John Legend coming to Wichita for Orpheum Theatre’s ‘grand reopening concert’ following $13M restoration project

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - Update: The Orpheum Theatre confirmed that Grammy-Award-winning recording artist John Legend is coming to Wichita to perform a “grand reopening concert” following an approximate $13 million renovation project. The Orpheum concert, billed as “a solo piano performance”, is set for Aug. 30.

Legend is a 13-time Grammy Award winner. He’s also won Tony’s, Emmy’s, and Oscars.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled. Not just for the Orpheum, but the community, to be able to see a legend heading on our stage,” said Stacee Olden, the executive director at Orpheum Wichita.

Following an approximate $13 million interior renovation project, the nearly 104-year-old Orpheum Theatre is announcing a grand reopening concert. That announcement, set for 11 a.m. Friday, “will reveal a multi-award-winning recording artist whose celebrated career has earned him acclaim across music, film, television and Broadway,” the Orpheum said.

In early September of 2024, on its 102nd birthday, the Orpheum announced its Second Century Campaign with plans to restore its historic interior. This included updates to the main auditorium, main stage, grand balcony and mezzanine.

While bringing back the theater’s Andalusian style designed in the early 1920s, artisans focused on restoring the venue’s ceilings, walls and floors. The restoration project also included new seats, HVAC and improved sound and lighting.

The restoration work necessitated the Orpheum’s closure for about a year.