Officials from the Lyric Performing Arts Company report that the recent performances of the play “Steel Magnolias” were quite a success.

The play ran last week with rave reviews from the public, which is evident from the record numbers seen in attendance.   According to Managing Director, Eric Evans the numbers were very exciting.

“Steel Magnolias brought in a 300% increase in attendance from our highest attended (straight play) performance,” said Evans.  “It was a good production; people would come and then tell their friends, bringing them for another performance.  It was sweet how the community received the performance.”

This play also brought in the most out-of-town and out-of-state attendees than any other Lyric performance reported Evans.  He stated that it was also the first Lyric production ever seen for many of the play’s attendees.

“There were well over 300 first-timers who had never seen any Lyric productions previously,” said Evans.

What is exciting, according to Evans, is the fact that this was the first Lyric play (not including musicals) that has ever broke even.  Evans reported that he has also received numerous requests for an encore performance, but none is planned at this time; however the Lyric is grateful to have such support from their audiences.

Actresses starring in “Steel Magnolias” included:  Priscilla Monson, Dr. Nancy Jo Humfeld, Caitlyn Tidwell, Sara Musgrove, Jill Evans and Jill Underwood.

The Lyric continues their productions through the summer with performances that promise to be entertaining.

This week, the Lyric will be presenting two shows that are the results of their summer Children’s Theatre Camp, “10 Reasons Not To Be in a Play” by Alan Haehnel and “Not-So-Grimm Tales” by Kevin Bean.  Each of the child performers will take an active part in the productions according to organizers.

Another performance later in the summer will be the musical, “My Fair Lady”.  Performances of this musical are scheduled for July 14-16 at 7:30; July 16-17 at 2:30; July 21-23 at 7:30; and July 22 & 24 at 2:30 at the Dorothy McIntosh Fine Arts Center Auditorium (Brownwood High School).

Go to BrownwoodLyricTheatre.com for complete details of upcoming productions.

See photos from the production below.

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