The Orpheum History
Under a starlit sky
Not every building has a soul like the Orpheum Theatre.
Born in the Golden Age of Entertainment
The soul of this icon has been shaped by a century of performances, its near-impossible survival and a community that refused to let it go.
For over a century, the Orpheum has stood at the corner of First and Broadway as Wichita's most beloved, most resilient, and most magnificent gathering place. It has been a stage for the world's greatest performers, a home for the arts, and an enduring symbol of a city that has always believed the best is worth preserving.
September 1922
Architectural Significance
Proto-Atmospheric Design
Steeped in American history and significance, Wichita’s Orpheum Theatre holds the distinction of being both a precursor to the grand atmospheric theaters and the oldest surviving example of its kind.
Theater design pioneer John Eberson, inspired by the Andalusian gardens of ancient Spain, designed the Orpheum to blur the lines between being inside and outside. Thus, the theater’s interior was resplendent with the night sky and shimmering stars associated with atmospheric theaters. Through vibrant colors, intricate mosaics, and regal arched doorways, Eberson’s work transported audiences in the then-1700-seat auditorium to exotic outdoor locations that celebrated the integration of art, architecture, and nature.
A Seed of Community Vision
The Orpheum came to life through the vision of ten civic-minded benefactors, each contributing $20,000 toward what would ultimately become a $750,000 landmark at the corner of First and Broadway (then Lawrence Ave).
Built as a Vaudeville House
Vaudeville acts launched the careers of many legends, several of whom played the Wichita Orpheum, including Harry Houdini, Eddie Cantor, the Marx Brothers, Gypsy Rose Lee, Fanny Brice, Red Skelton, George Burns and Gracie Allen.
The Opening Act
The Orpheum officially opened its doors on September 4, 1922, with five vaudeville acts and a showing of the silent film The Three Must-Get-Theres, starring Max Linder.
It was the beginning of a promise to the people of Wichita: to bring them the very best in art, music, and wholesome entertainment for generations to come.
Evolving Entertainment
In May 1929, the Orpheum was modernized to show talking pictures or “talkies,” only seven years after its opening night. The first talkies shown were Coquette (1929), starring Mary Pickford, and The Alibi (1929), starring Kenneth Harlan.
A Movie House and Live Venue
Even after motion pictures began showing regularly, the theatre still brought live acts like Louie Armstrong, Jack Benny, Bing Crosby, Harry Blackstone, Bela Lugosi, Ella Fitzgerald and many more well-known performers to the Orpheum stage.
The Orpheum Goes Dark
Struggling against the rise of multiplex theaters, the Orpheum continued to operate as both a live venue and a movie house until 1976, when Sonny Chiba's cult classic The Bodyguard brought down the curtain and the doors closed for good.
Historic Landmark Designation
In recognition of its vast contributions to the arts and the Wichita community, local officials designated the Orpheum as a historic landmark in 1978.
Two years later, the Orpheum was added to the National Register of Historic Places, the nation's most prestigious federal recognition, affirming its significance to America's architectural and cultural heritage.
The Orpheum Performing Arts Center, Ltd.
In 1984, the theater was gifted to a newly formed all-volunteer organization: the Orpheum Performing Arts Center, Ltd.
This nonprofit was tasked with preserving the landmark, both physically and its historical contributions to arts and culture in Wichita.
A Rare Survivor
It is a marvel that the Orpheum remains intact today. Many theaters of the golden era, including most in Wichita, succumbed to the wrecking ball as entertainment tastes shifted and patrons abandoned downtown.
Against all odds, the Orpheum survived.
The Arts & Acts
Home of Iconic Performances
More than a century after opening its doors, the Orpheum continues to serve as one of Wichita's most versatile and beloved venues. The theatre is a stage for world-class performers and community gatherings alike, hosting everything from music, theater, and comedy to weddings, lectures and church services.
Take a look at some of the most iconic performances to grace the Orpheum Stage.
1922
World Series Broadcast
To follow the World Series action, theatergoers crowded around a playograph—a mechanical board where staff moved miniature figures across a baseball diamond based on live wire updates.
1923
Harry Houdini
Famous for escaping from handcuffs, locked trunks and sealed milk cans—sometimes while underwater or suspended high above a crowd—illusionist icon and stunt performer Harry Houdini was once called "The Handcuff King."
1942
Ella Fitzgerald
After winning a talent competition in Harlem at age 15, Ella Fitzgerald joined the Orpheum circuit, which brought her to Wichita’s Orpheum when she was 17.
1943
Count Basie
William "Count" Basie and his iconic orchestra played the Orpheum in 1943. A pioneer of big band swing who fused blues and jazz, Basie became the first African American man to win a Grammy in 1958.
1943
Louis Armstrong
When Louis Armstrong performed at Wichita's Orpheum Theatre in December 1943, he was a celebrated star and a true ambassador of jazz. He brought his trademark charisma, showmanship and musical brilliance to audiences across the country.
1950
Billy Gilbert
Long before viral comedy, Billy Gilbert had audiences in stitches with his perfectly timed, over-the-top sneezes. He was also a master of dialects, which made him a go-to character actor in classic Hollywood.
