The Lyric Performing Arts Company entertained local business owners and managers Friday evening at the Turtle Enoteca with pizza and wine then a private tour of the interior of the Lyric.
Ed Clements, Sports Information Director for KLBJ in Austin, was the evening’s host along with the Lyric Board. Clements spoke of the potential that the Lyric has and why renovation is so important.
“We have the Paramount in Austin. The Paramount is special but the Lyric is going to be even better,” stated Clements. “It’s going to be the ‘gem’ of Texas”.
Clements went on with his remarks stating that the exterior of the Lyric looks like a movie set from the 1930s.
“You have found something very special, irreplaceable, and picturesque…wrap your arms around it and go all the way,” stated Clements. “It’s out of this world the potential you have with the Lyric to attract people to here (Brownwood). The possibilities are great for activities and the Arts.”
Although many gifts and donations have been received, there is still about $500,000 needed to complete the project. As the evening’s program stated, “The ‘Lights!’ are on…The ‘Action!’ Depends on you! The time is NOW…” The Capital Campaign Naming Rights Opportunities were announced so that individuals/companies could donate and have a portion of the theatre named in their honor. Clements invited companies to join in and receive recognition within the theatre.
Naming Opportunities are as follows, please contact the Lyric Board for availability:
- Auditorium – $350,000 (Taken)
- Lobby – $200,000
- Balcony – $150,000 (Taken)
- Equipping the House – $150,000
- Stage – $75,000
- Orchestra Pit – $50,000
- Founders Dress Circle – $10,000
- Original Lighted Marquee & Canopy Restoration – $39,000
- Concessions (Includes Equipment) – $35,000
- Carpet – $30,000 (Taken)
- Original “Lyric” Lighted Sign Restoration $24,000
- Exterior Lobby (Mosaic Tile, Ticket Booth, etc.) – $20,000
- Restrooms (2 in Lobby) Each – $16,000
- Ticket Office (South) – $15,000 (Taken)
- Administrative Office (North) – $15,000
- Projection Facilities – $15,000
- Restrooms (2 Other) Each – $10,000
- Dressing Rooms 2 Each – $8,000
- Green Room – $5,000 (Taken)
Stuart & Margaret Coleman are thanked for their donations to the Lyric restoration project
Clements points out another downtown building that had been the Bowie Theatre in Brownwood
Those in attendance walk upstairs to the balcony
Original crown moulding and a new lightfixture in the restored lobby area
Looking at the stage