by Carol McDermott
Special to the San Juan Silver Stage
Copyright San Juan Publishing Group, Inc., all rights reserved
(This is part of an ongoing series published in the San Juan Silver Stage, in print and online, and celebrating the MCP's 50th anniversary in 2009)

“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 this 49th season closes the last show of Cinderella this May, over 250 plays will 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 this 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.