Orpheum Theatre (Omaha) facts for kids
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The Orpheum
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Exterior of venue, showcasing the marquee (c. 2013)
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| Address | 409 S 16th St Omaha, Nebraska 68102-2602 |
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| Location | Downtown Omaha |
| Owner | City of Omaha |
| Operator | Omaha Performing Arts Society |
| Capacity | 2,600 |
| Construction | |
| Broke ground | June 1926 |
| Opened | October 10, 1927 |
| Renovated |
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| Closed | April 29, 1971 |
| Reopened | January 17, 1975 |
| Construction cost | $ 2 million ($33.1 million in 2022 dollars ) |
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Orpheum Theater
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| Architectural style | Italianate |
| NRHP reference No. | 73001061 |
| Added to NRHP | March 26, 1973 |
The Orpheum Theater is a famous theater in Omaha, Nebraska. It's a special place where you can watch amazing shows. These include Broadway plays from Broadway Across America and performances by Opera Omaha. The theater is so important that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The main stage area is called "Slosburg Hall." It's a type of stage known as a proscenium theater. This means it has a large arch that frames the stage, like a picture frame. The Orpheum also has a special musical instrument called a theatre organ, which was made by Wurlitzer.
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History of the Orpheum Theater
The Orpheum Theater stands on a spot with a long history. Before it was built, another theater called the "Creighton Theater" was there. This first theater was built in 1895. A man named John A. McShane helped organize its construction.
The Creighton Theater was named after John A. Creighton, who was a kind person in the community. His portrait even decorated the arch above the stage. Over time, the Creighton Theater became part of the Orpheum Circuit. This was a group of theaters across many western cities, including Omaha. Eventually, the name "Creighton" was dropped.
Building the Current Orpheum
By 1926, people wanted a new, bigger theater. So, the current Orpheum Theater was built in 1926. It was constructed on the same spot as the old Creighton Theater. The new building's main entrance was placed on 16th Street.
For many years, the Orpheum was a popular place for live shows called vaudeville. Vaudeville shows featured many different acts, like singers, dancers, and comedians. When vaudeville became less popular, the theater changed. From the 1940s until 1971, it was used as a movie theater in downtown Omaha.
Renovations and Reopening
In 1971, the theater closed its doors. But just a year later, a group called the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben bought the building. They spent $2 million to fix it up. After this big renovation, the Orpheum became a place for live performances again. It reopened in 1975.
In 2002, the Omaha Performing Arts Society took over managing the Orpheum. They made even more improvements, spending $10 million. These updates helped the theater handle bigger and more complex stage sets.
Modern Updates and Features
To make it easier for people to get to the theater, a special walkway called the Skylink was added in 2004. This walkway is 200 feet long. It is enclosed and climate-controlled, connecting the OPPD parking garage directly to the theater.
In October 2013, the old steel sign outside the theater was replaced. A new digital electronic display board was installed. This new sign shows what's playing and other important messages. The lobby also got new LED posters. In the summer of 2017, the theater had another update. It received new paint, new carpets, and refreshed seating.
See also
