Orpheum Theatre (Phoenix, Arizona)

The Orpheum Theatre is a 1364-seat theatre in downtown Phoenix. This venue was originally used for vaudeville acts as part of the nationwide Orpheum Circuit.

Orpheum Theatre
Address203 W. Adams St.
Phoenix, Arizona
United States
OwnerPhoenix Convention Center & Venues
OperatorPhoenix Convention Center & Venues
TypeTouring Theater
Capacity1,364
Construction
Opened1929
ReopenedJanuary 28, 1997
Tenants
Theater League Phoenix
Website
www.phoenixconventioncenter.com/orpheum-theatre
Orpheum Theater Phoenix
Coordinates33°26′56.73″N 112°4′33.3″W
ArchitectLescher & Mahoney; Gilbert, Hugh
Architectural styleSpanish Revival/Baroque Revival
MPSPhoenix Commercial MRA
NRHP reference No.85002067[1]
Added to NRHPSeptember 4, 1985

History

Construction began in 1927 and was completed in 1929 for a total cost of $750,000. It was designed by architects Lescher & Mahoney, with Hugh Gilbert associated, and built for owner-operators J.E. Rickards and Harry Nace. Built in a Spanish Revival style of Spanish Baroque architecture style, intricate murals and moldings were an integral part of the design, all meant to give patrons the impression that they were enjoying the shows "al fresco."[2]

In the 1940s the Orpheum was purchased by the Paramount Pictures chain, and renamed, "The Paramount." In the 1960s Nederlander purchased it to add it as a stop on the Broadway circuit. Throughout the 1960s until its restoration, it was renamed, "Palace West."[3]

Throughout the mid 1970s and early 1980s, the Theatre was leased to the local Mexican enterprising Corona family, who presented a wide variety of Hispanic events and movies. At one point all the murals and moldings were painted black when the Orpheum was used to show Spanish films. In addition to wanting to hide the areas that were already in poor condition, it was thought that such decorations would detract from the films.[4]

Restoration

After falling into disrepair for some years, the city of Phoenix purchased the Orpheum Theatre in 1984 and began a 12-year, $14 million restoration. The Conrad Schmitt Studios created the transformation and the Orpheum reopened on January 28, 1997, with a performance of Hello, Dolly! starring Carol Channing.[4] After the performance, Ms. Channing, still in costume but out of character, thanked the audience for "not turning this beautiful theatre into a parking lot!"

Present day

The Orpheum Theatre of Phoenix was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

In 1997, the Orpheum became home of the newly-formed Phoenix Opera.[5]

In addition to the Phoenix Opera, the Orpheum presents concerts, Broadway musicals, performances of Ballet Arizona and special events.

  • Interior
  • Orpheum Theatre ornament.
  • Detail of exterior frieze

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. January 23, 2007.
  2. "Beginnings and Restoration". Friends of the Orpheum Theatre. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  3. "Orpheum Theatre: Phoenix, Arizona". Conrad Schmitt Studios. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  4. "Phoenix's Historic Orpheum Theatre Reopend (sic) 20 Years Ago after Massive Restoration" (Press release). City of Phoenix. January 27, 2017. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
  5. Schweitzer, Vivien (May 17, 2007). "Former Met Star Founds Opera Company in Phoenix". Playbill. Retrieved August 21, 2018.
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