Sioux City’s Orpheum Theatre enjoys its resurrection, from vaudeville to the symphony

Built in 1927, Sioux City’s Orpheum Theatre is a beautiful throwback to the days of vaudeville and early movie houses. Omaha’s Fred Astaire performed here. Joseph Cotton entertained crowds. The great actors Kirk Douglas and Katherine Hepburn performed live on the stage.

Then, vaudeville went away. In its place, movie theaters took over. In the 1970s, the Orpheum was converted into a movie theater. The beautiful theatre, with its chandeliers and balcony seats, was covered up by false ceilings or removed to make way for projectors and more. Eventually, even older movie theaters took a hit as progress resulted in multi-screens in the suburbs or at shopping centers. Sioux City’s Orpheum eventually closed its doors to the public.

What would become of a cornerstone of Sioux City’s historic downtown?

In the late ‘80s, a non-profit organization was formed to help raise money for the renovation of the Orpheum. Work actually started in 1999. During the renovation, once experts started removing the false ceilings and other items in the building, something amazing was discovered. The chandeliers in the main lobby had survived through the decades. They were meticulously cleaned and fixed. Now, three of the original chandeliers hang from the ceiling. They’re beautiful attractions for the Orpheum. During our visit, they were the focus of photographers and visitors, alike.

In the end, through some hard work and investigative legwork, many of the original light fixtures were recovered and are now used throughout the theater.

Not only were original pieces recovered, interesting artifacts were found in air ducts and other crooks and crannies. Several items are displayed behind glass for patrons to see – wallets that had been lifted by pick-pockets during the early days, handkerchiefs, towels and viewing glasses.

After two years of detailed renovation, the Orpheum reopened to the public in 2001. Today, the lobby offers an immaculate view of classical art design. Furniture and wall décor are impressive pieces.

During our visit to the Orpheum, we were guests of the local visitors bureau and took in the season-closing concert by the Sioux City Symphony. The symphony, which celebrated its 100th anniversary during the 1026-16 season, performed with several guests. The music was impressive. This marked the second time Lisa and I have watched a symphony perform.

The Sioux City concert was unique in that half the show was performed on stage with the full symphony, while the second half of the show featured a smaller group of musicians performing in a corporate-sized tent. “Collide” featured the symphony performing alongside composer/DJ Mason Bates, who provided an electronic upbeat style of music. The group performed versions of music by rock stars, including Frank Zappa. It was definitely a different take on a symphony concert. And a fun one.

“Collide” was a perfect end to the concert season for the symphony. Working with the primary artist-in-residence at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has to be impressive for any musician.

“Collide” was just one of popular performances at the Orpheum since it reopened 15 years ago. The stage has seen the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, BB King, Cheryl Crow, David Copperfield, Willie Nelson, Wynton Marsalis and Bob Dylan.

So, the Sioux City Orpheum has enjoyed a wonderful resurrection, from its days as a vaudeville stop to its dark days when people thought the final curtain had dropped. When in Sioux City, check out a performance at the Orpheum Theatre, or at least try to get a tour. It’s a beautiful theater.

For more information, please visit www.orpheumlive.com or www.visitsiouxcity.org.

Disclaimer: Thank you to the Sioux City visitors bureau for the complimentary symphony tickets. However, all opinions and views are ours.