Orpheum Theater In Foxborough Set For Reopening

FOXBOROUGH, MA — After 14 months, Foxborough's historic Orpheum Theater is set to reopen with the coronavirus pandemic weakening.

The theater, now known as the Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center, will open with community programming and additional funding, beginning June 3.

The Orpheum recently received a $90,000 grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council. The center's executive director, Catherine Miller said the center will use the grant for critical safety repairs. They include a new roof, HVAC system and fire curtain.

"The Massachusetts Cultural Council has made a significant commitment to the well-being of our historic building," Miller said. "We do not take that lightly. We know that this theater means a lot to the town of Foxborough and the surrounding region. We are extremely grateful to the MCC for recognizing not only our needs but also the importance of our theater to the economic vitality of Foxborough."

As part of the grant conditions, organizations must raise matching funds to complete their capital investment projects. The Rodman Awards, the Orpheum's first in-person event since the beginning of the pandemic, will help do just that.

The award show takes place at 6 p.m., June 3. It honors local individuals and community leaders who have made a significant difference in the past year. But it also serves as a fundraising event for the theater.

Community members will have the option of attending the ceremony either in-person or virtually. Those who wish to join can purchase a package which includes a 3-foot cardboard silhouette which they can decorate and have sitting in a seat for the awards. Additional benefits include restaurant gift cards, swag and more. Several packages are available at the art center's website.

The center accepted nominations for awards from residents of Foxborough, Wrentham, Franklin, Easton, Walpole, Norwood and Sharon.

There will be 11 award categories during the ceremony. The categories include:

• The Billy Elliot Award for Creating Youth Opportunity
• The Hamilton Award for Building Bridges from History to the Present
• The Footloose Award, a community leader who has made heroic impact on local life in the past year
• The You Can't Stop the Beat Award for leader of Senior Citizens
• The Producers Award for an Influential Civic Leader
• The Sequel Award – The One Who Never Stops Giving Back
• Best Supporting Role – The Person Who Is Always There
• The School of Rock Award – For an Outstanding Arts/Music Teacher
• The You're Never Fully Dressed Without A Smile Award – Community Cheerleader
• The Dreamed A Dream Award – Innovative Leadership
• Matilda Award – Youth Leader Who Energizes Other

The Marilyn Rodman Performing Arts Center is a historical landmark in Foxborough. Its history dates back to 1926 when it was used as a silent movie theater, but it's been used for performing arts for decades now.