Opening on September 4, 1922, Wichita’s Orpheum Theatre was the first atmospheric theatre in the United States. Opening on Labor Day, it was an integral part of the famous "Orpheum Circuit" and in its heyday virtually every major star of vaudeville graced its stage, including such luminaries as Eddie Cantor and Fannie Brice. During its vaudeville period, more than 17,000 acts appeared with the playbill changing three times each week.
The Orpheum Theatre has significant associations nationally and internationally with the development of a whole new concept and style of theatre architecture. In 1980 the Orpheum was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1984 it was gifted to the Orpheum Performing Arts Centre, Ltd., a non profit corporation which is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and ongoing utilization of this important part of our cultural and architectural heritage.
To the greatest extent possible, it is the intent of the Orpheum Performing Arts Centre, Ltd to restore this beautiful theatre to its original design and to provide a venue for musicians, comedians, events, and films of local and national prominence.
