff City.
Stage crews arrived at the Orpheum Theatre on Monday to set up for the Broadway show’s nearly three-week run here in Memphis.
For more Local News from WMC: https://www.actionnews5.com/
For more YouTube Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClB7bBkHRCx5MTrf94dW2aQ
Find ticket prices and more 👉 https://tinyurl.com/26jjklqp
“Wicked” is returning to the Broadway stage right here in the Bluff City.
Stage crews arrived at the Orpheum Theatre on Monday to set up for the Broadway show’s nearly three-week run here in Memphis.
For more Local News from WMC: https://www.actionnews5.com/
For more YouTube Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClB7bBkHRCx5MTrf94dW2aQ
Take a look back at the Orpheum Theatre's history in downtown Memphis. From its beginning as the Grand Opera House to where Broadway Meets Beale today, the South's Finest Theatre has been through decades of triumph and challenges.
Ready to put your name down in Memphis history? Be a part of the historic Orpheum Theatre, a place where the Mid-South has been making memories since 1928. When you engrave a seat with your name, a loved one’s name, or with an honorarium or memorial, you create a lasting legacy. Name a Seat today: orpheum-memphis.com/nameaseat
Meet Steven Quinn, company manager of the musical Wicked. He oversees over 100 crew members who help erect the magic of the Wicked stage in under 30 hours.
Connect with the Orpheum Theatre –
Website: orpheum-memphis.com
Facebook: facebook.com/theorpheum/
Instagram: instagram.com/orpheummemphis
Twitter: twitter.com/TheOrpheumTN
Snapchat: @orpheummemphis
And the nominees for the 2024 Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Awards are...*cue drumroll* 🥁
We can't wait to see you in our theatre to celebrate our 15th anniversary of the HSMTA's, happening on May 23rd at the Orpheum Theatre!
Find ticket prices and more 👉 https://tinyurl.com/26jjklqp
“Wicked” is returning to the Broadway stage right here in the Bluff City.
Stage crews arrived at the Orpheum Theatre on Monday to set up for the Broadway show’s nearly three-week run here in Memphis.
For more Local News from WMC: https://www.actionnews5.com/
For more YouTube Content: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClB7bBkHRCx5MTrf94dW2aQ
The Orpheum Theatre, located on South Main Street at Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, was built in 1928 and 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. A $4.7 million renovation in the 1980s included refurbishing of ornamental plasterwork, crystal chandeliers and original furnishings plus remodeling of backstage and technical areas. It seats 2,400.
History
The Orpheum Theatre has survived several financial bankruptcies, a devastating fire, 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.
Published. 19 June 2024 ... Honorees are.. XERNONA CLAYTON, civil and human rights activist and producer who worked closely with the Rev ... The prestigious Freedom Award ceremony will be held October 17, at the historic OrpheumTheatre in Memphis, Tennessee.
The American singer, 42, who was a member of boyband Nsync, played new pop ballad Selfish over a video he posted to Instagram of clips from rehearsals at the OrpheumTheatre in Memphis, Tennessee, where he played an intimate show on Friday evening.
The American singer, 42, who was a member of boyband Nsync, played new pop ballad Selfish over a video he posted to Instagram of clips from rehearsals at the OrpheumTheatre in Memphis, Tennessee, where he played an intimate show on Friday evening ... .
7 at the OrpheumTheatre in Memphis... 7-9, all in Memphis, according to SouthernHeritageClassic.com ... to watch HBCU football every September at the Simmons BankLiberty Stadium in Memphis.