April movie events in Wichita bring classics and family-friendly outings

Welcome to Spring! As the days get warmer, local film events are bringing the heat with classics and more. Here’s a look (dates, titles and prices are subject to change):

ORPHEUM THEATRE

200 N. Broadway, https://wichitaorpheum.com/

Anniversary Film Series: “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” (1975) – In the Fall of 1963, a Korean War veteran with a criminal past pleads insanity and is admitted to a mental institution, where he rallies up the scared patients against the tyrannical nurse. This is one of only three films to win what’s considered to be the top five Oscar categories (best picture, actor – Jack Nicholson, actress – Louise Fletcher, director – Milos Forman, and screenplay). The other films to win all those categories are “It Happened One Night” (1934) and “The Silence of the Lambs” (1991). Showing at 7 p.m. on April 17. Tickets are $8, $7 for students, seniors and military.

EMILY BONAVIA TALLGRASS FILM CENTER

120 E. First St. (Unit 113), https://tallgrassfilm.org/tallgrass-film-center/

Wichita Jazz Festival presents “Thelonious Monk: Straight, No Chaser” (1988) – A documentary about the life of pianist and jazz great Thelonious Sphere Monk. Features live performances by Monk and his band, and interviews with friends and family about the offbeat genius. 3 p.m. Saturday, April 5. $8 plus taxes and fees.

Spektrum Muzik presents “Pretty in Pink” (1986) – This teen classic follows a poor girl (Molly Ringwald) who must choose between the affections of dating her childhood sweetheart (Jon Cryer) or a rich but sensitive playboy (Andrew McCarthy). 7 p.m. Saturday, April 5. $12 plus taxes and fees.

Reverie Impact Cinema: “Meet Me at Magic Hour” (2024) – The folks over at Reverie Roasters present this film series that will have monthly themes. This month’s theme is tied to World Autism Awareness Day and Wild Flower Community School, whose philosophy is “to provide our learners with the foundation they need to become successful individuals on a holistic level.” The locally-made film follows a woman who, amidst her mother’s funeral, attempts to navigate the tensions in her relationships by reimagining their problems through the lens of various movie genres. 7 p.m. April 10. $12 plus taxes and fees.

Wichita Jazz Festival presents “ ‘Round Midnight” (1986) – A troubled, but talented musician flees the U.S. to escape his problems, finding refuge and support in the jazz scene of Paris. 7 p.m. April 11. $12 plus taxes and fees.

Wichita Jazz Festival presents “Lady Sings the Blues” (1972) – The story of the life and career of legendary Jazz singer Billie Holiday (Diana Ross, in her leading debut performance that earned her an Oscar nomination). 7 p.m. April 12. $12 plus taxes and fees.

The Record Ship presents “Zappa” (2020) – This documentary is an in-depth look into the life and work of groundbreaking musician Frank Zappa. 4 p.m. April 13. $8 plus taxes and fees.

“The Iron Claw” (2023) – This is based on the true story of the inseparable Von Erich brothers (Zac Efron, Jeremy Allen White and Harris Dickinson), who made history in the intensely competitive world of professional wrestling in the early 1980s. Through tragedy and triumph, under the shadow of their domineering father/coach, the brothers seek larger-than-life immortality on the biggest stage in sports. 7 p.m. April 17. $12 plus taxes and fees.

Tallgrass celebrates: “Friday” 30th anniversary (1995) – Tallgrass celebrates 30 years of “Friday,” the cult classic that redefined comedy and gave us some of the most quotable lines in movie history. Whether it’s your first time or your hundredth, you can experience “Friday” the way it was meant to be seen — on the big screen, with an audience that knows exactly when to laugh (and when to say, “Bye, Felicia”). 7 p.m. April 18. $12 plus taxes and fees.

Knitflix & Chill: “A League of Their Own” (1992) – During World War II, sisters Dottie and Kit join the first female professional baseball league and struggle to help it succeed amid their own growing rivalry. Patrons are invited to bring their knitting, crocheting, or any mess-free craft for a creative session before the film. Harvester Arts will have yarn, crocheting supplies, and wine available in their space before film center doors open at 2 p.m. The film will play at 3 p.m. April 19. $15 plus taxes and fees.

Gate Record Store presents “The Greasy Strangler” (2016) – A father/son duo run a disco walking tour. When a sexy woman takes the tour, it begins a competition between father and son for her love. But it also signals the arrival of an oily strangler who stalks the streets at night. 7 p.m. April 19. $12 plus taxes and fees.

“Reefer Madness” (1936) – This “cautionary” tale is a fictionalized take on marijuana use, as a trio of drug dealers lead innocent teenagers to become addicted to “reefer” cigarettes by holding wild parties with jazz music. 4:20 p.m. April 20 (get it?). $8 plus taxes and fees.

“The Wild Robot” (2024) – This Oscar nominee for best animated feature follows an intelligent robot called Roz, who after a shipwreck is stranded on an uninhabited island. To survive the harsh environment, Roz bonds with the island’s animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose. 7 p.m. April 22. $12 plus taxes and fees.

“Moonstruck” (1987) presented with Broadway in Wichita – Cher won a best actress Oscar as Loretta Castorini, a bookkeeper from Brooklyn, New York, who finds herself in a difficult situation when she falls for the brother of the man she has agreed to marry. 7 p.m. April 24. $12 plus taxes and fees.

Tallgrass celebrates: “Miss Congeniality” 25th anniversary (2000) – Tomboyish detective Gracie Hart (Sandra Bullock) is forced to infiltrate the Miss United States beauty pageant as a contestant after her department learns that the event is under threat from an anonymous bomber. 7 p.m. April 25. $12 plus taxes and fees.

Harmons and Hollywood presents “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952) – In 1927 Hollywood, a silent film production company and cast make a difficult transition to sound. 4 p.m. April 27. $12 plus taxes and fees.

RIVERFLIX FRIDAYS AT EXPLORATION PLACE

300 N McLean Blvd., https://exploration.org/

Screenings take place at the museum’s amphitheater outside. Blankets or cushions are encouraged. Wagons, strollers, scooters, and lawn chairs are not permitted in the seating area.

There will be food and beverage available for purchase from the Snack Lab and food trucks. Alcohol is not permitted. Gates open at 6 p.m. with the movie starting at approximately sunset. Free admission to the film, regular admission for the museum.

“Finding Dory” (2016) – Friendly but forgetful blue tang Dory (voice of Ellen Degeneres) begins a search for her long-lost parents and everyone learns a few things about the real meaning of family along the way. April 18.

“Wicked” (2024) – Based on the beloved Broadway musical, this follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), a young woman ridiculed for her green skin, and popular girl Galinda (Ariana Grande), who become friends at Shiz University in the Land of Oz. After an encounter with the Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads. April 25.

STARLITE DRIVE-IN

3900 S. Hydraulic, https://starlitefun.com

Wichita’s only remaining drive-in is reopen for the spring, on Fridays and Saturdays only, for now. Titles will change weekly. Check the website for titles and showtimes.

This story was originally published April 4, 2025 at 3:39 AM.