The Lyric Theater in an Altered State “Are you with the party of the bride or with the party of the bride?” said the usher standing in the doorway of The Lyric Theater. Taken back and a little confused by her question, I said, “Umm…the bride?” “Right this way,” the usher said as she showed me to my seat. As I sat down, I soon realized that this was not going to be an ordinary night at the theater; this night belonged to those trying to alter our state of mind and the actual state of Virginia. This night belonged to those deemed different, odd, queer and dangerous. This night belonged to the Commonwealth Coalition and all their supporters. They held a benefit/fundraiser/theatrical play to get out the group’s message about voting ‘No’ on the upcoming marriage amendment, and getting those young and old registered to vote come November. “There are five weeks left,” said Molly McClintock, chairwoman of Roanoke Pride and one of the major public figures for the Commonwealth Coalition, from the spotlight on the stage. She urged everyone in the theater to vote ‘No’ of the proposed marriage amendment. She stressed the need for time and education to the crowd. Outside The Lyric on the street, Phyllis Albritton, a 68-year-old financial advisor, held up a sign urging passersby to register to vote. As people walked passed her she would ask – more like scream at— them to know if they were registered to vote. If they weren’t, she would hoist them inside and tell them to do it right then and there, which many did. “I’m here because the League of Women Voters has historically been very committed to getting people to vote,” Albritton said. “And being here tonight at The Lyric, on the streets, offering people that opportunity without a lot of hassle to go to the county court house or somewhere else I thought was very important. We are getting the word out.” Edd Sewell Jr., professor of Communication at Virginia Tech, said, “I’m here to support the movement opposing the amendment to vote ‘No’, because it really does make a difference in Virginia and all people,” Sewell said. “It affects everyone.” Inside, the packed lobby was abuzz with the melodically languid background sounds that sauntered out from the speakers. Vibenoodle, a local band led by 27-year-old guitarist Bennett Chaney, rose above the clamoring chatter of the crowd. People fluttered to and from inside writing checks or dropping cash into the donation box. The energy was almost palpable as the theater lights dropped and the show was about to begin. The show started with a man adorned in drag walking alone up to the microphone stand. He wore a sun dress, high-heels, a sun hat, gloves and a string of pearls. He sang an original song without music by himself, and the crowd showed their appreciation. The entire show was one long satirical gaze through the looking glass of those the other side looking in. There were short skits poking fun at the gay lifestyle, songs of love and humor, serious poetry that moved the entire crowd, tap dancing, music and spoken word soliloquies. It was a very funny play; one with hilarious highs, but also one with a serious overtone and message. And the message was clear to all at the end of the night. The performance lasted a little over an hour with the crescendo at the end where all the performers on stage, arm locked in arm, stood up tall and sang the song “Chapel of Love” by the Dixie Cups. The crowd stood up and clapped and sang along. It was like their theme song, or a fight song. The crowd left the theater still singing as the warm winds of the Indian summer night came to greet them outside. “I loved it! It was a great crowd, a great night, wonderful performances,” McClintock said after the show with an ear to ear smile. Sarah Campell, 21-year-old music education major, loved the show. “It was freaking awesome,” she said. “I thought it was amazing.” So did 18-year-old freshman Emma Schlosser. “I thought it was really great, it was a great mix of skits and music and just a great way to get the point across,” she said. “It is great to see that kind of passion from people.” |