Bustling caterers, voices sounding throughout, live piano music, and warm lights filled the open theatre space in the newly renovated Orpheum Theatre.
Originally modeled after The Royal Opera in the Palace of Versailles, the new wedding, event, and performance venue still holds onto these pieces of history.
With gold crown molding, white columns, and beautiful light blue ceilings, sprinkled with dark red walls, the Orpheum’s large main room is a vintage beauty.
Being built on the site of a separate theatre, the Orpheum opened in 1914. Its purpose was to hold vaudeville performances as well as incorporate a new age of performing on the silver screen.
The brothers who built it, Cornelius Rapp and George Rapp, were famous for building theatres and, along with the Orpheum, built the Chicago Theatre, Paramount Theatre, and Michigan Theatre. And that’s only a small fraction of the 400 they built.
Having a long life serving the public as an entertainment venue, the original Orpheum showed its last film in 1986.
But the 72-year-old building had more life left to live. In 1991, it was saved from demolition by The Champaign Preservation and Conservation Association (PACA). Upon inspection of the building, its suggested use was as a children’s museum.
Some repairs were made to the building, specifically the outside, where aluminum panels that lined the walls were removed. And then in 1994, the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum opened and became a staple in the community and provided many fond memories for children and families.
However, due to COVID-19, the museum had to shut its doors. It seemed like the end for the Orpheum.
Enter Chris Enck. The resident from Chicago, who works specifically in historic preservation, thought it was a great opportunity to try and bring back this building and give it another purpose to serve a community, as it has been for over 100 years.
Photo by: Kassidy Scott
“Because so many people in the community either know the building coming for movies or coming here as a child or bringing their kids here, but it looks a little different than it did then”, said Enck. “So we’re trying to get people in [from the community] to show that we’ve done some work and it’s a little different than what it was before. So that they can visualize what it could look like for a future event.”
The plan for the Orpheum is a little different than a children’s museum, however. Instead, the auditorium will be available as a place to hold weddings/wedding receptions, performances, and various other events.
Tuesday night, Feb. 27, the Orpheum opened its doors to the public for its grand opening.
To showcase what a wedding or reception may look like in this venue, the place was set up with a mock reception and even included a dress and tux in the getting-ready room.
Drinks were served along with various foods brought around to attendees.
A very mini taco bar was also set up in the auditorium, and there was a place where people could get popcorn.
Tables and chairs were set up with place settings and flowers. Also being showcased with the tables were the Orpheum’s very own collection of mismatched antique chairs, which are available for those who rent the space to use, as well as the other furniture in the Orpheum.
Live music filled the building and could be heard in every part, even if just faintly. Giant, bright marquee letters set in the auditorium make for a perfect photo opportunity that many guests took advantage of.
As for Enck’s plans for the Orpheum, he wants to continue his work restoring the building and continue to make it better. He has a plan to restore the outside courtyard and make it available for wedding-related events or even just a hangout spot.
If you went to the event, you had the opportunity to take home mini cakes in jars, as well as a special Orpheum-themed postcard.
Not only did the event bring media coverage and attention to the new and improved Orpheum, but it also gave many local vendors and businesses an opportunity to promote themselves as they helped bring the make-believe reception to life.
Those businesses are Michael’s Catering, The Harts Co, Maloch Media, Flowers by Kristine, Furniture Rentals by Kristine, Apricity Ink, Hunny Bunny Bakes, Lottie Linens, Elegant Events, 1st Choice Music Services, 618 Events, Michelle’s Bridal and Tuxedo, MMS Productions, Herriott’s Rents Tents and Events, and Alpha Lit Central Illinois.
For more information about the Orpheum or to book an event, contact them at info@orpheumchampaign.com or at 217-530-0909. You can also visit their website at oprheumchampaign.com.
