Lyric Arts Main Street Stage is the premier destination for live theater and intimate musical performances in the heart of historic downtown Anoka. Offering a diverse and engaging season, this vibrant venue presents everything from captivating musicals and compelling dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies and enchanting children’s productions. Beyond the stage plays, audiences can also enjoy the rhythm and melodies of the “Music in the ‘Burbs” Concert Series, featuring a variety of live music events in an up-close and personal setting.
Located in a beautifully renovated space – formerly the Anoka Cinema Building – the Main Street Stage provides a welcoming and comfortable theater experience for all. Since its full renovation in 2001, the venue boasts modern amenities while retaining a cozy, community-focused atmosphere. Patrons will appreciate the convenience of free parking and step into a warm lobby that invites relaxation and anticipation for the performance ahead. Inside the theater itself, stadium-style seating for 227 ensures an excellent view from every spot in the house, making each seat a great seat.
To enhance your visit, Lyric Arts provides a delightful concession stand and bar within the lobby. Enjoy a selection of wine, beer, soft drinks, and treats like fresh-popped popcorn and candy. For coffee lovers, Caribou Coffee and other hot beverages are also available. A unique perk of Lyric Arts is that you can bring your chosen refreshments directly into the theater, allowing you to settle in and savor your drink and snacks while enjoying the show.
Lyric Arts Main Street Stage delivers a high-caliber, “big city” theater experience imbued with genuine hometown charm. It stands as the only full-time, year-round theater in the northern metropolitan area, making it a consistent source of arts and culture for the community.
The story of Lyric Arts began in 1995 with founders Lin Schmidt and Phil Bologna. Their initial venture, the Pocket Theatre, was a smaller performance space creatively repurposed from a former cabinet shop. As Lyric Arts flourished and its audience grew, the need for a larger venue became apparent. This led to the opening of the Main Street Stage in January 2001, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s history. Today, the Main Street Stage welcomes approximately 30,000 ticket holders annually. Lyric Arts offers a rich program that extends beyond its main season, including theater workshops, matinee performances for schools, and various educational outreach initiatives, solidifying its role as a vital arts education resource.
At its core, the mission of Lyric Arts is deeply rooted in community enrichment. The organization is dedicated to building strong community bonds and fostering the growth of both artists and audiences, spanning all age groups, through the power of live theater. Lyric Arts achieves this mission by creating accessible and engaging opportunities for individuals within the community to actively participate in, experience, and celebrate diverse art forms.
Ticket Information:
Ticket prices typically range from $18 to $32 for most productions, offering accessible entertainment for a variety of budgets. Lyric Arts also provides discounts for seniors, students, and children for all performances, making it a family-friendly and affordable arts destination.
Additional Information:
Lyric Arts is committed to green and sustainable practices, actively implementing eco-friendly purchasing, energy conservation, waste reduction, and recycling initiatives throughout its operations. The venue is also equipped to accommodate groups of 45 or more, making it an excellent choice for group outings and events.
Explore What’s Nearby:
Located in the vibrant downtown Anoka area, Lyric Arts Main Street Stage is surrounded by a variety of local shops, restaurants, and other attractions, allowing visitors to easily extend their visit and enjoy all that Anoka has to offer.
