The Orpheum
The
Orpheum
The
Orpheum
Memphis,
Tennessee
The Orpheum Theater, on famous Beale Street, is one of Memphis's most beautiful landmarks. Inside, it is also home to
the city's most famous haunted legend.
The Orpheum, originally known as the Grand Theater, was opened in 1890 and hosted popular Vaudeville shows of the era.
The building wouldn't last long, however. It burned to the ground in 1923.
In 1928, a new state-of-the-art replacement opened. It had all of the most luxurious and modern amenities of the time.
And something else. A ghost called Mary.
She is called Mary because no one knows what her real name is. Accounts dating back to the new theater's opening show
that she died on Beale Street, but no one is sure how.
All reports seem to paint the picture of a fun-loving child ghost. She seems to love the plays and takes joy in the
living spectators surrounding her.
Sometimes, when the theater is dark, people have told of the organ playing a tune called "Never Never Land." They say it
is her favorite song. They say it is she who plays it.
Other times, even when the organ is turned off, random keys can be heard being struck. It all seems playful and
innocent. But even that doesn't take the spook from this legend.
In the 1960's a man and his partner were alone in the Orpheum repairing the organ. They knew nothing of the legend.
The problem they were trying to fix was beyond their expertise. In frustration, they left the job. They returned to
find that the organ had, somehow, been returned to perfect condition.
In the late 1970's, members of a touring play company came in contact with Mary. It is said they held a seance in the
theater... On their opening night.
They say she never causes problems, however, when a play is in session. They say she sits comfortably in her seat, C5,
and takes in the music and laughter. For us, a diversion from life. For her, a diversion from death.
For years, the theater tried to keep her presence a secret. They feared it would scare patrons away.
Today, however, the name Mary is synonomous with the Orpheum. Her presence has been embraced. In death, Mary has found
a home.
the orpheum on beale
the orpheum reborn
unplanned amenities
she is called mary
enter the legends
the lobby staircase
playful and innocent
perfect opulence
the box office is closed
section c seat 5
the orpheum's secret
a home for mary
