Orpheum Theatre annual Report 2017 ORPHEUM THEATRE 2017 1st Quarter BOOKINGS

First quarter 2017 gave Classic Film Series kicked off with Titanic, followed by every indication that the Bram Stoker’s Dracula and Cool Hand Luke. Wichita year will be a strong one Public Library once again sponsored an all-day free for the Orpheum, full of screening of the Academy Award Nominated Shorts. diverse programming and reflecting the Orpheum’s Always looking to expand film program offerings, ongoing commitment to develop strategic partnerships and reach new highlight the best in national audiences, the Orpheum partnered with local classic touring acts as well as local rock radio station 104.5 the Fox to introduce a new and regional producers of film series featuring rock movies. The series opened performing arts. with This is Spinal Tap, followed by The Who’s Tommy (complete with pinball machines courtesy of United Concerts continued to play Distributors, Inc). a prominent role in the Nicholas Walsh singing lead vocals for Classic Albums Live. Photo by Douglas Hahn. Orpheum’s programming Two longtime local presenters returned in the first mix, with Classic Albums quarter. Amira Dance Productions held their annual Live’s note-for-note recreation of Led Zepplin II, The recital featuring 90+ local dancers highlighting Drifters, Eagles tribute, Hotel , ABBA Mania, dance styles from around the globe. The Society Bay Area favorites, Tower of Power, and a solo, of Professional Journalists held their 49th Annual acoustic concert by Travis Tritt that was as powerful Gridiron, a series of satirical sketches featuring local as it was intimate. journalists singing, dancing and generally poking fun at local and national celebrities and politicians. The America’s Got Talent winner, The Olate Dogs, serious side of Gridiron is that each year they raise charmed their audience with heart-warming tales thousands of dollars for journalism scholarships. of how the dogs were rescued and trained as well as with an array of amazing tricks. PBS staple Odd Additionally, the Orpheum hosted two rentals that Squad Live! brought its math-based sleuths to the catered to new constituencies. Gabriel Swaggart Orpheum to challenge and entertain a crowd of brought his rally to the Orpheum in February. enthused young people and their parents. Imparables El Show, a comedy featuring two of Mexico’s best-known comedians, was presented Film filled a number of nights on the Orpheum’s first entirely in Spanish to two large and enthusiastic quarter. The first of event of the year showcased local crowds. The Orpheum is committed to finding ways filmmaking talent with the premiere of Home on the to reach out to all elements of the Wichita and Range. Later in January, the Orpheum teamed up surrounding areas communities. with Tallgrass Film Association and KMUW to offer a free community screening of Mrs. Doubtfire. The

2 ORPHEUM THEATRE 2017 1st Quarter Q1 Events

January 13 Home on the Range Premiere 19 Classic Film Series: Titanic 20 Mrs. Doubtfire 21 Fox Film Series: This Is Spinal Tap 28 Classic Albums Live: Led Zeppelin II

February 4 The Drifters

10 Hotel California ABBA Mania entertains on Valentine’s Day. Photo by Douglas Hahn. 14 ABBA Mania 15 Tower of Power 16 Classic Film Series: Bram Stoker’s Dracula 18 Academy Award Nominated Shorts 18 Fox Film Series: Tommy 24 Gabriel Swaggart Rally 25 Odd Squad Live!

March 4 Amira Dance Magic 11 Imparables El Show (two performances) 16 Classic Film Series: Cool Hand Luke 18 The Olate Dogs 19 Travis Tritt 21 Boys & Girls Club Private Film Screening 30 Gridiron 2017: Doo Dah Land Tom Politzer on sax for funk, soul, R&B group Tower of Power on Feb. 15. 31 Gridiron 2017: Doo Dah Land Photo by Douglas Hahn.

