Thursday morning, Brownwood was treated to seeing history in the making. The Lyric Theatre sign was being installed. Those present were filled with excitement as the Lyric came back to life…just having the new sign up seems to give a feeling of the project being real and hope for its completion to come soon. The view of Center Avenue was quite different with the bold red sign. Many remarked that they just could not wait to see the sign lit up at night.
The sign, a reproduction of the original filled the trailer and was quite a sight before it was lifted for installation. On site were several of the board members of the Lyric Performing Arts Company. Brownwood News received an impromptu tour of the building (by Dub Wilson and Patty Jordan) and an explanation of the plans and history of the restoration project. The Lyric has a rich history and a wealth of style yet to be rediscovered by the public.
Wilson explained that 1914 was the year that the original Lyric theatre was built in Downtown Brownwood. It had mostly Vaudeville performances, later it showed silent movies, and eventually was purchased by Interstate Theatre Chain (who also owned the Bowie Theatre). During the silent movie era of the theatre, beloved Brownwood citizen, artist and teacher, Dorothy McIntosh played the organ during performances.
Another Lyric Board member, Nancy Jo Humfeld gave even more interesting facts, “It’s been a long time coming…this started in 2001 as Danny Ingram, Eric Evans and I were visiting on a sun porch in Fort Worth.” They discussed what potential the Lyric had and what types of performances and other uses it could host.
The Lyric Performing Arts Company was founded in July of 2002. Their first performance was in the Lyric Theatre was Cinderella. Since 2002 they have been doing productions, which have been moved to outside venues such as the Dorothy McIntosh Fine Arts Performing Center at Brownwood High School.
Since the renovation project began, there have been many volunteer hours and now a professional contractor, ATC Contractors, Inc. (under the direction of James Roppolo) has been hired to complete the renovation. There are plans for seating of 300-350 when the project is completed.
There has been a great deal of money received from grants and fundraisers, but the Lyric project still needs funding. Donations can be made to the Lyric Performing Arts Company’s website https://mitdil1.dream.press/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/sign6.jpg” width=”450″ height=”300″ />
