Lexington to Renovate Old Theater LEXINGTON (WEKU) - The decades old debate over what to do with a historic theater in Lexington could finally be turning from discussion to construction.

The Lyric once offered a stage to high profile African American performers; musicians like The Temptations, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald. But for years, the Lyric theater has been quiet, in part waiting for the courts to decide its fate. Finally, renovation work on the renamed Lyric Theater and cultural arts center, which is located on the corner of East 3rd Street and DeWeese Street in Lexington, could begin this month.

The Urban County Council could give the go ahead Thursday night. The seven million dollar project was detailed Tuesday during the council's weekly work session. When complete, Mayoral Chief of Staff Shaye Raebold says the Lyric will have a 558 seat theater, an exhibition gallery, and multi-purpose space. Raebold said there are plans to offer performances throughout the year.

"No there will definitely be a minimum of 24 performances at the actual lyric theater other groups could use the space throughout the weeks in the 52 weeks in the year for a performance that the lyric does not present," Raebold said.

Everett McCorvey is the University of Kentucky's opera director. McCorvey predicts the center will instill pride in the community. But McCorvey says funding a theater on ticket sales alone is very difficult. He says long term success requires a private-public partnership, and the help of big name performers.

So if you want to bring a Diane Schuur or Wynton Marsalis or somebody like that to the lyric then it will mean that businesses will probably have to help to make some of those thing happen but that's the sort of partnerships that are happening all over the country.

The lyric theater and cultural arts center will also have a gallery. Lexarts Director Jim Clarke said it could complement the Lexington history museum.

"You could have interpretive exhibitions at the lyric theater that looks at history but might have a more contemporary slant in terms of using new media or working with artists to interpret historical artifact," Clarke said.

Shaye Raybold said the city will need to borrow money for the construction. Besides selling bonds, she said, they need to raise private money for capital improvements. As for operating expenses, the Urban County Government could initially pay $150,000 annually to help cover those costs. If all goes as hoped, Raebold said the lyric theater and cultural center could be open by about this time next summer.

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