About Haunted Theatre

The Lyric Theatre holds a special place in Tupelo’s history—not only as a home for the arts, but also as a silent witness to one of the darkest chapters in the city’s past. On April 5, 1936, one of the deadliest tornadoes in American history tore through Tupelo, destroying most of the town. The Lyric, one of the few structures left standing, was transformed overnight into a makeshift hospital and morgue. Survivors were treated in its seats, and the bodies of those who perished were laid out upon its stage.

It is from this tragedy that the theatre’s haunted reputation was born. For decades, people have whispered of restless spirits lingering within its walls—souls unable to leave the place where their lives ended. The most well-known of these is Antoine, a young boy said to have been orphaned by the storm. According to local lore, both of his parents died inside the Lyric, and his spirit never left.

Over the years, countless performers and volunteers have shared chilling stories: lights flicking on and off with no explanation, tools and props vanishing during set construction, and the unmistakable sound of children’s footsteps echoing in empty halls. Some have even claimed to hear faint voices or the haunting melody of children’s songs drifting through the theatre late at night.

Whether legend or truth, the Lyric Theatre carries with it not only a legacy of art and community, but also the echoes of a tragedy that time has never completely erased.