Orpheum Theater Minneapolis

The Orpheum Theater Minneapolis is one of three theaters in the downtown Minneapolis' theater district that have been completely renovated and restored to their original condition. Since its opening in 1921, the Orpheum Theater has hosted many plays, entertainers and artists through the years.

Many patrons flock to the Orpheum Theater Minneapolis year after year because of the amount of guests it can accommodate. The main floor of the theater seats up to 1500 spectators, while the three levels of the theater's balcony can seat 1100 guests. This brings the theater's total seating capacity to 2600. All seats are intended to have an excellent view of the stage.

Over the years, vaudeville, comedy, cinema, and stage concerts have been hosted at the Orpheum Theater. The theater's domed ceiling provides excellent acoustics, and its elegant décor is in keeping with the rich history of the iconic theater.

The first production shown at the Orpheum Theater Minneapolis when it opened in October 1921 was the Marx Brothers movie. At the time, seats ranged from $0.09 each to $0.47 each for the best seats in the house. In 1927, the Orpheum Theater became strictly a movie theater. In 1959, it was converted back to a stage theater.

Renovations were carried out on the theater in 1993 to the tune of $10 million. The theater's stage was extended by 20 feet. A 15 foot high, 200,000 pound chandelier was also installed in the theater. Other chandeliers found in the theater today were salvaged from the original theater in 1921.

In 1994, Broadway shows returned to the Orpheum Theater, with the production of "Miss Saigon." Many of the most highly acclaimed Broadway shows have played the theater, including "The Lion King," "Rent!," "The Phantom of the Opera," and "Aida."

Many hotels and restaurants are in the theater district for the convenience of patrons. These include the Graves 601 Hotel on First Avenue North, Le Meriden Chambers on Hennepin Avenue, Bradstreet Crafthouse Restaurant on First Avenue North, and the Capital Grille on Hennepin Avenue.

Performers at the Orpheum Theater today include comedians like Steve Martin and Conan O'Brien, Broadway shows such as "Wicked," theater shows such as "Rock of Ages" and "Shrek the Musical," and musical acts such as the Goo Goo Dolls. The Orpheum Theater is located at 910 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55403. Telephone at (800) 859-7469 for information and tickets, or visit the theater's website at http://www.hennepintheatretrust.org/.