(Taken from "Archives Access: In the Limelight Issue" 2010 Edition)

The creation of Medicine Hat Musical Theatre in 1961 helped to re-invigorate the local theatre scene.  Henry Allergoth and Richard Mells were instrumental in starting this group.  Allergoth, a drama teacher at Medicine Hat High, had been active in the Civic Theatre organization and wanted to form a musical theatre group.  Richard Mells had emigrated from New Zealand and while teaching in a small town in Saskatchewan, introduced musical theatre in the high school there.  He began teaching at Alexandra Junuir High and, as he and Allergoth shared an interest in musical theatre, they formed the Medicine Hat Musical Theatre company.  Art Heller, who had been involved with musicals at the University of Alberta also took part, along with many other members of the theatre community.  The first production was funded by a $1000 loan and 33 patrons who donated $25.00 each.  Since that time, Medicine Hat Musical Theatre has maintained itself and helped many other groups.

The first production by the new company was "Oklahoma", performed in February 1961.  The show was presented in the Towne Theatre, a movie theatre, as there was no longer a theatre designed for live performances in Medicine Hat.  This facility presented many problems as there was no backstage space, no wing space, no loft, no makeup or dressing rooms, and no stage lighting.  In addition, movies were shown in the theatre all week and so preparation of scenes and the dress rehearsal of the production had to be done on Sunday.  Large tractor trailers were parked in the Alberta Motor Association building parking lot beside the theatre, and the offices of the AMA were used as dressing rooms.  Entrances to the stage were made from an outside door and performers often had to run outside to get from one side of the stage to the other.  Despite these daunting conditions, many successful musicals were produced from 1961 to 1969, averaging 600 people at each of 44 performances.

In 1971, Musical Theatre moved to the new Medicine Hat College theatre which had much better facilities for musicals.  The company continued to produce one musical per year, usually in the fall.

There is no doubt that Medicine Hat Musical Theatre filled a void in the theatre world of Medicine Hat.  Jamie Portman, in a review in the Medicine Hat News, stated that "over the years this volunteer group has made an important contribution to the life of Southern Alberta with a succession of popular musical productions."  It offered an opportunity to many young people who would not have otherwise had the chance to experience full scale theatre.  Many residents experienced musical theatre only as provided by Medicine Hat Musical Theatre.  In addition, the group lent lights, set pieces and costumes to other performing groups in the city.  One of its goals was to further cultural development in individuals so it provided substantial scholarship programs to area residents for further theatre, dancing and music study.  The Group also helped the Medicine Hat Symphonic Society and the Medicine Hat Civic Theatre with loans to support their programs.