At the end of a long rehearsal My Funny Valentine: Our Song, director Lisa Rediger asked the cast, “What does theatre mean to you?”
“I get the opportunity to play a role that’s different from my own life.”
“The opportunity to sing and dance on stage.”
“Community and friendships.”
“Nobody judges anybody and everyone is supportive.”
For generations, Magic Circle Players has been a place for young and old to find community and find themselves. Recently the theatre received news of a potential opportunity to purchase the land on which the theatre sits.
“We’re just so excited to have the possibility of buying the land,” Rediger said, “and must take advantage of this opportunity, and be good stewards for our youth. Many of the 25 young actors in the November’s Matilda the Musical are anxious for more theatre opportunities, drama camp fills up every summer, and we receive so many calls from parents who want their kids involved. Magic Circle is certainly going to continue thriving for many years.”
The history of the current theatre stretches back to a determined volunteer, Marguerite Lathrop, who approached the Montrose Recreation District about constructing a theatre on the property next to the community pool (where Centennial Tower now stands). Gerald Weaver, the father of current Magic Circle board member Dru Weaver, helped draw up the original $1 per year lease agreement in 1973. “That’s been a huge benefit to the theatre because we haven’t had debt.” Rediger said. In the 1990’s Volunteers of America purchased the land from MRD and assumed the lease.
The current building was built by volunteers in 1974, with the metal building donated by Walker & Krill. Generations of Montrosians have enjoyed live theatre, and hundreds of productions have been staged by Magic Circle—the current production is #333, dating back to the founding in 1959 by Bette Dustin Spiro. The 99-year lease on the property expires August 10, 2072. “When we did the exterior, it just became reality that in 2072, when our 99-year lease expires, we will walk away with nothing. Too many people have invested too much for too long to take that chance,” Rediger said.
Then last November came the opportunity to purchase the land as a result of a land swap agreement between the Volunteers of America (VOA) and the City of Montrose. VOA currently owns the land where the theatre is located, but will swap with the City for property off Niagara. The intent is that the City will then sell the property to Magic Circle Players. “The City of Montrose has really jumped in to support the theatre, valuing Magic Circle as an integral and important part of our community,” said Rediger.
With many of the shows at Magic Circle, even after a long rehearsal, the cast lingers in the lobby, talking and laughing with each other. Rediger reflected on the experience:
“Live theatre impacts a community – whether it’s the kids who are on the stage, whether it’s somebody sitting in the audience – we know that theatre can change a life. That is why we have a responsibility to make this investment and leave a legacy that is this property, and this building. Owning the land gives us the opportunity to complete the interior remodel, and draw plans for facility expansions that better serve our volunteers and our guests. We can’t just hope that the next board or the next generation comes through. We have an entire generation depending on us to keep offering, and even expanding theatre opportunities. A permanent home is critical to that equation.”
“At our annual February benefit concert, we raise money for a specific project; the land purchase is the focus this year. We’ve been writing grants and reaching out to donors who also believe in the power of live theatre, and are hopeful that very soon we will BE HOME FOR GOOD!”
