The historic Butte Theater keeps Cripple Creek’s past alive

Oct 27, 2025 12:08PM ● By Pamela S. Thompson

Over the years, the Butte Theater in Cripple Creek has worn many hats—and not just the ones hanging backstage. Today, it stands as one of Colorado’s most charming historic theaters, where live performances keep its colorful past alive.

While the Butte’s productions are transformative, so is the building that houses them. Opened in 1896 as the Butte Concert and Beer Hall, the space has taken on nearly every role imaginable: opera house, dance academy, furniture store, skating rink, weapons storage, secondhand shop, garage, firehouse, jail and even City Hall.

The 1999 restoration brought the theater back to life with vintage décor and historic charm.

In 1999, the City of Cripple Creek restored the space with vintage-style wallpaper, period chandeliers and a fresh coat of paint, revitalizing this historic gem. The theater now boasts a 1,350-square-foot stage and seating for 184 patrons.

Visitors may notice vintage fire hats displayed inside, a tribute to its civic roots and those who protected the growing mining town.

In a unique arrangement that benefits both residents and visitors, the Butte’s calendar is divided into two seasons: a community season from January through May and a professional season from June through December.

The theater shines bright during the holidays. Green Glass Production’s “White Christmas” brings music, laughter and cheer to the Butte starting November 28, with 7 p.m. performances on Fridays and Saturdays and 1 p.m. matinees on Saturdays and Sundays.

Mack Quinn Ross, who played Janis Joplin in the Butte’s summer production “Beehive” and now stars as Betty in “White Christmas,” said she is looking forward to bringing the beloved story to Cripple Creek audiences.

“This story has been a part of my life for many Decembers, and I couldn’t be happier to step into the shoes of a Haynes sister,” Ross said.

She described Betty as “a woman with a guarded heart, deep care for her sister Judy and a strong sense of morality—someone who stands for what she believes in, even if it leaves her standing alone.”

Lauren Smith, the Butte’s manager, said she’s excited to present a more traditional Christmas story this year. In previous seasons, the theater closed with a Christmas-themed melodrama, like last year’s “Miracle on Mistletoe Mountain.”

“This warm and fuzzy Christmas show is so much fun,” Smith said.

She believes audiences will love the nostalgic music and dance numbers inspired by the 1954 Paramount Pictures classic, and she encourages patrons to dress festively,

Actors in “The Vampire of Cripple Creek”—Sam Fairley, L, and Jasmine Gelfer, R, work the concessions counter at the Butte.

If melodrama is what you’re after, “The Vampire of Cripple Creek” wraps up in early November. The Butte remains one of the last theaters in the country still performing classic American melodrama.

Cripple Creek is an easy day trip from Colorado Springs or Pueblo, where you can combine mountain views, shopping, dining and gambling—all topped off with a show at the Butte.

True to its roots, the people of the Butte still wear many hats—sometimes literally—as actors step in to usher guests or serve concessions between performances.

“My goal is to give our patrons a top-tier experience that delivers the highest level of quality arts and culture programming on our Teller County stage,” Smith said.