- Orpheum Theatre (Phoenix, Arizona)
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Orpheum Theater
Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix
Location: Phoenix, Arizona 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 Built: 1927 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 small theatre (seating 1364) in downtown Phoenix. This venue was originally used for vaudeville acts as part of the nationwide Orpheum Circuit.
Contents
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."
In the 1940s the Orpheum was purchased by the Paramount Pictures chain, and re-named, "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.
Present day
The Orpheum Theatre is the current home of the Phoenix Metropolitan Opera.[2]
The Orpheum Theatre of Phoenix was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1985.
Gallery
Interior
Detail of exterior friezeReferences
- ^ "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2007-01-23. http://nrhp.focus.nps.gov/natreg/docs/All_Data.html.
- ^ Phoenix Opera - Magnificence is our Middle Name!
External links
U.S. National Register of Historic Places Topics Lists by states Alabama • Alaska • Arizona • Arkansas • California • Colorado • Connecticut • Delaware • Florida • Georgia • Hawaii • Idaho • Illinois • Indiana • Iowa • Kansas • Kentucky • Louisiana • Maine • Maryland • Massachusetts • Michigan • Minnesota • Mississippi • Missouri • Montana • Nebraska • Nevada • New Hampshire • New Jersey • New Mexico • New York • North Carolina • North Dakota • Ohio • Oklahoma • Oregon • Pennsylvania • Rhode Island • South Carolina • South Dakota • Tennessee • Texas • Utah • Vermont • Virginia • Washington • West Virginia • Wisconsin • WyomingLists by territories Lists by associated states Other Phoenix Points of Pride Arizona Biltmore Resort & Spa · Arizona Center · Arizona State University at the West campus · Ben Avery Shooting Facility · Burton Barr Central Library · Camelback Mountain · Cricket Pavilion · Cutler-Plotkin Jewish Heritage Center · Deer Valley Rock Art Center · Desert Botanical Garden · Encanto Park · Heard Museum · The Herberger Theater Center · Historic Heritage Square · Ro Ho En (Japanese Friendship Garden) · Mystery Castle · Orpheum Theatre · Papago Park/Hole-In-The-Rock · Phoenix Art Museum · Phoenix Mountains Park and Recreation Area · Phoenix Zoo · Pueblo Grande Museum and Archaeological Park · Shemer Art Center and Museum · South Mountain Park · St. Mary's Basilica · Symphony Hall · Telephone Pioneers of America Park · Tovrea Castle and Carraro Cactus Garden · US Airways Center · Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza · Wrigley MansionCategories:- Music venues in Arizona
- Buildings and structures in Phoenix, Arizona
- Culture of Phoenix, Arizona
- Theatres on the National Register of Historic Places in Arizona
- Cinemas and movie theaters in Arizona
- Theatres in Arizona
- Event venues established in 1929
- Phoenix Points of Pride
- Visitor attractions in Phoenix, Arizona
- Spanish Revival architecture in the United States
- Music venue stubs
- Arizona building and structure stubs
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