Last year, the Board of Directors of The Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, IL circulated a survey to solicit feedback from the community about their current usage of and desired future interaction with the 108-year-old historic venue known locally as “The Jewel of Galesburg”. In a word, the takeaway was “MORE”.
More frequency of shows and events, more diverse offerings including a larger interaction with live music acts, more family friendly experiences, more comedy, more movies, more opportunities for local tenant partners. MORE, MORE, MORE!
Since June, the staff at The Orpheum has been working intently to deliver a 24-25 Season Slate of Shows (Sept.-May) that would fill in the blanks of the MORE while providing a bit of something for everyone.
While this year will not offer a “Subscription” opportunity, The Orpheum is introducing a new “Membership” option that provides great perks and benefits including early access to purchasing tickets, discounts on concessions & bar beverages, and special Member/Donor only events to name a few. More importantly though is that it provides a way for the community to be part of The Orpheum and to show how much they love and value it!
HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS:
CATAPULT – premiere performance on March 15, 2025
This America’s Got Talent shadow dance act will be in Galesburg for 2 weeks as they rehearse and perfect the technical elements of their brand new 2025 North American Tour. While in Galesburg, they will perform 2 shows for area schoolchildren through their YES program as well as present the premiere performance of the brand new show!
Animaniacs: In Concert – April 12, 2025
You’ve watched this Steven Spielberg Executive Produced animated series with your kids and grandchildren for years. NOW hear the best songs from the series performed live on stage by the show’s composer Randy Rogel and original show voice actor Rob Paulsen. Joining to bring this lavish Warner Brothers sound to life is the Knox-Galesburg Symphony!
Two Trains Running – March 26, 2025
Presented by New York City’s The Acting Company, this National Touring production of the Pulitzer finalist and Tony Award nominated dramatic play by August Wilson (Fences, The Piano Lesson), is set in a historically black neighborhood in Pittsburgh at the height of the civil rights movement in the 1960s. Full of vivid characters, joy, hope, love, and perseverance, this play celebrates the spirit, laughter, heart, and resilience of the people who make our country great even when faced with overwhelming odds.
Cochren & Co. – November 15, 2025
GMA Dove nominated Contemporary Christian artist Michael Cochren will bring not only his Number 1 radio single “Running Home” to The Orpheum stage, but other hit singles like “Church (Take Me Back)”,” One Day”, and “Who Can”.
Tay Tay Dance Party with DJ Swiftie – January 25, 2025
What audience type would drive through 10 feet of snow and brave the potential for sub-zero temperatures? SWIFTIES!! This unforgettable party-along Taylor Swift Experience will bring not only all of her biggest hits, but will also feature specifically her soon to be re-released recording of REPUTATION!
Complete listing for the 24-25 Season arranged by type of event:
MUSIC
9/5 – Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute Show (Rock)
9/28 – TENANT PARTNER SERIES: Knox-Galesburg Symphony – Romantic Era Masterpieces (Symphonic)
10/19 – Haunted Costume BASH with Revel In Red (Anthem Rock)
11/9 – Use Your Illusion: Guns and Rose Tribute Show (80s Rock)
11/15 – Cochren & Co (Contemporary Christian Soft Rock)
11/23 – Forgottonia starring Chris Vallillo (Folk)
12/6, 7, & 8 – TENANT PARTNER SERIES – Choral Dynamics – North Pole Shenanigans (Choir)
1/18/25 – Decade of Decadence (80s Rock)
1/24 – TENANT PARTNER SERIES – Knox Mirza Jazz Festival (Jazz)
1/25 – TAY TAY Dance Party with DJ Swiftie! (Taylor Swift)
2/14 – Ben Jones – Let Me Be Frank – Valentine’s Sinatra Tribute(Jazz/Crooner)
2/22 – TENANT PARTNER SERIES – Knox-Galesburg Symphony – Celebrating Black Voices in Classical Music (Symphonic)
3/29 – Close to You: The Music of the Carpenters (Soft Rock)
4/5 – TENANT PARTNER SERIES – Galesburg Community Chorus (Choir)
4/9 – Skerryvore (Scottish Celtic Rock)
4/12 – Animaniacs: IN CONCERT (Symphonic)
5/8 – Turn To Stone: ELO Tribute Band (Classic Rock)
5/10 – TENANT PARTNER SERIES – Rootabaga (Jazz)
5/31, 6/1-2 – TENANT PARTNER SERIES – Choral Dynamics (Choir)
COMEDY
10/12 – Bob Zany (Bob & Tom Show, The Tonight Show)
11/2 – Where are They WOW! Celebrity Comedy Tour with Steve Hytner (KennyBania from SEINFELD) & Marc Price (Skippy from FAMILY TIES)
4/25 – Taylor Mason (Star Search winning Ventriloquist)
FILM/VIEWING PARTY
9/20 & 21 – Football Film Series featuring THE WATERBOY, LITTLE GIANTS, & RUDY
10/4, 5, 11, 18, & 25 – Orpheum After Dark Fright Film Fest featuring FIVE NIGHTS AT FREDDY’S, HOCUS POCUS, SCREAM, THE LOST BOYS, & CUJO
10/26 – Rocky Horror Picture Show
12/14 – Galesburg Express Holiday Film Series featuring The Polar Express
2/7/25 & 2/8/25 – Star Wars Film Series featuring Ep. IV: A NEW HOPE, Ep. V – THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, & Ep VI – RETURN OF THE JEDI
2/9 – Super Bowl Viewing Party
3/2 – The Oscars: Red Carpet Viewing Party
THEATRE/DANCE
12/19 & 20 – TENANT PARTNER SERIES – Dancer’s Studio – Nutcracker (Dance)
12/21 – Christmas on The Air (Radio Play)
3/15/25 – CATAPULT (Dance) – premiere performance
3/26 – Two Trains Running (Play – Drama)
5/2-4 – TENANT PARTNER SERIES – Performing Arts Academy of Galesburg
***Courtesy of The Orpheum Theatre***
