Wichita Orpheum Theatre to finally get complete restoration

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — On the same day the Wichita Orpheum Theatre celebrates its 102nd anniversary, its supporters learn the historic building’s interior will finally be fully restored.

“I can proudly say this community is ready, the energy is palpable, the people of Wichita are ready and want to see this beautiful entertainment venue in the heart of downtown restored to its former glory and continue on for a second century,” Stacee Olden, Orpheum Theatre executive director, said.

The Orpheum’s Second Century Campaign has already raised 73% of the $9.5 million goal. It hopes to raise the final $2.6 million by June when the theatre will close for a year of restoration work.

The restoration includes the stage, main auditorium and grand balcony.

“Every question I always get is, ‘When are you going to replace the seats?'” Olden said. “I feel like if we could’ve called this just the Seat Campaign. It would’ve been something the community would’ve embraced because it’s a big piece that a lot of people have been waiting on.”

The seats are one of many projects on the to-do list:

• Removing the old seats and installing new seating,
• Plaster and paint repair of the ceiling and walls,
• Removal of the original flooring while salvaging what can be salvaged,
• Installation of a new mechanical rigging system for the stage,
• Improved sound and lighting,
• HVAC for the balcony and stage,
• Remodeled concessions and bar areas,
• Remodeled dressing rooms, and
• The return of the starry night sky effect on the ceiling.

Historical value

Architect John Eberson designed the Orpheum. He liked to design atmospheric theatres, which made the interior look like an exterior. He designed the Wichita Orpheum Theatre to resemble a resplendent Andalusian garden or courtyard in Spain. Lights glimmered through pinholes in the blue ceiling, creating a starring night ambiance.

“We are lucky enough to be his prototype atmospheric theater, which helps us lay claim to being the first atmospheric theater in the United States, and that also means we’re the oldest one still standing,” Olden said.

The Orpheum opened for the first time on Sept. 4, 1922, with five vaudeville acts and a silent movie. A custom pipe organ and musicians in the orchestra pit provided the music.

“At one time, there were over 100 Orpheum theaters in the U.S. on the vaudeville circuit. Now, there are only 17 remaining, all in full operation, but we are the last one to be fully restored,” Olden said.

The Wichita Oprheum Theatre still has its original hand-painted fire curtain. The 102-year-old curtain is rarely lowered but was down during Wednesday’s announcement.

“The last time it was down was in 1990,” Olden said. “We did not expect it to be in this incredible condition. We thought we’d have to have it removed and replicated.”

She said a preservationist examined it and found it to be in excellent condition and could be preserved. However, a new fire curtain will be added behind it.

Some work has been done

The Orpheum Performing Arts Centre began in 1984 with the mission of restoring the theatre. Over the last 40 years, hundreds of volunteers have helped OPAC, which currently has 150 volunteers.

Glen Nilsen is the chairman of the non-profit. He said OPAC has accomplished some things visitors have noticed, such as improvements to the marquee, entryway, concessions area, and bathrooms.

But he said a lot of time and money had to go into things the public does not see, like putting on a new roof when it began leaking, replacing the 100-year-old electrical system for safety, and recently installing a fire detection system.

After finishing those less-glamorous tasks, the focus can turn to the Orpheum’s interior.

When it closes

The Orpheum plans a big kickoff celebration before the theatre closes in June.

“We’ll bring in some bigger name acts for that,” Olden said. “Then, while we’re closed, we will host our anniversary film series. It will be at another location.”

She also expects periodic events, like First Fridays, to occur in the box office and concessions areas since they are not included in the renovations.

Olden says they plan to keep the public informed throughout the restoration process.

“We’re going to hopefully have a little viewing corner,” she said. “You can put a hard hat on and come look through some plexiglass.”

Olden also expects a big celebration when the theatre reopens in 2026.

To donate

If you want to donate to the Second Century Campaign, click here .

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