Orpheum Theatre (Phoenix)

Infobox_nrhp | name =Orpheum Theater
nrhp_type =

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caption = Orpheum Theatre, Phoenix
location= Phoenix, Arizona
lat_degrees = 33
lat_minutes = 26
lat_seconds = 56.73
lat_direction = N
long_degrees = 112
long_minutes = 4
long_seconds = 33.3
long_direction = W
locmapin = Arizona
area =
built =1927
architect= Lescher & Mahoney; Gilbert, Hugh
architecture= Mission/Spanish Revival
added = September 04, 1985
governing_body = Local
mpsub=Phoenix Commercial MRA
refnum=85002067cite web|url=http://www.nr.nps.gov/|title=National Register Information System|date=2007-01-23|work=National Register of Historic Places|publisher=National Park Service] 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 Theatre chain.

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 Baroque 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." 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.

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 Orpheum reopened on January 28, 1997, with a performance of "Hello, Dolly" starring Carol Channing.

The Orpheum Theatre is the current home of the Phoenix Metropolitan Opera. [ [http://www.phoenixmetropolitanopera.org/ Phoenix Opera - Magnificence is our Middle Name! ] ]

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

References