Madison’s Alcohol License Review Committee unanimously approved Frank Productions’ request for a liquor license for The Orpheum Theatre Monday, which will reopen Dec. 31.
Monona State Bank currently owns the building located at 216 State St. after foreclosing on the theater in September.
While Frank Productions currently manages the theater, it does not own the building. The company has the option of bidding on the theater at an auction in the summer or fall of 2013, which it will mostly likely do, according to Frank Productions co-owner Fred Frank.
“I can’t tell you how excited we are to be involved in this process,” Frank said.
Frank Productions will be able to open and operate the Orpheum if Madison’s Common Council approves the theater license application at its Dec. 11 meeting.
Frank said his company opted for a theater license over the originally proposed 21+ entertainment license because he does not want to limit the Orpheum’s patrons.
Ald. Mike Verveer, District 4, said Common Council will most likely approve the request.
“I am thrilled with Frank Productions stepping up to the plate and helping us turn the lights back on at the Orpheum,” Verveer said.
Frank said the doors to the Orpheum will reopen for the first time on New Year’s Eve for a show featuring a local DJ, although the talent is unconfirmed at this time.
Frank Productions have booked six major shows in February including Umphrey’s McGee, Passion Pit, Matt & Kim and Yonder Mountain String Band.
ASM: more 18+ venues needed
The Alcohol License Review Committee reacted positively to the results of a survey conducted by the Associated Students of Madison, aimed to bring more entertainment options to campus for students between the ages of 18 and 20.
According to ASM Legislative Affairs Vice Chair Rachel Lepak, 91 percent of the 2,500 respondents said they want more entertainment available to students who are under 21, which is roughly half of the student body.
The city’s Food and Alcohol Policy Coordinator Mark Woulf said this is a positive first step in ASM’s campaign.
Lepak said the next step will be to meet with local businesses to see what would be required for more Madison venues to adopt an 18+ admission policy.
