About Us
MISSION STATEMENT
After nearly 50 years of dormancy since its closing in 1963, The Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center is dedicated to honoring its past while maintaining a strong vision for the further development of the greater Lexington & Bluegrass community.
'The mission of the Lyric Theatre & Cultural Arts Center is to preserve, promote, present, and celebrate diverse cultures through artistic presentations of the highest quality, educational programming and outreach, film, and opportunities for community inclusion.'
HISTORY OF THE LYRIC
Vibrant. Alive. The place to be and be seen. Between 1948 and 1963, the Lyric Theatre was a thriving entertainment centerpiece for Lexington’s African-American families. Originally built as a movie house, the Lyric opened at the corner of Third and Deweese Street (now Elm Tree Lane) in Lexington. And it quickly became a cultural icon.
Everyone has his or her favorite memory – the movies, fashion shows, vaudeville acts, local concerts, pageants – but during the ‘50s it was Jazz, Soul and R&B music that took center stage, with big-name acts like Ray Charles and Count Basie.
Soulful sounds filled the theatre with other notable performers including: B.B. King; Wynonie Harris, who wrote Good Rocking Tonight, recorded by Elvis Presley; Mercer Ellington, the only son of Duke Ellington; and Billy Brown, formerly of the Dominos, who formed The Checkers and began recording for King Records.
Entertainment wasn’t the only draw. Numerous small black-owned business – from clothing stores to ice cream shops – were launched in and around the theatre. Before closing in 1963, the theatre returned to its roots as a movie theatre, featuring horror films and black cowboy movies plus Saturday morning cartoons.
The new Lyric offers much more than a chance to relive history. Come see the beautiful facility and enjoy the modern age Lyric.
A Brief History in Photographs
Few photographs exist of The Lyric Theatre in its original years of operation, but thanks to the generosity of Lexington Herald Leader, we have been able to track down some images that reflect the vibrancy, uniqueness, and grandeur of the Lyric as is was in the 40s, 50s, and 60s.
The Lyric under construction before its original opening date in 1948.
Original Lyric Staff.
A performer on The Lyric stage.
In the dressing rooms
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Newspaper clippings referencing the opening of The Lyric.
The Lyric's projection room and operators.
Participants in a Lyric Beauty Pageant.
Christmas carolers in The Lyric's Main Lobby
Cartoon playbill
The completed and open Lyric.
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The Lyric at night.
Performers backstage.
Count Basie patrons
Reopening Timeline
March 11, 2009
Private Sector looks to Hold Up Its End of Lyric Theatre with Programming Kick-Off
July 16, 2009
Lyric Groundbreaking Set for 10 am Thursday
July 17, 2009
Lyric Theatre's Revival Raises Neighborhood's Hopes
November 3, 2009
Private Sector looks to Hold Up Its End of Lyric Theatre with Programming Kick-Off
August 24, 2010
Lyric Theatre to Reopen in late October
August 25, 2010
Lyric Theatre plans October Reopening Celebration
August 25, 2010
Grand reopening Celebration Planned for Lyric
September 15, 2010
Excitement Building as Reopening of Lyric Theatre Draws Near
September 24, 2010
Tickets to Lyric Reopening on Sale
Thursday, Oct. 28, 2010
Ribbon-cutting by Mayor Jim Newberry, 10:15 a.m.
Movie, field trip, tour and art project for elementary schools. Cost $1.
The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center is constantly looking for more historical documentation on past events held at the original Lyric!
If you or anyone you know would like to share stories, photographs or articles, please contact us at (859) 280-2201 or by emailing marketing@lexingtonlyric.com