Originally opened in 1904 as the Orpheum, the theatre was built as a vaudeville house, featuring a variety of acts such as comedy, acrobatics, and music. Over the years, the theatre has undergone several renovations and name changes, but it has always been a popular venue for theatergoers.
During the early days of the Orpheum, it was a bustling hub for vaudeville acts, drawing crowds from all over the city. Many of the biggest names in entertainment got their start on the Orpheum stage, including Harry Houdini, Mae West, and the Marx Brothers.
The theatre’s glory days as a vaudeville house eventually came to an end with the rise of cinema. In the 1920s, the Orpheum was converted into a movie theater and renamed the Palace Theatre. During this era, the theatre was home to many famous movie premieres, including the first-ever screening of Gone with the Wind.
The Palace Theatre remained a popular movie theater throughout the 20th century, but by the 1980s, it had fallen into disrepair. In 1983, the theatre was purchased by the Nederlanders, a prominent family in the theater industry, and was renamed the Orpheum Theatre.
Under the Nederlanders’ ownership, the Orpheum underwent a massive renovation and restoration project, which took several years to complete. The goal of the renovation was to restore the theatre’s original grandeur while also updating it to meet modern standards of comfort and technology.
The renovation of the Orpheum Theatre was a massive undertaking, involving the restoration of intricate paintwork, the refurbishment of seating and lighting systems, and the installation of state-of-the-art sound and projection systems. But the end result was a stunning restoration of one of New York City’s most beloved theaters.
Today, the Orpheum Theatre is home to a variety of performances, ranging from musicals and operas to dance and comedy shows. The theatre is also frequently used as a venue for special events, including corporate events and private parties.
Whether you’re a fan of theater or simply appreciate the history and charm of a classic New York City landmark, the Orpheum Theatre is definitely worth a visit. With its spectacular restoration, the theatre is now better than ever, offering visitors a chance to experience the golden age of entertainment in a modern, high-tech setting.