1952
Mickey Rooney
Gum chomping and autograph signing, Mickey Rooney blew into Wichita on April 29, 1952, touring the air force base, flying a B-47, and promoting his new SuperCinecolor film Sound Off at the Orpheum.
1952
King Kong’s Wichita Premiere
A jaw-dropping masterpiece when it debuted in 1933, King Kong returned to the Orpheum screen in 1952 and Kong's roar proved just as mighty and thrilling as ever.
1964
A Hard Day’s Night Premiere
A Hard Day's Night, starring the Beatles, premiered at the Orpheum from August 19-25, 1964. Following a wave of Beatlemania that swept across the world, thousands of fans gathered at the corner of First & Broadway.
1976
Last Showing
In November 1976, only 15 people watched the final film at this beloved theater. Newspaper headlines captured the heartbreak of seeing this iconic venue close.
1977
J. J. Cale Live Performance
In February 1977, J.J. Cale, widely regarded as a musician’s musician, performed a sold-out show at the Orpheum Theatre, marking a notable attempt to bring live music back to the historic venue.
2001
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Since 2001, the Orpheum Theatre has hosted annual midnight screenings of the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a wonderfully weird musical mashup of sci-fi, camp, and rock ‘n’ roll.
2010
Joan Rivers
On February 4, 2010, Joan Rivers kicked off her stand-up tour at the Wichita Orpheum Theatre, personally thanking the volunteers who made every show possible.
2013
MOMIX Botanica
MOMIX Botanica blended acrobatics, dance, gymnastics, and mime with mind-bending props and illusions to reimagine the natural world: plants morphed into dancers, minerals came alive, and optical illusions made audiences double-take.
2015
Black Violin
Known for blending classical training with hip-hop influences, Black Violin created a high-energy sound that defied expectations and redefined genre boundaries.
2015
Bobby Bones & the Raging Idiots
The fastest Orpheum sellout record belongs to Bobby Bones & the Raging Idiots. Their shows—on August 28 and 29, 2015—sold out in under 40 minutes each!
2016
Elvis Costello
Elvis Costello brought his solo Detour to the historic Orpheum stage in October 2016. Fun fact: His wife, jazz pianist and vocalist Diana Krall, took the stage two years later on her 2018 world tour.
2019
Postmodern Jukebox
Time-twisting musical collective Postmodern Jukebox first rocked the Orpheum stage with their Welcome to the Twenties 2.0 Tour. Their vintage reimaginings of modern hits earned millions of YouTube fans.
Restoration & Preservation
Saving a Community Treasure
The Orpheum Theatre’s history is marked not only by its original splendor but by the care taken to preserve and restore it for future generations.
Even when the doors shuttered and the stage lights went dark, passionate local advocates refused to let it go. Each chapter in its story reveals new efforts to protect a treasured landmark that honors its past.
As with all historic landmarks, renovations and upkeep are a significant part of preserving the culture and heritage they keep alive. Millions of dollars—exclusively from private donations—have been spent to restore this important historic venue.
Major infrastructure restoration was the first step before the venue could reopen to the public. Work began in 1996 with the replacement of the theater and stage roof, along with new gutters and drain leaders to improve drainage. By 1998, the boiler, pumps, fans, and roof air-conditioning chiller had been replaced, and new electrical wiring had been installed.
In March 2001, the Orpheum Theatre lit up a new marquee for the very first time, bringing a brilliant glow back to First & Broadway in downtown Wichita.
Miracle Signs designed the marquee as a replica of the original one installed in 1940. According to Andy Tatum, Design Supervisor & Art Director of the marquee project, there is more than a quarter mile of neon in the sign.
To celebrate the moment, Wichita’s own Karla Burns and her Broadway Babes took the stage with a special performance of Broadway on Broadway, marking a dazzling night in the theatre’s history.
The new marquee coincided with the replacement of the roof over the concession lobby and the mezzanine corridor, as well as the addition of new electrical, heating, and air-conditioning systems to the mezzanine restrooms.
Another significant milestone came in 2002 with the renovation of the men’s and women’s restrooms. The restrooms were expanded into spaces that were once a women’s parlor, a smoking room, the usherette’s room, and the manager’s office to accommodate larger audiences.
In April 2002, the project's completion was celebrated unforgettably with a tongue‑in‑cheek event called the “First Flush Party.” The celebration featured Dancing Waters Dancers, a string quartet playing in the women's restroom, and a performance by the Sunflower Stompers, a troupe of cloggers.
Steady & Significant Improvements
Throughout the early 2000s, a series of essential improvements marked the beginning of the Orpheum’s return to life.
2003
New Doors, Glazed Windows and Stage Vent House
Starting with new wooden doors and glazed windows on the First Street side in 2003, followed by the stage vent house with new side walls in 2004, steady progress built momentum.
