Theater Spotlight: Orpheum Theatre

Originally known as the Hennepin, the Orpheum Theatre opened on October 16, 1921. Located at 910 Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis, Minnesota the theatre was designed by the Milwaukee firm of Kirchoff & Rose and cost 1 million dollars to build. Over 70,000 guests came to watch the Marx Brothers perform during opening week.

The Orpheum seats approx 1500 on the main floor, with an additional 1100 seats in the three-level balcony. It's a finely refurbished theatre, with comfortable seating and lovely decor. Both acoustics and sight lines are outstanding.

Throughout the early 1920's, the Orpheum was a major venue for many variety show type entertainers including Jack Benny, Burns & Allen and Fanny Brice. The best seats in the house sold for 47 cents, and children's tickets were only 9 cents. The Orpheum also featured an unheard of playroom and baby-sitting services for small children on the first floor mezzanine lobby. After the 20's, the Orpheum easily changed with the times and became one of the major cinema houses in Minneapolis that we know today. 

Restored to an elegance and beauty before only imagined, the Historic Orpheum Theatre has become the favored stop for touring Broadway blockbusters. This elegantly restored theater successfully hosts Broadway hits and rock superstars with equal ease. Its great location in the Hennepin Theatre district and ability to attract big name shows makes the Orpheum one of the most sought-after tickets in town!