Save the Lyric
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Uploaded by jgaar on Aug 23, 2011
Built in 1914 for B.F. Keith''s Vaudeville circuit, the Lyric is one of the few theaters still existing that was specifically built to maximize the acoustics and close seating needed for vaudeville shows. Major stars such as the Marx Brothers, Mae West, Sophie Tucker, Will Rogers, and Milton Berle played the Lyric. Berle said it was 'as fine a theater as any in New York.' During the 1920s it was the custom to attend shows at the Lyric Theatre on Monday nights - if you could get a reservation. Tickets cost from 25 to 75 cents. In summer, air was fanned over two tons of ice a day to keep customers cool. Though seating was segregated the Lyric was one of the first places in the South where blacks and whites could watch the same show at the same time for the same price.
The Lyric was once the finest performing arts theatre in the city - and could be again. The Lyric offers a wider stage and closer audience - better suited for performing arts such as the symphony, ballet, opera and theatre. In addition, the Lyric Office Building, which shares lobby space on three floors with the theatre, could be adapted for arts organization administrative offices. "A restored Lyric Theatre could immediately host the 100+ events the Alabama Theatre now turns away annually and create an economic impact of an additional $5 million dollars a year for Birmingham, creating as many as 200 construction and permanent jobs."
A master architectural plan has been created, some repairs have been made, and the historic painted advertsing sign on the back of the theater has been restored. Hundreds of volunteers have worked tirelessly to help in the clean-up efforts so far.
savethelyric.com
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Will there be an effort to restore the Lyric's organ as there was with the Alabama's? I believe that it would be a valuable asset to the theatre in bringing in orchestras, bands, organ recitalists, and others various musical endeavors as well as allowing the possibility to show more silent movies in Birmingham when the Alabama is unable to be used. I would think that the ASO would be interested in seeing it restored as well seeing how it could provide another performance venue for them.
JPSousa1898 1 week ago
Outstanding video by a very talented crew. The Lyric is a treasure that must be saved and reused.
birminghamlandmarks 6 months ago