Every Broadway star has to start somewhere.

And while some dreams take years to come true, others just need one catchy song and a conveniently timed battleship.

That’s the delightfully over-the-top premise behind “Dames at Sea,” the off-Broadway musical comedy bringing tap dancing, romance and old Hollywood charm to Cripple Creek this summer.

The whirlwind story follows Ruby, a small-town dreamer chasing Broadway stardom who quickly discovers that, in true Golden Age musical fashion, anything is possible with a little luck and the help of a sailor-songwriter. 

The production sails into the Butte Theater, 139 E. Bennett Ave., from Friday through Aug. 23, with performances Thursday through Sunday each week.

Filled with catchy songs, nostalgic choreography and over-the-top plot twists, the musical pays tribute to the lavish Hollywood productions of the 1930s while poking fun at them along the way.

“‘Dames at Sea’ is a joyful celebration of classic movie musicals, packed with plenty of tap dancing, cartoonish energy and endless charm,” director and choreographer Michael Lasris said. “Though the plot may be simple on the surface, the show is also an affectionate spoof that lovingly satirizes the larger-than-life conventions of the Golden Age of Broadway and Hollywood.”

Tickets cost up to $30 depending on seating. Performances are at 1 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 7 p.m. Friday and 1 and 7 p.m. Saturday.

“At a time when the world can feel especially heavy, I believe there’s something deeply valuable about escapist theater,” Lasris said. “These are the stories that invite audiences to laugh, marvel and disappear into a world that’s fun, funny and hummable. It may not be a deep-thinking work of fiction, but a show that inspires smiles, music and laughter can be powerful in its own right.”