Living in a somewhat backwater and rural area, our exposure to certain areas of culture, i.e. movies, is extremely limited, regulated to whatever big budget schlock-fest Hollywood is forcing down our throats. It seems that there is no room for smaller, independent films in this area, except at the Lyric Theatre in Blacksburg.

Specializing in art-house and independent films, The Lyric Theatre is a welcome haven for those of us disillusioned with the current state of movies. Some recent films that have played there include Gimme Shelter, Hamlet, My Dog Skip and Quills to name a few. In addition to movies, The Lyric also hosts live music and staged performances.

Another distinguishing feature of The Lyric is their prices. At most theatres, a movie and concessions will run you in the neighborhood of twelve bucks or more. Not so at the Lyric. The same can be had there for fewer than ten. Normal admission to any show Monday thru Thursday night is only $3.50, and on Friday and Saturday night admission is only four dollars. That's a bargain. And the popcorn is reasonably priced also. And if you go on Monday night, the popcorn is FREE!

Besides the excellent range of movies and reasonable prices, the theatre itself is just cool. Going there harkens back to the days of movies prior to the invention of the multiplexes. The theatre is open and spacious, not cramped and claustrophobic like most theatres today.

If you're tired of the normal (and expensive) movie-going experience, give The Lyric Theatre a try! Be sure to check out their website for showtimes and a calendar of upcoming events