Orpheum Theatre (Phoenix, Arizona)
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This article relies entirely upon a single source, the National Register Information System (NRIS) database or one of its mirrors. Articles based solely on the NRIS may contain errors. (March 2015) |
| Address | 203 W. Adams St. Phoenix, Arizona United States |
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| Owner | Phoenix Convention Center & Venues |
| Type | Touring theatre |
| Capacity | 1,364 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1929 |
| Reopened | January 28, 1997 |
| Tenants | |
| Phoenix Opera | |
| Website | |
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Orpheum Theater
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| Coordinates | 33°26′56.73″N 112°4′33.3″W / 33.4490917°N 112.075917°WCoordinates: 33°26′56.73″N 112°4′33.3″W / 33.4490917°N 112.075917°W |
| Architect | Lescher & Mahoney; Gilbert, Hugh |
| Architectural style | Spanish Revival/Baroque Revival |
| Governing body | Local |
| MPS | Phoenix Commercial MRA |
| NRHP Reference # | 85002067[1] |
| Added to NRHP | September 4, 1985 |
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.
History[edit]
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."
In the 1940s the Orpheum was purchased by the Paramount Pictures chain, and renamed, "The Paramount." In the 60's Nederlander purchased it to add it as a stop on the Broadway circuit. Throughout the 60's until its restoration, it was renamed, "Palace West."
Throughout the late 70's and early 80's, the Theatre was leased to a local Mexican family, the Coronas, who presented Hispanic events and movies. At one point all the murals and moldings were painted black when the Orpheum was used to show Spanish films. It was thought that such decorations would detract from the films.
- Restoration
After falling into disrepair for some years, the Orpheum Theatre was purchased in 1984 by the City of Phoenix, which then 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. 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[edit]
The Orpheum Theatre of Phoenix was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
https://www.phoenixconventioncenter.com/orpheum-theatre/
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2007-01-23.
External links[edit]
| Wikimedia Commons has media related to Orpheum Theatre (Phoenix, Arizona). |
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- Cinemas and movie theaters in Arizona
- Music venues in Arizona
- Theatres in Arizona
- Buildings and structures in Phoenix, Arizona
- Culture of Phoenix, Arizona
- Phoenix Points of Pride
- Theatres completed in 1929
- National Register of Historic Places in Maricopa County, Arizona
- Theatres on the National Register of Historic Places in Arizona
- Event venues established in 1929
- Visitor attractions in Phoenix, Arizona
- Spanish Revival architecture in the United States