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| A BRIEF HISTORY OF |
| WATERTOWN LYRIC THEATER |
In 1959, a group of musicians met with the intent of doing a musical performance in the
community. Under the sponsorship of the Little Theatre of Watertown, a production of
BRIGADOON was given at Case Junior High School in Watertown. The production was quite
successful and the interested group set about forming its own organization and naming it the
Watertown Lyric Theater.
community. Under the sponsorship of the Little Theatre of Watertown, a production of
BRIGADOON was given at Case Junior High School in Watertown. The production was quite
successful and the interested group set about forming its own organization and naming it the
Watertown Lyric Theater.
The first endeavor of the new organization was held in July of 1962. It was Lerner and Lowe's
hit, MY FAIR LADY. It was sponsored by the Watertown Education Association for the benefit of
their scholarship fund. Following this, CAMELOT, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and 110 IN THE
SHADE were produced between l963 and 1968. These productions were sponsored by various
school and college groups for the benefit of scholarship funds. It was obvious at that time that
the Watertown Lyric Theatre group needed reorganization, so there was a hiatus of several years
for restructure.
hit, MY FAIR LADY. It was sponsored by the Watertown Education Association for the benefit of
their scholarship fund. Following this, CAMELOT, ANNIE GET YOUR GUN and 110 IN THE
SHADE were produced between l963 and 1968. These productions were sponsored by various
school and college groups for the benefit of scholarship funds. It was obvious at that time that
the Watertown Lyric Theatre group needed reorganization, so there was a hiatus of several years
for restructure.
Our return came in January 1972, when we staged Schmitt and Jones' charming two character
show, I DO, I DO. The fall of 1972 opened our first two show season with Sherman Edward's
historical musical 1776, being presented in November, followed by MAN OF LA MANCHA by
Leigh and Darion in June. (Incidentally, 1776 was the first production to be given in the new
State Office Building auditorium.)
show, I DO, I DO. The fall of 1972 opened our first two show season with Sherman Edward's
historical musical 1776, being presented in November, followed by MAN OF LA MANCHA by
Leigh and Darion in June. (Incidentally, 1776 was the first production to be given in the new
State Office Building auditorium.)
It became increasingly clear that it was necessary to establish an administrative group and
draw corporate papers. This having been accomplished, Watertown Lyric Theater's 1973-1974
season opened with two major announcements: the establishment of the Watertown Lyric
Theater Repertory Orchestra and our first three show season. Succeeding seasons have
brought many wonderful productions to Watertown.
draw corporate papers. This having been accomplished, Watertown Lyric Theater's 1973-1974
season opened with two major announcements: the establishment of the Watertown Lyric
Theater Repertory Orchestra and our first three show season. Succeeding seasons have
brought many wonderful productions to Watertown.
A scholarship program to honor the memory of the late Guy Smith was established in 1974.
The first scholarships were awarded during the 1974-1975 school year to three students
pursuing a career in music and/or theater. Since then, numerous students have received
financial aid to further their education.
The first scholarships were awarded during the 1974-1975 school year to three students
pursuing a career in music and/or theater. Since then, numerous students have received
financial aid to further their education.
1978 saw the beginning of the Watertown Lyric Theatre Summer Stock Program. This
program has achieved immense success, by providing young and old alike the opportunity to
participate in and learn about all phases of theatrical production.
program has achieved immense success, by providing young and old alike the opportunity to
participate in and learn about all phases of theatrical production.
We feel Watertown Lyric Theater is growing and providing our community and surrounding area
with educational entertainment. We welcome all that would like to join and support us.
with educational entertainment. We welcome all that would like to join and support us.
"Official" History provided by Joan Jones