Mountain Play Association facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Mount Tamalpais Mountain Theater
Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre |
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The Mountain Play stage set up for a presentation of the musical Annie in 2003.
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| Location | Mount Tamalpais State Park, 3801 Panoramic Hwy., Mill Valley, Marin County, California, United States |
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| Built | 1930s |
| Architect | Emerson Knight |
| NRHP reference No. | 14001234 |
| Added to NRHP | February 2, 2015 |
The Mountain Play Association (often called Mountain Play) is a special non-profit group. They put on amazing outdoor plays at the Sidney B. Cushing Amphitheater. This theater is located inside Mount Tamalpais State Park in Marin County, California. The theater is made of stone and sits high up on Mount Tamalpais, about 2,000 feet above sea level. It has room for 4,000 people!
The Mountain Play group started way back in 1913. They put on one big musical show each year, usually in May and June. Their goal is to create a fantastic outdoor theater experience. They also want people to appreciate Mount Tamalpais and bring the community together. The theater itself was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2015 because of its unique design and important history.
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The Mountain Play's Story
The Mountain Play Association began in 1913. It's one of the oldest non-profit theater groups in the area. The theater is named after Sidney B. Cushing. He owned the railroad company that built the Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railway. Before the stone theater was built in the 1930s, audiences sat on a natural, bowl-shaped grassy area. The theater is just below the East Peak of Mount Tamalpais, which is 2,571 feet tall.
First Performances
The very first Mountain Play was held in 1913. It was financed by John C. Catlin, who was the first president of the Mountain Play Association. William Kent, a politician who owned the land, was also a big supporter. The first play performed was called Abraham and Isaac.
Getting to the theater back then was an adventure! People either hiked eight miles from Mill Valley. Or they rode the Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railway. This railway was famous for being called the "Crookedest Railroad in the World."
Popular Shows Over the Years
The Mountain Play has put on many popular musicals and plays. They usually perform one big show each year. In 2023, they performed Into the Woods. In 2022, it was Hello, Dolly!. Like many places, they had to close in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some other well-known shows they've presented include:
- Grease (2019)
- Mamma Mia (2018)
- Beauty and the Beast (2017)
- West Side Story (2016, 1999)
- Peter Pan (2015, 1986)
- The Sound of Music (2013, 1985)
- Hairspray (2011)
- The Wizard of Oz (2008, 1991)
- Annie (2003)
- Fiddler on the Roof (2006, 1994, 1984)
- South Pacific (2014, 1997, 1988)
They even performed Abraham and Isaac again in 1913, which was their very first play!
Sidney B. Cushing Memorial Amphitheater
In 1916, William Kent gave the theater land to the Mountain Play Association. Later, in the 1930s, the Mountain Play group gave the theater to Mount Tamalpais State Park. During the 1930s, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped build the stone amphitheater we see today. They installed huge serpentine stones to create the 4,000 seats.
The old Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railway stopped running in 1930. The amphitheater has also been used for other events. For example, it was the site of the KFRC Fantasy Fair and Magic Mountain Music Festival in June 1967. This was a famous rock music festival.
Since 1977, the Mountain Play has mostly presented Broadway musicals. They have performed many popular shows like Hairspray, Fiddler on the Roof, and Hair.
Making Theater Accessible
The Mountain Play works hard to make its shows enjoyable for everyone. In 1980, they started offering sign language interpretation for some performances. In the early 1980s, they added special features for people using wheelchairs. This included a smooth path to the theater and a shaded viewing area.
Since 1993, they have also offered audio descriptions for people who are visually impaired. Professional describers explain what's happening on stage. This equipment was updated in 1997, so people can use it from any seat.
Community Programs
The Mountain Play also has special programs for the community. In 1993, they started "A Day on the Mountain." This program brings children from low-income families to the theater. It helps them experience musical theater and explore Mount Tamalpais. The program provides tickets, transportation, workshops before the show, and guided nature hikes.
Since 1995, the Mountain Play has also performed at the Redwoods retirement center in Mill Valley. This allows elderly people who can't travel to the mountain to still enjoy a show.
Images for kids
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1913 poster for the first performance
See also
- Marin Art and Garden Center
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Marin County, California
