Orpheum Theatre (Los Angeles) facts for kids
The Orpheum Theatre marquee
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| Address | 842 S. Broadway Los Angeles, California United States |
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| Owner | Anjac Fashion Buildings |
| Capacity | 2,000 |
| Current use | Concerts, movie premieres, location shoots |
| Construction | |
| Opened | February 15, 1926 |
| Rebuilt | 1989 |
| Architect | G. Albert Lansburgh |
| Designated: | May 9, 1979 |
| Part of: | Broadway Theater and Commercial District |
| Reference #: | 78000687 |
The Orpheum Theatre is a famous old theater in Downtown Los Angeles. It opened on February 15, 1926. This theater was the fourth and last one in Los Angeles to be part of the Orpheum vaudeville circuit. Vaudeville was a popular type of entertainment with many different acts. These acts included singers, dancers, comedians, and magicians.
The Orpheum Theatre had a big makeover starting in 1989. This $3 million renovation made it one of the most beautifully restored old movie palaces in the city. The building has a special look called Beaux Arts architecture. This style was designed by a famous theater architect named G. Albert Lansburgh. Inside, there is a "Mighty Wurlitzer" organ. This huge pipe organ was put in in 1928. It is one of only three such organs left in Southern California. The Orpheum theaters are named after Orpheus, a hero from Greek myths.
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History of Orpheum Theaters in Los Angeles
The Orpheum vaudeville circuit used a few different places in Los Angeles over the years. The first one was the Grand Opera House. It was also known as the Grand Theater. This theater was built in 1884 and closed in 1937.
The second Orpheum theater was at 227 S. Spring Street. It opened in 1888 and closed in 1941. It was first called the Los Angeles Theatre. Later, it became known as the Lyceum Theatre.
The third Orpheum venue is still standing today. It is now called the Palace Theatre. This building was built in 1911.
Famous Performers and Events
The Orpheum Theatre quickly became a popular place for many famous entertainers. Early performers included the comedy group the Marx Brothers and comedian Jack Benny. Singer Judy Garland even performed there with her family when she was a child. Jazz legends like Lena Horne, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington also graced its stage. Vaudeville shows continued at the Orpheum until about 1950.
In the 1960s, the theater hosted exciting rock 'n' roll concerts. Stars like Little Richard, Aretha Franklin, and Little Stevie Wonder performed there. Today, the restored Orpheum Theatre is still a busy place. It holds live concerts, movie premieres, and is used for filming movies and TV shows. The band HIM recorded their live album Digital Versatile Doom at the Orpheum. The 2010 Streamy Awards, which celebrate online videos, were also broadcast live from the theater.
Filming Location for TV and Movies
The Orpheum Theatre's classic look makes it a popular spot for filming. Many TV shows and movies have used it as a background.
Television Shows
- Julie and the Phantoms
- American Idol (Hollywood Week for many seasons)
- America's Got Talent
- The Apprentice (season 5 finale)
- RuPaul's Drag Race (season 7, 8 and 11 finales)
- Hollywood (miniseries)
- Pretty Little Liars (season 4 finale and season 5 episode 1)
- Angel (1999 TV series) (season 3 episode 13)
- Glee (season 5 episode 11)
- A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote (a special reunion for The West Wing TV series)
- IHOP commercial (2024)
Movies
- Last Action Hero (1993)
- Why Do Fools Fall in Love (1998)
- Austin Powers in Goldmember (2002)
- Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle (2003)
- A Mighty Wind (2003)
- Spider-Man 3 (2007)
- Transformers (2007)
- Alvin and the Chipmunks (2007)
- In Search of a Midnight Kiss (2007)
- Hop (2011)
- The Shape of Water (2017)
Music Videos
- Akon – "Lonely"
- Avril Lavigne – "I'm with You"
- Backstreet Boys – "Shape of My Heart"
- HIM – "Digital Versatile Doom"
- Kelly Rowland – "Can't Nobody"
- Guns N' Roses – "November Rain"
- Brandi Carlile – "The Story"
- Michael Jackson – "Thriller"
- Taylor Swift – "Mean"
- Static-X - "I'm With Stupid"
- Monica - "For You I Will"
- The Wallflowers - "Heroes"
Images for kids
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Orpheum Theatre when located at the former Grand Opera House, 110 S. Main, Los Angeles, 1898
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Wurlitzer theatre organ console.
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Orpheum Theatre ceiling and chandeliers.
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Orpheum Theatre chandeliers.
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Orpheum Theatre lobby from above.
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Seat embellishments at the Orpheum.
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Doorhandles at the Orpheum.
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Orpheum Theatre exit.
See also
