Memphis Music Drives Season Ticket Sales to New Heights

While many entertainment venues across the country are reporting declines in attendance, The Orpheum Theatre's Broadway season ticket renewals are already ahead of last year's and could reach 7,000 with the large numbers of new orders anticipated after going on sale April 15th.

"I believe the increase in season ticket renewals is due in part to the stellar lineup of shows," says Pat Halloran, Orpheum President & CEO. "The response to the new season has been phenomenal," continues Halloran, who believes the new Broadway lineup is the best The Orpheum has ever presented.

Filled with Tony® Award-winners and audience favorites, the 2011-2012 Broadway Season includes five shows which are still on Broadway, proving one doesn't have to venture to New York to see the new shows. Touring Broadway's newest destination appears to be the city of the Delta Blues with MEMPHIS and Million Dollar Quartet, two Tony® Award winning productions, both gracing the new season lineup.

"This is the Memphis season," says Halloran. "First, you have the 2010 Tony® Award winner for Best Musical which is titled MEMPHIS and it is about Memphis and Beale Street. The music clearly tells the story of how gospel, blues, and soul fused with rock and roll being the end result. And one of my favorite parts is the finale where the last scene takes place at The Orpheum Theatre on the corner of Main and Beale-how cool is that?"

Another Memphis based musical, Million Dollar Quartet, recreates that memorable day at Sun Studio when Elvis, Jerry Lee, Johnny Cash, and Carl Perkins came together for an unforgettable impromptu jam session.

Halloran also attributes the increase in season ticket renewals to the addition of new season ticket holder benefits and conveniences. "We value our season ticket holders, so we began asking what we could do to make their Orpheum experience better. Pre-sale opportunities, pre-paid parking, and more flexibility in payment over time were at the top of the list."

In addition to guaranteed seating for all shows included in the series, Orpheum season ticket holders now enjoy exclusive pre-sale opportunities for most events and concerts offered at The Theatre. If they find they're unable to attend a performance, then they can exchange their tickets for another performance, email their tickets to friends or family members, or even sell their seats anonymously to other patrons via Ticketmaster's TicketExchange.

"Last year, we added prepaid parking at a reduced price of $7 per performance" said Halloran. "During a busy evening Downtown, parking can cost as much as $20, so this is a considerable savings for our season ticket holders."

Additionally, this year's Orpheum Perks Card for season ticket holders has been revamped with new discounts and rewards for members. The Theatre has partnered with several local businesses to offer season ticket holders great discounts when they use their Perks Card at participating establishments throughout the year and the list keeps growing every day.

Season ticket packages for the 2011-2012 Broadway Season are now on sale for the general public and Halloran is expecting to reach 7,000 before Les Miserables opens in September.

"We're implementing changes to The Theatre to get ready for the projected increase," said Halloran. "We're improving our concession areas to better serve our patrons." During last month's run of Young Frankenstein, The Orpheum unveiled plastic souvenir "sippy" cups for adult beverages. "Patrons can now bring drinks inside the auditorium if they pay a little extra for their own sippy cup," said Halloran. "Plans are also underway to consider expanding our restroom facilities, especially in the ladies lounge area."

So, here is the path The Orpheum is taking to ensure another successful year:

· Assembled a new season of six great shows; five of which are currently on Broadway

· Arranged to have the international tour of MEMPHIS launched at The Theatre while also bringing 100 of the cast and crew to Memphis for one month

· Kept ticket pricing on par with previous years and offered patrons a payment plan

· Expanded The Orpheum Perks Card where every season ticket holder receives discounts at participating businesses and restaurants

· Patrons are now able to charge concessions on a credit card

· The new souvenir "sippy" cups for adults allows patrons to bring drinks in the auditorium

· Offer reserved parking at reduced rate for season ticket holders

Based on the performance day, season ticket packages start at just $94 for six shows. MAMMA MIA is optional and may be added to the season package at an additional cost. Those interested in more information about season tickets should contact (901) 525-3000 or visit www.orpheum-memphis.com.

About The Orpheum Theatre

The Orpheum Theatre is operated by the Memphis Development Foundation, a non-profit organization which depends on the financial support of the community to carry out its mission to foster the enjoyment and understanding of the Arts in Memphis, as well as the economic prosperity of Downtown and surrounding areas. For more information, visit www.orpheum-memphis.com or call 901-525-7800. The Orpheum is located at 203 South Main Street Memphis, TN 38103.

Memphis Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN (Collins Theatre)

33.8% of votes

2. RIDE THE CYCLONE (Collins Theatre)

33.8% of votes

3. COME FROM AWAY (Playhouse on the square)

21.1% of votes

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