Orpheum Theatre
501 B Street,
San Diego,
CA
92101
501 B Street,
San Diego,
CA
92101
4 people
favorited this theater
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
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
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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)
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.
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.
Here is a 1925 photo from the USC archives:
http://tinyurl.com/9hqtd2
Herre are three photos of the auditorium:
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and one of the Lobby:
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Grand opening ad posted.
Became RKO Orpheum September 7th, 1929. Ad posted.