Memphis Airport Orpheum Theatre Hotel

The “South’s Finest Theatre”, is located about ten miles from the Holiday Inn Select Memphis Airport.  The Orpheum is the premier performing arts center of the Mid-South and one of Memphis’ great success stories.

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The Orpheum Theatre has been able to overcome a variety of adversities that range from several untimely bankruptcies, a devastating fire, the decay of downtown Memphis and the threat of demolition. Yet the "South's Finest Theatre" rose above all this and is the premiere performing arts center for the Mid-South.

Beginning as The Grand Opera House in 1890, vaudeville was the main source of entertainment at the Grand which featured singers, musicians and magicians.  The Grand became part of the Orpheum Circuit of vaudevilles shows in 1907, and thus the theatre became known as the Orpheum.  Almost two decades of vaudeville kept the Orpheum successful until a fire destroyed it in 1923.  In 1928, a new Orpheum was built on the original site, twice as large and opulently decorated. Lavish tasseled brocade draperies, enormous crystal chandeliers, gilded moldings and the Mighty Wurlitzer pipe organ were just a few of its new amenities.

When vaudeville faded away, The Orpheum became the Malco movie theater presenting first run movies until 1976.  Malco decided to sell the building and there was even talk of demolishing the old theater to build an office complex.  However, in 1977, the Memphis Development Foundation purchased The Orpheum and began bringing Broadway Productions and concerts back to the theatre.  In addition to Broadway plays, a wide variety of entertainers have graced the stage including Cary Grant, Andy Williams, Johnny Mathis, Gladys Knight and the Pips, Kenny G, Patti LaBelle, Harry Connick, Jr., Tom Jones and the Vienna Boys Choir to name a few.

Visit the website linked below for complete information on the Orpheum Theatre including a list of coming attractions.

Experience the finest quality accommodations and service near all of the major Memphis attractions at the Holiday Inn Select Memphis Airport Hotel. We promise that our hotel and our service will win you over; that is our Hospitality Promise™.  All reservations booked from this website are eligible for participation in the Priority Club® Rewards Program.