After the revocation of the Orpheum Theatre’s liquor license, the historic theater now faces its next series of complications in court after the Monona State Bank filed to foreclose the renowned State Street business Monday.

All Wisconsin liquor licenses expire in June and need to be renewed to continue business. The Alcohol License Review Committee refused to renew the Orpheum’s liquor license June 30.

According to Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, ALRC refused the renewal in two separate meetings as a result of concerns with the current management, issues with tax identification and confusion over who was actually holding the liquor license.

He added the revocation mainly stems from a long-standing feud between the Orpheum’s co-owners, Henry Doane and Eric Fleming.

“The ongoing feud has taken its toll,” he said. “The court file for foreclosure is only the latest chapter in an ongoing history that [the co-owners] are facing.”

Monona State Bank Credit Analyst Drew DiVall said the Orpheum’s principal balance is approximately $1.2 million.  Additionally, the Orpheum owes money to various businesses.

“That is an indication that things weren’t being repaid,” DiVall said.

Verveer noted there has been overwhelming litigation surrounding the Orpheum, ranging from owners suing each other to other creditors suing the Orpheum. He called the theater’s history “painful.”

The bank made statements essentially pointing out that without proper licensing from the city, it did not believe the Orpheum would be able to maintain payments, Ald. Scott Resnick, District 8, said.

Without a state license, the process of receiving denials began, among other issues with the city, including safety concerns, Resnick said. He added the bank may repossess the property, which could mean new ownership that will not only help State Street but all of the downtown community.

Resnick also said many different players are involved in the Orpheum’s financial problems.  Both owners are portraying two very different sides, he added.

“The feuding is just the start of it,” Resnick said.

The Orpheum has served as a resource for University of Wisconsin students as a result of its proximity to campus. Verveer noted student organizations, including the Madhatters men’s a capella group, have historically been patrons of the facility.

Whether it be movies, concerts or private events, students have been a major segment of the Orpheum’s business, he added.

Verveer called the closure a “huge loss all the way around.” The Orpheum was known for having exceptional food, especially for weekend brunches, he said.

“The Orpheum is a historic building and is an official historic landmark of the city,” Verveer said. “If someone doesn’t step forward soon and give the Orpheum the love and care it deserves and needs, I don’t know if that’ll be the final straw.”

Resnick said the process to determine the future of the Orpheum is going to be “long and arduous.”

“It is an iconic State Street establishment with problems that date back nearly half a decade,” Resnick said.

The problems are not new, but Resnick hopes there is closure in the near future.

“The best days of the Orpheum are still ahead of it,” Resnick said.