Pantages Theater

In the summer of 1931, the marquee at the RKO Orpheum Theater (now the Pantages) shone brightly in the night, advertising Larry Rich & his Oompahs. The Orpheum offered the viewer both a movie, Richard Dix in the “Public Defender,” and a vaudeville-style stage show. Band Leader Larry Rich toured the RKO circuit with his own show; he served as master of ceremonies and his band, the Oompahs, backed up the other performers. One of the featured singers was Marion Sunshine. She impersonated popular singers of the day and then sang her own songs, including “The Peanut Vendor.” In addition to creating as a composer and lyricist, Marion Sunshine acted in movies and performed as half of the sister act “Tempest and Sunshine” during her theatrical career.

Photograph courtesy Tacoma Public Library.