It’s hard to believe, but 2016 is over halfway over! Lyric has closed six of the nine shows that make up our 53rd season, and we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the magic we’ve seen- and made- this year. From the dazzling DREAMGIRLS to the hilarious DROWSY CHAPERONE, there has been something for everyone this year. Here are our top 10 moments from the year, so far!
Tiffany Mann as Effie White in DREAMGIRLS. Photo by KO Rinearson.
1. Tiffany Mann belting “And I’m Telling You”
Everyone is moved by the Act I finale of Effie White belting it out, but Tiffany Mann’s performance was unreal. The song got a standing ovation every single night as it closed out the first act, and it sent chills down our spine.
The cast of Lyric’s 2016 production of DREAMGIRLS. Photo by KO Rinearson.
2. Stunning DREAMGIRLS Costumes
I mean come on, who would want to flaunt these gorgeous dresses around? Props to our incredible costume designer Jeffrey Meek (who actually celebrated his 100th show with Lyric during DREAMGIRLS this summer) for his incredible work on this show! Fun fact- each member of The Dreams had 22 costumes- a piece. That made for over 200 costumes for the entire cast!
3. Adorable munchkins in THE WIZARD OF OZ
What could be cuter than the adorable munchkins that greeted Dorothy in Munchkinland? Singing “Ding Dong the Witch is Dead” and “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” in those bright, hilarious costume had everyone in the audience smiling and singing along!
Cast of Lyric’s 2016 production of THE WIZARD OF OZ. Photo by KO Rinearson.
4. Henry’s Mother in MANN… AND WIFE
If you saw MANN… AND WIFE in February this year, you know the incredibly talented Liz Schivener played every lady in Henry Mann’s life- from his mom, to his latest dating prospect. Her characterization of Henry’s mom left us laughing and wanting more, as she portrayed this hilarious lady.
Liz Schivener in Lyric’s 2016 production of MANN… AND WIFE. Photo by KO Rinearson.
5. Adam Heller as Tevye
We all knew we were in for a treat with Adam Heller playing Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, but he blew our expectations out of the water. Audiences fell in love the moment he walked on stage for his opening monologue. As challenging and determined this role is, Heller deserves a big mazel tov from us all.
Adam Heller as Tevye in FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Photo by KO Rinearson.
6. Interpreter Interactions
Everyone in the theatre had a good laugh when ASL Interpreter Jesselyn Nakoko couldn’t stop Motel from being yelled at by Tevye. The choreography and inclusion of ASL into FIDDLER ON THE ROOF made this a performance to never forget.
The cast of Lyric’s 2016 production of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF. Photo by KO Rinearson.
7. Powerful “Sunrise, Sunset”
When the music faded out and the cast of FIDDLER signed “Sunrise, Sunset,” the emotions were all too real. Chills and tears flooded the audience as the power song struck a new chord with the inclusion of ASL.
8. A Sweet “Soon It’s Gonna Rain”
Back in April, while the cast of THE FANTASTICKS put on a fantastick (pun intended) show every night, we got to hear the sweet and lilting love song “Soon It’s Gonna Rain,” sung by the wonderful Arden Walker and Nate Stukey. Their storytelling and beautiful voices, paired with this wonderful classic tune, made for a very memorable moment every evening.
Nate Stukey, Sheridan McMichael, and Arden Walker in Lyric’s 2016 production of THE FANTASTICKS. Photo by KO Rinearson.
9. Martin Burke as Man in Chair
An energetic role, watching the Man in Chair experience his favorite record THE DROWSY CHAPERONE made for a great evening of theatre! Martin Burke took this role to new heights with his interactions and intense faces, and we can’t wait to see him do FULLY COMMITTED this fall!
The cast of Lyric’s 2016 production of THE DROWSY CHAPERONE. Photo by KO Rinearson.
10. “Toledo Surprise” in THE DROWSY CHAPERONE
Watching those Gangsters figuring out they could sing and dance, and start a production number, was a joy every night. Seeing the entire cast join in the fun put a grin on our faces, and watching them (spoiler alert) “repeat” themselves as the record began skipping always tickled our funny bone.
We’ve had an absolute blast at Lyric in 2016, and we hope you did too! We loved embracing the big moments as well as the small, surrounded by people we love. Join us for the rest of an incredible 2016 season at the Plaza with FULLY COMMITTED, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, or LYRIC’S A CHRISTMAS CAROL, or learn about our 2017 lineup here. Every ticket tells a story, and we can’t wait to share many more stories with you!
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