THANK YOU TO OUR DONORS WHO MADE THE VISION A REALITY
Plaza Theatre Reborn:
$7,000,000
Lyric Theatre's renovation of the historic Plaza Theatre brings life back to this beloved neighborhood landmark. A state-of-the-art movie house in the 1930s, the Plaza Theatre fell into ruin for several decades, and is now transformed once again into a vibrant theatre venue.
By preserving an important piece of Oklahoma City history, this rehabilitation project enhances the state's cultural assets and activities. While Lyric's Summer Season will remain at the Civic Center, the renovated Plaza is ideal for year-round productions of rarely-performed musicals, plays, and new works- all in an intimate 278-seat setting.
Of the $7 million goal for the Plaza Theatre project, approximately one half was devoted to construction, while the remaining half will be invested in a permanent endowment fund to support annual operations and maintenance of the theatre.
Construction on the theatre was completed in December 2007.
Thelma Gaylord Academy:
Goal of $3,000,000
The Thelma Gaylord Academy and Lyric Production Center are housed in a joint facility, one block west of the Plaza Theatre. This former supermarket has been converted into a center for artistic activity that includes three rehearsal studios, a costume shop, a scenery and props ship, and offices for Lyric's technical and education staff.
While construction for the Academy and Production Center was completed in mid-2006, substantial endowment funds will provide for the operations and maintenance of these facilities.
The Plaza District: Bringing Back A Neighborhood
In the 1930s, the landmark Plaza Theatre on NW 16th Street was part of a vivacious "main street" district filled with bustling shops and restaurants. Today, the Plaza District is one of number of "in town" commercial streets that are being restored, breathing life into a greater downtown Oklahoma City that is truly experiencing a renaissance.
