Orpheum Theatre In Phoenix Named Arizona's Most Beautiful Theater By Architectural Digest

By Steve Goldstein
Published: Tuesday, November 13, 2018 - 1:50pm
Updated: Tuesday, November 13, 2018 - 1:51pm

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Orpheum
Annika Cline/KJZZ
Orpheum Theatre in Phoenix.

Phoenix is a young city and, while it's looking to be one of the nation’s more innovative places, it's also taking steps to preserve its history.

Right in the middle of downtown is the Orpheum Theatre, built in 1929. The Orpheum went through a number of incarnations and names — including the Paramount and Palace West — before the city purchased it and began a 12-year restoration, which was completed in 1997.

Recently, Architectural Digest compiled a list of the most beautifully-designed theaters in each state, and the Orpheum won the honor for Arizona.

So to get in touch with its art and craftsmanship, The Show took a tour of the theater — including its lobby and balcony — with David Cruse. He is theatrical venues manager for the city of Phoenix.

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