3 ORPHEUM THEATRE 2017 1st Quarter THEATRE OPERATIONS

Before The Drifters Over the last quarter Vaughn welcomed 12 new concert on Feb. 4, volunteers from recruitment efforts as well as word Orpheum staff and of mouth from current volunteers. All the staff and volunteers arrived volunteers are excited to have new team members on early to pose for a new board. volunteer group photo, taken by Douglas At the front of house, Orpheum staff found a local Hahn. store owner who had a use for the large display case that once held merchandise, but had been mostly Orpheum volunteers are very pleased to now be empty for months. This change improved traffic flow standing on a nice new concessions floor mat. Upon by opening up room for patrons to enter and exit their request House Manager Bailey Vaughn ordered the main bar, and theatre entrance doors. the new mat which makes their standing time during events much more comfortable. In February, a much-needed, new fire escape was installed, replacing the original 1922 apparatus. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT During the first quarter of 2017, the Orpheum Theatre and board dinner on Jan. 24, hosted by Harvey and hosted monthly meetings for two local community Stephanie Sorensen. All Orpheum and SMG staff groups. On Jan. 4, Wichita Arts Forum held its monthly attended as well. gathering of local arts organization leaders. Then on Feb. 6, Orpheum president Diana Gordon lead a On Jan. 25, Diana Gordon, theatre tour for the Old Town Rotary Club. along with past president Mary Eaves, attended the The Orpheum Theatre partnered with Tallgrass Film quarterly meeting of the Association and KMUW to host a free community Historic Theatre film screening. To get the public involved from the Association hosted by the beginning, the Orpheum announced the event and Historic Anthony Theatre. Pictured left to right: Mary Eaves, Diana Gordon, posted a poll on Facebook allowing fans to vote for the Mary Curtis of Sedan Historic Theatre movie they most wanted to see. Mrs. Doubtfire won by On Mar. 21, the Orpheum hosted 100 elementary overwhelming majority and was shown on Jan. 20. school students from the BOys & Girls Clubs for a free screening of The Sandlot 2. Orpheum Performing Arts Centre held its annual donor

4 ORPHEUM THEATRE 2017 2nd Quarter BOOKINGS

Second quarter of 2017 had the broad array of he held his breath underwater in a 500 gallon water programming for which the Orpheum strives and is tank, onstage, for five minutes. The story of how increasingly known--concerts, comedy, dance, magic, theatre staff got 500 gallons of 98 degree water into movies…something for everyone. that tank is one for another time!

Musical performances included Masters of Soul, Music Theatre Wichita sold out yet another of their Stephen Fite, ’s Straight Outta Oz, Blues Jester Awards ceremonies, wherein local high Traveler, Pat Metheny closing out the Wichita Jazz school actors and technical students are honored for Festival, bluegrass favorites The Steel Wheels, indie excellence in theatre. music hero Conor Oberst, tribute Brit Floyd (with one of the most amazing light shows to ever Last, but certainly not least, there were plenty of films. grace the Orpheum stage!) and blues guitar master The smash hit of the Orpheum’s classic film series Jonny Lang. was The Princess Bride. Not only did it sell out but we had to turn quite a few folks away at the door. May also featured two more sold out shows from Bobby Bones, marking the fifth sold out show he has The Orpheum Theatre teamed up with the film performed at the Orpheum since 2015. producers/directors of three films to present them at the theatre. These included Academy Award- Humorists David Sedaris and Brian Regan performed nominated I Am Not Your Negro, Star Wars-inspired to large and appreciative audiences. The theatre also 5-25-77 and an encore showing of locally-produced hosted One Woman Sex and the City, a parody of the Home on the Range featuring a Q & A with the noted hit HBO show. stars, as well as a musical performance by Michael Martin Murphey. The theatre teamed up with the producers of a new adaptation of Alice in Wonderland, featuring Wichita’s Other films included Pink Floyd’s , another own Madison Dylan. The afternoon, filled with two installment in the Fox Film Series, and Classic Film performances, was a success for all parties involved. Series titles Wayne’s World and E.T. the Extra- Increasingly, the Orpheum is looking for creative Terrestrial. partnerships like this, to reduce risk and increase reward. To top it all off, the Tallgrass Film Association presented the Down to the Wire Top 10 Showcase Dance was featured when Brigham Young University with record-breaking attendance of over 1,000 presented Living Legends of Dance, a tour of native filmmakers, friends and supporters. dances from North, Central and South America that charmed and impressed its substantial audience. So far, 2017 has been a great year at the Orpheum Theatre and it looks as if momentum will surely Magician/illusionist David Blaine blew away his sold- continue into the final two quarters. out crowd with his amazing feats. To mention but one,

5 ORPHEUM THEATRE 2017 2nd Quarter Q2 Events

April 1 Gridiron 2 One Woman Sex and the City 5 Stephen Fite 6 Masters of Soul 7 Todrick Hall’s Straight Outta Oz 9 Blues Traveler 15 Wichita Jazz Fest presents Pat Metheny 20 Classic Film Series: The Princess Bride (sold out) 22 Alice in Wonderland Live (two performances) 27 I Am Not Your Negro 28 Fox Film Series: The Wall 30 David Sedaris

