Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
The Daily Cardinal Est. 1892
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Orpheum

Future co-owners of the Orpheum, Gus Paras and Henry Doane, aim to return the historic theater to its roots by re-introducing movie screenings, comedy shows and weddings.

Historic Orpheum Theatre’s future begins today

The beacon that once shone over Madison’s bourgeoning entertainment district may once again illuminate the future of State Street in all its iconic glory.

Veteran State Street business owner Gus Paras is now the proud owner of Madison’s most historic theater, the prestigious Orpheum, and said he is excited to revive the once dazzling downtown entertainment hub and its towering marquee.

Paras’ acquisition of the property resulted from a complicated, decade-long legal battle for ownership of the auditorium marred by foreclosure, drama and several allegations of arson. However, Paras said he is focused on the future and hopes to begin the necessary renovations on the theater “very soon,” although he hesitated to supply a timeline.

“The Orpheum was a very important place in the downtown area, and I was lucky enough to have a couple of good businesses and do good and be able to afford to put some money in the Orpheum, which it needs,” Paras said. He intends to repair building hazards first by replacing the failing ceiling, plumbing and air conditioning before restoring the marquee.

Paras also said he is committed to maintaining the Orpheum’s interior character and has no plans to redesign the theater. The Orpheum Theatre originally opened March 31, 1927 and became a city landmark in 1998. Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said Henry Doane played an invaluable role in the preservation of the theater.

“If it wasn’t for Henry Doane saving the Orpheum Theatre years ago, there would be no Orpheum Theatre today to speak of,” Verveer said.

Paras, who also owns the Comedy on State, said he is partnering with Doane to reopen the restaurant and bar Doane previously operated in the Orpheum. In addition, Paras and Doane plan to diversify the theater’s functions to include comedy shows, host wedding receptions, banquets and movie screenings as well as continue to offer live music. The pair also look forward to bringing the Wisconsin Film Festival back to the Orpheum.

Paras said he wants the theater’s door to be “open all the time for everybody to walk in and out.” He added “the Orpheum is not, I never look at the Orpheum as a money-maker, I look at the Orpheum as a place for the city and I want to be proud about.”

Support your local paper
Donate Today
The Daily Cardinal has been covering the University and Madison community since 1892. Please consider giving today.
Comments


Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 The Daily Cardinal