The Orpheum Theatre Memphis

Orpheum Theatre

The Rising is beyond excited to partner with The Orpheum Theatre to host us during The Rising and be our home for our large group meetings. It is an amazing theatre and right in the heart of downtown Memphis. The Rising will meet here Friday Night, Saturday Morning and Saturday Night for the Rising ONE NIGHT. It will also host our registration, information kiosk, partner booths and serve as our overall “Grand Central Station” for The Rising…or “Rising World Headquarters” during the event. Here’s a little history:

“The Orpheum was built in 1928, is one of the few remaining “movie palaces” of the 1920s. The theatre presents a variety of events from Broadway shows and concerts to films. A $4.7 million dollar renovation in the 1980s included refurbishing of ornamental plasterwork, crystal chandeliers and original furnishings plus remodeling of backstage and technical areas. It seats 2,500.

In 1976, Malco decided to sell the building, and there was 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. After 54 years, The Orpheum was closed on Christmas in 1982 to begin a $5 million renovation to restore The Theatre to its 1928 opulence. A grand reopening celebration was held in January 1984, and it signaled the rebirth of entertainment in downtown Memphis.

The Orpheum, which is managed by the Memphis Development Foundation, presents two seasons of Broadway tours. In fact, on an average annual basis, The Orpheum has presented more Broadway touring productions than any other theater in the country. In addition to bringing the finest Broadway Productions to the area, a wide array of entertainers have graced the Orpheum’s stage, including actor Cary Grant, musicians Andy Williams,Johnny Mathis, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Kenny G, Patti LaBelle, figure skater Dorothy Hamill, jazz drummer Buddy Rich and the Vienna Choir Boys. Two of Memphis’ local arts groups, Ballet Memphis and Opera Memphis, also call The Orpheum home.”

From Wikipidia

Permalink | December 7th, 2009

One Response to “The Orpheum Theatre Memphis”

  1. Things I’m Diggin’, Things Your Diggin’ | Ragamuffin Soul Says:
    December 14th, 2009 at 12:57 pm

    [...] of the greatest musical experiences of my short career. Witnessing hundreds of people leaving the Orpheum theater, leaving their pens and laptops behind to go clean one of the oldest African American [...]

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