THE FANTASTICKS And GODSPELL Run Through 9/26 At The Butte Theater

If you're looking for a way to escape for the summer, but don't want to dip too far into the pocket book, plan an evening at the Butte Theater in Cripple Creek.

Close-to-home fun awaits on Cripple Creek's historic stage with a full summer of musical theater, produced by Thin Air Theatre Company (TATC) - named 2009 Best New Theatre Company.

The 2009 season is packed with music - two shows alternate Wednesday through Monday. The only day you cannot see live theater this summer is Tuesday.

The Fantasticks and Godspell, two long-time favorites, run through Sept. 26 with show times at 1 and 7 p.m.

Godspell, a 1970's classic, is a series of parables based on the Gospel of Matthew interspersed with a variety of modern music set primarily to lyrics from traditional hymns.

Godspell is an archaic spelling of the word gospel, and so, true to form, the play is filled with a series of stories, challenges and life situations, ending with the crucifixion. The show has been given an A- by the Colorado Springs Gazette.

This same set of actors changes hats every other show and perform The Fantasticks.

A classic musical love story, the 1960 favorite by Harvey Schmidt, as produced by Thin Air Theatre Company, is the story of two mothers and neighbors who know how to get their children to do what they want - they encourage them to do the opposite. Using their reverse psychology they are sure to ensure that their children fall in love.

The scores include such familiar songs as Try to Remember.

Cripple Creeks' Butte Theater offers family fun in an historic setting amidst a variety of restaurants, museums, attractions and casinos. Nearby Victor with trails and historic sites creates an opportunity for a whole day of adventure in the mining district.

Group bookings and season tickets are available for all four 2009 Thin Air Theatre Company shows - two popular musicals, The Fantasticks and Godspell , an all new classic melodrama, The Last Soul of Cripple Creek, and a popular Butte original - A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol. The traditional classic melodrama, a long time Cripple Creek favorite outing, has moved to October, followed by a Halloween Olio.

Ticket prices are: $15.75 Adult; $13.75 Senior; $9.75 Children; $12.75 for groups of 20-plus.

For more information and select a date and time that works best for you from the schedule of summer shows, visit ButteOperaHouse.com. You can easily book your tickets online on the website or by calling 719-689-3247.

Photo by ZStudios for TATC