Orpheum Theatre
About the Orpheum Theatre:
The Orpheum Theatre is a downtown Phoenix venue with a long history. You might say it is a riches to rags and back to riches story. The stunningly restored venue started out as a Vaudeville venue back in 1929, but was soon sold to Paramount Pictures, and became known as the Paramount. It was originally built in the Spanish Revival style and included lavish murals and decorations. It was meant to give the audience a feeling of being outside, which was achieved by mural depictions of outdoor scenes and a false sky.
The theatre changed hands and names a few more times and finally fell into disrepair and neglect. It was slated to become a parking lot, but was lovingly saved and restored to its former lavish appearance. This took many years and several million dollars but the result is certainly impressive. The interior is so lovely, that special tours are given for free to anyone wishing to see things up close and personal and learn more about the history.
The theatre is now host to a variety of events including theatre, comedy, dance and more. The Orpheum is said to have wonderful acoustics and they say every seat is a good seat. As part of the Phoenix Convention Center, there is plenty of parking nearby at one of the Convention Center parking garages. This theater many not have some of the fancy amenities of the newer theaters, but what it lacks in modernity it makes up for in sheer elegance, historical charm and architectural delight.
