The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of San Jose (GSSSJ) was founded in 1972 as a result of a notice placed in the local newspapers by John P. Healy, Jr. He called for a meeting of persons interested in works of the Victorian music era while still in his early 20s. At the tender age of 17 years he founded San Jose Children's Musical Theater. A small but enthusiastic turnout decided that we wanted to be a producing company and a board of directors was elected. Michel Stein was elected as the president.

The first production was "The Pirates of Penzance." Assembled cast was a mixed bag, some of the cast members were adults and other were drawn from the San Jose Children's Musical Theater, of which John Healy was director. The leading role of the aged comic Major General Stanley was portrayed by a talented 14-year old who aged half a century with makeup and 12-year old policeman arrested a 55-year old pirate. Ruth Stein, Michel's wife and a life-long Gilbert and Sullivan buff, sang in the chorus. She has been from the beginning a prominent member and visionary for GSSSJ.

During the first five years, GSSSJ grew from a small, but passionate group of about forty talented volunteer doctors, engineers and housewives to a close-knit theatrical company, playing to sold-out houses. By the end of this period we were now mounting two to three productions per year, had money in the bank, sets, lights, costumes, props, a technical crew, directors, musicians, designers, and a loyal audience.

Jan Musson, who started Musson Theatrical out of her garage and grew it into a thriving theatrical supply business, has been an important supporter for us. She and her husband, Wick, have been incredibly generous to Lyric Theatre, right from the beginning.