My, how this theater group has grown!
It all began in 1998 with Katie Klossner, a Castle Rock resident
who wanted to create an opportunity for theater arts in Castle Rock
to give local children a chance to experience the delights of
performance and attending plays.
Its first show was “The Magic Hood,” and from the beginning I
had an inkling this group, if it survived, was destined for
something great.
Not only has it survived and grown, tapping into the wealth of
talent throughout Douglas County, the theater group also has
consistently delighted me with its performances.
And it has done all this without much money.
The troupe, whom operates on a shoestring budget, receives
grants from various agencies, community organizations, and some
money last year from the Scientific and Cultural Facilities
District. But most of its dollars come from membership, an annual
fund-raising gala event and donations.
Despite the tight budget, the organization has managed to put
together creative and gorgeous sets, beautiful costumes and
fantastic performances.
Unlike the larger-venue theaters, Castle Rock Players is
personable and accessible. These “just plain folks” work at their
“real”jobs by day and become “theater people” by night and over the
weekends.
They are the heart of community theater.
In community theater, you can watch the director of Douglas
County Libraries sing and dance and make you laugh. Neighbors,
co-workers and friends shed everyday skins to bring us a little
magic. On a local stage, there is always room for
children.
And Castle Rock Players manages to bring together all the facets
with a delightful sense of humility.
I was charmed with “The Wizard of Oz” in 2001, in part because
the actors didn’t try to imitate the movie but carried its essence
with their own interpretations.
They thrilled me with last year’s opulent and beautiful
production of “The King and I,” 2000’s “Oklahoma!” and 2002’s “Guys
and Dolls.”
The troupe’s first endeavor in drama, “The Andersonville Trial,”
a difficult and taxing play presented last year, moved
me.
But of all the performances, “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat” blew me away. The fantastic set and flawless performance
had the audience fairly dancing in the aisles.
The next performance is the children’s play, “Aladdin and His
Wonderful Magic Lamp,” Aug. 5-8. Check out www.crplayers.org, for
information on performances.
The 2004-05 season looks to be another dynamite one, with “The
Fantastiks,” “Dracula,” “Bye Bye Birdie” and “Lion, the Witch and
The Wardrobe” planned.
Castle Rock Players weave magic. But don’t take my word for it.
Experience it yourself.