Lyric Opera of Kansas City Records (0994kc)

The Kansas City Lyric Theater was organized by Russell Patterson, a Kansas City Conservatory of Music instructor; J. Morton Walker, a member of the theater staff at the University of Kansas City; and Lyle Kennedy, secretary and treasurer of the Conservatory of Music.  Supported financially by Henry C. Haskell and Michael Berbiglia the first season opened on September 29, 1958 at the Rockhill Art Theater on Troost Avenue.  In 1961, the Kansas City Lyric Theater Guild was formed as a support organization.  After a fire at the Rockhill Theater in 1966, the Lyric was housed for two seasons at the Uptown Theatre.  In 1970, the Lyric moved to the Capri Theater in downtown Kansas City.  This building was eventually renamed the Lyric Theatre, and the company name changed to the Lyric Opera of Kansas City.

This collection consists of scrapbooks, photographs, printed materials, financial information, minutes, bylaws and clipping related to the Lyric Opera, and the Lyric Opera Guild. 1958-ca. 2000.

55 cubic feet, oversize.

© State Historical Society of Missouri

updated: Monday, February 07, 2011
State Historical Society of Missouri Research Center-Kansas City
(816) 235-1543 WHMCKC@umkc.edu