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30 theatre's original opening, with a three- day vaudeville presentation showcasing the splendor of the revitalization. The variety show was organized by Keith Cromwell, executive director of Red Mountain Theatre Company, bringing together local talent to be featured each night. "On opening night, we wanted to tell the story of the Lyric and show the versatility of the theatre. It was a way for us to introduce all of these different groups to the Lyric. The collection of the many local acts really showed how the community has come together throughout this whole process," said Beene. The Lyric has not slowed down since. The Birmingham Landmarks junior board hosted a Masquerade Ball, selling out tickets weeks before the event. "There is a lot of momentum behind the Lyric right now," said junior board member Tricia Harkins. "It is one thing to have an event people want to come to, it's another to have one sell out. It just goes to show how excited people are to have the Lyric here and how great it is for our city." The Lyric is already promoting a robust concert series and is not forgetting its roots in variety. "Everywhere you look we have great venues in Birmingham and the more you see entertainment coming to all of those venues, the more it grows and the more interest there is in it. We are glad to be another venue, and a special venue, one that is unique and connected to the history of Birmingham," said Beene. The energy behind the Lyric is palpable as organizers and patrons alike welcome the restored theatre back to city life. "It is pretty extraordinary that we have managed to save a place with this much history," said Brock. "We are so happy to be a part of Birmingham's revitalization," said Beene. "The time was right to bring the Lyric back, something that is so much of Birmingham's history. It is not something that is new, it's a part of our fabric that we have brought back for people to enjoy. We hope for at least another 100 years." For more information about the Lyric, visit www.lyricbham.com. Most of the restoration was completed by late 2015. Music again heard onstage. Theatre seats about 750 people.