Lyric Theater brings movies to Rugby, area communities
The exterior of the Lyric Theater features brick and rock. Photo by Tricia Torgerson.
The interior of the Lyric Theater maintains its historical character. Photo by Tricia Torgerson.
The exterior of the Lyric Theater features brick and rock. Photo by Tricia Torgerson.
The interior of the Lyric Theater maintains its historical character. Photo by Tricia Torgerson.
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RUGBY -- Built in 1922, the Lyric Theater in Rugby continues to bring newly released movies and classics to Pierce County and surrounding communities, according to the Rugby Chamber of Commerce.
Tricia Torgerson, president of the Friends of the Lyric board, said the theater hosted plays and other productions over the last 100 years, but now functions exclusively as a movie theater.
The Lyric Theater maintains historical value through its preserved features. The original wall paintings remain untouched, and the theater documents its history through photographs and old projection equipment.
Torgerson said the venue retains a "historical feel."
A nonprofit organization, the theater has been run by Friends of the Lyric since the group formed in 2011. The venue has since received upgrades, including new seats, updated projection equipment and a new sound system. Board members plan to remodel the bathrooms and concession area in 2027 and will soon host fundraising events for the project.
The first weekend of October will feature a Legacy Weekend event, during which the theater will show three movies from different eras. On Saturday, Oct. 3, the theater will host a block party featuring a meal, games for children and tours of the facility. The theater will also host a pancake breakfast Nov. 1 at the Eagles Club.
Board members choose movies based on general appeal -- focusing primarily on family-friendly films -- and review box office reports to ensure popular selections.
The Lyric Theater is run entirely by volunteers. Operating funds come primarily from concession sales and community donations.
Torgerson said she is "very grateful for the community," adding that local support keeps an important part of Rugby's history alive.