Orpheum Theatre

The historic Orpheum Theatre, located right on Beale Street, is a historic Memphis landmark. The theater began as the Grand Opera House in 1890 and was a part of the Vaudeville circuit. In 1907 the theater’s name changed to The Orpheum after the vaudeville circuit it was part of. However, the original building burnt to the ground in 1923. In 1928 the building would be rebuilt and look totally different. The 1.8 million dollar theater design would channel the common movie palace designs of that era. It would contain large draperies, chandeliers, and a Wurlitzer Pipe Organ. From the 1940s to the 1970s it would be used predominantly as a movie theater.

The theater sold in 1976 and was saved from demolition by the Memphis Development Foundation because they wanted to refurbish it to bring Broadway productions to the city. In 1982 it received 5 million dollars worth of renovations including lighting, orchestra pit expansion, restroom and dressing room upgrades. It re-opened in 1984. From 1996-1997 it underwent an additional 8 million dollar upgrade the gold-leafed the walls, provided new updated technology, and extended the stage to accommodate more Broadway productions like Phantom of the Opera and Beauty and the Beast. Nowadays the theater is a venue for around 8 Broadway shows a year, concerts, and the Memphis Ballet and Opera Memphis.