May 2 BYU presents Living Legends 6 Dyck Arboretum presents The Steel Wheels 12 MTWichita presents Jesters Awards (sold out) 13 Lone Chimney Films presents Home on The Range Multi-instrumentalist Conor Oberst. Photo by Douglas Hahn. 19 Bobby Bones Funny & Alone (sold out) 20 Bobby Bones Funny & Alone (sold out) 24 Conor Oberst 25 Wichita Big Screen presents 5/25/1977

June 1 Classic Film Series: Waynes World 7 Brit Floyd 9 Brian Regan 12 David Blaine (sold out) 13 Celebrity & Chef Cookoff (at INTRUST Bank Arena) 15 Classic Film Series: E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial 18 Tallgrass Film Assoc. presents Down to The Wire Pink Floyd tribute Brit Floyd lights up the Orpheum Theatre with their 23 Jonny Lang fantastic laser show. Photo by Douglas Hahn.

6 ORPHEUM THEATRE 2017 2nd Quarter THEATRE OPERATIONS

During the last quarter, Orpheum staff dedicated a day to focus on organizing and cleaning the theatre. With the theatre’s limited storage, it can become easily cluttered, especially during multiple runs of consecutive shows.

In addition to much-needed cleaning, new signs were designed and installed with information about the Orpheum’s box office hours and locations. Theatre Director, Barney Byard, worked with the Marketing Manager to design large signs to display on sandwich boards outside on show days to alert patrons that the box office is open for business. This helps attract walk-up patrons and gets the attention of those driving by as well. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT On Apr. 6, the Orpheum Theatre hosted the Sunrise American for the Arts economist, Randy Cohen, Rotary Club’s monthly meeting. On Apr. 11, Gordon presented the results of the 2016 Economic Impact fo attended the Wichita Chamber of Commerce Annual the Arts study. Awards Dinner, at which longtime donor, Dawson Grimsley, received The Uncommon Citizen Award. The Orpheum’s annual Additionally in April, Diana Gordon joined team fundraiser, the Celebrity & SMG during the Chamber of Commerce’s annual Chef Cookoff was held June membership drive. 13 at INTRUST Bank Arena. Chef Jennifer Reifschneider In May, the Orpheum opened its doors to the Wichita with celebrity Janet Miller were Business Journal for their 40 Under 40 photo shoot. crowned the winning team at this The honorees had pictures taken by a professional year’s event. Raising just over photographer in locations throughout the theatre. $100,000 for theatre operations and ongoing programming Judge Guy Bower presents Chef On June 26, Mallory Rine joined Diana Gordon for a initiatives, the 16th annual Jennifer Reifschneider with her luncheon hosted by the Wichita Arts Council where fundraiser was a great success. Cookoff trophy.

7 ORPHEUM THEATRE 2017 3rd Quarter BOOKINGS

Third quarter 2017 brought yet another wide array of Local NPR-affilliate, KMUW, brought Science Friday entertainment to thousands of Wichita patrons. to the Orpheum Theatre for a live recording of the popular public radio show, to be broadcast on air Kansas native, Melissa Etheridge, wowed a crowd a week later. The sold-out event was attended by with her powerful Memphis-inspired performance, science fans of all ages. as did longtime favorite Lyle Lovett and his Large Band. Several local churches came together to put War on the Catwalk featured contestants from Season on Heaven Collide, an evening of praise and worship Nine of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The show promoters music that featured a talented band and impressive were so impressed by the theatre and the Wichita light show. The Zmed Brothers, performing with the audience that they are bringing a holiday-themed Bird Dogs, paid tribute with The Everly Brothers show here in December and are holding dates for a Experience. Not only did they perfectly capture 2018 show. the timeless harmonies, they charmed those in attendance with their wit and banter as well. As always, film played a significant role in the Orpheum’s third quarter offerings. Our monthly classic Rock legend Three Dog Night took a sold-out crowd films featured High Noon, Raising and The through their entire catalogue, and debuted a new Dark Crystal. Again this year, we had a summer series single. The event was presented by The Grumpy Old and presented the Lord of the Rings trilogy and two Men, and dedicated to the memory of their founder, Star Trek films. (The third Star Trek film was cancelled the late Charles Stark. to due an unanticipated facility issue.)

In a first under SMG management, the Orpheum Our series of rock-related films, presented in hosted a block party prior to the Halestorm concert conjunction with 104.5 the Fox, showed The Beatles’ in September. First Street was blocked off between classic A Hard Day’s Night, as well as the 1967 Broadway and Topeka, and hundreds of ticket holders concert film, Monterey Pop. The Fox and sister-station showed up early for the show to enjoy a mobile bar, KFDI paired up to jointly present a wildly popular food trucks and entertainment provided by presenting (and nearly sold-out) 40th Anniversary screening of rock station T95. It took many hands to make this Smokey and the Bandit. possible, including great support from the team at INTRUST Bank Arena. The block party was a clear Fourth Quarter 2017 promises to continue the strong success and provided a template for future activities run that the Orpheum has been on the entire year! geared toward enhancing the patron experience.

