Mary Deane Streich to Receive Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma's 2017 John Kirkpatrick Award

A lifelong advocate for the arts and social services will be recognized by Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma with its top honor at this fall's Broadway Ball. Mary Deane Streich will receive the John Kirkpatrick Award, named after Lyric's founder, during the organization's annual fundraiser on October 6.

The award presentation will highlight the evening's festivities, which also include silent and live auctions and a sneak peek at performances from upcoming Lyric Productions. The black-tie event will be held at the Embassy Suites Oklahoma City Downtown/Medical Center.

"This award is given by Lyric's board of directors to individuals who have a deep sense of commitment and dedication to musical theatre and theatre education," said Catherine Warren, Lyric's director of development. "Mary Deane Streich has been a passionate supporter of Lyric for more than a decade, even contributing one of the lead gifts to help renovate the Plaza Theatre."

Streich first became involved with Lyric in 2003 during a New York City-sponsored trip. The following year, she joined the Broadway Ball committee, and in 2006, was appointed to Lyric's board of directors. She served two terms on the organization's executive committee as marketing vice president and then as an at-large member.

Streich's commitment to nonprofit organizations extends well beyond the Lyric Stage. She has served as president and vice president of the Oklahoma AIDS Care Fund and chaired its annual Red Tie Night on three occasions. In 2003, the organization named her the Richard May Award recipient. In 1998, she was named Sustainer of the Year by the Junior League of Oklahoma City, an organization she volunteered with for nearly a decade. Streich has also volunteered with Harn Homestead Museum, Science Museum Oklahoma (formerly the Omniplex), Oklahoma Contemporary, United Way of Central Oklahoma and The Winds House (AIDS Support Program).

Pamela Mowry, a longtime friend to Streich, said she is the perfect choice to receive this year's award.

"Mary knew John Kirkpatrick and is proud to have served alongside him on several boards," said Mowry, who serves as executive director of Canterbury Voices. "She couldn't be more humbled to be named the 2017 John Kirkpatrick Award winner, as he was such a pillar in this community and champion of the arts."

An Oklahoma City native, Streich graduated from Harding High School and attended Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree from Central State University (now the University of Central Oklahoma) in Edmond and a master's degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

"Volunteering has always been part of my life. I believe we must give back to our community and our state that have given us so much," Streich said. "I am surprised to receive this award, and I appreciate the work that I have done is being recognized. There are certainly many people who deserve this award, and I am truly honored."

Past recipients of the John Kirkpatrick Award include John Kirkpatrick, Fred Zahn, Lou C. Kerr, Dottie Orcutt, Joel Levine, Mike Turpen, Gail K. Beals, Mark W. Funke, Robert S. McKown, the Gaylord family, Paula Stover, William J. Ross, Robert J. Ross and Don T. Zachritz.

Single tickets to the Broadway Ball are $250 and sponsorship levels start at $600. For more information, call 405-524-9310.

Founded in 1963, Lyric is Oklahoma's leading professional theatre company. For more than 50 years, Lyric has produced classic and contemporary musicals and plays featuring both nationally known Broadway stars and local favorites. Lyric produces large-scale, fully orchestrated musicals at the Civic Center Music Hall each summer, as well as full-scale productions at the Plaza Theatre during the spring, fall and winter. Lyric's ThElma Gaylord Academy is a professional training ground for students ages 5-18, offering classes in all aspects of musical theatre. Academy students have the opportunity to perform in two full-scale productions each year on the Plaza Theatre stage. Lyric is a member agency of Allied Arts. Lyric Theatre is a 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, visit www.LyricTheatreOKC.com.

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