Marty Gordon
NRVsports@mainstreetnewspapers.com
Blacksburg’s Lyric Theatre is ready to reopen after three months of renovations, which included new spacious seats, new stage curtains and a lot of paint.
The grand reopening was held Mar. 20.
Seth Davis is the Lyric’s executive director.
“People will see the difference when they come to an event. When we were looking at what needed to be done, we asked what would make a bigger impact,” he said.
The theatre area has been spruced up with paint that lends itself to the facility’s younger years. Several hanging lights have been reproduced and the sound system has been upgraded.
The Lyric is a historic movie house that opened in 1930 and is a landmark known for its Art Deco and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
Over the years, the facility has hosted a variety of classic films including independent and foreign, live theatre and community events.
The Lyric operates as a non-profit with community support and a focus on arts and culture.
Davis said the recent renovations were completely paid for thanks to support from the town, longtime contributors, several grants and patrons.
“We are pretty lucky because of the community support that we receive,” he said.
The removed seats had been replaced about 30 years ago and lacked space and cup holders most movie patrons expect to find.
This past week, Davis showed there is room enough for movie goers to walk down the middle aisles to find a seat while others remain seated, and there are plenty of cup holders. After the replacement, seating shrunk from 477 to 430. In addition, removable seats are being placed in the middle right in front of the stage.
“By doing that, we are able to have space for concerts if people want to dance or be right up front,” Davis said.
In addition, moviegoers will experience better lighting and an upgraded speaker system.
The digital projection system was upgraded in 2013 and has undergone other renovations to preserve the historic space.
Phase one also included upgrades to one of the only balconies that still exists at local movie houses. There will also be some final work done to the façade and sign at the front of the theatre.
Opening weekend, March 20-23, included classic movies like the Marx Brothers.
“Scriptless in Seattle.”
The Lyric will host the fourth annual Rural Film Festival today, Wednesday, Mar. 25, and the first concert of the new year is scheduled for April 1 with the Jared Stout Band and the Kind.
The next phase for the current renovations will include an upgrade to the lobby, concessions and roof.
Davis said funding efforts for phase two is currently underway with work to commence over the next year.
For more information about the Lyric, its schedule and/or contribute to phase two, checkout www.TheLyric.com.
