Orpheum Theater

It would be great if you could list the homepage for the theater.

I was Assistant Manager of the Orpheum in the early 1960's. The picture above does not show the theatre as it was in 1961. When a person entered the theatre then, it was thru a half block long lobby thru the City National Bank building. At the end of the lobby on the right was an elevator. (Used only for taking projectionists to the 6th floor projection room.) Straight ahead was the Grand Staircase which took you to the mezzanine level and on up to the third floor, or down to the main lounge. The third floor was the entrance to the middle section of the balcony. Also on that level was another foyer with a lounge area. Stairways on each end led to the fifth floor hallway which led to the top row of seats.

To the left after leaving the lobby was the Grand Foyer which featured three huge glass chandeliers, a carpet that was hand made in Czechoslovakia (and cost $10,000 - as the story goes), and several large paintings. The foyer on the mezzanine overlooked the Grand Foyer.

At the time the seating capacity was 3300. As I recall the configuration, there were 900 seats on the main floor, 300 on the mezzanine level (it was shaped like a horseshoe, with boxes on each end) and 1100 in the balcony.

The theatre still had it's pipe organ, but it was inoperable then.

The Orpheum was a place of wonderment to a young, curious Assistant manager (me) who somehow found the time to explore the (spooky) old dressing rooms(elevator there, too), and walk the catwalk (dark and spooky) that ran across the auditorium ceiling from the fly loft to the projection room. (A person falling from that catwalk in certain places would never be found.)

In the late 60's or early 70's, the Orpheum became the property of the city of Omaha, which then went about restoring the theatre to it's former grandeur. I was fortunate to be able to tour the theatre in 1978 and found that the City had expanded the stage and repaired the pipe organ along with the restoration work. It was just beautiful.

Mike Geater Gmichael29@cs.com

The Orpheum is undergoing a $10 million restoration beginning the summer of 2002. The wish of everyone involved is to combine the grandeur and magic of the original facility with state of the art acoustical and mechanical upgrades. The facility is used primarily for live performances, and is not a functioning movie-house anymore.

The theater has been successfully renovated and it is still a functional movie house with a screen that is set up for use when needed for screenings. It is primarily a performing arts theater.

I have recently acquired a postcard that features the Omaha Orpheum as a vaudeville theatre in 1912, suggesting that the construction date of 1925 might be in error. I am amazed and pleased that this theatre is still in use. Thanks.

The special screening of WEST SIDE STORY on No.11 2002, helped mark the 75th.anniversary of the theatre with a sparkling new print of the film. Russ Tamblyn and Marni Nixon added to the fun. Dancers performed a tribute to the choreography of Jerome Robbins. Over 1,200 people attended. For more Info go to www.omahafilmevent.com

You can find a complete history of the Orpheum on the following webpage: http://www.omahaorpheum.org/pdf/complete_history.pdf

The address for the Orpheum Theatre is 407 South 16th Street, Omaha, Ne.

The correct street address of Omaha's majestic Orpheum Theater is actually 409 S. 16th St., Omaha, NE 68102 (402) 346-2323. Visit http://www.omahaorpheum.org - Ed Hurd, General Manager

Sorry about the address, I guess when I wrote my notes I didn't make my 9 clearly and it looked like a 7, also I would like to add that the pictures I took in November of last year the theatre looks nothing like the picture featured above. Seems Like an office type building was added to the building since the above picture was taken. I wasn't able to get much on the theatre at the time from the library in Omaha and the lady at the desk seemed that she couldn't be bothered with me.

Your picture is of the old Orpheum Theatre which, sadly, was demolished in 1926. But happily, the New Orpheum Theatre opened in 1927 and is still in use. It is gorgeous!
The front door (from 16th Street) now goes through the old City National Bank Building to the Box Office & Lobby. The bank building has been made into charming apartments. (I live there.)
The fly in the ointment is the new walkway across 16th. Strangely, it is not open to anyone who does not park in the OPPD garage--and--let's just say it--it is seriously ugly!
Anyway, go visit the lovely Orpheum. She's a Grande Lady!

Beautiful photos at this link:
http://www.ci.omaha.ne.us/landmarks/designated_landmarks/landmarks/10/Default.htm

Click on photos to expand them.

Recent color photos of this theatre can be found on the site: "America's Stunning Theatres" by photographer and stagehand Noah Kern at: http://www.pbase.com/affablebeef/theatres Comments and information may be left there without registration; such can be public view or only to Mr. Kern. Scroll down the page to find the name, and then click on the sample image above it to be taken to the page of photos of it.

The link offered by TC on 23 Feb 2005 reveals the Orpheum opened in 1895. I have several books about WC Fields showing his performances at the Orpheum Theatre in Omaha dating back to 1901.

I had the pleasure of playing the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ for the last time in April of 1971. Closed out the last show and pushed the button and the console rose up out of the basement to many surprised eyes. I don't think they give enough show time to this wonderful organ although I understand it is in perfect condiiton.

I have friends whose daughter may be moving to Omaha this summer. I think my friends are getting the theatre 'bug' so would like to tell them about this theatre and perhaps any others that are still open and/or restored. I see on the CT list that many have been demolished though.

Nice to read about the Mighty Wurlitzer organ and that it is perfect condition! That is 'music to my ears'! Hope Lost Memory can provide some photos!

The Omaha Orpheum is in excellent restored condition and is offering quite a few Broadway and other shows throughout the year. I saw Joseph & his Dreamcoat a few nights ago. Lots of civic pride evident. Omaha has another beautiful theatre saved from the wrecking ball. 6 blocks west is The Rose Theatre, built circa 1925, even more ornate than the Orpheum, it serves as a children's theatre and offers just a few shows. I could not find it on this website.

rlvjr,
You can find The Rose theater on this site at http://cinematreasures.org/theater/906/

Added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1973

City National Bank Building and Creighton Orpheum Theater ** (added 1973 - Building - #73001061)
Also known as Creighton Theatre;Creighton Orpheum Theatre;NeHBS D009:123-2
16th and Harney Sts., Omaha
Historic Significance: Event
Area of Significance: Performing Arts
Period of Significance: 1900-1924
Owner: Private
Historic Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Historic Sub-function: Business, Financial Institution, Music Facility, Theater
Current Function: Commerce/Trade, Recreation And Culture
Current Sub-function: Auditorium, Business, Financial Institution, Music Facility, Theater

When comparing names and locations I just now realized that Omaha has a theatre designed by Eberson and a theatre designed by Rapp & Rapp...how lucky is that for one city!?!

This is a recent close-up view of the Orpheum Theater.

I recently bought a wood lobby poster holder that says New Orpheum, it is large, black with case for poster. Does anyone know anything about this?

Where did you get it ElViejo?

The Orpheum Theatre opened in 1927, eighteen months after the Creighton Theatre was torn down. The website is www.omahaperformingarts.org

Antique store.

Here is a recent night view.

This is a June 2008 photo.

Here is a March 2009 item from an Omaha TV station:
http://tinyurl.com/deppsy

A 2009 photo is here.

This is a 1935 exterior photo and here is a shot of the lobby from the same year.

Here is a 1940 photo.