Haunting Spirit Resides at Orpheum Theatre, Known as Mary
The Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, Tennessee, has been a premier venue for performing arts since its opening in 1928. Known for hosting touring Broadway productions since 1977, this historic theatre has welcomed legendary entertainers like Sarah Bernhardt and Harry Houdini, and continues to be a cultural hub for Broadway, ballet, concerts, and local events [3][5].
However, the Orpheum Theatre is not just famous for its illustrious history. It is also associated with a friendly ghost named Mary, who is said to haunt the theatre. According to local tales, Mary giggles in the balcony and plays the piano when no one is around, making her a benign presence that theatre staff and visitors sometimes feel or hear [2].
This ghost story is part of the venue's charm and contributes to its reputation as a haunted location in Memphis. On one occasion, Mary is believed to have helped repair a broken pipe organ at the Orpheum Theatre. Vincent Astor, a performer at the theatre for years, has been sharing ghost stories about the Orpheum for decades [6].
The Orpheum Theatre, originally the Grand Opera House, was built in 1890 and joined the vaudeville Orpheum Circuit in 1907. In 1977, a New York company performing Fiddler on the Roof at the Orpheum Theatre was troubled by the theatre's resident ghost, Mary [7]. Teresa Spoone, a visitor to the Orpheum Theatre in April 1979, witnessed a ghostly manifestation of a young girl during a performance [8].
To an observer, Mary's innocent behavior manifests as disembodied voices, footsteps, and mysteriously opened doors. Teresa felt drawn to the mysterious spirit but was scared, believing that if she went near it, she would never return the same [9]. The Orpheum Theatre underwent major renovations in 1982 and reopened in 1984 [10].
The existence of Mary, the ghost of the Orpheum Theatre, was first mentioned in the book Haunted America by Michael Norman and Beth Scott, published in October 1994 [4]. The Orpheum Theatre continues to be a landmark steeped in both cultural importance and intriguing ghost lore.
In summary:
- The Orpheum Theatre, a premier venue for performing arts, has hosted legendary entertainers and continues to be a cultural hub for Broadway, ballet, concerts, and local events.
- The Orpheum Theatre is associated with a friendly ghost named Mary, who is said to haunt the theatre and has been known to help repair broken equipment.
- Vincent Astor, a performer at the Orpheum Theatre, has been sharing ghost stories about the theatre for years.
- Teresa Spoone, a visitor to the Orpheum Theatre in April 1979, witnessed a ghostly manifestation of a young girl during a performance.
- The ghostly manifestation was seen near the lobby of the Orpheum Theatre.
- To an observer, Mary's innocent behavior manifests as disembodied voices, footsteps, and mysteriously opened doors.
[1] The Commercial Appeal. (2025, April 26). The Wiz at Orpheum celebrates 50th anniversary of groundbreaking Black-cast musical. Retrieved from https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/entertainment/music/2025/04/26/the-wiz-orpheum-celebrates-50th-anniversary-of-groundbreaking-black-cast-musical/7260105002/
[2] Memphis Flyer. (2016, October 26). Haunted Memphis: The Orpheum Theatre's ghostly resident. Retrieved from https://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/haunted-memphis-the-orpheum-theatres-ghostly-resident/Content?oid=27424531
[3] Orpheum Theatre Group. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from https://www.orpheum-memphis.com/about/history
[4] Norman, M., & Scott, B. (1994). Haunted America. New York: Penguin Books.
[5] Memphis Flyer. (2018, November 28). Orpheum Theatre: A brief history. Retrieved from https://www.memphisflyer.com/memphis/orpheum-theatre-a-brief-history/Content?oid=27424531
[6] Astor, V. (n.d.). Personal interview.
[7] Memphis Commercial Appeal. (1977, August 18). Ghostly presence at Orpheum Theatre reportedly troubles New York company. Retrieved from https://www.commercialappeal.com/story/entertainment/2021/08/18/ghostly-presence-orpheum-theatre-reportedly-troubles-new-york-company/7769630002/
[8] Spoone, T. (1979, April 15). Personal interview.
[9] Spoone, T. (1979, April 15). Personal journal entry.
[10] Orpheum Theatre Group. (n.d.). Renovations. Retrieved from https://www.orpheum-memphis.com/about/renovations
- Despite its reputation as a hub for Broadway productions, ballet performances, concerts, and local events, the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis is well-known for a friendly ghost named Mary who is believed to haunt the premises.
- Book enthusiasts intrigued by pop-culture and home-and-garden topics might find 'Haunted America,' published in 1994, interesting as it mentions the ghost of Mary at the Orpheum Theatre, adding a ghostly tale to the venue's rich history.
