Capable cast and an original script highlight a fun summer romp

The history of Cripple Creek comes melodramatically, comically alive in the tongue-twisting Darling of the Donkey Derby. It’s the current production at the Butte Theater in Cripple Creek.

Produced by Chameleon Arts and Entertainment, Darling is a melodrama that follows the saga of Tom Moffat (Landon Keller) in 19^th century Cripple Creek. Tom, a long-time prospector at the Expectation Mine, is desperate to win the inheritance of mine-owner Joe Pritchett, who’s on his deathbed, and the hand of the lovely Katey Darling.

The villain of the piece, Warren Fowler (Sam Bostic), is Grandby’s long lost nephew, come to snake the inheritance out from under Tom. Fowler, who has ignored his uncle and the mine for most of his life, also schemes for Katey’s affections. Ultimately, the outcome of the first Cripple Creek Donkey Derby decides the fates of all.

Director Betsy McClenahan has 18 years of experience with melodrama and it shows in this excellent production. The cast has been well-trained – reportedly from watching The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends. The performances are stylized: they strike poses and gesture floridly, but always with precision. And no one topples over into hamming it up.

The cast’s timing is exact, whether in exchanges with each other or back-and-forth moments with the accompanying piano (Sebastian Bojorquez on the keyboard).

A commanding villain

Among the strong cast, Sam Bostic stands out as a villain who commands the stage. Bostic seemed to relish the audience boos every time he entered, occasionally even encouraging more.

As Colonel Boone, an assistant villain, Henry Lange displayed a light comedic touch, especially when his character lost his nerve for real villainy. Lange also seems like a natural song-and-dance performer who’s got a suave way with a top hat.

The scene design was simple and serviceable, if uninspired. Scene changes were made seamlessly. The cast was elegantly styled with high-quality period costumes and attractive coiffures.

The piano, as previously mentioned, is frequently essential to the ongoing drama and it was a valuable underscore to emotional high points. However, during the ordinary scene action the piano sometimes overwhelmed the dialogue and distracted from the action.

A scene from the post-show olio

A history of melodrama

Melodrama has had a home in Cripple Creek since the late 1940s. Darling is based on an old story discovered in the Cripple Creek Library years ago. The current version was adapted for the stage by local novelist and playwright Chris Sorenson, who’s had multiple plays produced by the Butte Theater.

Theater Manager Zach Sztanyo warmed up the audience pre-performance on what to expect from melodrama and encouraged audience participation.

An energetic olio – a short musical variety program – of 1970s songs served as an encore to the production. The cast’s performance confirmed that they are all accomplished vocalists and dancers, with superb ensemble timing. Again, however, there were a couple of occasions when the soundtrack overwhelmed the vocals, particularly on the ABBA salute.

Butte Theater’s Darling coincides with Cripple Creek’s actual Donkey Derby Days this year, when the donkeys will race daily from June 28 – 30. Of course, the casinos will also be open. But if you’re in the area, Darling, is your best bet.