Orpheum

Orpheum is a term that has been used to describe various theaters and performance spaces throughout history, primarily in the United States. The name is derived from the Greek myth of Orpheus, a musician who charmed wild beasts and even the underworld with his music, ultimately losing his wife Eurydice to the underworld but successfully retrieving her through his musical prowess.

The first known Orpheum theater was established in San Francisco, California, in 1912. It was a vaudeville house that featured a variety of acts, including music, comedy, and dance. The Orpheum circuit, a chain of theaters, was founded in 1921 by William S. Paley and William H. Horn. The circuit expanded rapidly, with theaters opening in major cities across the United States and Canada. The Orpheum Circuit theaters were known for their ornate decor, state-of-the-art sound systems, and high-quality productions.

The Orpheum Circuit reached its peak in the 1930s and 1940s, but like many vaudeville theaters, it began to decline in the 1950s due to changing tastes and competition from television. The last Orpheum theater, the Orpheum Theatre in Boston, closed in 1981. However, the legacy of the Orpheum Circuit lives on in the many theaters and performance spaces that continue to use the name, such as the Orpheum Theatre in Portland, Oregon, which opened in 1925 and is still in operation today.

The Orpheum Theatre in Portland is notable for its historic significance and its role in the city's cultural scene. It has hosted a wide range of performances, including concerts, plays, and comedy acts, and continues to be a popular destination for live entertainment. The theater's ornate decor and state-of-the-art sound system have been preserved, allowing it to maintain its historic charm while also providing a modern entertainment experience.