The Orpheum Theatre in Wichita, Kansas, is more than just a venue for entertainment; it is a historical landmark that has witnessed the evolution of performance art over the decades. Since its opening in 1922, the Orpheum has played a significant role in the cultural life of Wichita, hosting a variety of performances and events that have left a lasting impact on the community.
The Early Years
The Orpheum Theatre was originally built as a vaudeville venue, a popular
form of entertainment in the early 20th century. During its early years, the theater was part of the Chicago-based Orpheum circuit, which brought famous performers such as Al Jolson, Fannie Brice, and Jack Benny to Wichita. The theater quickly became a cultural hotspot, attracting audiences with its diverse lineup of live acts.
In 1929, the Orpheum underwent a transformation into a movie house, reflecting the changing landscape of entertainment. Despite this shift, the theater continued to host live performances alongside film screenings, maintaining its status as a versatile venue. Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the Orpheum showcased iconic films like D.W. Griffith's The Birth of a Nation and hosted the Kansas premiere of Gone with the Wind in 1940.
Challenges and Closure
The advent of multiplex movie theaters in the late 1960s and early 1970s posed a significant challenge to the Orpheum, leading to a decline in attendance. In an attempt to keep the theater afloat, management experimented with martial arts films and adult films, but these efforts were unsuccessful. The Orpheum closed its doors in November 1976, with the final film shown being a martial arts movie titled The Bodyguard.
Following its closure, the theater was stripped of its material value and left abandoned, joining many other downtown theaters that had been demolished during this period. However, the Orpheum's historical significance sparked a movement to save the building, led by local businesswomen Meredith "Millie" Hill and Marge Setter. Their efforts, along with support from other concerned citizens, ultimately saved the Orpheum from demolition.
Revival and Restoration
In 1978, the City of Wichita designated the Orpheum Theatre as a historic landmark, and in 1980, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. A nonprofit organization, the Orpheum Performing Arts Centre LTD, was formed to take ownership of the theater and oversee its restoration.
The restoration process involved extensive cleaning and repairs, including roof and wall stabilization, interior paint restoration, and seating replacement. Over the years, the theater has undergone numerous upgrades to enhance its functionality and preserve its historical charm. Today, the Orpheum Theatre stands as a vibrant cultural venue, hosting over 100 shows annually and serving as a testament to the resilience and dedication of the Wichita community.
