Magic Circle Theatre has produced more than 250 plays in 49 years!

San Juan Silver Stage Online • ENTERTAINMENT
Serving Colorado and the Four Corners since 1996

Magic Circle Players
"The world is a stage...where every man must play his part."

William Shakespeare

by Carol McDermott
Special to the San Juan Silver Stage
Copyright San Juan Publishing Group, Inc., all rights reserved

MONTROSE, Colorado— “The world is a stage...and where every man must play his part.” Community theatre--that's what Magic Circle Players Theatre is all about. All ages. All sizes. All levels of experience.

The second twenty-five years witnessed the involvement of more youth, the aging of the experienced volunteers who began the Magic Circle Players in 1959, and a burst of enthusiasm and can-do attitude from newcomers to western Colorado.

When the 49th season closed with the last show of Cinderella this May, over 250 plays have graced the main stage, including Theatre for Children, which organized at the turn of the century, and Montrose High School productions.

Most MCP plays run three weekends (Friday and Saturday) plus one Sunday matinee. Musicals often play four weekends, with a matinee. The first play of the 49th season, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, went on to a record 14 performances.

Alan Holley, who portrayed the beast/prince, said, "When I first walked into the theatre, I was delighted to know that there was opportunity for me in such a professional, renowned theatre."

MCP reflects not only Montrose, but all of west central Colorado, as volunteers range from Ouray to Delta County, as well as Gunnison and Crested Butte. Maggie McCarty commuted from Gunnison County to perform as Patsy Cline in 2005.

Some are actors. Some build sets, operate the lights, usher patrons. Some make the decisions that affect the life of the theatre.

These are the Board of Governors (BOG), who provide oversight and make policy for MCP. The BOG is elected from among the many volunteers. They acted, crewed, directed, publicized, and constructed, among other duties, and kept the shows entertaining and fiscally responsible.

MCP is a family affair. Not only do crews and actors become family during performances, but in many instances, whole families participate.

“My most vivid memory,” said Cheryl Capshaw, “is acting with my entire family of five in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” That was in May, 2005. In September of that year, Cheryl was half of the two-woman show Always...Patsy Cline.

Merrilee Robertson, currently a member of the Board, was known as “stage mom” for her work on stage, in the lobby, with publicity, props, and lights. Her daughters Debbie and Jamie shared her love of theatre, as well.

All ages/sizes/experience. From ten-year old Christian Streit’s debut (Velveteen Rabbit) to eighty-three year old veteran Gerree Nash (most recently in Harvey). Magic Circle Players Theatre has a place for everyone.

The Mission Statement of the MCP is: The Mission of Magic Circle Players is dedicated to the presentation of quality live theatre in the Montrose community. Through the efforts of volunteers, the MCP strives to entertain, involve the residents of the community, educate young and old with an appreciation of the dramatic arts. Magic Circle Theatre is currently in it's 49th Season. For information, or to purchase tickets, contact the Box Office at 970-249-7838.

Photo Caption
Megan Flannery, a Montrose High School senior when this photo was taken, portrayed Belle in the MCP's longest continual running production, Disney's Beauty and the Beast, which opened the 49th season. Courtesy Magic Circle Players.