MCT History:
In 2001 Marion Civic Theatre celebrated fifty years of presenting the MarionCommunity with a wide variety of cultural experiences. The first theatrical production of MCT was presented in the Emerald Room of the SpencerHotel. That production, Goodbye, Mr Fancy, starred Barbara Foust. Since that time, MCT has presented productions in a variety of locations including, the Hostess House Ballroom, the lodge room of the IBEW Building, the Grant County 4-H Community Building, Eastbrook High School Auditorium, Marion High School Auditorium, Carey Industries, and now at the James Dean Memorial Theatre.
Over the years MCT has experienced several memorable "firsts." The first show directed by Adeline Nall was Guest in the House. Fantasticks was the first musical the group presented in 1965 at the Hostess House. The late Jean Rosen MCT's first Best Actress Award for her role in Three Men on a Horse. In 1973, Jim Moritz and Lee Brown produced 1776, the first of several successful musicals. In 1971 MCT audiences were introduced to Don Overman in his initial performance of Harvey. Over the years, Marion Civic Theatre has been an important part of the Marion community. The commitment of hundreds of faithful patrons, volunteers, and board members has sustained MCT through some lean years. Today MCT is a vital and growing organization thanks to the support of businesses and individuals who believe in the value of the arts.