Comedian/country singer, Rodney Carrington, had his fans in stitches when he performed in late September.

8 ORPHEUM THEATRE 2017 3rd Quarter Q3 Events

July 7 Fox Film Series: A Hard Day’s Night 10 A Fantastic Summer Film Series: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 17 A Fantastic Summer Film Series: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers 20 Classic Film Series: High Noon 23 Melissa Etheridge 24 A Fantastic Summer Film Series: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King 26 Lyle Lovett & His Large Band 28 Heaven Collide Citywide Concert 31 A Fantastic Summer Film Series: Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

August 3 War on the Catwalk 6 The Everly Brothers Experience Lizzy Hale, lead singer of Halestorm, performs for a sold-out crowd. 7 A Fantastic Summer Film Series: Star Trek: First Contact 17 Classic Film Series: Raising Arizona 19 Alithea Mime Theatre 25 Fox Film Series: Monterey Pop

September 8 Three Dog Night presented by Grumpy Old Men (sold out) 9 Science Friday Live presented by KMUW (sold out) 16 My One Life 21 Classic Film Series: The Dark Crystal 22 Fox & KFDI Film Series: Smokey and the Bandit 23 Halestorm with Starset and New Years Day (sold out)

29 Rodney Carrington Setup for the T95 Block Party, prior to Halestorm on Sept. 23.

9 ORPHEUM THEATRE 2017 3rd Quarter THEATRE OPERATIONS

On July 1, installation of the brand new AC system volunteers of the year, while was completed. The 30-year-old unit went out in early others were recognized for June and a temporary system was put in place to their contributions to the keep the theatre cool in the interim. The new system operations and preservation was up and running in just four weeks thanks to of the Orpheum Theatre. generous lead gifts from INTRUST Bank, Fidelity Bank, Anita Jones, Jaki and Roger Scholfield, and to With Orpheum Theatre community support from countless others. House Manager preparing to go on short-term leave, On July 12, Orpheum staff held the annual Volunteer Development & Marketing Appreciation Party in the Cox Lounge, located Assistant, Madeline Goseland, began training in July inside INTRUST Bank Arena. Theatre Director, to takeover as interim House Manager during the Barney Byard, grilled hamburgers and hot dogs, fourth quarter. while volunteers relaxed and enjoyed food and drink provided. Judy Meek and Mark Murphy were named COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT On July 23, the same day Melissa Etheridge his findings. His observations were positive overall, performed at the Orpheum, Chuck Clanahan from and he was complimentary regarding the security the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) made procedures already in place. He made a few minor a scheduled visit to the theatre to review security suggestions which are now being implemented. procedures. This visit was scheduled as an offshoot of DHS’ security evaluation of SMG’s INTRUST Bank On balance, everyone at SMG was pleased to see Arena. Mr. Clanahan’s intent was to spend the entire how closely the Orpheum’s security measures line up day with us to evaluate our security measures and with industry standards. give us input on possible improvements. He looked at everything from patron ingress and egress to the positioning of security guards, from how bags are checked to how artists come and go during load-in, rehearsal and performance.

Just over a week after his initial visit, Mr. Clanahan returned to brief Theatre Director Barney Byard with

10 ORPHEUM THEATRE 2017 4th Quarter BOOKINGS

The final quarter of 2017 was one of the busiest, and most Christmas which was so well received that the promoters profitable, the Orpheum Theatre has had in several years. announced their next Orpheum show (February 23, 2018) And, as is so often the case at the Orpheum, there was from the stage to uproarious applause. something for everyone. Movies always play a big role in the Orpheum’s mix but Musical performances included Gov’t Mule, Dream Theater, never moreso than in the final quarter of 2018. Straight No Chaser, American English, Mark O’Connor and longtime Orpheum favorite Tommy Emmanuel. October’s classic film was John Carpenter’s The Thing which was followed by three nights of the Tallgrass Film Young, local talent was showcased with Wichita State Festival. Directly on the heels of Tallgrass, the Orpheum University’s Songfest and School of Rock Wichita’s Fall once again hosted a sold out performance of The Rocky Showcase. Horror Picture Show.

