An Enchanted Castle in the Sports Hall – A Theatrical Spectacle in Grüsch

From journeyman tailor to justice of the peace, from shoemaker to mayor—everyone gets their proverbial fifteen minutes of fame in Grüsch. This is where The Magic Castle is staged by the Theater Company Grüsch. Since it is a “fairytale musical theatre play in three acts and six scenes”, a wide range of characters and creatures make an appearance as well: elves and dwarves, a mountain spirit and a mermaid—even frogs and vampires.

In spring 1935, the fairy-tale play is widely advertised—even including train connections from Davos and Chur. And from today’s perspective, enjoying the play in the sports hall in Grüsch was a real bargain: the most expensive seats cost just two Swiss francs.

Written by Theobald Masarey, the play was apparently a success. It was first performed in 1931 and later staged several more times in 1952, as evidenced by original documents preserved at the Kulturhaus Rosengarten in Grüsch. The play also proved popular elsewhere. In Grüsch, however, there were added attractions—at least in February 1952: an “all-night dance” at the Krone restaurant and “extended hours” in all of the village’s inns.