The theatre first opened in 1926 as one of the many designed by architect B. Marcus Priteca for theater-circuit owner Alexander Pantages.

The interior features a vaulted ceiling, while the facade is a Plateresque (Late Spanish Gothic) Revival.

In April 1998 the Kern/Hammerstein musical "Show Boat" was the first production staged in the reconstructed and expanded theater.

The theater has hosted numerous Broadway shows, including a two-year sit-down production of the musical Wicked from January 27, 2009, through September 2010.

[6] Productions that were staged at the Orpheum prior to opening on Broadway have included Bring It On: The Musical (2011–2012)[1], Evita (1979)[2], Mamma Mia!