Oxford’s Historic Lyric Theater is Thriving in its Second Act
On an uncharacteristically crisp evening in September 2021, in Oxford, a crowd materialized on the Square. Patrons dotted the area, locals and visitors alike, some journeying from as far as California. They side-stepped past iconic establishments such as Square Books and City Grocery. There may have even been the occasional selfie snapped with the eminent bronzed statue of William Faulkner. Despite what seemed like the ambience of a football Sunday, this was a Thursday affair, ahead of a bye weekend, and right in the midst of a pandemic.
After months consisting of social distancing, masking, and constant swab tests, over a thousand individuals walked past COVID-sniffing dogs into Oxford’s cherished Lyric theater. Guests filled the room to capacity to witness a performance by Mississippi blues enthusiasts, The Black Keys. The Grammy-winning duo delivered an emotional tribute to their blues idols Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside, igniting the crowd with renditions of classic hits.
Lyric Theater: A Testament of Resilience
The Lyric theater, constructed originally as a livery stable in the late 1800s, transitioned into a hub for live performances and silent films, serving the community of Oxford. It hosted the world premiere of the film adaptation of William Faulkner’s “Intruder in the Dust” in 1949, attracting Faulkner himself as an attendee.
Despite being subdivided and housing various operations over the years, Brad Bishop, the then owner, saw the potential of the monumental building in Oxford’s entertainment sector. His vision was shared by Lindsay Dillon-Maginnis, who now co-owns and manages the theater. Their goal was to establish a space for concerts that neither fit into restaurant sites nor football stadiums, and hence, the second coming of the Lyric was born in 2008.
Rebirth and Recrafting of Lyric Theater
Bishop and Dillon-Maginnis embarked on restorative work, allowing the theater to regain its original grandeur open, and accessible. The former single-use facility was redesigned to accommodate a stage and a balcony. Over the years, The Lyric has hosted performances across various genres, showcasing artists from Eric Church to T-Pain.
Remaining flexible and attuned to evolving trends and preferences in the music industry, Dillon-Maginnis and the Lyric team have managed to cater to the entertainment needs of the Oxford crowd. Besides, the theater is a popular private venue for wedding receptions, fundraisers, conferences, and corporate events.
The Next Act
As Dillon-Maginnis puts it, Lyric theater has evolved since its inception and remains committed to being a cultural hub in Oxford. “We want to be a place of gathering and community for anyone that walks through these doors,” she says. It’s clear – The Lyric is gearing itself for an even bigger, better third act.
