Item GM-PH-5267 - Cast of Regina Lyric Musical Theatre's production of Follies

An organizational meeting, struck by Patricia Knox, was held on October 12, 1977. The aim of this meeting was to gather individuals together who were interested in establishing a musical theatre society in Regina, Saskatchewan. Those present at the meeting were Patricia Knox, Keith Knox, Art Gardiner, Ann Hewat, Georgina Young and Christine Tiller. A general meeting was held on November 6, 1977, wherein the Regina Lyric Light Opera Society was established. The Society was incorporated under The Companies Act on December 12, 1977. The mandate of the Society was to promote the interests of light opera and musical comedy with special emphasis on Saskatchewan talent. The Society was modeled after the St. Matthew's Operatic Society and the Light Lyric Opera Society that were in existence between 1922 and 1951.

The first executive of the Society was comprised of Patricia Knox - president; Christine Tiller - vice-president; Greta Charlebois - secretary; Hal Tate - treasurer; and Jean Freeman, John Huston and Walter Kalyn - members-at-large. The executive approved a constitution in November 1977. Annual membership to the Society was set at four dollars per month.

The Society presented a variety night as its first event on February 6, 1978, at the Royal Canadian Legion auditorium. Its first major production was H.M.S. Pinafore, which was performed at Darke Hall in May 1978. Subsequently, the Society presented at least one major production each year, along with smaller revue-style shows and musical brunches at various venues in Regina.

The name of the Regina Lyric Light Opera Society was changed to Regina Lyric Musical Theatre Inc. in the Corporate Registry, Saskatchewan Justice on September 4, 2009. Currently (2021), Regina Lyric Musical Theatre Inc. continues as a non-profit, amateur theatre company. It receives funding through its membership fees, as well as private, government and corporate donations. Regina Lyric Musical Theatre presents one major production and a musical brunch each year at various venues in Regina. The Lyric Singers, an adult show choir, was established under Regina Lyric Musical Theatre's umbrella in 2012. Lead by its artistic director, Jane Ursan, it presents one show annually, with music from musical theatre, pop and vocal jazz genres.