What Is The Lyric?

In the heart of St. Paul, Virginia, stands the historic Lyric Theater, a beloved cultural gem that has stood the test of time. Built in the 1950's, the theater became a central gathering place for the community, drawing crowds for movies, performances, and events. However, after years of disuse, the Lyric fell silent for many years, until a passionate restoration effort began in 2014, marking the start of a new chapter for this iconic space.

The project had been a long-time dream of the community, dating back to the first strategic plan in 2000. After a significant amount of planning The goal was clear: to maintain the historical charm of the Lyric while making it accessible and functional for modern events.

After a decade of restoration the footprint of the building remains the same, but several important updates were made. Improvements were needed to meet current codes, . The theater's original seating capacity of 650 was no longer feasible, so the new layout includes 202 seats, offering a more intimate setting for performances. Additional spaces were also added, providing room for business conferences, break-out sessions, and community meetings, making the Lyric a versatile venue for a wide range of events.

The restoration of the Lyric Theater was a decade-long effort, made possible by a combination of grants, fundraisers, local donors, and contributions from the town itself. Historic tax credits helped fund the renovation, ensuring that the Lyric would be preserved for generations to come.

Today, the Lyric Theater stands as a testament to the town's commitment to preserving its history while embracing the future. The Lyric is managed by St. Paul Tomorrow and with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, it counties to serve as a cultural and entertainment hub for St. Paul.

The theater's grand reopening was celebrated on January 4, 2022, and since then, it has continued to bring the community together with performances and events.