Theatre History and Info

Learn More About the Historic Adler Theatre

The beauty of the original Radio-Keith-Orpheum’s Art Deco style was reflected in its gold leaf ceiling, crystal light fixtures and black ebony, walnut and marble detail. Much of that original movie theatre style remains and continues to recall the rich history of the Adler Theatre. Here’s a brief timeline of the theatre’s history:

 

  • 1926 - The Radio-Keith-Orpheum chain partners with George Bechtel, prominent financier, to build a bigger theatre in Davenport, Iowa.
  • 1931 - The RKO Orpheum Theatre-Mississippi Hotel complex opens at a cost of $2 million. The theatre is Iowa’s largest movie house and premieres to the Tri-cities with Suicide Fleet starring Ginger Rogers.
  • 1933 - RKO Radio Pictures uses new special effects, including stop-motion, to produce King Kong.
  • 1941 - RKO produces Citizen Kane. While a Box Office flop for RKO, the film is now considered to be one of the greatest ever created.
  • 1957 - The original RKO Pictures ceases production and is dissolved within 2 years. Originally sold to Desilu Productions, the company continues to operate as RKO General, Inc.
  • 1973 - Cleopatra Jones is the last film shown in the Davenport Orpheum after the popularity of of multiplex movie theatres contribute to the closing of movie houses. The House is used occassionally for road shows and rock concerts.
  • 1978 - The Davenport Orpheum Theatre lease is sold.
  • 1981 - The Davenport Chamber of Commerce buys the RKO and donates it to the non-profit RiverCenter for the Performing Arts, Inc.
  • 1998- The Davenport RKO Orpheum Theater & Hotel Mississippi are entered into the National Register of Historic Places through the United States Department of the Interior National Park Service.
  • 1986 - After a major fundraiser of $4.25 million and restoration, the RKO Orpheum is renamed the Adler Theatre and reopens to the Quad Cities in repaired Art Deco glory.
  • 2006 - Substantial behind-the-scenes improvements are completed, including an increase in critical stage and storage space, improvements in sound, lighting, rigging, dressing rooms, elevators and HVAC.
  • TODAY - The Adler Theatre continues to present a diverse line-up of live, theatrical productions featuring celebrity headliners, first-rate Broadway shows, comedians and more.