The Board of Directors of the Lyric Performing Arts Company would like to express its sincere appreciation to the citizens, businesses and organizations of the Brownwood area that supported our summer productions and camp activities including the most recent presentations of Steel Magnolias and My Fair Lady. The shows were extremely well-attended and the excitement expressed by the audiences both during the shows and as they were leaving was very heartwarming. At least a third of the audiences were from many areas of the state outside the eight county Brownwood Trade Area and even out of the state, in addition to those from the Brownwood area. The attendance at Steel Magnolias represented a significant new record for an LPAC straight play, but with that cast what else would you expect.
First of all, we would like to express our appreciation to Larry Mathis, the administration and Board of Trustees of the Brownwood Independent School District who worked with us in facilitating our use of the Dorothy McIntosh Fine Arts Center Auditorium at Brownwood High School. While we must again express our apologies to our more senior audience members for the inconvenience encountered in getting into the facility, once there we hope you found the theatre a wonderfully comfortable space as we did.
With the large number of businesses advertising again in this year’s playbills, cast members and many other support staff helping with each of the performances numbering well over 100, there are far too many to be able to list each individually in a letter to be published. However, we want to ensure that everyone recognizes how much we appreciate all of them.
We again must pay a special tribute to one individual though. Ms. Lori Arp makes an unbelievable contribution each year in costume design, acquisition, construction and repair. This year was even more dramatic with the costuming for the Ascot opening day races scene, not to mention costuming an extremely large cast. And you wouldn’t believe how she does it all with a major smile on her face all the time.
We again must also say a special word of thanks to Dr. Nancy Jo Humfeld for the countless hours of work she put into directing the musical. Central Texas and Brownwood in particular, are blessed to have someone with such talent and the willingness to devote the time to provide such valuable cultural opportunities. Larry Mathis added greatly in serving as technical director and set builder for the summer and in directing Steel Magnolias. We must also express a special word of thanks to all of the individuals from the Central Texas area who volunteered their time and worked so diligently to memorize their parts and learn their routines to make the shows absolute successes. Can you believe the level of talent in this year’s productions!
We also want to express our appreciation to the Brownwood schools who arranged for a record number of elementary age children to have the opportunity to attend this year’s children’s production of Treasure Island and to Nick Ewen for directing the production and assistance in providing instruction for the children who attended. Caitlyn Tidwell and Charlie Musgrove are also to be congratulated on an excellent Theatre Camp for kids in the community and two great productions by the attendees.
Please join us in expressing your appreciation to the many LPAC supporters as you patronize their businesses and see them from day to day. We continue to commit to being good stewards of the funds and resources entrusted to our use on your behalf.
Sincerely,
Walter C. Wilson
Debra M. Wilson
Co-Chairs of the Board
