Cripple Creek’s historic Butte Theater announced their 2026 professional show season line-up on Feb. 22 at an event held exclusively for patrons and supporters of the arts where they viewed short promotional videos of the upcoming shows.

Beginning in June, this year’s season offers classic melodrama, musicals, comedy and dance with “Under the Colorado Moon,” “Dames at Sea,” “Sweeney, The Demon Barber of Cripple Creek,” and “The Winter Wonderettes.”

“It seems as though we made the right choices with the selections. There was a lot of positive engagement,” Butte Theater Manager Lauren Smith said.

The Butte continues its partnership with returning production companies Chameleon Arts & Entertainment led by Betsy McClenahan, and Nick Charles Madson at the helm of Green Glass Productions.

Both Colorado Springs-based companies boast a reputation for top-notch entertainment to highlight the city’s historic and cultural vibrancy. Chameleon Arts & Entertainment are well-versed in the unique genre of melodrama.
The city strives to provide diverse and enriching cultural experiences for residents and visitors, which aligns with Cripple Creek’s historic preservation goals while contributing to the cultural vibrancy of the city.

“I’m excited to bring these shows to our audiences. We know they love musicals, comedy, tap dancing; and we are always looking for new and exciting melodramas,” Smith said. “This year’s (choices) touch on a lot of the things our patrons want to see. And it’s always great to walk away from a theater experience with a new show to love.”
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THE BUTTE’S 2026 PROFESSIONAL SEASON

Beginning this summer, Cripple Creek’s Butte Theater continues its melodramatic tradition with Under the Colorado Moon, June 12 – July 12.

A classic melodrama with an original script written by Chris Sorensen, and produced by Chameleon Arts & Entertainment, “Under the Colorado Moon” tells the story of gentleman Brett Armstrong, in financial distress after a lost wager and falsely accused of forgery. Brett fakes his own death and flees for a new life in the rough and tumble mountain town of Cripple Creek. Under a new identity, he joins a team of hard rock miners who toil under the thumb of Roy Shatterly, a man as cruel as he is rich. Armstrong falls in love with a beautiful and spirited mule skinner who has also caught Shatterly’s eye. Now, Armstrong must either deny his love or risk freedom… and quite possibly his life!

Dames at Sea, July 17 through Aug. 23

Green Glass Productions presents “Dames at Sea,” a long running Off-Broadway musical that gave Bernadette Peters her start and parodies classic musicals such as 42nd Street and Anything Goes. The delightfully campy show revels in nostalgia for Hollywood musicals of the 1930s. Sweet little Ruby from faraway Hometown, U.S.A. has come to the big city make her mark on Broadway where she chances to meet another boy from Hometown, U.S.A. Dick, a sailor, also has ambitions to make it big as a songwriter. Ruby begins in the chorus, and, in true Hollywood fashion, Dick saves her doomed Broadway show with a smash tune and Ruby becoming a star on the deck of a battleship, which just happens to be passing by.

Sweeney, The Demon Barber of Cripple Creek, Oct. 2 through Nov. 1

Green Glass Productions introduces the World Premiere of a brand-new, Halloween melodrama set in Cripple Creek during the gold rush.

Written by Chris Sorensen “Sweeney, The Demon Barber of Cripple Creek” takes inspiration from the story of Sweeney Todd. Returning to the town that betrayed him after escaping from the Colorado State Penitentiary, Sweeney Todd finds things are no longer the same as when he left. His wife is dead and his daughter Johanna was raised Sheriff Thornton, the very man who imprisoned him. When Thornton’s plans to marry off Johanna to clear his debts come to light, Sweeney teams up with Mrs. Loveland of Loveland’s Tavern where an accidental kill turns into a lethal partnership. A darkly funny musical with twists, turns, and dead bodies hidden in vats of chili, Sweeney pursues his final revenge against Thornton, proving that justice, like chili, is best served hot.

The Winter Wonderettes, November 20th – December 27th

This energetic and glittering holiday package is guaranteed to delight audiences of all ages as they listen to their favorite songs from the 1960s in “Winter Wonderettes,” a sequel to “The Marvelous Wonderettes.” This Green Glass Productions musical features four friends Missy, Suzy, Betty Jean, and Cindy Lou, as they provide the holiday entertainment at Harper Hardware’s annual Christmas party. When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and creative ingenuity to save the holiday party. Featuring great versions of holiday classics such as “Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town,” “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Run, Rudolph, Run,” and “Winter Wonderland,” the result is marvelous!

The Butte Theater supports both professional theater and community events with shows that promise to thrill audiences with historic melodrama, musicals, comedy, plus opportunities for community members to participate on stage.
Smith says “stay tuned” for upcoming events and performances. The 2026 season offers a few surprises with music and comedy, along with Friends of the Butte Theater sponsored community productions.