Program Fall 2017

1989–1994 In 1989, the opening of a new multiplex in town combined with the changing nature of film distribution and advent of home videos forced the theatre to close its doors. From 1989 to 1994, although closed as a film house, The Lyric continued to have a life as a large classroom rented to Virginia Tech and as the Democratic Party Head- quarters each fall.

an in 1928, and s doors on April capacity of 900, e movie house e-art equipment, conditioning. In cinema in Virginia and was the first o be

1998–1999 Finally, in October of 1998, the renovated theatre was opened to the public with regular programs. The Lyric celebrated its second grand opening in 1999.

Now

2013 For several years, the film industry had been transitioning from 35mm print film to digital cinema. It was essential that The Lyric make this transition if they were going to continue to show current films. Through the support of a community fund raising effort, the theatre was able to install a state-of-the-art 4K digital projector in the summer of 2013.

997 In 1994, a group of ad by the Downtown s of Blacksburg (now n Blacksburg, Inc.) banded o create the Lyric Council, s determined to reopen The return it to its former glory.

2006 The facade of The Lyric was not part of the 1996-1998 renovation. This project was undertaken in 2006. Lester Properties repaired the crumbling facade wall and the Lyric Council replaced the original masks that adorned the theatre’s parapet from 1930 until sometime in the 1950s. The original masks had been deemed a hazard to passers-by. The replicas, designed and built by Vivian Appler, were unveiled and installed after the 75th anniversary celebration.

Lyric founders ran the a team. The Kelsey k over the theatre’s ntinued to operate theatre until 1989.