2006
Box Office Lobby and Vestibule, First-floor Concession and Mezzanine Light Replicas
By 2006, the box office lobby and vestibule had been fully restored, returning a sense of grandeur to the theater’s public-facing spaces. The first-floor concession lobby underwent work the following year, followed by the installation of replicas of historic light fixtures on the mezzanine level in 2008. These replicas honored the theater’s original aesthetic while brightening the space for today’s audiences.
2009
Repointing, Roof for Stage House and Accessible Bathroom
In 2009, crews turned their attention to the building’s exterior, repointing deteriorated mortar with fresh mortar to restore strength, keep water out, improve appearance and prevent further decay on the east and west facades. That same year, a new roofing system on the south side of the stage house was installed and a new accessible bathroom was added to bring the theater closer to modern accessibility standards.
2010
Stage Lights, Exit Improvements, Dressing Rooms and Fire Alarms
In 2010, stage lighting and its controls were modernized. Exit improvements, new dressing room doors, and fire alarms were upgraded in 2011 to improve safety, functionality, and code compliance.
2012
Projection Room, Exterior Lighting and Video Surveillance System
The projection room received a much-needed update to its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system in 2012, creating a more comfortable working environment for the dedicated volunteers who staff the theater’s events. Security and safety took center stage the following year with the addition of exterior light to the stage house and a robust video surveillance system.
2015
Rear Lobby and East Stairwell Refresh, Marquee Message Board and Digital Projection System
The mid-decade years brought renewed attention to the Orpheum’s public spaces. The rear lobby and east stairwell received a thorough refresh in 2015, as well as the marquee message board in 2016. A new digital film projection system was also installed to keep the historic venue current with the rapidly evolving landscape of cinema technology.
2017
Fire Escape, A/C System, Boiler Room Vault Renovation and Emergency Backup Lighting
Structural safety remained a priority in 2017, when a newly designed fire escape was installed and a new A/C chiller system was implemented to improve airflow and circulation throughout the building. The following year, the boiler room vault was renovated, the mezzanine concession area was expanded to better serve audiences, and new emergency backup lighting was added throughout the theater to guide patrons safely in the event of an emergency.
2019
Balcony Aisle Lights, Exterior Canopy Repairs and Cybersecurity Upgrades
In 2019, the balcony aisle lights were upgraded, the building’s exterior canopy was repaired and improved, and significant investments were made in cybersecurity to protect the theater’s growing digital systems.
2020
Replicated Doors, Boiler System Replacement and Upgraded Sound & Lighting Desk
Even during the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Orpheum pressed forward. Replicated doors were installed at the First Street entranceways, maintaining the building’s historic character while improving functionality. The following year brought a complete replacement of the boiler system and an upgraded sound and lighting desk, ensuring the theater remained technically capable of hosting world-class performances.
2022
Fire Detection System
In 2022, a new fire detection system was purchased and installed, adding another layer of protection to the now-100-year-old landmark.
2022
First Street Mural Project
That same year, the First Street Mural Project was completed. Because the Orpheum carries historic landmark status, the mural required a creative solution. Rather than painting directly on the building's exterior, artists applied it to a removable surface, honoring the preservation requirements that protect the theater's historic fabric.
Second Century Campaign
On September 4, 2024, in front of the original, John Eberson-designed fire curtain that hadn’t been lowered in decades, the Orpheum staff and board of directors unveiled an ambitious $10 million restoration plan—a promise to return the Orpheum to its original Andalusian grandeur and carry it boldly into its second century.
When restoration work began in June 2025, the theater was expected to be closed for approximately 12 months to complete the restoration. But this was not a sorrowful closure as before; it was one carried by hope and anticipation.
The complete restoration includes updates to the main auditorium, main stage, grand balcony, and mezzanine, returning the theater's original Andalusian splendor to its full glory. Ceilings, walls, and floors have been painstakingly restored.
At the same time, contractors have worked thoughtfully to meet modern ADA accessibility requirements, a consideration that simply didn't exist when the bowl-shaped theater was first constructed.
(Fun fact: The bowl-shaped design was an ingenious acoustic solution, amplifying sound naturally in an era before electronic sound systems existed.)
New seating throughout, updated HVAC systems, and state-of-the-art sound and lighting round out a renovation as comprehensive as it is transformative.
The Orpheum staff have found inventive ways to stay connected with their dedicated audience during the renovation. Through social media, The Dark Tour, as it came to be known, celebrates legendary performers who commanded the Orpheum's stage through the decades and gave supporters a rare, firsthand glimpse into the restoration taking shape around them.
Meanwhile, the anniversary film series has found a temporary home at Century II, keeping the community gathered even without a stage to call their own.
The Next Century
A Head of Its Time—yet again.
A century of curtain calls.
A century of standing ovations.
A century of audiences transported, however briefly, to somewhere far more magical.
Throughout its storied history, the Orpheum never stood still, but adapted, evolved and reinvented itself for every era. It has been many things to many people: a vaudeville house, a movie palace, a concert hall, a community anchor. With the Second Century Restoration nearly complete, the Orpheum remains exactly what John Eberson dreamed it would be: a place where the walls dissolve, the stars come out, and anything feels possible.
Here's to the next hundred years!