Orpheum Theater: Venue Background
  • The Orpheum Theater is a nearly century-old Beaux Arts theater located in the heart of New Orleans' Central Business District. Built in 1918, the iconic space has hosted vaudeville acts, silent films, movies, Mardi Gras balls, and countless concerts.
  • Purchased in 2014- after a hiatus from Hurricane Katrina Devastation-by Roland and Mary Von Kurnatowski, owners/founders of Tipitina's and the Tipitina's Foundation, along with Capital partner, developer Dr. Eric George of ERG Enterprises, the Orpheum was thoughtfully restored and re-opened almost a decade to the day in August of 2015. The theater now provides New Orleanians with familiar classic performances by the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra (LPO) while introducing new and exciting genres to those seeking a unique experience.
  • Recent shows at the Orpheum include the post-New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival late night series- featuring The Roots, The Meters, The Revivalists, Galactic and JJ Grey & Mofro and Donald Harrison Jr. - along with comedy legend David Cross, alternative rock band Wilco, American rock singer Melissa Etheridge and more. Upcoming shows include electronic music acts Kraftwerk, James Blake and Flume, Rapper Kevin Gates, American Gospel musician Kirk Franklin plus additional acts.
  • The theater also hosts film screenings, and was home to the 2015 New Orleans Film Festival's opening night featuring "Born to Be Blue," starring Ethan Hawke. To kick off the summer, the Orpheum will host Free Foundation Movie Mondays, beginning Monday, June 20th (screening "Dazed and Confused"), with food and beverage proceeds benefitting The Tipitina's Foundation.
  • For more information on the Orpheum Theater and to view the current Orpheum concert and event schedule, visit www.orpheumnola.com.

A Theater Revival: Renovation and Restoration

  • Great care was taken to restore the Orpheum to its original grandeur while incorporating state-of-the-art modern amenities. The Orpheum's impeccable acoustics, said to rival that of Carnegie Hall, has once again begun to delight concert goers from New Orleans and around the globe.
  • Keeping true to the theater's original form, the paint color scheme at the theater is now precisely as it was in 1921. The terra cotta ceiling in the lobby and the ornate plasterwork throughout the space were all restored by hand.
  • An adjustable orchestra floor was added, which includes removable seating that allows for shifting floor plans, seated dinners and more.
  • State-of-the-art audio and lighting systems were installed throughout the venue to complement The Orpheum's original acoustic layout.
  • The Orpheum was one of the first theaters in the American south to have an elevator, which has now been fully restored.
  • The theater's dressing rooms and green rooms are now immaculately appointed and include full bathrooms, and a full kitchen has been added in the basement level of the venue.
  • Two new VIP areas on the Gallery Level were added for an even more luxurious seating option.
  • Six permanent bars have been built throughout the space, ensuring ideal crowd flow. Additional restrooms were added to the first floor.

Media Contact:
Emily Reimsnyder
504.897.0462
Emily@BondPublicRelations.com