Moscow Ballet returned to the theatre with a charming and Early November brought the co-promotion of local dynamic presentation of The Great Russian Nutcracker, filmmaker Rod Pocawatchit’s world premiere of his film Red followed four days later by Shopkins Live!. Hand. That month’s classic film, A Face in the Crowd, drew a good crowd, many of whom commented on the movie’s William Shatner brought his one-man show in November current relevance. and regaled the crowd with stories from his long and colorful career. On December 1, the theatre showed How To Survive A Plague in conjunction with World Aids Day. The next Psychic John Edwards returned to the Orpheum after weekend marked the screening of National Lampoon’s a two-year absence. His crowd was amazed at his Christmas Vacation. Radio partners KFDI and 104.5 the performance. Fox did an amazing job promoting the film, which was the second sell out of this partnership. Three food trucks were Watermark Books & Cafe presented young adult author on site and the lines were massive right up until the start Rick Riordan who wowed his crowd of kids and parents of the film. Discussions are underway for additional film with readings from his works, stories about his characters collaborations in 2018. and a preview of coming offerings. Closing out the year was the final film in our 2017 Classic Chamber Theater once again put on a matinee Film Series, Miracle on 34th Street, which not only sold out performance for area middle school students highlighting but did so more than one week prior to the screening. some of the works of Edgar Allen Poe. As we move into 2018, the staff at the Orpheum Theatre The theatre hosted an opening night, VIP gathering for is incredibly grateful for the volunteer team, media friends Signature Equipovision, a group which held their larger and increasing number of promoters who work to bring convention at INTRUST Bank Arena. quality programming to the Orpheum. The last live performance of the year was A Drag Queen

11 ORPHEUM THEATRE 2017 4th Quarter Q4 Events

October 4 Gov’t Mule 5 John Edwards 7 Rick Riordan 10 Chamber Theatre 12 2017 Classic Film Series: The Thing 20-22 Tallgrass Film Festival 26 Signature EquipoVision 27 The Rocky Horror Picture Show (sold out) 28 WSU Songfest 29 Eby Construction Employee Movie Day

November 2 Dream Theater 3 William Shatner 4 World Film Premiere: Red Hand 16 2017 Classic Film Series: A Face in the Crowd

20 Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker James LaBrie, lead singer of Dream Theater. 24 Shopkins Live! Photo by Douglas Hahn 28 Straight No Chaser (sold out)

Decemember 1 How to Survive A Plague presented by Wichita World AIDS Day Committee 2 American English 7 Mark O’Connor feat. The O’Connor Band 8 Tommy Emmanuel 9 Christmas Vacation (sold out) presented by 104.5 the Fox & KFDI 10 School of Rock 15 A Drag Queen Christmas Mark O’Connor performs with The O’Connor Band. 21 2017 Classic Film Series: Miracle on 34th Street (sold out) Photo by Douglas Hahn

12 ORPHEUM THEATRE 2017 4th Quarter THEATRE OPERATIONS

In the fourth quarter the Orpheum’s Marketing and Sharon Woodard hosted at her home with food Development assistant, Madeline Goseland filled in catered from The Monarch. as interim House Manager while the present House Manager Bailey Vaughn was out on maternity leave. At the sold out conclusion of Both team members worked tirelessly to ensure a the 2017 Classic Film Series, smooth transition for the theatre and volunteer staff. Miracle on 34th Street, Goseland ordered a record amount of In December, thanks to a large gift from an pizzas (35) from film series anonymous donor, new curtains were created and sponsor Knolla’s Pizza. As installed in the ladies restroom. a special bonus one of the theatre’s longtime volunteers, On December 17, thanks to a David Larimore, came dressed grant from Phillips 66, a very jolly as Santa Claus, greeted patrons holiday party was held for the at the door, and took pictures Orpheum volunteers. Volunteer with children and families. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT SMG employees from the Jason Van Sickle. On Dec. 6, Diana attended the Orpheum and INTRUST Bank board meeting of the newly-restored, historic Burford Arena teamed up to volunteer Theatre in Ark City, KS. She gave a presentation on at the Kansas Food Bank the importance and value of professional booking to a on Nov. 16. They separated historic theatre. into two groups, one of which helped sort donated food On Nov. 30, Diana Gordon, into bins of dried and canned along with Orpheum board goods. The other formed member, Fran Bruck, an assembly line to put together packages for the traveled to Mulvane, KS to weekend backpack program. design and decorate a tree at the Kansas Star Casino for During the fourth quarter, Orpheum President, Diana their annual Trees of Hope Gordon, attended several community events. On Nov. Challenge. 17, she attended the inaugural meeting for a new Wichita downtown neighborhood association, led by

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