Historical venue that has hosted vaudeville acts, burlesque shows, motion pictures and music acts such as Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Little Richard, Aretha Franklin and Little Steve Wonder.
Attending an event here is like traveling back in time. It is glamorous, with many details: domed ceiling, frescos on wall, chandeliers, wood carved sculptures with lighting, padded lobby seating, wood carved benches. The lounge area (dimmed lighting) on main floor is high ceilings, artfully carved corniches, tapestry woven carpet, street lamp lighting. To the left of the entrance there is another dimly lit lounge with plush comfortable couches, hand carved wood chairs and wood paneling.
The auditorium is just as magnificent. Main floor uses Roman columns, stain glass inspired art, walls and ceilings of Beaux Arts style of the era in which it was built. Draped balcony boxes. And Mighty Wurlitzer organ, 1 of 3 pipe organs remaining in Southern California. You must make a point of looking up here...the ceilings here are a work of art in themselves!
This is a small intimate venue, a perfect place for a live performance. In my opinion, no bad seats here. Any place you sit you have a great view of the stage. I am fan of balcony seats because it raises you above eye level, and allows you to see more of the performance.
It is an amazing example of architecture and history. They do not offer tours of the facility, do if you want to see this venue, best to find a show you want to see. Or join LA Conservancy who hosts an annual summer event, Last Remaining Seats, showing classic films at 6 to 10 historical movie palaces. A MUST for die hard history or movie buff!
UPDATE 6/12/22 Face masks are optional. We were not asked for proof of vaccination but it is good idea to take both. There was no social distancing requirement. As COVID protocols can change, check website, call the venue or consult internet for latest information.
There is no parking garage for the venue. There are several lots within walking distance for about $10 (may be more for other events). There is also street parking, some metered but most parking is timed so check the signs. You may need to drive around, so plan ahead if you decide not...
Read moreI was at the Celtic Thunder show tonight Feb 27,2015, which I bought a ticket for in Dec 2014. I had front row (A-5) seat, and the person beside me (A-7) came in drunk with a drink in her hand. She proceeded to drink and shout slur words all through the first half of the show, she spilled her drink all over the floor and herself. She tried to climb over the banister in front of us. At intermission I reported this to one of the officials and asked him to check on it. Two men came down and one of them talked to her, and had the floor cleaned up. She went to the bar and got another drink. She wasn't asked to leave and did the same thing during the second half of the show. I did not enjoy the show as I should have because of this. She also kept hitting the lady on the other side of her. I don't think alcohol should be served at family entertainment shows. She should have been asked to leave. She was drunk when she sat down the first time and you could smell it all over her.She kept swaying in her seat and I thought she was going to pass out on me. Even with all this I did enjoy the show. I love CELTIC THUNDER and have been following them since their beginnings. This was just a very bad...
Read moreThe Orpheum Theatre is absolutely beautiful. It was built in the 1920"s and looks completely the way that it did in the 1920"s . It's decor is rich, opulent, well crafted and stunningly beautiful. The elevator is a gem. It has a wood and glass door, or wood and metal, that allows you to see inside the elevator. It's black inside. At first glance it would appear that the elevator is not working. Then a brightly lit square car floats down and the glass and wood or metal doors open, and the is an elevator attendant inside to greet you and take you to your floor. I've only seen something like that in old movies. It's nice and personable. You could tell when this elevator was installed, it was something new that many other buildings at the time did not have. The auditorium is grand and the sound system and stage lighting is top notch. This theater has a lot of character, you can feel it. But it's not a creepy feeling or a malevolent one. It's a warm friendly feeling. I like this theater a lot. I would love to go back there to see more of it and learn about it's history. I wonder if they do tours? I"ll have to find...
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