Saturday, December 15, 2012

Orpheum Theatre Los Angeles / A Christmas Story


Travelbynic@yahoo.com........The Perpetual Tourist!

842 S Broadway, Los Angeles


Ok, I know you’re going to be impressed…….I’m a member of the LA Conservancy!  (Doesn’t that sound impressive?!)  I impressed myself with this membership!  For $25 a year, I get to take advantage of some of Los Angeles most beautiful buildings!!  I have always loved architecture, so this was a no brainer for me!  So let me tell you about one of the activities I learned about from this membership.

Los Angeles is loaded with opulent theatres and every once in awhile they open their doors to the Conservancy.  This was one of those occasions.  I took the family and friends to the Orpheum Theatre and we were able to enjoy the “vintage” film: “A Christmas Story”.  With the membership we paid $10 per person, but others could view the movie for $15 per person.  Of course downtown parking will vary, but we paid $15 for parking.

While waiting in line for the movie to start we were surrounded by other BEAUTIFUL buildings….the United Artist Building, Eastern Building (Outside used for ICarly) and several other art deco buildings.  Doors opened at 1:15pm with the movie starting at 2pm, you want to get there early so you can explore the theatre and take photos.

While we enjoyed the opulence of the theater we had a gentleman playing Christmas songs on the beautiful organ on stage.  El Capitan also has an ornate gold organ, but it is in Hollywood, this is the only organ on Broadway.  The theatre has opulent side balconies, beautiful gilded walls, vintage light fixtures and intricate ceilings.  (Remember…..always look up!)  The lobby is made with white marble that showcases powerful columns.  The staircases are regal with beautiful bronze ladies holding up multi lighted flames to light your path.  Downstairs you’ll find dark paneling with a fireplace where people were able to lounge during intermission.

I have been able to see 2 of the beautiful theatres in LA, and while the Orpheum is very beautiful, if you have the opportunity to only see one theatre while visiting……see the LA Theatre!!  More about that later but it is jaw dropping!  LA Theatre has 2 balconies, 2 downstairs areas, one includes a ballroom, AND we were even invited to see the projection room.  Because I totally appreciate beautiful building, I would have paid the $10 just to see the insides of these theatres so to see a movie is just a bonus!  I mean think about how much you pay to see a movie these days…..why not enjoy a theatre that beckons you back to days of glamour and ritz?!
 



 

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