The Lyric Theater was a focal point of social life in Overtown, the center of Miami's historic African-American community. When the theater opened, it was an important stop on the black vaudeville circuit, known affectionately as the “Chitlin' Circuit.” In the 1930s and 1940s, the theater was a major component of NW 2nd Avenue's “Little Broadway” entertainment district and contributed to Overtown's reputation as the “Harlem of the South.” The building has been recently restored and serves as a performing arts center. The Lyric Theater was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989.