Photos: Wichita's historic Orpheum Theatre shows off newly renovated interior
The theater reopens to the public on Sunday after a 15-month closure and $13 million renovation project.
The Orpheum Theatre opened its doors to the media today in advance of its concert with John Legend on Sunday. Ticketholders will be among the first to see the renovated theater in person.
“We’re turning the theater back to the community once again,” said Stacey Olden, the theater's executive director.
The historic theater went dark for 15 months to accomplish the interior renovation. The project included new seating, accessibility updates, technology upgrades, additional concessions stands, and a full restoration of the building's original plaster moldings.
Olden said the first priority was historic preservation, down to the surprising chartreuse painted trim.
The theater raised $13 million for the project through private donations and historical tax credits. A portion of those funds will be used for the theater's first endowment for capital and maintenance planning, said Olden.
"That will help us protect the future of the building as we move forward," she said.
The Wichita Orpheum, which is designed to look like a garden from the Andalusia region of Spain, was one of the first atmospheric theaters in the world when it opened in 1922. Historic preservationists saved the building in the 1970s, and previous leaders have made incremental renovation progress over the past three decades. — Emily Christensen
A Milwaukee company restored and repainted the detailed plaster molding throughout the theater. (Hannah Crickman/The SHOUT)
The theater's renovation includes updates that will make running tech more efficient. (Hannah Crickman/The SHOUT)
(Hannah Crickman/The SHOUT)
Jeff VanSickle pointed out that the balcony affords theatergoers views that differ from those on the floor — including these Spanish-style faux rooftops. (Hannah Crickman/The SHOUT)
Views from the balcony, which is now air-conditioned for the first time in the theater's history. "That was in itself quite the project," noted Jeff VanSickle, the chair of the theater's construction committee. (Hannah Crickman/The SHOUT)
Before and after photos of the mezzanine ceiling. (Hannah Crickman/The SHOUT)
(Hannah Crickman/The SHOUT)
These carved plaster pillars that line the stage have been hidden behind a black curtain for years. (Hannah Crickman/The SHOUT)
(Hannah Crickman/The SHOUT)
Based in Wichita, Kansas, Hannah Crickman is a photographer specializing in art exhibitions, live performances, professional headshots, and brand photography for creatives and organizations across the region.
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