Discovering a different Evergreen Above, left; Approaching the entrance to Center Stage, home of the Evergreen Players. Above, right; The Rock of Ages cast sings the last few notes of “Don’t Stop Believin’” just before taking their bows.[/caption]

Back in my younger years, I was a stage performer. I worked for some of the world’s best entertainment companies, including Disney, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld. Sometimes I’d have to be in my makeup chair by 5:30 a.m., in costume by 7:30 a.m., and ready for our curtain call by 8:30 a.m. It was some of the best years of my life.

I was invited to Center Stage in Evergreen, Colorado, for a performance of Rock of Ages. It’s a musical that tells the story of a small-town girl, a city boy, and a rock ‘n’ roll romance filled with some of the 80s greatest hits.

From the moment I walked through the front door, nostalgia set in, and I felt goosebumps through my entire body. Memories flooded my brain as I walked around taking photos and recollecting the excitement and anxiety I always experienced before a show.

After purchasing a small treat for myself, the lights flickered, indicating that it was time to enter the auditorium and take our seats. I did not think it was possible, but the smile on my face grew as the anticipation took hold of me.

The room went dark as the first notes filled the air. I took a deep breath and allowed the Evergreen Players to take me back in time. Immediately, I began to shimmy my shoulders and sway to the beat of the first song. I laughed, clapped, and danced in my seat for roughly two hours. It was the first theatrical performance I’ve seen in a very long time.

Evergreen Players, a nonprofit organization, started in 1950 when a group of friends would gather to read plays aloud. They produce over ten shows every year, varying from musicals and comedies to dramas.

As the actors began singing the last song, “Don’t Stop Believin,” I felt sad at the realization that it was already over. I stood on my feet for a standing ovation, and though I knew no one in the cast, I felt a sense of pride for all of them. I walked out of the auditorium, clapping and dancing long after the show ended.

Cheers to you, Evergreen Players, for I know firsthand the level of commitment, talent, and skill it takes to share the passion of performing live.

You can catch the Evergreen Players at Center Stage located at 27888 Meadow Drive, Evergreen, Colorado, 80439. They can be reached by phone at 720-515-1528. To learn more about them and purchase tickets, check out: https://evergreenplayers.org/.