MARSHALLTOWN (SPECIAL) – The excitement is building and the impetus is Pip Gordon, Director of the Orpheum Theater Center. She came on board in late August and has been on the run ever since. She talks as fast as she runs and is the ultimate multi-tasker as she moves the project toward a grand opening gala on June 23 through 27. If you’ve driven by Marshalltown’s corner of Main Street and 3rd Avenue, you know the exterior is all but complete. Inside the finishing, cleaning, and furnishing continues. “This project is absolutely phenomenal. It is a testament to the community, to Marshalltown and to those in the Iowa Valley Community College District, that the Orpheum Theater will open this year, not close,” said Gordon. “This facility is one-of-a-kind in Iowa; multifaceted with an educational component with every center.” Gordon explained the variety of uses for each of the main areas: the learning studios, the black box theater, the movie theater, and the coffee shop. She stressed that the key to the Orpheum’s success will be the programming. “What you have is a shiny new Ford. If you open the hood and there’s no engine it isn’t going to go anywhere. The engine is all about the programming.” Partnerships will also be important to the success of the Orpheum she said. “We are part of the quilt of this community and we will all benefit from its success.” More details on the Gala opening will be announced as it gets closer, but June 23 will feature an invitation only VIP Gala Opening black tie event. The next day will offer tours and a black box movie by invitation; tours on June 25 with two shows for the public scheduled around Marshalltown’s BBQ Festival. Saturday, June 26 is still being planned, possibly featuring a swing dance or lecture series. As part of a $35 million bond issue passed in 2006 in the Iowa Valley Community College District building improvements including the Orpheum have ben made in Marshalltown, Grinnell and Iowa Falls.