In addition to The Orpheum Theatre commemorating its movie days by screening The Sender on November 18, the theatre is offering free walk-in tours of the venue on Tuesdays through Fridays at 1pm.
“All of us at The Orpheum truly respect and adore the theatre, and we are honored to be able to work for such a magnificent place that has impacted so many,” Erin Glasnovich, Executive Director, says. “We also greatly enjoy the opportunity to show off the theatre: besides its obvious architectural beauty, its historical legacy and storied past are absolutely fascinating.”
The theatre’s Facility Manager, Ross McIntire, is the chief guide for theatre tours. “I’ve never met someone with such a vault of memory as Ross,” Glasnovich states. “He’s catalogued away every newspaper article, firsthand account, and public record he can get his hands on (and still does). The devotion he displays to The Orpheum and excitement he exhibits on the theatre tours is entirely genuine, which makes the experience that much more fun. We hope many people take us up on the invitation to visit.”
Theatre tours are not only a great time, but they’re also educational. Groups, clubs, families, and classrooms are encouraged to attend. Those unable to make the walk-in tours are welcome to contact the theatre to schedule a private tour. Theatre tours range from between 20-40 minutes in length, depending on group size and availability.
“The builders of the Orpheum envisioned this theatre as a shrine to democracy wherein everyone is welcome to share in its wonder and hospitality,” McIntire says. “We want to carry that mission into the present, and give everyone a chance to see one of Galesburg’s finest buildings up close as well as hear the tales and lore of the highs and lows of its life.”
The open invitation for theatre tours leads up to a movie screening event that will mark 40 years since the theatre was on the verge of being lost forever. The Sender will be shown on November 18th at 7pm. Find out more by visiting www.galesburgorpheum.org/thesender. Contact The Orpheum to schedule private theatre tours at 309.342.2299 Tue-Fri, 10-2pm or email info@theorpheum.org.