USU's Lyric Repertory Company is Back!

Utah State University’s Lyric Repertory Company (Lyric Rep) is happy to announce a return to high-quality, live theater in Logan.

“The Lyric Rep is an integral part of our community here in Cache Valley,” Richie Call, artistic director of the company, said. “This season we are bringing you five shows, two of which are regional premieres, and one world premiere.”

The Lyric Rep was founded in 1967 by W. Vosco Call and has produced musicals, dramas, mysteries, farces, comedies and classics to the delight of local audience members and visitors from around the country. The theater company brings in professional actors and guest artists to work side by side with advanced theater students from USU’s Caine College of the Arts.

Opening the 2021 season is The Mountaintop by Katori Hall. This gripping, two-person drama tells the story of the last day of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. King is alone in his hotel room when he is joined by Camae, a maid who works for the Lorraine Motel. What follows is a reflective, often funny, often touching conversation in which Dr. King examines his achievements, failures and unfinished dreams. The Mountaintop plays in the USU Morgan Theatre June 16, 26, July 1, 9 and 17. The show is rated R.

Next up is the world premiere of Dreaming American, written by the Lyric Rep’s artistic producer, Paul T. Mitri. The show tells the immigration story of an Egyptian man pushed by his older brother to go to America and live “the dream.” Upon his arrival, he experiences the freedom of liberties and the isolation of prejudices. It asks two questions: how does culture affect character? And why can’t money buy happiness? Find the answers to these important questions for yourself in the Morgan Theatre June 17, 26, July 7, 10 and 16. The show is rated PG-13.

Join us June 18 for the regional premiere of The Thanksgiving Play by Larissa FastHorse. The show tells the story of four woke theatre makers who want to create a politically correct Thanksgiving play that is historically accurate, avoids all possible stereotypes and does not offend anyone. This wickedly hilarious satire of the traditional “Thanksgiving story” is directed by the Lyric Rep’s inaugural Emerging Director, Summer Session. The Thanksgiving Play runs June 18, 24, 30, July 1, and 17 in the Morgan Theatre. The show is rated PG-13.

The fourth show of the season is interACT [X2]. Two new plays in process will be presented to audience members with an invitation to interACT with the creators by providing feedback and suggestions during post-show talkbacks. Join us on this journey to develop a unique theatre experience for our patrons and company members at the historic Caine Lyric Theatre in downtown Logan on June 19, 23, July 8 and 14. The shows are rated R.

Rounding out the 2021 season is the regional premiere of All the Way by Robert Schenkkan. In 2019, the Lyric Rep brought audiences The Great Society that chronicled the second term of President Lyndon B. Johnson. This summer, Lyric has invited the cast and director of The Great Society to return and present the prequel, All the Way, which depicts LBJ’s first term in office as he works to establish the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This live performance with multimedia elements plays June 19, 25, July 6, 13 and 15 in the Morgan Theatre. The show is rated R.

The 3rd Annual Vosco Call Spotlight Concert is a one-night-only, family-friendly concert to celebrate Lyric patrons, feature the talents of the company and support the Lyric Repertory Company Endowment Fund. This year’s concert has live and pre-recorded portions hosted by Richie Call and Jason Spelbring, who is also directing the show, in the Morgan Theatre on June 29. The Spotlight Concert is rated PG.

Tickets for the 2021 season are on sale now. For more information or to purchase tickets, go online to lyricrep.org or visit ccatickets.usu.edu.