Steven’s Puppets – The Wizard of Oz

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jeff Jones at 517-278-6029, marketing@Tibbits.org

Popcorn Theatre
‘Steven’s Puppets – The Wizard of Oz’ starts August 1

COLDWATER, Mich. – The popular L. Frank Baum story “The Wizard of Oz” gets a fresh telling when it’s brought to life by Steven’s Puppets  in the next Tibbits Popcorn Theatre production playing at 10 a.m. Friday and Saturday, August 1 and 2 at Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater.

World leaders in the puppetry arts for over 80 years,  Stevens Puppets bring this classic tale to life with artfully hand-carved wooden marionettes and a musical score audiences will be humming all the way home.  The performances are fully-staged productions with beautifully hand-painted scenery that help give life to the miniature actors, weaving a spell of childhood over audiences of all ages.

Lions and Tigers and Puppets, oh my!  The charming marionettes transport audiences from Kansas to Oz where the heroine, Dorothy befriends the Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion.  Together they set off on a journey to find the mysterious Wizard of Oz while evading the delightfully silly Wicked Witch of the West.

Puppeteers Dan and Zan Raynor, have over 20 years of experience in their unique craft.  Predecessor, Martin Stevens created the original production of “The Wizard of Oz” in 1966.  Stevens was a Peabody Award winning, preeminent American puppeteer and founder of the Puppeteers of America.  With his wife, Margi, he created ground-breaking touring marionette shows which are featured in books, in museums, and on tour.  His marionettes and stage design have influenced generations of puppeteers in America and abroad, often cited as artistic benchmarks and industry standards. The Raynor family has carried on the tradition established by Stevens and painstakingly restored the marionettes and sets to continue their world renown presentations.

The presentation is sponsored by the Coldwater Exchange Club. Popcorn Theatre’s live, professional performances have been entertaining audiences and introducing live theatre to the youngest of theatre-goers for generations. Popcorn Theatre is made possible through the generosity of Dr. Jon and Seibra Herbener and Dr. Nichole Ellis.

Steven’s Puppets’ “The Wizard of Oz” will be at Tibbits Opera House for just two performances. Tickets are $7 with a $2 per ticket fee for credit cards. Tickets include popcorn and juice at intermission. Popcorn is donated by Dr. Ed Lake and Dr. Young Yoon and juice is donated by McDonald’s of Branch and Hillsdale Counties. Tickets are available at www.Tibbits.org , by phone at 517-278-6029 or at 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater. Box office at the theatre is open Monday through Friday 10 am to 6 pm and one hour before show time. For more information, call 517-278-6029.

Showtimes

‘Steven’s Puppets – The Wizard of Oz’ will be presented at 10 a.m. on August 1 and 2 at Tibbits Opera House, 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater.

Cutline: The puppet cast of “The Wizard of Oz”

# # #