Since 1959, Magic Circle Players has been the creative heart of Montrose — a “magic circle” of volunteers, families, friends, and patrons who have come to consider the theatre their own. As one of the oldest continuously running community theatres in Colorado, Magic Circle Players has grown into a microcosm of the caring, creative spirit of the Western Slope, offering newcomers and lifelong residents alike a place to belong. From the actors and directors to the musicians and backstage crew, the theatre gives people of all ages a creative outlet that builds confidence, connection, and a genuine sense of self.
That spirit is captured in the organization’s vision — to ignite passion for theatrical arts through exceptional performances that unite communities and inspire generations of artists and audiences alike — and its mission: believing in the power of live theatre, Magic Circle Players harnesses local volunteer talent to create transformative experiences that entertain, engage, and build community, making theatre accessible to all in Western Colorado. Those aren’t just words on a page. They show up every season in the balance of timeless classics and contemporary works chosen to honor founder Bette Dustin Spiro’s belief that theatre should both entertain and challenge, and in a values system built around artistic excellence, inclusion, collaboration, and cultural enrichment for the whole region.
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A 68th Season Built for Everyone
This year’s season line-up was a year in the making. A committee of five community members, ages 18 to 80 and representing a range of professions — including a published author — read through scripts submitted by seven directors before recommending the slate to the Board of Governors. The goal was simple: to serve the whole community. A production that is not preferred by one will have another guest coming twice. We value entertaining and engaging our Patrons and connecting to the next wave of theatre supporters. The result is a season that spans an American classic, a musical built to engage young actors, an award-winning drama, a comedy, and a thriller — something for nearly every kind of theatre lover.
September 2026: Misery — a psychological thriller by William Goldman, based on the novel by Stephen King
October 2026: The Trial of Alfred Packer — a Colorado history saga by Michael Brooks and Paul Edwards (Readers Theatre)
November 2026: Little Women: The Broadway Musical — an American classic based on the novel by Louisa May Alcott
January 2027: Silent Sky — an award-winning, poignant drama by Lauren Gunderson
February 2027: My Funny Valentine: Once Upon a Journey — the annual benefit production celebrating life, love, and the stories that guide us, by Jamie Gann
March 2027: The Odd Couple — a hysterical comedy by Neil Simon
April 2027: The 39 Steps: A Live Radio Play — a thriller inspired by Hitchcock’s classic tale (Readers Theatre)
May 2027: Oliver! — Lionel Bart’s musical based on the classic novel by Charles Dickens
June 2027: Annie JR – a Youth Theatre production following Little Orphan Annie as she faces hardship with positivity and pluck
July 2027: Sondheim Tribute Revue — a funny, affectionate, and powerful tribute to musical theatre’s greatest composer of the last 75 years
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Season Passes: A Great Deal, and an Investment
Magic Circle Players heard from a few longtime patrons who are hesitating to renew their season passes this year because the line-up isn’t exactly what they expected. The theatre’s answer is an invitation to reconsider. A Patron/Season Pass covers all five Mainstage productions and both Readers Theatre shows for an unbeatable $145 — and even patrons who don’t make it to every show still enjoy premium seating all season long.
More than a good deal, a season pass is an investment in an organization that has brought culture, entertainment, and education to Montrose since 1959, building a foundation of community, confidence, and belonging for directors, actors, musicians, technical talent, youth, and audiences alike. And as a bonus: it’s live theatre — no AI here. After sixty-seven years of exceptional support from Montrose, Magic Circle Players is asking its community to make it sixty-eight.
A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity: Own the Ground We Stand On
Magic Circle Players is more than a theatre — it’s a place where the community gathers to experience stories, discover talent, make memories, and share the magic of live performance. The organization already owns its building outright and is now more than halfway through a 99-year land lease. Recently, Magic Circle Players was presented with a rare opportunity: to purchase the property itself and secure a permanent home for the theatre, once and for all.
For decades, Magic Circle Players has been a vital part of Montrose’s story, and this land purchase is a chance to write the next chapter. With the community’s help, future generations will have the opportunity to walk through the theatre’s doors, take the stage, experience live theatre, and create memories of their own. Magic Circle Players invites Montrose to invest in the future of local theatre!
To learn more about season passes or the land purchase opportunity, contact Magic Circle Players at boxoffice@magiccircleplayers.com.
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