The historic Orpheum Theatre, a downtown Phoenix landmark since 1929, has completed a summer renovation aimed at enhancing the guest experience while preserving its vaudeville-era charm. The upgrades include more comfortable seating, increased capacity, improved lighting and a streamlined checkout system at concessions. A highlight of the transformation is an immersive pre-show feature: a mesmerizing audio-visual display projected onto the theater’s ornate ceiling, showcasing cosmic scenes and nature-inspired stories before the curtain rises. “These changes breathe new life into the theater while honoring its legacy,” says Jerry Harper, Phoenix Convention Center and Venues director.

Harper shared more about the Orpheum Theatre’s updates, how the team took on these changes in a historic building, and what’s next for the theater as it approaches its centennial anniversary.

Q&A: What to Expect in the Newly Refreshed Orpheum Theatre

Tell us about the renovations that the Orpheum Theatre has undergone.

This summer, the Orpheum Theatre underwent a transformative renovation aimed at enhancing both the audience experience and preserving the historical charm of the venue. The updates include expanded seating capacity, state-of-the-art lighting upgrades and the addition of an immersive pre-show feature that reimagines the ceiling as a dynamic storytelling canvas. These changes bring new life to the theater while honoring its rich heritage in downtown Phoenix.

When was the last time the theater underwent such a renovation?

The last major renovation occurred in the 1990s when the Orpheum was lovingly restored to its original 1929 splendor. This pivotal project came after the city of Phoenix purchased the theater in 1984 from the Coronas, a prominent local family who previously owned and operated the building for decades. Recognizing the theater’s cultural and historical significance, the city undertook a massive restoration effort that lasted nearly a decade, ensuring the preservation of its Spanish Baroque Revival architecture and ornate details.

How did the team go about planning and executing this project?

This most recent renovation reflects the same commitment to preserving history while meeting the needs of modern audiences. It took over a year of careful planning and collaboration between architects, historians and modern design experts. The project involved a significant investment of time and resources, with over six months of active construction and hundreds of hours of craftsmanship.

When guests arrive at their seats, they’ll notice those have been upgraded and there’s now more capacity. Tell us about those updates.

The seating has been completely revamped with modern, ergonomic designs that enhance comfort while preserving the classic theater aesthetic. The rich red-velvet upholstery pays homage to the Orpheum’s original vision from the Golden Age of Hollywood. Theater seating has been optimized to provide more room for audiences, with capacity increasing to 1,410 from 1,364—an additional 46 seats—allowing more patrons to enjoy performances without compromising the intimate feel of the space.

And when guests look up, they’ll notice the changes to the ceiling, too.

The ceiling now features a new immersive pre-show experience that combines projected visuals and surround-sound audio. It showcases cosmic scenes and stories inspired by nature. This innovation invites guests to engage with the theater’s narrative before the curtain even rises, creating an unforgettable introduction to the performance.

How do you balance adding comfort and modern amenities while ensuring the historic architectural elements of the theater shine through?

Every update was approached with the utmost respect for the theater’s historic character. Our team worked with preservation experts to ensure that modern amenities were seamlessly integrated without altering the building’s architectural integrity. For example, the new lighting system enhances the ambiance without detracting from the intricate ceiling frescoes, and the seating upgrades were designed to complement the original decor.

Are there any other updates to highlight?

In addition to the seating, lighting and immersive ceiling upgrades, we’ve made several behind-the-scenes improvements. Backstage facilities have been upgraded to better accommodate modern productions, ensuring that the Orpheum remains a premier destination for performers and touring companies.

One key addition is the introduction of a “Smart Checkout” system, which significantly reduces wait times for concessions. Guests can now enjoy their refreshments faster and more conveniently, allowing them to spend more time enjoying the ambiance of the theater and less time standing in line.

These updates beautifully merge the Orpheum’s historic charm with modern innovations, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience every time you visit. 

What shows are you most looking forward to this year at the theater?

This season is packed with incredible performances, from laugh-out-loud comedies and orchestral concerts to inspiring local showcases. Highlights include “Bored Teachers (Comedy Tour)—fittingly scheduled for the 3 p.m. showtime—along with (comedians) Heather McMahan and Sarah Millican, all set to shine in the theater’s revamped space, taking full advantage of the new features and seating capacity.

While these renovations are now completed, maintaining a historic building is an ongoing practice. As the theater nears its 100th anniversary, are there other updates or renovations the team hopes to implement in the coming years?

Absolutely. As we approach the theater’s centennial in 2029, we’re exploring additional projects, such as enhancing accessibility features. Our goal is to ensure the Orpheum continues to be both a historic treasure and a modern performance space for generations to come.

While people can see many of these changes when attending a performance, they can also go on a historic tour of the space. Tell us about that and how to attend.

Guests can experience the magic of the Orpheum’s history through guided tours, where they’ll learn about its origins, architecture and the stories behind its art and decor. Guided tours are available on Tuesdays at noon and 1:30 p.m. Secure your spot online at fototphx.org/historic-tours for a behind-the-scenes look at areas not typically accessible during performances.

Anything else you’d like to share?

The Orpheum Theatre has always been more than just a venue; it’s a vital part of Phoenix’s cultural heartbeat. These renovations reflect our commitment to creating a space where history, innovation, and community come together. We can’t wait to welcome everyone to experience the next chapter of this iconic landmark.

For tickets, go to orpheumphx.com