The Orpheum Theatre

Downtown Memphis, Tennessee has a mall (Peabody Place), a basketball/event building (FexEX Forum), baseball field (AutoZone Park), the historic Peabody Hotel and Beale Street all packed into a very small area. Also within that area, stands a true gem that visitors do not always get to see - The Orpheum Theatre.

The Orpheum Theatre regularly hosts Broadway plays and is the home of Ballet Memphis and Opera Memphis. The Orpheum, built in 1928 at its present location, reopened in 1984 after extensive restoration. The restoration returned it to its original opulence.

Entering the Orpheum Theatre takes a person back to an age where architecture and design were full of elaborate details. Upon entering the Orpheum, you immediately notice the double staircase that leads to the balcony seats. A red, gold and black wall-to-wall carpet with a bold design covers the floor. The ceilings and walls are quite high with what appears to be gilding on richly detailed molding. The entire room, ceiling and walls, are gold and white. Two huge crystal chandeliers hang from the tall ceilings and red curtains with gold fringe accent all the entrances. The auditorium is grander than the lobby. The Orpheum Theatre's web site has a virtual tour, but nothing compares to actually stepping inside its doors.

Broadway Plays at the Orpheum Theatre

"Hairspray" is showing from November 2, 2007 - November 4 2007 with 5 shows - matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $25.00 to $65.00.

"Rent" is showing from November 23, 2007 - November 24 2007 with 3 shows - one matinee on Saturday. Tickets range from $15.00 to $55.00.

"White Christmas, the Musical" is showing from December 4, 2007 - December 9, 2007 with 8 shows - matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets range from $15.00 to $75.00.

Check your local theatre or http://www.touringbroadway.com to see what Broadway shows might be touring in your area.

Ballet Memphis' performances of "The Nutcracker"

There will be four performances of "The Nutcracker" by Ballet Memphis

this Christmas season (see the Ballet Memphis web site for tickets):
One performance on Friday, December 14
Two performances on Saturday, December 15
One performance on Sunday, December 16

Many of the best seats have already been reserved for the Saturday evening performance, but there are plenty of seats still available for all of the other performances. Tickets range in cost from $20.00 to $70.00 per seat.

Opera Memphis in 2008

Opera Memphis will start its 2008 season by performing Verdi's "Macbeth" on January 26 and January 29, sung in Italian with English titles. Opera tickets range from $15.00 to $75.00.

Additional Information

The Orpheum has other concerts and performances besides those listed above. Be sure to check their web site for all of the coming attractions. Also, check The Orpheum, Ballet Memphis, and Opera Memphis web sites for season ticket information.

The Orpheum Theatre
203 South Main
Memphis, TN 38103
(901)525-7800