Orpheum Theatre (Wichita, Kansas): Difference between revisions
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| location = [[Wichita, Kansas|Wichita]], [[Sedgwick County, Kansas|Sedgwick County]], [[Kansas]] |
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| built =1922 |
| built =1922 |
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| architect= John Eberson |
| architect= John Eberson |
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Revision as of 03:04, 3 March 2009
Orpheum Theater and Office Building | |
  | |
| Location | Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas |
|---|---|
| Built | 1922 |
| Architect | John Eberson |
| Architectural style | Late 19th And 20th Century Revivals, Atmospheric[2] |
| NRHP reference No. | 80001473[1] |
| Added to NRHP | November 28, 1980 |
The Orpheum Theatre in Wichita, Kansas built by theatre mogul Carl Hobitzelle[3], opened on September 4, 1922, and was the first atmospheric theatre in the United States though whether or not it can be considered a true "atmospheric theatre" has been contested by some.[2] 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.[4] The magnificent proscenium arch is the main feature of the auditorium. The sidewalls of the auditorium were accented by niches with mock tile roofs and grills and wooden lattice work arches across the ceiling to create a courtyard effect. [5]
The once 1700[6] seat theatre now seats 1300. The theatre was built by renowned architect John Eberson. The concept of the school is to create the ambiance of a specific local. The Wichita Orpheum was designed to invoke a garden of old Andalusia. It's entire design, including that of the asbestos curtain was that of a Spanish garden or court.[7] The Orpheum Wichita 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.
History
The Orpheum Theatre has significant associations nationally and internationally with the development of a whole new concept and style of theatre architecture. During this period, more than 17,000 acts appeared with the playbill changing three times each week.[8]
By the time it closed in 1974, it was an adult film venue and the structure had considerably deteriorated.
As Orpheum Theater and Office Building, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.[1]
A group of investors bought it in 1984, but a foreclosure lawsuit kept the board from taking over until 1992. In total, the theatre remained dark for 17 years.[9] The board chose to open the theater for events and do the renovation work piecemeal, rather than keep it closed entirely.[10] In 1980 the Orpheum was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.[11]
Restoration
Restoration work on the Orpheum is being conducted by the California based John Ash Group, a national historical preservation architecture firm.[12] In a curious twist of history, the building that cost about $750,000 to build in 1922, will cost $40 million or more to restore.[13] The ongoing restoration of the theatre began in 1984 and was expected to cost $2mil but by the time the bill reached $2.8 it expected to cost up to $9mil more to complete, a figure which has now climbed to the current exorbitant level. $1mil of the funds came from the city government while most of the rest has been paid for by grants and fundraising.[14] The bathrooms, entryway, and stage have been the first to undergo significant restoration.
References
- ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. 2008-04-15.
- ^ a b http://cinematreasures.org/theater/381/
- ^ http://columbus.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2001/05/14/focus2.html
- ^ http://www.wichitaorpheum.com/history.php
- ^ http://www.reeldiaries.com/moviehouse/database/theaters_volumeW.htm
- ^ http://www.wichitaorpheum.com/history.php
- ^ http://www.360wichita.com/Attractions/OrpheumTheatre.html
- ^ http://www.reeldiaries.com/moviehouse/database/theaters_volumeW.htm
- ^ http://columbus.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2001/05/14/focus2.html
- ^ http://www.reeldiaries.com/moviehouse/articles/wichita_orpheum.htm
- ^ http://cinematreasures.org/theater/381/
- ^ the John Ash Group, a national historical preservation architecture firm based in California
- ^ http://columbus.bizjournals.com/wichita/stories/2001/05/14/focus2.html
- ^ http://www.reeldiaries.com/moviehouse/articles/wichita_orpheum.htm
External Links
See also
| Topics | |
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| Lists by state |
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| Lists by insular areas | |
| Lists by associated state | |
| Other areas | |
| Related | |
