SITE: Orpheum Theatre

ADDRESS: 842 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90014

PHONE: 213/749-5171

WEB SITE: www.laorpheum.com

WOWING THE CROWDS SINCE: 1926

VISUALS & VIBE: The lavish former vaudeville and movie palace features marble, gold leaf and bronze decor, plus modern production facilities and guest conveniences.

EVENT AREAS: Marble main lobby with bronze doors and chandeliers; wood paneled basement lobby with adjacent private bar; intimate mezzanine lobby overlooking main lobby; 2,000-seat auditorium with full balcony and private seating boxes.

SPECIAL SPACE: The 1,250-square-foot basement lobby, with seated capacity of 85 and reception capacity of 175, features walnut paneling, brick tile floor, fireplace and bar.

WHO'S HERE: Microsoft Xbox, Los Angeles Conservancy, Theatre League Alliance Ovation Awards, American Choreography Awards.

SITE: New York State Theater

ADDRESS: 20 Lincoln Center, New York, NY 10023

PHONE: 212/870-5699

WEB SITE: www.nystatetheater.org

WOWING THE CROWDS SINCE: 1964

VISUALS & VIBE: The home of the New York City Ballet and New York City Opera features views of Lincoln Center's plaza and fountain.

EVENT AREAS: The 2,713-seat theater; the Promenade — the theater's primary lobby space.

SPECIAL SPACE: The 7,875-square-foot Promenade and adjacent portico, designed by celebrated architect Philip Johnson, can accommodate 1,000 for a reception or 900 for a seated event.

WHO'S HERE: HBO, Culinary Institute of America, Rolex, Boys Choir of Harlem, Literacy Partners.

SITE: Saenger Theatre

ADDRESS: 143 N. Rampart, New Orleans, LA 70114

PHONE: 504/525-1052

WEB SITE: www.saengertheatre.com

WOWING THE CROWDS SINCE: 1927

VISUALS & VIBE: Originally built as one of the South's largest movie palaces, the Saenger Theatre was restored in 1980 to its original Florentine design, with details including columns, archways, intricate frescoes and a golden proscenium.

EVENT AREAS: The 2,736-seat theater.

SPECIAL SPACE: The theater's orchestra seating area can be decked over for galas, incentive programs, corporate dinners or weddings, and features a seated capacity of 500.

WHO'S HERE: Stage performers include Bill Cosby, Jerry Seinfeld and Prince; corporate clients include the American Dental Association and Peoplesoft.