The Orpheum Theatre: Steeped in History and Song

Tucked away on a quiet side street just steps from the Boston Common, the Orpheum Theatre is easy to miss — until you step inside. One of the oldest continuously operating theaters in the United States, its mix of history, architecture, acoustics and pure atmosphere is what continues to draw performers and audiences alike.

"There's just a vibe here. It's like the shows and artists from the past have melded into the walls," says Live Nation Entertainment General Manager Deirdre Kelly. "I think the fans feel it as well."

Over the decades, the Orpheum has transformed from a world-class concert hall, a vaudeville stage and a grand movie palace to one of the city's most beloved live music venues. But whether classical or current, live music has always been its lifeblood.

The music hall that started it all

The Boston Music Hall Association — a group of businessmen and music patrons who wanted to create a world-class concert hall for the city — built the Boston Music Hall in 1852. It quickly became one of the most prestigious concert halls in the United States and hosted major classical performances, including the Harvard Musical Association, which played a key role in shaping Boston's early musical landscape.

The New England Conservatory of Music, the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops all also performed at the Boston Music Hall. The venue was central to their early development, cementing its role in helping establish the region as a hub of classical music.

After the Boston Symphony Orchestra moved to the newly built Symphony Hall in 1900, the Boston Music Hall was gutted and converted into a vaudeville theater, emerging as the Orpheum Theatre — part of the Orpheum vaudeville circuit — in 1906.

Loew's Theatres acquired the Orpheum around 1915. Loew's founder Marcus Loew commissioned renowned architect Thomas Lamb to redesign the space and expand seating. For much of the 20th century, the Orpheum operated as a movie palace under Loew's, showcasing MGM films alongside occasional live performances.

A new era of sound and stardom

In January 1971, African American entrepreneur and civil rights activist Arthur Scott leased the building and became general manager. He invested $125,000 in renovations and reopened the venue as the Aquarius Theatre on May 27, 1971, with soul legend and funk pioneer James Brown headlining.

By early 1973, the venue reverted to the Orpheum Theatre name. Since then, it has hosted renowned rock and pop acts — and their fans — from around the world. The theater's list of performers includes icons like David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Prince, the Rolling Stones and Bruce Springsteen, to more recent acts like Arcade Fire, Camilla Cabello, The Decemberists, Kings of Leon and Nathaniel Rateliff. The theater has also welcomed influential comics and has televised boxing weigh-ins, awards ceremonies, dance performances, family-friendly programming, political events and more.

Where the past is always present

As a live music venue, the Orpheum offers a uniquely intimate concert-going experience that you won't enjoy at larger seated venues or outdoor arenas. What the Orpheum lacks in modern bells and whistles, it more than makes up for with the historic charm and atmospheric glamour that only come with age.

The theater's 2,700 seats, gilded molding, vintage light fixtures and original marble throughout give the interior a sense of gravitas — something the current owners, The Druker Company, and occupants, Live Nation New England and Crossroads Presents, seem to appreciate. Kelly confirms, "We try to be stewards for the building, sometimes because we have to. It's not officially designated as 'historic,' but we follow the rules of historic preservation."

As it happens, the Orpheum's age provides something that, for a music venue, is much more valuable than any other amenity — high-quality acoustics. According to Kelly, "Because the theater was built before the advent of modern sound technology, it's considered acoustically perfect." Now equipped with a state-of-the-art sound system, the auditorium promises a superior listening experience to musicians and concertgoers alike.

But what brings so many back time after time? Kelly articulates it best: "This is 'the' rock and roll theater. Even if it's hot and your seat is uncomfortable, it's the Orpheum," she said. "Everybody's played here — and it's just a great place to see a show."

Citizens is your VIP pass

As your live entertainment partner in Boston, we're proud to offer Citizens Live® — an exciting benefits program that helps our customers follow their passion for live music and entertainment. With exclusive perks like presale tickets and skip-the-line entry at general admission venues, Citizens debit and credit cardholders enjoy VIP access to tickets and shows at some of Live Nation's hottest local spots, including the Orpheum Theatre as well as the Paradise Rock Club, Citizens House of Blues Boston, Brighton Music Hall, MGM Music Hall at Fenway and Citizens Opera House.