New and Historic Theatres Make Wichita a Destination for Film and Live Performances
Published Aug 17, 2009
The 13th Avenue Warren Theatre
Here’s to a city that takes dinner-and-a-show way beyond the ordinary.
From artfully restored historic theatres to state-of-the-art motion picture complexes that are earning global recognition for their many creature comforts‚ Wichita is home to a superb collection of venues for both live theatre and film.
Providing the best places to see Hollywood’s latest releases is Warren Theatres LLC. The company is headquartered here and operates 34 screens at three locations bearing the company name throughout the city: Old Town Warren‚ 13th Avenue Warren and 21st Street Warren. The design of all three locations evokes memories of cinema’s Golden Age with art deco architectural features – including fine details such as terrazzo floors‚ etched glass and countertops and flooring made of marble and granite. The theatres also offer state-of-the-art amenities that exceed moviegoers’ expectations‚ such as plush‚ recliner-style seats and even push-button food and beverage service in the balcony of the 13th Avenue location. The company recently earned recognition in Flaunt Magazine as the top theatre builder in the world.
For those preferring live theatrical performances‚ the city offers a couple of beautifully restored venues‚ the Orpheum Theatre on the corner of Broadway and First Streets‚ and the Crown Uptown on East Douglas Avenue.
Restoration is under way while performances continue at the Orpheum Theatre. The theatre was built in 1922 and is considered to be one of the finest examples of the atmospheric school of theatre architecture. The creator of the atmospheric school‚ architect John Eberson‚ designed the interior of the Orpheum to replicate a palace courtyard in Andalusia‚ Spain‚ and it features a blue ceiling with stars and a cloud machine that creates the feeling of viewing performances beneath the heavens.
Stars also twinkle in the ceiling at another atmospheric theatre in town‚ the Crown Uptown‚ which was designed by the Boller Brothers and built in 1928. At the Crown‚ theatre lovers enjoy Broadway-style shows and an all-you-can-eat buffet provided by the Crown Uptown Professional Dinner Theatre‚ which was founded in 1977.
Photo by Wes Aldridge
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