Oscar Wilde deemed theater the greatest of all art forms, stating it as “the most immediate way in which a human being can share with another the sense of what it is to be a human being.”
Live theater does have an undeniable way of bringing humans together. Community theater goes a step further, collecting a potpourri of individuals – those juggling jobs, parents wrangling children from toddlers to teenagers, emerging talents, those in their golden years, and more – all of us with a desire to create, to summon the delicate beauty found in the stories we share.
Auditioning for and participating in a show takes guts, dedication, skill and above all: time. So why do we embark on these artistic journeys, adding yet another commitment to our full plates? For me, it’s a chance to be part of a creative community of passionate people who carve out space in their lives and hearts to build a show, coming together in a communal space to invest our time and passion in collective storytelling.
Recently, I had the exhilarating experience of performing in Merely Players’ production of “Chicago.” As rehearsals progressed and the anticipation of opening night grew, the hours of work, laughter, choreography and dedication coalesced into something more – the show sprang to life with dazzling intensity. This instance is one of my favorite moments before a show’s premiere: the story stands fully formed yet uniquely ours to polish and elevate, poised to unveil to audiences. As with most creative and artistic endeavors, it’s a kind of alchemy. It isn’t just happenstance, however. Theater magic relies on the people who have committed their energy to creating this kind of art. It’s the singing of harmony parts over and over to get them sounding just right, tech rehearsals, the backstage rituals, camaraderie in the dressing room, the preshow circle ups, the spirit and drive each individual brings ... because making art with others is joyful. Time spent in the Merely Underground entertains, inspires and invigorates.
From directors, ensemble members and leads, to stage managers, costumers, technicians and audience members alike, theater serves as a powerful vehicle to enrich the social, cultural and personal fabric of our community. Our upcoming season promises a continued journey of connection and discovery, with productions that compel and delight:
- A historical comedy: “The Book of Will.”
- An enchanting tale: “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane.”
- A new take on a timeless Christmas story: “Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol.”
- A contemporary drama: “Swing State” (regional premiere February 2025).
- A musical theater classic: “Guys and Dolls” (May 2025).
Season subscriptions will go on sale at the end of July, and buying one is the best way to ensure that you don’t miss our shows. Join our mailing list at by emailing us at merelydirectors@gmail.com, and we will let you know when they are available.
Whether you’ve been with us for years or are just discovering our stage, we invite you to join us in the Merely magic!
Beth Miller is a company member with Merely Players and a writer and educator in the Durango community.
