Lyric Opera Says Goodbye to Lyric Theatre

The Lyric Theatre has been a fixture of downtown Kansas City for 85 years. It was built as the Ararat Shrine Temple, used as a blood collection center during World War II, and for KMBC radio (and KMBC-TV) broadcasts. Since 1970, it's been the home of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

By Laura Spencer

Kansas City, Mo. – But, it's not at all clear what's going to happen to the building next. After this weekend, the Lyric Opera of Kansas City's performances move to the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Since no other group has signed a lease, some worry the old theater could be slated for demolition.

KCUR's Laura Spencer caught up with Lyric Opera staff members Ward Holmquist, Keith Brumley, Evan Luskin, Tracy Davis, Jim "Corky" Corcoran, and Jim DeGood to talk about some of their favorite places.

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Funding for arts coverage on KCUR has been provided by the Missouri Arts Council, a state agency