On October 12 over 250 people attended a public forum in the State Historical Society to hear two groups present their vision for the future of MadisonÕs Orpheum Theatre. One of those groups, Preserve the Orpheum, formed in mid-August in response to plans of the Madison Idea Foundation to install a sealed IMAX box theater in the auditorium of the ornate 71-year old Orpheum.

At the forum, Preserve the Orpheum confirmed that while they do not oppose a downtown IMAX, they definitely oppose the construction of the IMAX "sealed white box" in the Orpheum. The 4-story box would all but completely destroy the OrpheumÕs historical interiors while creating a limited use facility. Preserve the Orpheum, a volunteer group of concerned citizens, believes that full preservation of the Orpheum will provide greater economic and artistic benefits to Madison. This will keep the door open to future multiple uses. If the 1,800-seat auditorium were altered for an IMAX, there would be no going back to its original grandeur.

Preserve the Orpheum proposes restoring the theater and greatly expanding its programming to include film classics, a cafˇ open even when films arenÕt showing, childrenÕs films on Saturday mornings, possible partnerships with the UWÕs film archives, and senior centers downtown as well as in outlying areas, and possible live entertainment.

Thanks to strong community support, Preserve the Orpheum has made great strides since its formation, including:

· gaining the support of Henry Doane, owner of the Blue Marlin and Tornado Club restaurants, who has made an offer to purchase the Orpheum and fully preserve it

· over 3,500 petition signatures

· editorial support from the Wisconsin State Journal

· a letter of support from six Madison alderpersons and seven Dane County Supervisors (including support from many downtown business owners)

· letters of support from Historic Madison, Inc. and the Madison Trust for Historic Preservation

· formation of an advisory board, including local business owners, elected officials and others with expertise in theater management

· membership in League of Historic American Theatres

· an application for a National Trust for Historic Preservation grant (for feasibility study)

Doane has proposed immediate improvements including a new sound system and restoration efforts that would begin with the facade and marquee. Preserve the Orpheum will pursue the creation of a non-profit "friends" organization that will work in partnership with Doane to raise the funds for complete restoration. Arrangements will be made to guarantee that the long-term economic viability and full restoration will be maintained and protected for generations to come. To get involved or make a donation, you may write to Preserve the Orpheum, PO Box 3191, Madison WI 53704-0191.

-Joe Lusson


Back to the November/December Table of Contents