the Lyric Theatre of Birmingham, AL
October 31st, 2009
the Lyric Theatre
My neighborhood -the Theatre District Downtown has so much history that and is filled with vacant architecture- this building in particular has been vacant since the late 1970s. This vintage structure is currently owned by Birmingham Landmarks and thankfully fundraising is underway for preservation. The Lyric is a 1914 Vaudeville Theatre. Before laying out the history of the Lyric Theatre, a basic knowledge of the Vaudeville Theatre is essential. American Vaudeville Theatre was a mass entertainment that grew mainly out of the culture of incorporation and helped define American Life after the Civil War. Vaudeville theaters were dependent on the urban middle class audience. They were supported by the organizational efforts of a growing number of white-collar workers seeking ways to spend their leisure time, flaunt their spending power, and experience changing tastes. Performance ranged from circus like shows to romance and drama. The Vaudeville Theatre was intended to educate, edify, amaze, and uplift its audiences. It sought to standardize, professionalize, and institutionalize American popular entertainment through theatre circuits and show business.
This blog is aimed to tell about the premier venue during the years of 1914-1926, the Lyric Theatre. It is the oldest surviving theatre out of the sixty that had once been open in Birmingham. Being vacant for over 40 years, the theatre suffers water damages, missing cornice and building cap, and bricks that reveal years of neglect, yet it still holds as a lasting architectural testament.
Many believe if restored this theatre could bring added cultural attraction to downtown Birmingham. It was designed and built with acoustics to enhance the live performance. The theatre was once graced with acts such as: Mae West, Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, and the Marx Brothers.
The restoring of the theatre would bring attractiveness to the downtown living as well and would promote new growth in the community along with a venue sure to host great features and performances in the future.
The floors are very weak so when visiting the theatre you will be lead cautiously in designated areas to avoid falling through!
Below is a view the stage. An historian explained that this was one of the first theatres to allow Caucasians and African- American to watch performances in together. This brings a neat aspect because most cities tend to tear down historic theaters while Birmingham is trying to revive a part of its diverse and difficult history.
It’s estimated that the Lyric would draw 200,000 into the downtown area and over $25,000,000 in economic impact within the first three years of restoration and operation. It features local Alabama artist’s craftsmanship and could become a living museum. There is no doubt it would draw more interest in the early 20th century with artists of all kinds.
If interested in making donations to help renovate and restore one of last standing theatres and beautiful pieces of architectural history still standing in Birmingham, Contact information is below:
Cecil Whitmire, Director of Birmingham Landmarks, Inc.
1817 Third Avenue North
Birmingham, Alabama 35202
(205) 252-2262 ext. 103
alatheatre@aol.com or Holly Burrow at alatheatre@aol.com
