Orpheum Theatre

501 B Street,
San Diego, CA 92101

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Fox West Coast Theatres, Pantages

Architects: Benjamin Marcus Priteca

Styles: Art Deco, Spanish Renaissance

Previous Names: Pantages Theatre

Nearby Theaters

Orpherum under Construction

The 2,000-seat Pantages Theatre was opened March 10, 1924 presenting 5 acts of vaudeville, plus Irving’s Imperial Midgets and on the screen “Mae Murray in "Fashion Row”. Mae Murray attended ‘in person’ and film director Fred Nible acted as master of ceremonies. On September 7, 1929 it was renamed Orpheum Theatre and went over to movies with Betty Compson in “Street Girl” on the screen and vaudeville on the stage. By 1941 it was operated by Fox West Coast Theatres and the seating capacity had been reduced to 1,400.

The Orpheum Theatre was demolished in 1964.

Contributed by William Gabel

Recent comments (view all 6 comments)

Ken Roe
Ken Roe on December 13, 2004 at 6:18 pm

Built by Alexander Pantages, the Pantages Theatre opened on 10th March 1924 as a vaudeville house. A seating capacity of 2,000 was initially given. In 1929 it switched to films and was re-named Orpheum Theatre with a 1,400 seating capacity.

The Orpheum was demolished in 1964 and an office block built on the site.

Ken Roe
Ken Roe on December 14, 2004 at 8:24 am

The architectural style of the interior of the Pantages could be described as Spanish Deco, the decorations were by Anthony B. Heinsbergen. The organ chambers for the Robert Morton theatre pipe organ were located under the stage.

kencmcintyre
kencmcintyre on December 26, 2008 at 10:31 pm

Here is a 1925 photo from the USC archives:
http://tinyurl.com/9hqtd2

spectrum
spectrum on February 6, 2009 at 5:03 pm

Herre are three photos of the auditorium:

View link
View link
View link

and one of the Lobby:
View link

rivest266
rivest266 on May 1, 2024 at 4:02 pm

Grand opening ad posted.

rivest266
rivest266 on May 2, 2024 at 5:04 am

Became RKO Orpheum September 7th, 1929. Ad posted.

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