Orpheum Theater Madison

Opened in 1927, the Orpheum Theater is a 1,727-seat Art Deco landmark on State Street in downtown Madison, its red marquee one of the most recognizable sights in the city. The limestone exterior and French Renaissance interior were designed by Rapp and Rapp, the firm behind Radio City Music Hall and the Chicago Theatre. It became a city landmark in 1998, joined the National Register of Historic Places in 2008, and was fully reseated in 2022 along with a refreshed Grand Lobby Bar. Over the decades the room has hosted vaudeville, films, and a long list of touring names — Bob Dylan, Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, David Byrne, The Roots, Snoop Dogg — plus comedians including Chelsea Handler, Nick Offerman and Lewis Black. Today it books national standup (Josh Johnson, Dave Attell, Daniel Sloss, Jeff Arcuri, Iliza Shlesinger) between concerts, orchestras and film events. Cashless venue; tickets through Ticketmaster, with reduced-fee tickets sold in person at The Sylvee box office.