The Magic Circle widens

Community theater groups often perform in small, unlikely places, with converted storefronts, basements and metal sheds among them. By comparison, Roseville’s Magic Circle Theatre operates on a huge scale. Magic Circle runs multiple productions for adults and children in the Roseville Theatre (a 587-seat venue built in the 1920s) and in the Tower Theatre (a converted 1940s movie house with 272 seats “in the round”) simultaneously.

Magic Circle is a family operation. Bob Gerould is the executive producer, and his spouse, Rosemarie Gerould, is the artistic director. They met in a Garbeau’s Dinner Theatre show (at its old Fulton Avenue location) back in the 1980s. They decided to launch their own theater in Roseville because it was a growing town underserved by other groups. Magic Circle began in a shopping center in 1986 but moved to the Roseville Theatre between 1989 and 1991—aided by the city’s drive to restore the old downtown.

Today, Magic Circle Theatre is a seven-days-a-week operation. “Our subscriptions went sky-high when Sun City Roseville opened up,” said Bob. “Now we’re doing the same with Sun City Lincoln Hills.” The increase made it possible for Magic Circle to lease and renovate the Tower Theatre last year.

Both Geroulds are onstage together this month (for only the third time in 18 years) in Weekend Comedy at the Tower Theatre, located at 421 Vernon Street in Roseville. Rosemarie described it as a “PG-13 generational comedy” about two couples—one young, fashionable and rich, and the other an older pair looking to rekindle romance—who arrive at the same cabin, both claiming to have reservations.

Closing February 14 is Man of La Mancha, playing at the Roseville Theatre, located at 241 Vernon Street. A children’s show, The Reluctant Princess, runs Saturday afternoons through February 28 at the Tower Theatre. Call (916) 782-1777 for info.