OUR STORY and HISTORY
ABOUT THE ORPHEUM
The original Orpheum Theater opened in 1916 as Chatham’s first and only movie house. From the early days of silent films through the blockbuster era of JAWS, our Main Street movie theater was a magical place for 72 years — a year-round destination where generations of Cape Cod families and summer visitors could enjoy gripping dramas, slapstick comedies, joyous musicals or swashbuckling adventure films week after week.
In 1938, the building was purchased by Interstate Theaters Corporation and became known as the Chatham Theater. Then in 1987, like so many village movie theaters on Cape Cod, it ceased operations, went dark, and eventually became a CVS pharmacy. The entire town mourned the loss of this iconic Main Street treasure, but the tradition was never forgotten.
“I was happy to learn that the Orpheum Theater is returning to Chatham, and it is an added pleasure to know that you will show “Jaws”, “E.T.”, and “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” The Orpheum’s history and my own are coming together again. There is no better place to see movies than in a modern theater and the Orpheum will be a fitting showplace that can be an example to other cities that have lost their movie palaces. I applaud all those who made this rebuilding possible and I want to personally thank my friend Doris Kearns Goodwin for bringing your theater to my attention.” —Steven Spielberg
The return of the Chatham Orpheum Theater began in November 2011, right after CVS vacated the historic theater building at 637 Main Street. A local grass roots team was quickly formed and established a non-profit organization with an audacious goal: To raise funds needed to buy the original Orpheum building and bring back movies to Main Street.
Led by founding president Naomi M. Turner and a local team of volunteers, the first $1.3 million was raised to purchase the building in April 2012. The team then launched a more daunting challenge — raising the projected $4 million needed to restore and rehabilitate the 100-year-old wooden structure as a modern, first-class cinema that would feature first-run major motion pictures plus art house movies, independent productions, provocative documentaries, and the works of local filmmakers.
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers
John V. “Kim” Doggett
Chairman - Fundraising, Executive
Bill Storff
President - Finance, Fundraising, Nominating
Douglas Gensler
Vice President - Building & Grounds, Governance
Katherine Robertson
Secretary - Fundraising, Events
Stephen Davol
Treasurer - Finance, Governance
Trustees
Paul DiPierro
Buildings & Grounds
Nancy Gardner
Events, Finance, Governance
Connie Lacaillade
Events
Peter Lacaillade
Fundraising, Finance, Executive, Nominating
Diana Vogel
Governance Committee
Help Us Look to the Future
The Chatham Orpheum Theater holds a special place in the community and we are so very grateful for the support of those who believe in the importance of culture and the local programming we have all come to enjoy and incorporate into our lives.
Your support is keeping us going during these uncertain times, as we put the wellness of the residents and visitors of Chatham as our top priority. Thank you for believing in the importance of the arts for our community. You are the inspiration for all we do!
