To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Lyric Theatre is staging three shows in repertory July 22-Aug. 6 and hosting a gala on July 30.
The company kicks things off July 22 with a matinee of “Ragtime the Musical” and an evening performance of “The Best of Lerner and Loewe,” both at Hammer Theatre Center in downtown San Jose. Both shows run through Aug. 5.
Nominated for 13 Tony Awards in 1998, “Ragtime” depicts racial tensions, infidelity and violence in early 1900s New York City. Terrence McNally’s book is based on the 1975 novel of the same name by E.L. Doctorow, with music by Stephen Flaherty and lyrics by Lynn Ahrens.
Lyricist and librettist Alan Jay Lerner and composer Frederick Loewe’s partnership spanned three decades and spawned hit musicals including “My Fair Lady,” “Brigadoon,” “Paint Your Wagon” and “Camelot” along with the musical film “Gigi.” “The Best of Lerner and Loewe” includes highlights of these show, performed by a full orchestra and chorus.
Lyric Theatre is known for its productions of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, and for its 50th year, the company is staging “Iolanthe,” with orchestra and supertitles, July 28-Aug. 6. First performed in 1882, this political satire still rings true today.
After the July 30 matinee performance of “Iolanthe,” Lyric Theatre is hosting a gala at 5 p.m. on the Hammer Theatre’s rooftop terrace. The event includes a buffet dinner featuring fish and chicken entrees, with sides, dessert and a glass of sparkling wine; an auction; and a brief concert featuring music from some of the 64 shows the company has performed in its 50-year history.
Gala tickets are $100 and show tickets are $20-$40, plus a $2 processing fee, at https://www.lyrictheatre.org.
Source: www.mercurynews.com