The Orpheum Theater in New Orleans is celebrating its 100th birthday and re-introducing the new Double Dealer speakeasy under the theater. Resembling the backstage setting of a 1920s vaudeville theater, the tavern pays homage to the Orpheum’s roots and was completed in late January 2020, only to open a few weeks before the shutdown.
The Orpheum is located just off Canal Street on Roosevelt Way and across the street from the famous Roosevelt Hotel. It was heavily damaged in 2005 during Hurricane Katrina and after an extensive $13 million updating and remodeling effort by Dr. Eric George, the theater opened once again in August 2015. The Beaux Arts style building was given an updated marble lobby, enlarged seating, additional bathrooms and multiple bars.
Still in its grand re-opening phase, we attended a Frank Sinatra tribute for his 100th birthday (12/12/15) celebration there on October 23, 2015, with David Torkanowsky conducting the orchestra filled with some of our favorite local musicians. Harry Shearer hosted the event and the 20+ singers and performers included John Boutte, Jeremy Davenport, and Kermit Ruffins with a special guest appearance by then-Mayor Mitch Landrieu. It was a spectacular evening and we are looking forward to attending another event there in the near future. Its excellent acoustics provide an incredible musical experience for all audience members. Although
