An Evening with Burt Reynolds

Sure, Burt Reynolds is a world-renowned actor, with such acclaimed work to his credit as “Deliverance,” “The Longest Yard,” “Boogie Nights” and “Evening Shade.”  But here on the Treasure Coast, we also know him as our neighbor and friend.  His appearance at the Lyric is a rare opportunity to hear Reynolds’ personal reminiscences of his celebrated multi-decade career, and in particular, those individuals who have made it special.

“I’ve met a lot of people over the years who mean a great deal to me,” says Reynolds.  “This is a kind of bouquet to them.”  

Reynolds, who last took the Lyric stage in 2003, says this performance is the “second act” to his first appearance.  With his career still in high gear, there is much more to talk about, including his most recent role as Paul Anderson, an ex-CIA operative in the hit TV show, “Burn Notice.”  

In total, Reynolds has made well over 100 films (spanning work as an actor, director, producer and narration/voice talent), and hundreds of television appearances.  His awards are nearly as numerous, including an Oscar nomination, an Emmy Award (Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for “Evening Shade”), nine Peoples Choice Awards, the New York Film Critics Award, the John Housman Award and a Golden Globe Award.  He received the #1 Box Office Star Award for five consecutive years (a record unmatched in Hollywood), and has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.  

It all adds up to an incredible career that is the inspiration behind his talk at the Lyric.  You can expect the evening to include film clips and photos, with plenty of behind-the scenes stories.  

Reynolds, who says he loves to teach, has endowed the Burt Reynolds Eminent Scholar Chair in Regional and Professional Theatre at Florida State University, and holds master acting classes at the Burt Reynolds Institute for Film and Theatre in Jupiter.  “Acting isn’t about you,” says Reynolds.  “It’s about a gift that you’re giving to other people.”  

We are fortunate that for three memorable evenings this January, he’ll be sharing his gift with us.