Save the Lyric Series - The Lower Balcony

Today, the third of my series on the restoration of the Lyric Theatre.  The lower balcony or the mezzanine, still maintains it's beautiful details and graceful curve,  although the seats have now been ripped out ( except for one).  Tomorrow we'll visit the upper balcony and learn its history.

If you would like to learn more about the restoration efforts of the Lyric visit their website SAVE THE LYRIC.com

Save the Lyric Theatre Series - The Lobby

The historic Lyric Theatre opened in 1914 as a vaudeville theater. Over the years it became a movie theatre but has fallen into tragic disrepair.  Luckily there is a strong movement to raise funding for the restoration. This week I will be featuring photographs that I have been fortunate to make on four different occasions over the last four years. Hopefully these posts will raise awareness and perhaps spark and interest with future donors.

Birmingham Landmarks has contracted with National Community Development Services to lead a 7 million dollar restoration effort.  The first phase will be the restoration of the lobby.  Recently the entire space has been blasted with dry ice dust to reveal the beautiful architectural details such as this.

The Lyric Theatre Series - Time to Exit

Today marks the end of this series. I hope you have enjoyed the tour through this grand old place. Of course,  I will keep you up to date on the latest restoration efforts.  For now.... we must exit.  We will return to our regular programming tomorrow.  Thank you for your kind comments this week.

The Lyric Theatre Series - The Photographer's Eye

This last trip to the Lyric Theatre, my photography buddies Mike, LaTrelle and Rip joined me.  As I was leaving the hallway that led to the balcony, Mike Callahan was setting up his next photograph.  I got off a quick shot (without my tripod, as usual)  as I went down the stairs.

For my Birmingham readers... coming soon!


 FROM SNAPSHOTS TO PHOTOGRAPHS

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CDP Theme Day - Perspective

Today is the first of the month and by now, you know that means.... Theme Day for all the daily photobloggers around the world.  This month's theme is PERSPECTIVE, and in keeping with my Lyric Theater series, I found a photo that fits both...I hope!  The stage floodlights are still in working order, or rather some of them are!  When the renovation is complete, I'm sure they will all be aglow.

Here are two excellent videos that you will enjoy here and here.

Click here to view thumbnails for all participants

The Lyric Theatre Series III - Former Glam

Perhaps these photographs today will give you an idea of the former grandeur of this wonderful place.

Here are two excellent videos that you will enjoy here and here.

The Lyric Theatre Series II - The Details

Many of you who  have followed my blogs for a while,  know that it's all in the details for me. My camera is drawn to them every time.  This day, I wandered alone to the balcony of the Lyric.  What a wonderful find....these two strips of molding by the window with the noonday sun streaming in.  I know the renovation will be a blessing, but somehow I hope they hang onto these treasures, on this wonderful old plaster wall with its layers of (peeling) painted history.

Here are two fine videos that you will enjoy here and here.

The Lyric Theatre Part I- Stage Door Johnny

The only Stagedoor Johnnies these days, are the pigeons that have made their home in the balconies for years.  

This week I'm heading into uncharted territory. For the first time on BADP, I will be featuring a weeklong series of photographs from Birmingham's historic Lyric Theater.  I've featured photos from previous photo shoots. Recently my friend and Alabama Theater volunteer Tom Cronier, was able to help me and my fellow shooters, Mike, LaTrelle, and Rip have a chance to get in and have a look around. The Lyric was built in 1913 and for many years was a grand vaudeville house.   The years have not been kind, but it is in the slow and laborious process of being restored by Birmingham Landmarks Inc., and we in Birmingham have high hopes.  In the meantime, the disrepair makes for some interesting shots.  I hope you enjoy the series.

Here are two very nice videos that you will enjoy here and here.