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1906 Orpheum                          Donate Securely click here                                      Lyric Theatre Artists Conception 2025

The Orpheum was originally built on this 216 Seneca Street Oil City location!

Vaudeville houses were prevelant in our city during the early 1900's due to the active oil fields in the surrounding hills and valleys. Variety acts of all sorts could be experienced.
For a summary of the Oil City historic theatre district go to ORLA - Hidden Heritage Early Theaters

Keys to Success of the Lyric Theatre Rehabiltation Project:
   *Reclaiming the old store front for a performance space, 214 seat auditorium, and spacious lobby
   * Marketing the services of a performance arts center to patrons enjoying many forms of entertainment
   * Developing a year round event packagefor a variety of patrons from all socio-economic backgounds

The Architect vision of the "New Lyric Theatre" on track to be open early 2027.
Architect Conceptual Facade of the New Lyric

September 2025

To our friends and supporters,

 A new vision…

 

 

Though it may appear the Lyric project is stalled, I can assure you that our team has been very busy. It became evident we needed to take a step back from our 24-year quest and reorganize. We expanded the Lyric Committee to include representatives from Venango County, City of Oil City and the Oil Region Alliance. CDCA has engaged Eos Studio Arc, LLC of Swissvale, a group of architects, preservationists, and engineers to fine tune our dream. A new facade will pay tribute to The Lyric’s long history while incorporating modern lighting and signage. The lobby will welcome patrons to a multipurpose event space including a replica of the original ticket booth. The mezzanine will feature a trayed ceiling and chandelier. An opening in the mezzanine will provide a direct view of the lobby from above, sure to be a favorite for opening night parties, group ticket gatherings, and private events. The mezzanine will also incorporate the technical booth, theatre offices and an elevator. The balance of the project will involve rehabilitation of the existing house, stage, orchestra pit, and dressing rooms.

We are now on track to “go to bid” in early 2026, with construction completed by early 2027. (The Lyric’s 100th anniversary). Our capital campaign is now reopening to cover increased costs and expanded professional help. ($50,000) Your consideration is appreciated. Our sincere thanks for two decades of support!

A membership invitation is included with this mailing. CDCA “dues” provide operational capital outside of committed construction funds. There will be special events for “CDCA Members” upon the opening of The “New” Lyric Theatre. 

 

Joseph P. Boland, President

 

THE LYRIC THEATRE 

CDCA, Inc. Restoration / Operation Managers
 P.O. Box 1145    Oil City, PA 1630                        
Phone: 855 245-1511                                                                              
E-mail: info@lyrictheatreoilcity.org         www.lyrictheatreoilcity.org


2025 CDCA, Inc Membership Card

Donations will continue to be accepted to cover operational costs during construction, the building “fit out”, and soft goods not covered by public funds. The Lyric Theatre Rehabilitation, c/o The Colonel Drake Cultural Alliance, Inc.  P.O. Box 1145 Oil City, PA  16301 or on line by using this link to our account with Bridge Builders Community Foundations.

The popular Karma Concert Series wraps up the season with.... 


Karma March 2026 Concerts the final 2 of the season feature:  Tyler McClain March 5th, Tunes in a Bucket March 12th. March Sponsors: Friends of Karma.  Thank you for a great season!


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