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The MCP was originally organized in 1939 and produced several plays through 1941. They were dormant until 1952 when they presented "The Petrified Forest" during the 1952 off-season of the Manistee Drama Festival summer stock program. The MCP produced its first musical, "Guys & Dolls" in 1963. In 1964 it was decided to end the summer stock program that used outside professional talent and to start a year-round season of locally produced shows, including musicals. The Manistee Civic Players absorbed the Manistee Drama Festival into their organization.
In 1974 the MCP leased the theatre portion of the building from the City of Manistee and took on the management of the entire structure until 2007. Today the Ramsdell Theatre is owned and operated by the City of Manistee and the Manistee Civic Players run their productions and rent an office space from it. The Players, for many years, have been instrumental in preserving this ‘Jewel of the Midwest’ for residents and visitors alike and continue to do so by contributing $1 per ticket sold and $5 for each Season Pass sold to the Ramsdell Theatre Endowment Fund.
The MCP is presently continuing its 50 year history of providing memorable community theatre productions and opportunities to the community at large, as well as conducting workshops, studio productions, children's plays and student drama classes. Using local talent the MCP has presented over 250 stage productions including more than 75 musical shows.
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