Orpheum Theatre - Memphis, Tennessee
Posted by: 
BruceS
N 35° 08.409 W 090° 03.096
15S E 768627 N 3892565
Historic theater located in Memphis, Tennessee.
Waymark Code: WM35K8
Location: Tennessee, United States
Date Posted: 02/13/2008
Views: 52
"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 opulently decorated. Lavish tasseled brocade draperies,
enormous crystal chandeliers, gilded moldings, and the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe
organ are just a few of its new amenities.
As vaudeville's popularity waned, the Orpheum was purchased by the Malco
movie theater chain in 1940 and presented first run movies until 1976 when Malco
decided to sell the building. There was even 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.
Fifty-four years had taken a toll on the “South's Finest Theatre.” The
Orpheum was closed on Christmas in 1982 to begin a $5 million renovation to
restore its 1928 opulence. A grand reopening celebration was held in January of
1984, and it signaled the rebirth of entertainment in downtown Memphis.
Throughout the next 20 years, the Orpheum brought in large-scale Broadway
shows, like Phantom of the Opera, Cats, and Les Miserables, while continuing to
offer performances from great entertainers like Jerry Seinfeld, Dorothy Hamill,
Tony Bennet, the Goo Goo Dolls, and many more." ~ Orpheum website