ORPHEUM THEATER

This legendary Madison theater-cinema opened in 1927, during the lavish period of the movie palaces. In those days, films were silent and often accompanied by the sound of the organ. Cinema met a demand for leisure, but also for education when newsreels were shown on the big screen. The Orpheum, big, beautiful and with a lobby inspired by the era of Louis XIV, had no equal in Madison. And for many, the experience of going to the movies was more important than the film itself. The 1930s brought an end to this period of euphoria. After the Great Depression of 1929, Americans considered the luxury of the "Theatre Palaces" outdated and unnecessary. However, until 1969, the Orpheum continued to operate with its two theaters, the Orpheum and the Stage Door Theatre. The greatest figures of the American stage - Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong and, later, Pavarotti - performed here. Even in the midst of the decline of the live scene, stars such as Bob Marley appeared on stage at the Orpheum. From 1980 onwards, when the Civic Center opened its doors, the Orpheum entered a period of decline. It wasn't until 1999 that the combined efforts of the city and private investors came to the rescue of the mythical structure. Work has been carried out since then. The latest is the restoration of the large Orpheum sign at the entrance, which has remained unchanged since 1927. Don't hesitate to visit the lobby and ask about the programming.