About

The Orpheum maintains a rich history of music, theater, dance and much more. Each performance adds to a long list of shows and accomplishments the Jewel of Galesburg has accumulated over its near 100 year existence.

THE ORPHEUM THEATRE'S HISTORY

Described as "a veritable house of enchantment" when it opened its doors on Monday, August 21, 1916, the Orpheum Theatre continues to be a place of beauty and a showcase for the arts in western Illinois.

In 1915, William J. Olson, owner of the Gaiety Theatre at the corner of Cherry and Simmons Streets, engaged the prominent architectural firm of C.W. & George L. Rapp to break ground for the Orpheum Theatre. The Rapp brothers were making waves with their philosophy that a theatre should be "a shrine to democracy where the wealthy rub elbows with the poor." Their free blend of Italian Renaissance and Second Empire style of 19th century France with flourishes of classical, baroque and art nouveau gave the Orpheum an eclectic elegance.

The Orpheum was budgeted at an astonishing $75,000, but when finished wound up costing over $135,000. In addition to the elegance of the imported Italian plaster frieze, ionic columns and French windows.

Built as a vaudeville house, the Orpheum hosted many early stars of stage and screen, including Jack Benny, George Burns, Houdini, Al Jolson, Edgar Bergen, Fanny Brice and Blackstone the Magician. The Orpheum was the finest in construction, acoustics and accommodations, but as was the fate of most palaces of the era, the Orpheum's splendor could not withstand the demise of vaudeville and the rising popularity of television.

By the late 1970's, the Orpheum was part of the Kerasotes movie theater conglomerate. Due to high operating costs, the Orpheum was forced to close in 1982. The theatre was donated by the Kerosotes Company to the Knox County Civic Center Authority and a successful fund drive by the Prairie Players Civic Theatre raised $100,000 to restore the Orpheum to its former glory. A $2-million grant from the State of Illinois made the plan a reality. On May 5, 1988, the curtain rose on the Henry Mancini Orchestra for the re-inauguration gala.

Today, the Orpheum continues to reflect its former glory, bringing to the stage a diverse blend of the finest entertainment including Mickey Rooney, Collin Raye, the Doobie Brothers, Glen Miller Orchestra, Bo Diddley and the Illinois and Peoria Ballet Companies. The theatre is also home to many local performing arts and non-profit organizations that bring music, movies, dance and theatre to our stage.

MAJOR MOMENTS IN ORPHEUM THEATRE HISTORY

1916 - Orpheum Theatre opens its doors August 21 for two vaudeville shows at 2:15 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.  Matinee Tickets Prices:  10 cents for the Balcony, 25 cents for the Main Floor and 35 cents for Mezzanine Box Seats.  Night Show Ticket Prices:  10 cents for the Gallery (standing room only), 25 cents for the Balcony, 35 cents for the Main Floor and 50 cents for Mezzanine Box Seats.  (35 cents in 1916 translates to a little over $7 in 2009)

1925 - Piano is replaced by three (3) manual Barton Pipe Organs

1928 - RKO Corporation is formed, takes ownership of the theatre chain

1936 - First major renovation; 7 center boxes in mezzanine and French doors are removed; air conditioning is installed

1976 - Orpheum Theatre named among buildings in the Galesburg Historic District, which appears on the National Register of Historic Places

1978 - Kerasotes Theatres purchases the Orpheum for use as a movie theatre

1982 - Orpheum forced to close due to high operating costs

1987 - Second major restoration project begins

1988 - Orpheum reopens in May after $2.5 million renovation with a magnificent concert by the Henry Mancini Orchestra

1988 - Knox County Civic Center Authority is created to oversee theatre operations; Prairie Players Civic Theatre provides managerial oversight

2000 - City of Galesburg grants 2% of tourism Hotel/Motel tax - up to $100,000 per year - to the Orpheum

2005 - The Orpheum Theatre - in partnership with Galesburg School District 205 - formally organizes the Lights! Camera! Learn! program which introduces students of all ages to the world of performing arts.  About 4, 000 students were served by this program in the 2008-09 academic year.

2006 - The Orpheum Theatre launches its Red Carpet Series bringing world-class entertainment to its stage each season

2006 - Orpheum Theatre receives 501c3 not-for-profit status

2007 - Galesburg City Council lifts $100,000 cap on Orpheum Theatre's hotel/motel tax proceeds.  Orpheum granted full 2% of tax annually

2008 - Orpheum Theatre launches Arts 4 All program which, through partnership with regional health & human service organizations, underwrites tickets to Red Carpet Series shows for socio-economically challenged individuals in Knox County.  More than 300 individuals were served by this program in the 2008-09 seasons.

2008 - Contributed income to Orpheum Theatre surpasses amount received from hotel & motel tax dollars for first time.

2009 - Orpheum Theatre embarks on a much-needed capital campaign to fund projects including replacement of out-dated heating & cooling systems, facade repair, stage repairs and a complete restoration of the ornate interior plasterwork. 

2010 - Orpheum Theatre celebrates the 5th Anniversary of the Red Carpet Series.