Written by Chris Sorensen & Chris Armbrister with Original Music by James Mablin
A CRIPPLE CREEK CHRISTMAS CAROL was first produced by Arthur’s Realm Productions in 2002 at The Butte Opera House in Cripple Creek, CO.

Christmas production for both kids and professionals. Students will get to work alongside real working professional actors to learn what it takes to put on a full-scale production. Students will get the chance to be mentored and guided by these professionals throughout the process.

Ages: 8 – Adult
Professional Auditions: October 14th & 15th
Students & Adults: October 16th & 17th
Rehearsals: October 20th – December 6th

Show Dates:
November 21, December 5 @ 8 PM
November 22, December 6 @ 2 PM & 7 PM
November 23, December 7 @ 2 PM
December 4 @ 7 PM

Enrollment Fee: $600 – Standard | $600 – RaueNow Family*
Professional Cast Stipend: $800
Enrollment Deadline: October 7, 2025

Step into the magic of Christmas Past, Present, and Future! A Cripple Creek Christmas Carol is not just another retelling of Dickens’ beloved classic – it’s a dazzling holiday experience like no other! Written by Chris Sorensen & Chris Armbrister, with beautiful original score and music by James Mablin, this adaptation breathes new life into A Christmas Carol with a historical twist that’s uniquely Cripple Creek. Set in the heart of Cripple Creek, Colorado, a real-life gold-mining town with a rich history, we meet Bob Womack, the town’s founder, as he “borrows” inspiration from Dickens to rescue a Scrooge-like mine owner, Gooch, from his greed and loneliness. Enjoy original songs, historical characters, real locales, heartfelt comedy, and a timeless message of love and generosity.

This isn’t just a play – it’s a journey. Immerse yourself in the magic of Cripple Creek, where history and holiday spirit collide to create an unforgettable celebration of Christmas. Don’t miss your chance to experience a holiday classic with a Colorado twist.

Tuition: $600 | RaueNOW Family Member: $450*
Stipend For Pros: $800 (6 professionals needed)
Includes show t-shirt and 2 complimentary tickets per enrollment.

Scholarships & Financial Aid Available.

James Mablin (Music Director) is a music director, composer, orchestrator, and arranger originally from London, England. He has musically directed or played keyboards on over ninety shows, from large national tours in the UK to shows from London to New York City to Alaska. As an educator, James ran the musical theatre program at a college in London, was a professor & musical theatre specialist at The Yale School of Drama and was the head of the music department at Stagedoor Manor Performing Arts Training Center, named one of the top summer theatre programs in the world. James is the musical supervisor for Thin Air Theatre Company and has also written the vocal arrangements & musically directed opening and closing numbers for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. In January of 2024, James is currently the Resident Music Director for Raue Center for the Arts.

Rob Scharlow (Director of Education) is an award-winning director and has spent 35+ years working in the performing arts which has taken him across the country working as a director, actor, teacher and more. For the past 17 years, he worked for the internationally acclaimed performing arts training center, Stagedoor Manor in New York… a recipient of Broadway Theatre Museums Award for Excellence in Arts Education. During his time at Stagedoor, his journey began as a director/teacher, eventually transitioning into the role of Director of Education for 11 years and then most recently serving as Associate Artistic Director. Rob also oversaw the Dramafest program which helps to develop new and exciting 10-minute plays by young writers. A program that worked in conjunction with Stephen Sondheim’s Young Playwrights.

Education in the arts has always played such a large part in his career and he couldn’t be more delighted to be helping develop and ignite the education program as he comes back to the Raue Center, where (what seems like a lifetime ago) he spent time working as a marketing intern, appeared in several productions including the role of Sweeney Todd in William Street Rep’s production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (BroadwayWorld.com Best Actor Nominee), Hands on a Hardbody and Barefoot in the Park. He also directed their production of Search for Signs of Intelligent Life and spent some time with SAGE Studios teaching an advanced acting class.

With 150+ directing credits under his belt, some of his most memorable productions include; Ride the Cyclone: High School Edition where he had the opportunity to direct and help workshop the first production designed specifically for high school-aged performers. Evil Dead: The Musical in which he helped in the creation of the High School Edition working closely with Dramatic Publishing and the creators of the show. Other favorite directing credits include Evita, High Fidelity, BARE, Spring Awakening, Carrie: The Musical, In the Heights, BKLYN the Musical, The Toxic Avenger, Big Fish, Rock of Ages, You Can’t Take It With You, and more. On the flip side of things, some favorite acting credits include; Sweeney Todd in Sweeney Todd (BroadwayWorld Best Actor Nominee), Billy Flynn in Chicago, Lockstock in Urinetown, Phantom in Phantom, Jon in Tick, tick…BOOM!, El Gallo in The Fantasticks and others.