The name "Orpheum" for an entertainment hall comes from the Greek myth
of Orpheus, whose music and poetry were so compelling that even the
Gods were mesmerized. The word "Orpheum" means "house of Orpheus" or
"place of Orpheus."
"Many of the Orpheum Theatres were originally associated with the
Keith Albee Orpheum vaudeville circuit, or, later, the Radio Keith
Orpheum (also known as RKO, creators of King Kong and other classic
films) company. The name seems to have been the most popular during
the vaudeville era, although the name first appeared in the 1870s.
The theatre group was named after Orpheus who was the son of one of
the Muses and a Thracian prince... He was an irresistible musician and
poet."
Scripophily: Orpheum Theatres 1924
http://www.scripophily.net/orpheumo.html
"Built by the Orpheum vaudeville chain (later to become 'RKO') to
compete with the Shuberts and others, the Palace was also called the
'Orpheum.' That name is derived from the mythical Greek musician
Orpheus who was said to have so mastered the lyre that he could charm
all gods, humans, animals and even rocks!"
Cinema Treasures: Palace/Orpheum/Hippodrome
http://cinematreasures.org/theater/4067/
"Legend has it that the music of Orpheus could move mountains and
still running streams. Son of the gods Apollo and Calliope, Orpheus
enchanted the gods with his poetry and song. A magic lyre, a gift from
his father, became more than an instrument and symbol."
The Orpheum Theatre History
http://www.laorpheum.com/history.html
Google search strategy:
Google Web Search: orpheum theater OR theatre orpheus
://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=orpheum+theater+OR+theatre+orpheus
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