Orpheum Theater (New Orleans)

The Orpheum Theater is a theater in the Central Business District of New Orleans, Louisiana.

Orpheum Theatre
Orpheum Theater in 2007
Location125–129 University Pl., New Orleans, Louisiana
Coordinates29°57′16″N 90°4′21″W
Area0.3 acres (0.12 ha)
Built1918
ArchitectG. Albert Lansburgh
Architectural styleBeaux Arts
NRHP reference No.82002787[1]
Added to NRHPAugust 11, 1982

Also known as the RKO Orpheum, it was designed by G. Albert Lansburgh,[2] built in 1918, and opened for vaudeville in 1921. The Beaux Arts style building has 1,500 seats, and went on to host silent movies, “talkies,” live music and a range of other shows.[3] In 1983, the Orpheum was scheduled for demolition but was acquired by the New Orleans Philharmonic Symphony Orchestra, and underwent a $3 million renovation. It served as the orchestra's home theater until the orchestra's financial demise in 1991. Under new ownership, the Orpheum became the home of the newly formed Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO), whose musicians prized the auditorium for its acoustical purity.[4] The theater is an example of "vertical hall" construction, initially built to provide perfect sight lines and acoustics for vaudeville shows which didn't have the benefit of amplifiers or modern lighting.[5]

The Orpheum Theater was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. The theater was severely damaged in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina and the associated levee failure floodwaters[6][7] and was sold to a Dallas businessman.[4] It was then sold to Axiom Global Properties in 2011 (formerly Orpheum Properties, Inc.).[8] Neither of these owners succeeded in restoring the theater to commerce. The theater was purchased in February 2014 by Dr. Eric George, who completed a $13 million renovation.[9] Renovations included installing a new hydraulic floor that can be lifted and lowered to create sloped or flat footing, which allows it to accommodate concerts and events.[10] Additionally, the upgrade included an expanded marble lobby, enlarged seating, additional bathrooms, multiple bars. George and his investment company, ERG Enterprises, completed a subsequent renovation in 2020 by opening a speakeasy bar in the basement of the theater. The venue, called the Double Dealer, opened January 24, 2020.[11]

The theater reopened in August 2015. The first event was held on September 17, 2015 with a performance by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO). The LPO has since become the anchor tenant for the theater.[12]

See also

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. "Orpheum Theatre". Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  3. Patch, Lianna. "Greek Revival". New Orleans Living Magazine. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
  4. New Orleans Times-Picayune, July 7, 2006, p. 1
  5. "New Orleans - Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra". Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  6. Gambit Weekly : Cover Story : July 4, 2006
  7. "New Orleans, Louisiana Local News NOLA.com". Retrieved February 12, 2016.
  8. Orpheum Theater - History
  9. "local physician to buy, reopen Orpheum Theater". The Gambit. January 18, 2014. Retrieved February 11, 2014.
  10. Patch, Lianna. "Greek Revival". New Orleans Living Magazine. Retrieved November 17, 2019.
  11. "New underground speakeasy, Double Dealer, opening under the historic Orpheum Theater". NOLA Weekend. January 24, 2020. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  12. "LPO sets 2015-16 season opener at restored Orpheum Theater in New Orleans, Sept. 17". nola.com/Times-Picayune. February 2, 2015. Retrieved May 13, 2015.
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