Orpheum Photo Tour
Entry & Exterior
The stucco façade of the Orpheum was detailed to simulate stone with an ornate cornice containing statues of Pan with musical instruments and masques of comedy and tragedy. On the plaza side the Balcony of the Dons is adorned with conquistadors who entered Arizona from Mexico. The new marquee is based on the original architect’s drawings. Entry to the Orpheum is marked by an octagonal tower, surmounted by a belvedere and beacon light.
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New Adams Street Lobby
Prior to renovation, the Orpheum had retail stores fronting Adams Street with offices above. The restoration program required expanding the lobby. This was accomplished by annexing the retail/office space and combining it into a two story space accessible from the theatre and historic lobbies. In 1929, a small ticket booth was located in the exterior vestibule at the octagonal corner entrance. The restored Orpheum required a larger box office which is accessible from the exterior or through the arched opening in the lobby.
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Historic Orchestra Lobby
The concrete ceiling is painted to simulate wood beams as might be found in a medieval nobleman's gallery. Ornate plaster above the doors is a significant feature, as is the column with grapes, birds, and lizards at the Phoenix staircase. The cast plaster wainscot features muses with instruments. Zodiacs are painted in the panels of doors leading to the plaza (formerly Second Avenue). New carpet replicates the original.
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Lewis Auditorium
Inspired by the work of the legendary theatre designer John Eberson, the 1364 seat atmospheric theatre creates the illusion that one is enjoying the performance “al fresco” in the courtyard of a Spanish villa. Landscapes above the sidewalls were painted by Phoenix muralist David Swing. The proscenium features concentric ropes of ornamental plaster and allegorical figures. The theatre organ, fully restored, played an important role in the early years of the Orpheum, when silent movies, the talkies and vaudeville acts entertained patrons.
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Peacock Staircase
Peacocks executed in metal foil with aqua glaze festoon the elliptical staircase. Of particular interest is the mezzanine ceiling with its fan of peacocks above the stairs.