Lyric Theatre Celebrates Grand Re-Opening Anniversary

It's hard to imagine Swift Current without the Lyric Theatre.

Built in 1912, the Lyric officially re-opened ten years ago today with a show called Vaudeville Revisited, a nine-act variety show with local and national talent, including Fred Penner.

During the eighties until 2003, the building was operated as a series of night clubs. While it stood vacant, a group of volunteers gathered to restore the Lyric, inspired by its rich history.

Then on March 25th, 2006, a newly formed non-profit, the Southwest Cultural Development Group presented Vaudeville Revisited, a nine-act extravaganza starring Fred Penner.

Shann Gowan regularly presents shows at the Lyric with her popular Blenders series.

"We wouldn't have a Blenders series, really, if the Lyric Theatre wasn't around right now," she said. "They have an amazing venue. It's a great place to bring a band, it makes Swift Current look amazing. The bands that come think the facility is spectacular and first-rate," she said.

Gowan urges the community to continue supporting the Lyric.

"It allows me to bring in bands that I've always wanted to bring in because we have a professional, great looking theatre to present them in. It's an amazing building - I'm just thrilled to be part of it," Gowan said. "It has a long way to go, though, I hope everybody supports it."

The Lyric is a municipal heritage site that first opened in November, 1912 with a musical comedy called the Red Rose, featuring a cast of seventy-five players.