OKC's Lyric Theatre announces amended schedule for the saftey of patrons
From Lyric Theatre in Oklahoma City:
For more than 56 years, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma’s mission has been constant: to create theatre that thrills and enriches peoples’ lives. We’ve embraced the very best of theatre tradition since the beginning and are proud of the world-class productions we create for the people of Oklahoma. Since 1963, we’ve staged more than 300 productions, serving hundreds of thousands of patrons.
From our roots on the campus at Oklahoma City University to the grand Civic Center Music Hall and now the intimate Lyric at the Plaza, Lyric productions have served Oklahoma and the nation by fostering new works, reinventing classics, educating youth, and developing the careers of some of the most important artists in the American Theatre.
“With so much uncertainty facing the world today, telling stories through the arts has become even more essential,” said Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron. “While we live by the motto of ‘The show must go on’, right now, we respectfully ask our patrons to share an intermission with us.”
In coordination with state and federal leaders, we’ve been monitoring for several weeks the spread of COVID-19. For the safety of patrons, staff, and artists, Lyric must postpone its remaining 2020 regular season programming to next year. Lyric at the Plaza productions of the world premiere Native American Musical DISTANT THUNDER and the jukebox musical comedy HEAD OVER HEELS will move to Spring 2021 and Fall 2021, respectively. Civic Center Music Hall productions of family-favorite Roald Dahl’s MATILDA, the hit musical GREASE and the spectacular Tony-Award winning KINKY BOOTS now will be staged in Summer 2021.
Lyric’s 2021 Premier season will feature:
· DISTANT THUNDER (March 31-April 18, 2021), Plaza Theatre
· Roald Dahl’s MATILDA (June 22-27, 2021), Civic Center
· GREASE (July 6-11, 2021), Civic Center
· KINKY BOOTS (July 20-25, 2021), Civic Center
· HEAD OVER HEELS (September 22-October 10, 2021), Plaza Theatre
The decision to postpone these shows to next year is unprecedented in Lyric Theatre’s history. Our summer season welcomes more than 23,000 patrons, and ticket sales account for a significant majority of Lyric’s operating budget. Please rest assured that this postponement will only add anticipation to our 2021 season. Lyric Theatre is resilient, and we’ve made it through difficult times in the past. We will also weather this storm.
Lyric’s Box Office Team is working throughout this time to process and implement the next steps. Current ticket holders' tickets will automatically transfer to the new run dates, and new tickets will be mailed in early 2021. Those with questions can call the Box Office at (405) 524-9312, Monday through Friday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, we are able to continue Lyric’s Thelma Gaylord Academy classes for students of all ages online.
“We look forward to welcoming you back to Lyric Theatre, where you may continue to experience the joy, majesty, heart and hope our Oklahoma-created productions bring to audiences at each and every performance,” Baron said.
During this unprecedented time, Lyric is committed to its mission of serving patrons, both locally and nationwide. In order to accomplish this, the organization is moving to a variety of digital platforms to engage, inspire and enrich the lives of patrons in quarantine and isolation. Additionally, Lyric is anticipating a return to Lyric at the Plaza in just a few short months for our annual production of Lyric’s A CHRISTMAS CAROL. This play, Oklahoma City’s favorite holiday tradition, truly reminds us of the importance of community and opening our hearts to those in need.
Once again, we are extraordinarily grateful for your continued support of Lyric Theatre. We say boldly that we are more than a theatre company; we are a part of the character and culture that makes our city great. As Oklahoma City moves forward, Lyric will be a part of that journey. The Lyric family is hopeful and excited to see you again in the future, however, and whenever that might be.
Founded in 1963, Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma is the state’s leading professional theatre company. Lyric produces classic and contemporary musicals, new works, and plays featuring artists from Oklahoma and around the nation. Shows are presented at two Oklahoma City venues — the intimate Plaza Theatre and in the summer at the grand Civic Center Music Hall. Lyric's Thelma Gaylord Academy is the premier professional theatre training ground, offering classes in all aspects of the performing arts. Lyric is a nonprofit member theatre of the National Alliance for Musical Theatre and Allied Arts. For more information, visit www.LyricTheatreOKC.org.
The Gayly. 4/20/2020 @ 1:22 p.m. CST.