Hillsboro, IL

Cinema One

Orpheum - 1920

Orpheum - Present

On March 22, 1920 The Orpheum Theatre opened its doors to the public for the first time and 85 years later it is still a premier entertainment spot for the region. Panama, Illinois, businessman (and bootlegger), Jack Williams, built what was described by the Hillsboro Journal as “…the newest and most beautiful building in the business district and something of which Hillsboro people are proud”. Built at a cost of $75,000.00, the theatre was described as a “modern and attractive theatre building” boasting a seating capacity of 780 seats. Over the years the theatre had several owners and the movie business had its ups and downs. Fortunately, enough of those owners had the wisdom and foresight to keep the building in good shape and maintain its historic value to the community.

In 2003 current owners Cary and Jeff Eisentraut purchased the theatre and immediately made several improvements to the operation. The first change was to institute a new price policy which is very popular. For $6.00, patrons of the Orpheum receive admission, popcorn and a soda. The second area of improvement is in the technical operation of the theatre. The Orpheum boasts DTS state-of-the-art theatre stereo, the finest projection equipment, and the balcony theatre boasts “stadium seating”. Third, the Eisentrauts bring to the Orpheum 34 years of experience owning and operating theatres. They bring a level of excellence in customer service which is second to none.