This day in history: The Orpheum Theater opens to the public

The Omaha Performing Arts experience isn’t complete without a photo beneath the iconic marquee, a walk through the marble-lined Lauritzen Lobby, or a moment spent admiring the theater’s grand chandeliers. For nearly a century, the Orpheum Theater has been a cultural cornerstone in Omaha, welcoming generations of audiences through its doors.

On October 10, 1927, the Orpheum Theater officially opened to the public, launching a legacy that continues today. Nearly 3,000 guests attended the gala opening, including the Mayor of Omaha and members of the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben. The evening featured vaudeville acts, comedy, music, dance, and a screening of The Fighting Eagle, starring Omaha native Rod La Rocque. A Wurlitzer Style 235 Special pipe organ accompanied the festivities.

Little did attendees know, this moment would kick off nearly a century of performing arts and community engagement in our city.

From Creighton Theater to Orpheum

The story really begins decades earlier. In 1895, the original Creighton Theater opened on Harney Street, seating more than 800 patrons. Just a few years later, amid a national recession, the theater became part of the Orpheum Vaudeville Circuit and was eventually known simply as the Orpheum. By 1906, Omaha was one of nine cities on the prestigious circuit, bringing nationally known entertainers to local audiences.

By the 1920s, growing demand for vaudeville performances prompted the owners to replace the aging theater with a larger, more elaborate venue. Construction of the new Orpheum took 16 months and cost $2 million, creating the magnificent theater that still stands today.

The Golden Palace

For its first two decades, the Orpheum thrived as a premier entertainment destination. Around 1927 and 1928, most of the other nationwide venues of the Orpheum circuit started popping up, and Omaha had its spot on the map. For about 20 years, the Orpheum saw raging success, but as the popularity of vaudeville waned, the venue became a destination for motion pictures.

However, changing entertainment habits eventually took their toll. The theater closed on April 29, 1971, showing its final film to an empty house. What happened next would determine whether Omaha would preserve one of its most treasured landmarks or lose it forever.

Saved for the performing arts

In 1972, the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben purchased the Orpheum with a vision of transforming it into a performing arts center for the Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha, and Ballet Omaha. An eleventh-hour crisis nearly killed the deal. A wrecking ball was parked outside, and Omaha was moments away from losing its beloved theater — until the Omaha Symphony Association purchased the lobby and gave it to the City of Omaha.

Renovations included expanding the stage, upgrading lighting and electrical systems, enlarging the orchestra pit, improving rigging and air conditioning, replacing seating and carpeting, and restoring much of the theater’s original beauty. The renewed Orpheum officially reopened on January 17, 1975, with legendary comedian Red Skelton headlining the celebration.

A new era under Omaha Performing Arts

The next major chapter began in 2001 when Omaha Performing Arts announced plans for a comprehensive renovation of the theater. In 2002, the City of Omaha granted Omaha Performing Arts a lease to manage the Orpheum, beginning a long-term commitment to preserving and enhancing the historic venue.

Since then, O-pa has invested more than $20 million in improvements, including refurbished seating, a new stage capable of accommodating the largest touring productions, upgraded acoustics, modernized dressing rooms, enhanced rigging and sound systems, the Skylink connection to parking, additional guest amenities, and ongoing preservation projects.

How does the Orpheum chandelier get cleaned? Watch »

The opening of the Holland Performing Arts Center in 2005 also allowed the Orpheum to expand its role as Omaha’s home for touring Broadway. What had once been occasional engagements grew into full Broadway seasons featuring the biggest productions in the country. It’s also the dedicated home of Opera Omaha and used by others in the community for recitals, graduations, weddings, and other special events.

Looking Ahead to 100 Years

As the Orpheum approaches its centennial on October 10, 2027, its story remains one of adaptation, preservation, and community. From vaudeville acts and silent films to Broadway blockbusters and world-class performances, the theater has evolved alongside Omaha while remaining one of the city’s most beloved landmarks.

Nearly 100 years after opening night, the Orpheum continues to bring people together through the shared experience of live performance, carrying its remarkable legacy into the next century.