About The Orpheum
A Living Piece of Twin Falls History
Our Story
From Vaudeville to Modern-Day Marvel
1921
The Curtain RisesThe New Orpheum, as it was originally called, opened its doors in 1921. In those early days, the theatre was a hub for vaudeville acts, live music, and "photo plays" – what we now call movies. The Orpheum quickly became the heart of entertainment in Twin Falls, bringing the excitement of the stage and silver screen to our growing community.
1950s
The Modern EraIn the 1950s, the theatre underwent a significant transformation. Intermountain Amusement took over operations and "modernized" the space. This renovation included painting over the original murals and marble staircases, and transforming The Orpheum into a dedicated movie theater to keep up with changing entertainment trends.
1970s
A Return to RootsThe 1970s brought new ownership and a fresh perspective. Interstate Amusement purchased the theater, renaming it the "Mall Cinema." This era saw a partial return to The Orpheum's original glory, with the restoration of the marble staircases and renovations to the exterior. These changes began to reawaken the building's historic character.
2014
The Revival BeginsA new chapter in The Orpheum's history began in 2014 when Larry and Stephanie Johnson, along with Ovation Performing Arts, purchased the theater. Renamed once again as The Orpheum Theatre, this marked the beginning of extensive renovations aimed at bringing live performances back to the historic stage. The new owners embarked on a mission to blend the theatre's rich past with the needs of modern audiences.
2020-2021
Embracing the Future, Honoring the PastThe global COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges, but also opportunities. We used this time to put the finishing touches on our renovation efforts:
- Inside, we overhauled the lobby, concessions stand, ticketing area, balcony seating, restrooms, and dressing rooms to create a completely unique experience.
- Outside, we added ticketing windows and set plans in motion for a streetside marquee, awning, and even a vertical marquee.
These efforts have realized our vision of seamlessly blending the 1920s and 2020s, creating a space that honors its history while embracing the future of entertainment.
The Orpheum Today
Experience the Magic
Today, The Orpheum Theatre stands as a testament to Twin Falls' enduring love for the arts. We've preserved the vintage charm that makes our theater special while equipping it with state-of-the-art technology to provide the best possible experience for our patrons and performers alike.
Our ongoing restoration efforts continue to unveil and preserve the original beauty of this historic building. From the carefully restored architectural details to the modern amenities, every aspect of The Orpheum is designed to transport you to a world where the golden age of theatre meets contemporary comfort.
We invite you to become part of The Orpheum's ongoing story. Whether you're here for a live music performance, a stand-up comedy show, a classic film screening, or a community event, you'll be experiencing entertainment in a venue that has captivated audiences for over a century.
