Orpheum Theatre San Francisco Information
A true gem of a building, and registered as an official San Francisco Historical Landmark, Orpheum Theatre was designed by prestigious theatre architect B. Marcus Priteca, as a commission for Seattle vaudeville theatre owner Alexander Pantages. Pantages was keen for the theatre to give the impression of opulence, without the accompanying budget. “Any damn fool,” Pantages is quoted as saying, “Can make a place look like a million dollars by spending a million dollars, but it’s not everybody who can do the same thing with half a million.”
Designed by architect B. Marcus Priteca, the Orpheum Theatre has a capacity of 2,200 for an intimate atmosphere. Construction was completed in 1926, when it first opened its doors for vaudeville performances.
The theater underwent a $20 million renovation project in 1998 to create a more suitable venue for Broadway shows. Following the renovations, the Orpheum Theatre became one of the premier venues for Broadway shows outside of New York.
The intricate building design is truly unique. The theater’s breathtaking interior features a vaulted art-deco ceiling and the exterior’s striking façade was designed to resemble the architecture used in 12th-century French cathedrals.
Originally, the theater was built for the theater-circuit owner Alexander Pantages and was named the Pantages Theatre. Alexander Pantages had a hugely significant impact on San Francisco’s cultural journey, owning 84 theaters across the US and Canada.
Today, the biggest Broadway shows and other exciting live entertainment events form a packed year-round schedule at the iconic venue. The Orpheum Theatre is a core part of the famous San Francisco theater district, attracting visitors from around the world.
San Francisco is widely known as a cultural center in the western United States, and is home to a large number of theaters, art galleries, museums, and festivals. The cosmopolitan atmosphere and diverse community enrich the area’s arts, cuisine, and music scenes.
The building’s stunning interior features a vaulted ceiling, while the beautiful facade was patterned after a 12th-century French cathedral. Originally, the theatre featured vaudeville, silent films, motion pictures, musical comedy and other theatrical entertainment, before becoming the home of travelling Broadway shows.
Seating Capacity
The Orpheum currently seats 2,203 guests.
History of the Orpheum Theatre
Vaudeville circuit
The Orpheum Theatre San Francisco has a rich history dating back to the Roaring Twenties. Opening its doors on the 1st September 1926, the Orpheum was originally the hotspot for vaudeville performances. The venue was part of a network of theaters, known as a vaudeville circuit, where performers could travel and showcase their talents across different cities. During this period, the Orpheum Theatre hosted a variety of acts, including comedians, musicians, dancers, and magicians.
The Orpheum Theatre has been a significant element of the San Francisco cultural scene since 1926. The original name Pantages Theatre only lasted for three years before it became known as the Orpheum Theatre in 1929.
In its early days, the venue hosted vaudeville performances before it was then used as a movie theater during the period when motion pictures were growing in popularity.
In 1977, the theater was named a designated landmark by the San Francisco Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board. The rationale for the decision highlighted the “impressive theater façade” and art deco architecture as standout features.
After undergoing renovations to develop the venue so it was suitable for hosting Broadway shows, the theater became a regular home to the world’s best productions. Following these renovations which cost $20 million in 1998, the first show to take place at the venue was the musical Show Boat.
The highly acclaimed musical Wicked had a two-year-long stint at the theater, running from January 2009, and many more popular Broadway shows have visited this illustrious venue.
Movie Palace
With the decline of vaudeville in the late twenties and the rise of the motion picture industry, the Orpheum quickly made a name for itself as the premier movie house in San Francisco. During this Golden Era, they screened a variety of films, ranging from silent films to the early talkies.
Restoration & Renovation
In the late seventies, the Orpheum Theatre San Francisco underwent a makeover. They aimed to preserve its historic charm, while also jazzing up facilities to host modern Broadway-style shows. The goal was to blend the old with the new, making it a spot for both history buffs and fans of contemporary live performances. The successful efforts even landed the theater a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977 by the San Francisco Landmarks Preservation Advisory Board!
Architecture
Located at the corner of Market Street and 8th Street, this 2,200-seat theater was patterned after a 12th-century French cathedral. Designed by the infamous theater architect B. Marcus Priteca, the Orpheum is a prime example of the Beaux-Arts design style. The exterior of the venue features classical elements such as columns and a flashy marquee. Step inside, and you’re welcomed with ornate plasterwork, gold accents, and chic moldings.
Broadway
Since its rebirth, the Orpheum has been a bustling hub for live performances. The theater soon became the go-to spot for touring productions. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical “The Phantom of the Opera,” Disney’s spectacular production of “The Lion King,” and Jonathan Larson’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “Rent” took center stage, making the Orpheum a key player in San Francisco’s entertainment scene. But that’s not all, this world-class venue has also played host to the epic musical adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel “Les Misérables,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “Cats,” as well as the sultry and jazzy “Chicago” production – just to name a few!