The movies are coming back to the Orpheum Theatre in downtown Phoenix.

The historic venue announced plans to bring a number of films back to the big screen this year, starting with the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz.” The movie was chosen to honor the history of the building, which opened a decade prior to the film’s release, in 1929.

The building, which is included in the National Register of Historic places, has been closed since March due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

“It is a true movie house once again,” Alison Sipes, a Friends of the Orpheum Theatre board member, told The Arizona Republic. “We really wanted to do the Orpheum justice … (and) make sure the picture is beautiful and the sound is great.”

How the Orpheum will create a ‘theatrical experience’

While it’s been seven months since the Orpheum welcomed the public, it’s been a lot longer since it last showed a major motion picture. In fact, it wasn’t even called the Orpheum the last time it happened; it was still the Paramount Theater.

While the venue’s hosted some silent films over the years, the last major movie to be shown at the Orpheum was “Ulysses” on Dec. 5, 1967, right before the Paramount closed, according to Friends of the Orpheum Theatre board member Laura Stenzel.

The Orpheum has a couple of new upgrades now, including an improved sound system and a new film screen.

The name of this event is a mouthful: “Friends of the Orpheum Theatre presents: FilmBar at The Orpheum featuring The Wizard of Oz.”

The Friends of the Orpheum Theatre, a volunteer organization, hired downtown independent theater FilmBar to help screen the films. The event has gone from screening movies to providing a “theatrical experience,” Sipes said.

With FilmBar’s expertise, they will be able to include special effects as part of the moviegoing experience, including smoke and lighting effects that reflect the storyline of “The Wizard of Oz.”

“(They found) ways to play off the cinematic quality of the movie and the beauty of the theater,” Sipes said.

Coronavirus safety precautions

The theater will follow safety guidelines as set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Arizona Department of Health Services.

There is only one screening per day to allow for thorough disinfection of seats and high-touch surfaces after each event, Sipes said. Balcony seating will not be used. As another precaution, cash will not be accepted at the concession stand, and organizers encourage buying tickets in advance.

According to the DHS, spread of the novel coronavirus is “moderate” in Maricopa County. That means movie theaters can be open at half capacity, and moviegoers must wear a mask when not actively eating or drinking.

The Orpheum Theatre, which can seat more than 1,300 people, will only sell 300 tickets per screening.

The DHS announced on Oct. 22 that “we have recently seen a shift of COVID-19 spread in the state in the wrong direction.”

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Other movies showing at the Orpheum this year

The rest of the 2020 lineup includes:

• Oct. 30-31: “Edward Scissorhands.”
• Nov. 14-15: “Purple Rain.”
• Dec. 11-13: “Psycho.”
• Dec. 19-20: “Nutcracker.”

‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the Orpheum Theatre

When: 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24, and 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 25.

Where: The Orpheum Theatre, 203 W. Adams St., Phoenix.

Admission: $9-$16.

Details: 877-840-0457, https://phoenix.ticketforce.com.

Reach the reporter at [email protected] or at 602-444-4968. Follow her on Twitter @kimirobin and Instagram @ReporterKiMi.

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