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Point of Interest: Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City
The Orpheum Theatre Presents: A Legacy of Arts & Entertainment
Experience the timeless elegance and allure of Sioux City's historic Orpheum Theatre.
By Haley Banwart
Entering the Orpheum Theatre in Sioux City is like waltzing into a living tapestry of history and artistry. Since its grand opening in 1927, the performing arts venue has been a cornerstone of culture and entertainment, drawing audiences with its promise of spectacle and grandeur.
Celebrated for its ornate architecture and historical significance, the Orpheum Theatre remains an important fixture of the Iowa arts scene. Its story unfolds like a melodrama in three parts, echoing tales of a bygone era when vaudeville acts and silent films graced its stage.
Act I: Origins of the Orpheum Circuit
The Sioux City Orpheum was constructed as part of the Orpheum Circuit, a prominent vaudeville entertainment network established around the turn of the 20th century. Renowned for its lavish theaters, the Orpheum Circuit booked acts with top-tier talent, costumes, props and variety.
At the time of its debut, the Orpheum Theatre was the largest in the state. The opulent vaudeville and moving picture house featured a 2,690-seat, six-story auditorium, complete with a pipe organ, half-circle seating boxes, hand-carved detailing, gilded ornamentation, crystal chandeliers and a hand-painted ceiling.
Audiences were treated to a wide array of entertainment, including symphony performances, ballet shows and special attractions featuring prominent entertainers of the time. In its heyday, the stage came alive with the talents of legendary figures such as Fred Astaire, Katharine Hepburn and Kirk Douglas.
Act II: Preserving the Performing Arts
In the 1970s and ‘80s, the Orpheum Theatre was remodeled into a one-story movie house. It was later divided into a two-screen theater, and much of its original architectural detailing was covered over or removed. The building was closed to the public in 1992.
Facing the threat of its final curtain call, the Siouxland community stepped up to save the treasured theater. The Orpheum Theatre Preservation Project, Ltd. (OTPP) was established to spearhead fundraising for its renovation. Restoration efforts began in 1999 with a team of local and national experts.
“The community was invested in preserving the rich history, architecture and level of excellence the theater was known for,” says Emily Vondrak, director of marketing with Oak View Group, the global sports and entertainment company that manages the Orpheum Theatre. “Meticulous planning and attention to detail went into returning the Orpheum to what it would have looked like on its opening day. Original features were restored, period pieces were sourced and replications were made.”
Act III: A Stage for All Time
After two years of extensive restoration, the Orpheum Theatre reopened its doors on Sept. 15, 2001. Today, an impressive lineup of performances continues to captivate theatergoers, bringing a touch of Hollywood glamour and Broadway prestige to audiences in the heart of the Midwest.
“The legacy of the Orpheum Theatre endures as a pillar of arts and entertainment, bringing in high-level acts that would not normally be accessible in a community of this size,” says Vondrak. “Efforts to restore the theater and support its ongoing endowment are a testament to its cultural significance in the Siouxland area.”
