Every Saturday at midnight, a group of devoted fans gathers at the Orpheum Theatre, located at 216 State St., for a ritualistic showing of the cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Much of the audience is dressed in full costume — think tacky transvestite and gothic French Maid — adding appeal and bringing the film to life.
This Halloween weekend, the “Rocky Horror” crowd will have plenty of company pushing the envelope of all that is outrageous. Best of all, it can take place under one roof at the Orpheum.
The Orpheum is much more than just a vintage movie theater. It is a concert venue, a bar and a restaurant. Built in 1927, complete with secret passageways, trap doors and gaudy ornamentation, there might not be a better place to celebrate Halloween.
This weekend’s lineup is impressive. Friday night, the entire complex will be open, which is not the venue’s normal operating procedure. The Stagedoor, the live music component with entry at 121 W. Johnson St., will feature DJ Variant and Wyatt Agard. In the main lounge, Mike Carlson will spin more crowd favorites. The cover charge is $5.
Saturday, the main theater will feature “Rocky Horror.” Admission is $7.25 for all ages, and includes the famous floorshow displaying costumes that will blow your mind.
If live music is more your preference, the Stagedoor will feature eight bands for $7. The best way to discover new music is to see it in person, and the Stagedoor is one of the most convenient places to catch a live show downtown. Every Wednesday features a local or regional band, along with $2 taps of PBR.
According to Stagedoor manager Peter Styer, “We take each band and make a 3D art project around them, ranging from sound to visuals to specialty shots.” Recently at the Pale Riders concert, the shot was a Prairie Fire — Tabasco and 151. “It doesn’t taste particularly good,” Styer concedes, “but people get a kick out of the novelty.”
National acts perform on the main stage, and Frank Sinatra and Tommy Dorsey made appearances during the Orpheum’s heyday. More recently, diverse touring acts such as George Clinton, Merle Haggard, Guster and Willy Porter have graced its auditorium.
Celebrated personalities come to the Orpheum for lectures. Just this week, author Salman Rushdie gave a presentation. Other luminaries include Nobel Prize winners Elie Wiesel and F.W. de Klerk. Owner Henry Doane explains, “The most amazing people come through here — famous bands and famous people. It is truly incredible.”
When these events are not going on, the Orpheum shows first-run movies. “We have improved the sound-system considerably since 1999,” Doane explains.
On top of all the concerts, events and parties, the Orpheum’s Grand Lobby Restaurant and Bar is a swanky evening destination. Serving dinner until 10 p.m., but drinks until bartime, the Grand Lobby transforms into an environment reminiscent of a nightclub.
The semi-circular bar is perfect for mingling, talking to the bartenders and enjoying a good drink. The house drink is the Cabana Cocktail. Made with spiced rum, coconut rum, cranberry and pineapple, this drink is a Tuesday special — $3 before 10 p.m.
After 10 p.m. the Tuesday special includes $1.50 PBR and $1.50 rails.
PBR is regularly $2.50. “It is easily our most popular beer,” Doane says. As for mixed drinks, the Cosmopolitan is all the rage. Available as a Wednesday special at 2-for-1 for $6.50, this drink feels at home in the opulence of the Grand Lobby.
A complete entertainment complex, the Orpheum blends the best of historic charm with modern fun. A popular song from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” includes the lyrics, “Let’s do the time warp again!” Such sentiment fits perfectly at the Orpheum, whether it is for the debauchery of Halloween, or the sophistication of a first date.
Bartime will try some of the tasty treats at Madison’s Dining and Diversions this weekend. Madison’s is located at 119 King St. Cheers!
