Orpheum Theatre

I lived just around the corner (curve) from the Orpheum, on the corner of 60th Street and 8th Avenue from November 1998 – May 1999, and I used to frequent the Orpheum. It was a great little theatre! I loved the “upstairs” screens, and those tight, narrow staircases. Made me feel like I had found a theatre no one else knew about! (In fact, I was the only patron for many screenings!) I have many fond memories of my times at the Orpheum (except for the godawful “Affliction,” which I walked out on!), and hope that it stays up forever! At least, I hope that it reopens and stays open for a few years … I’d love to visit again with my family if I get back up to Kenosha from Atlanta!

God save the Orpheum!

Current marquee was installed in the early 1990’s by Poblocki sign Co. of Milwaukee. At the time, the theatre was carved into a 4 plex showing dollar movies. This is the third marquee for the theatre. Previous marquee dated from the 1950’s when the theatre was part of the Fox West Coast chain. (Later to become a United Artist theatre before closing in 1975 and remaining vacant until 1990.) Original marquee was a square canopy with a large “blade” sign that rose 3 stories into the air (theatre was originally built by Saxe Ammusements of Milwaukee to feature Orpheum Circuit Vaudeville and motion pictures in 1923).