Orpheum Theatre

501 B Street,
San Diego, CA 92101

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Fox West Coast Theatres, Pantages

Architects: Benjamin Marcus Priteca

Styles: Art Deco, Spanish Renaissance

Previous Names: Pantages Theatre

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The 2,000-seat Pantages Theatre was opened March 10, 1924 presenting 5 acts of vaudeville, plus Irving’s Imperial Midgets and on the screen “Mae Murray in "Fashion Row”. Mae Murray attended ‘in person’ and film director Fred Nible acted as master of ceremonies. On September 7, 1929 it was renamed Orpheum Theatre and went over to movies with Betty Compson in “Street Girl” on the screen and vaudeville on the stage. By 1941 it was operated by Fox West Coast Theatres and the seating capacity had been reduced to 1,400.

The Orpheum Theatre was demolished in 1964.

Contributed by William Gabel

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Recent comments (view all 6 comments)

Ken Roe on December 13, 2004 at 6:18 pm

Built by Alexander Pantages, the Pantages Theatre opened on 10th March 1924 as a vaudeville house. A seating capacity of 2,000 was initially given. In 1929 it switched to films and was re-named Orpheum Theatre with a 1,400 seating capacity.

The Orpheum was demolished in 1964 and an office block built on the site.

Ken Roe on December 14, 2004 at 8:24 am

The architectural style of the interior of the Pantages could be described as Spanish Deco, the decorations were by Anthony B. Heinsbergen. The organ chambers for the Robert Morton theatre pipe organ were located under the stage.