Military families were shown a bit of appreciation Thursday night thanks to TexasBank. Veterans and active service men and women were invited to attend the Brownwood Lyric Theatre’s production of M*A*S*H and offered two complimentary tickets to the show. Thursday’s military appreciation night was a near full house and the largest crowd to ever fill the Lyric Theatre since its reopening last year, according to Lyric Managing Director Eric Evans.
Evans stated that there were 242 military tickets reserved for the night and that more could have been given had there been more first floor seating, as some veterans could not travel the stairs to sit in the balcony seating. TexasBank paid for the Thursday night tickets for veterans and those in active service along with one guest.
“It was wonderful, I can’t think of anything that could have been more of a blessing to many of those here, as well as us as a theatre, for them to step up and for free invite all of our military, our veterans and a guest to be a part of this,” said Evans during a short recognition before the opening of the production. “They have foot the bill for you to be able to do that and I want to say that is exceptional.”
Evans and TexasBank President Greg Dodds welcomed those attending the show who are actively serving and all veterans, asking them to stand and be recognized. Rodney McGlothlin, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Brownwood played trumpet as the cast and audience joined in singing the national anthem, The Star Spangled Banner, before the show opened.
“It was our pleasure (to host the military),” said Dodds. “It was cool that I just made a phone call and Eric had an idea.” He explained that TexasBank wanted to do something to recognize and thank military families for their service and sacrifice. Dodds stated that it was very moving to be at the front of the theatre, to be able to look out on the crowd, and see all those who have served in the military.
Cast members Jason Kelton (Private Lopez), Aaron Seymore (an understudy of one of the roles), and Danna Bean (Lt. Connie Liebowitz) are veterans and were also recognized before the show opened.
Remaining performances for M*A*S*H continue this week at 7:30 PM on May 29, & 30 and at 2:30 PM on May 29 and 31. Go to
