The historic Orpheum Theatre is getting an upgrade - in the bathrooms - and it's good news for Minneapolis theatergoers.
More than 20 new lobby-level restrooms are being added for all guests at the iconic Orpheum Theater in downtown Minneapolis, where any fairly regular patron is familiar with that polite yet deliberate mad dash.
"The women's line is instant. The second intermission hits, they're out there," says Hennepin Theatre spokesperson Dale Stark explains. "And it stretches. Our ushers do a pretty good job of making sure that people are getting to where they need to go. We just can't battle the constraints of 15 to 18 minutes."
Stark told Vineeta Sawkar on the WCCO Morning News the bathrooms are part of a $6 million renovation of the 104-year old building, which also includes more lobby space, new bars, and other expanded amenities.
Also on tap is improved circulation, new technology to make arrival and entry faster and a new Lexus Lounge with premium amenities for eligible donors.
The Orpheum Theatre, originally known as the Hennepin, opened in 1921 and seats 2,579. They are the regular host for Broadway-style shows in Minneapolis, along with various music and comedy shows. They just wrapped up a month-long run for "Wicked." A new production of "Mama Mia!" opens in September.
