2026-2027 THEATRE SEASON

 Celebrating the Creative Spirit through Quality Theatre in Durango, CO

Live theatre reflects life, entertains us, and confronts us with the joys and struggles of humanity. Engaging with theatre means that we must slow down enough to allow a new experience to enter. Unlike film or television, theatre offers captivating immediacy and authenticity. There are no rewinds or fast-forwards here—just the raw, unfiltered experience of being present in the moment, swept up in the breathtaking drama, humor, and emotion unfolding onstage. It’s a reminder that, in a world driven by screens and algorithms, there’s still immense value in gathering together to share in the joy of storytelling.

 MERELY PLAYERS’ established reputation for theatrical excellence propels us into another dazzling season for our region. As ever, we remain committed to offering exciting, high-quality theatrical experiences; and we promise you the lively creativity, joyful energy, memorable design, fine scripts, and outstanding talent that our company is known for.  We invite you to experience all that this season has to offer by joining the Merely Family as a Season Subscriber.

SEASON SUBSCRIBER PERKS:

* Subscribers get an exclusive window to buy tickets in advance.

* Use your flex passes in any combination throughout the season. See every production, bring a big group to a single show, or give a few as gifts.

* You have the option of ordering online for each show or accessing personal attention with our subscriber phone line. Need more tickets for a guest? Need help redeeming your flex passes? We’ve got you covered.

* Your name is listed in each program.

* We understand that life can be unpredictable. Ticket exchanges and cancellations are free 48 hours before the selected performance, subject to availability. Non-subscribers incur cancellation fees.

* You get the satisfaction of helping to keep professional quality theatre in our community with Durango’s most long-standing theatrical troupe.

EXPERIENCE

the magic and creativity of MERELY PLAYERS

THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

“My ideal has always been to love someone of the name of Ernest.”

Step into a world of mistaken identities, secret romances, and razor-sharp wit in Oscar Wilde’s beloved comedy.  When two charming bachelors invent alter egos to escape social obligations, their deceptions lead to a whirlwind of hilarious misunderstandings, unexpected proposals, and delightfully absurd revelations. Overflowing with sparkling dialogue and Wilde’s legendary satire of Victorian society, this timeless masterpiece remains one of the funniest and most celebrated comedies ever written. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or returning to an old favorite, The Importance of Being Earnest promises an evening of laughter, elegance, and pure theatrical joy for all ages.

SEPTEMBER 25, 26, 29, OCTOBER 1, 2, 3, 2026 at 7:00 pm

SEPTEMBER 27; OCTOBER 3 and 4 at 2:00 pm

 THE SNOW QUEEN

“A frozen heart is a heavy burden to carry.”

Once upon a time, a young girl’s love became a force powerful enough to challenge an endless winter. Inspired by the timeless tale by Hans Christian Andersen, our imaginative adaptation is a magnificent journey filled with puppetry, mask work, and dazzling theatrics. When Gerda ventures through enchanted lands to rescue her beloved friend from the icy grip of the Snow Queen, ordinary objects transform, stories come alive, and imagination becomes the greatest magic of all. Created for the child in every one of us, this visually rich production celebrates friendship, courage, and the power of seeing the world with openhearted wonder. It’s a holiday gift for all ages.

DECEMBER 4, 5, 8, 10, 11, 12, 2026 at 7:00 pm

DECEMBER 6, 12, and 13 at 2:00 pm

THE PRICE

“What was unbearable is not that it fell apart; it was that there was never anything here.”

A dusty attic filled with forgotten furniture and memories too heavy to discard brings two estranged brothers back together to confront the choices that shaped their lives.  As long-buried tensions surface during the sale of their late father’s possessions, humor and heartbreak collide in Arthur Miller’s powerful drama about family, sacrifice, regret, and the cost of the roads not taken. The Price is one of Miller’s most intimate and enduring works—a moving exploration of what we owe to our families, to our dreams, and to ourselves.

JANUARY 22, 23, 26, 28, 29, 30, 2027 at 7:00 pm

JANUARY 24, 30, and 31 at 2:00 pm

DIVERSION

“If you or any other nurse at this hospital comes to me to tell me you are having a problem with addiction, then I will get you help.”

In the high-pressure break room of a hospital ICU, the people we trust most are running on empty. When medications start to go missing, a close-knit team of over-worked nurses is pushed to the brink and suspicion turns inward.  If survival and service become the priority, where does the line between right and wrong begin to blur?  Scott Organ’s play debuted Off-Broadway in November 2025, and we are excited to host the regional premiere. It’s gripping, intimate, and uncomfortably timely.

FEBRUARY 19, 20, 23, 25, 26, 27, 2027 at 7:00 pm

FEBRUARY 21, 27, and 28 at 2:00 pm

 COME FROM AWAY

“Welcome to the Rock.”

 Just after September 11, 2001, thousands of stranded airline passengers found themselves unexpectedly grounded in the tiny town of Gander, Newfoundland. What began as a moment of uncertainty became an extraordinary story of kindness, generosity, and human connection. Based on a remarkable true story, Come From Away is a breathtaking musical filled with soaring music, laughter, heart, and the infectious spirit of a close-knit community.  It reminds us that when the world feels divided, resilience and compassion can still bring us together.

APRIL 30, MAY 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 2027 at 7:00 pm

MAY 2, 8, 9, 16, at 2:00 pm

FLEX PASS PACKAGES

There are no additional ticket fees on flex passes. Plus, subscribers have an exclusive window to order tickets.

Flex Passes – Flex passes offer maximum flexibility. When you buy digital ticket punch passes, you can use the tickets however you wish. You can use them all for one show or divide them up among the shows any way you wish.

Gift Card – Let us know if your order is a gift, and we will send a card notifying the recipient.

HELPING

Live theatre is a dynamic, expensive venture, and our production costs keep rising. Especially because we have a small, intimate performance venue, ticket sales pay for only a fraction of what it costs to produce quality shows. The level of theatre we can produce is directly tied to the donations we receive. We humbly ask that you consider contributing to Merely Players, a 501(c)(3) organization.  Theatre adds vitality and connection to a community, and your tax-deductible donation helps to ensure that we can continue to thrive.  Thank you for being Merely wonderful.

 Each donor will be listed in our programs in one of these Giving Groups:

ARTISTIC: All season subscribers

DYNAMIC: $10 – $49 above the subscription package amount

IMAGINATIVE: $50 -$99 above the subscription package amount

CREATIVE:  $100-$249 above the subscription package amount

INNOVATIVE: $250-$499 above the subscription package amount

VISIONARY: $500 – $999 above the subscription package amount

INSPIRING:  $1000 – $4999 above the subscription package amount

EXTRAORDINARY: $5000 – $9999 above the subscription package amount

SUPERLATIVE – $10000 or more above the subscription package amount

We truly appreciate your consideration and generosity and are grateful for any donation that you choose to make. If you wish, you can set up a monthly donation on our website. That would make us extra happy!

All seats will be assigned. Tickets are not mailed. You can pick them up at WILL CALL on the night of the performance.