Exciting Changes Coming to Birmingham’s Iconic Lyric Theatre!
Birmingham is buzzing with excitement as the historic Lyric Theatre embarks on a remarkable journey of modernization! This beloved landmark is getting a fantastic upgrade to its iconic facade with stunning new digital marquees. That’s right! The two dazzling LED video boards, which face 3rd Avenue North and 18th Street North, are set to replace the old-school aluminum letter marquees that relied on employees to hand-set the letters. Gone are the days of painstakingly changing the letters one by one!
What’s New?
The brand new digital marquees are not just a pretty face; they boast cutting-edge technology akin to what you’ve seen at the Alabama Theatre’s digital marquee, which was also installed in 2020. This is all about making the venue more vibrant and accessible to everyone in the community. A spokesman for the Lyric mentioned that they are still working on adding decorative framing elements to these spectacular LED signs, which will give them an even more unique and stylish look once they’re completed.
A Peek into the Past
Now, let’s take a quick stroll down memory lane. The Lyric Theatre opened its doors back in 1914, originally designed for vaudeville-style shows. Over the years, it has rolled out the red carpet for major stars like the Marx Brothers, Mae West, Sophie Tucker, Will Rogers, and Milton Berle. A notable facts about the Lyric is that, although seating was segregated, it was one of the first venues in the Southern United States where black and white patrons could enjoy the same show at the same time for the same price. Talk about forward-thinking!
The Revival of the Lyric
After experiencing a decades-long period of neglect and vacancy, a significant $11 million renovation project in 2016 brought the theatre back to life and reintroduced it to the public. Now, the Lyric Theatre is thriving, hosting somewhere between 75 to 100 events per year! Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable concert, a private event, or a corporate gathering, the Lyric has it all covered.
Join the Festivities!
Now that the Lyric Theatre is gearing up to show off its new digital marquees, the holiday season is the perfect time to get involved. Are you planning to attend any fun events at the Lyric this holiday season? We would love to see your photos! Tag us in your social media posts and share your experiences with the community. Together, let’s celebrate this beloved Birmingham venue and make some joyful memories!
The Lyric Theatre is more than just a classic venue; it’s a vibrant part of Birmingham’s cultural fabric, and with these changes, it’s all set to captivate even more audiences in the years to come. Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to enjoy shows in style!
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
