Orpheum Theatre
346 N. Neil Street,
Champaign,
IL
61820
346 N. Neil Street,
Champaign,
IL
61820
3 people
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I used to see this theatre from the windows of “The City of New Orleans” when I took the train home for Christmas, and I always wanted to get out and have a look at it. It’s good the building is still in use. Maybe someday it can be a theatre again. It’s not likely that RKO bought the theatre in 1920. The RKO chain didn’t exist until 1929 or so.
In 1915 work began on the Al. Ringling Theatre in Baraboo, Wisconsin which was also designed by Rapp and Rapp. The “Al.” owes a lot to the Orpheum being nearly identical in plan. A greater budger however allowed for more lavish use of ornament including over a dozen handpainted murals and an elaborate terra cotta facade.
If you would like more information on the Al. check out the website at www.alringling.com
Please contact me if you would like to discuss the early works of Rapp and Rapp. Paul