Cripple Creek’s Friends of the Butte Theater (FOTBT) 2025 community theater production of writer Tim Kelly’s “The Butler Did It… Again” opened Mar. 28 to an engaged and supportive audience who delighted in the performance. The sequel play continues the storyline of last year’s “The Butler Did It” as a comedy that parodies every theater mystery play or film noir ever written.

This time, the action takes place at an old plantation estate located in the swamplands of Louisiana. The show features a large ensemble cast of 11 and it’s hilarious.

Publisher Miss Maple, who has a reputation for clever weekend parties, again invites her crew of detective writers to introduce them to her latest literary discovery, Ruth Dice, who has written a first novel entitled “Conversations with a Ghoul.”

The writers believe they are there to solve another “staged murder” and assume the identity of their fictional characters. Plans for the night change when the owner of the house is found murdered, leading to the writers using their wits and devices in solving a real mystery.

Director Terry McClintock returns to direct a lively, local cast of enthusiastic and committed actors performing this farcical comedy, adding her humor to enhance the play’s already-hilarious plot.

“As you will see, most of the old cast came back, and there are a lot of great new characters. We have all had so much fun with our collaborative effort to bring you this show,” McClintock said.

The play has Gretchen Wood returning to the stage again as Miss Maple, playing the perfect “straight man” to the actors’ antics and situation surrounding her.

Jaimie Brown is perfectly cast as “Chips” the Butler, coupling her comedic acting talents with perfect timing.

As the detectives in Kelly’s play, references to iconic detective figures of the mystery genre, we have Colton Mahue returning as “Chandler Marlowe” with a genuine characterization of the iconic Phillip Marlowe.

Rob Taglia as Father White is consistent in his portrayal of an Irish Catholic priest, along with a great accent.

Rob Johnson, an original community theater performer for many years, brings his acting gravitas as mystery writer Tony Tallchief.

Kim Lottig also returns with a strong performance as socialite detective Laura Carlyle.

Actor Meghan Longenecker is a welcome addition to the Butte as Ruth Dice. Although new to the community, her acting skills show her expertise in training.

The audience favorite for laugh-out-loud humor was Clint Pickett as Louie Fan, whose quips and sayings stayed in step with the pace.

Kate Louis Wood plays dual roles and has the audience wondering who she is and what she is up to throughout.

Returning to the stage for the third time is Linda Layba who plays Miss Maple’s secretary “Jane Doe” with enthusiasm and delivers laughs with her “sherry dry” humor.

Lori Hankins, as Linda Hayes, arrives as a mystery not revealed until the very end.

A pivotal appearance by Charlie the Alligator evoked even more laughs from the audience.

The audience was engaged throughout the entirety of the performance. During the intermission, members were observed attempting their detective skills at solving the mystery.

Of major note was the set design and costuming, as well as the seamless fluidity of the tech; lights, sound, and coordination went extremely well with Lili Ramsbottom as Stage Manager and Sound and Light Designer Dylan McClintock. Additional crew members included: Ed Wood, Tom Layba and Louanne Bright.

“This cast has contributed so much — not only with their enormous talent; but also with props, costumes and building the set. They are all so creative in all ways, and are all such good people,” McClintock said.

Following its opening weekend, the show continues for both evening and matinee performances through April 13 for three weekend performances. Evening performances begin at 7 p.m. and matinees begin at 1 p.m.

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More information is available at ButteTheater.com.