Mary Poppins kicked off the year with the fourth biggest one-week gross in Orpheum history. This is an exciting start to 2013, which will mark the 85th Anniversary of the Orpheum Theatre. The second edition of the History of the Orpheum Theatre: Where Broadway meets Beale is currently being written to commemorate our anniversary and explore all the incredible (and sometimes unbelievable) experiences that our grand theatre has seen since the first edition was published 16 years ago. Eighty-five years is quite a feat in this day and age, and it usually equates to a long, successful, and fulfilled life. However, before the Memphis Development Foundation saved the theatre from the wrecking ball, the Orpheum somehow survived 4 bankruptcies, 4 foreclosures, and 16 management changes. Reaching 85 years despite all of these trials and tribulations prompts us to celebrate like never before, and celebrate we will! We are only a few weeks away from announcing another BIG Broadway season with an exciting mix of new shows and classic Broadway. This year’s concert series will include the many superstars and legends that Memphis holds in high regard, in addition to some of the newest up-and-coming artists. Our annual classic movie series will include the best films of the past 85 years, starting with a silent movie with live accompaniment from the Mighty Wurlitzer Organ (also 85 years old). The series will then continue with the biggest movies from each decade: 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, 60’s 70’s… right up to the most recent blockbusters. No anniversary of this caliber would be complete, however, without a party. This year, we will host a Gala that will make our celebration one to remember. I want to personally invite you to join us for all of these activities as we make the Orpheum’s 85th year it’s best yet!
Pat Halloran | President & CEO Memphis Development Foundation - Orpheum Theatre
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