Scheer Genius’ Laugh Factory

Tibbits Popcorn Theatre opens the 2015 season this weekend with “Miss Nelson is Missing,” based on the favorite children’s book by the same name. Performances are at 10 am on June 19, 20, 26 and 27.

Adapted for the stage by Jeffrey Hatcher and based on the book by Harry Allard and James Marshall, “Miss Nelson Is Missing!” centers on an unruly classroom of students who do not realize how good their teacher is until she disappears.

The cast from the professional company includes Diane Long, Dougie Robbins, Vince Orabona, Ben Shimkus, Rachel Doane, William Rivera, Nikki Ferrara, Jacob Covert, Holly Fuller, Stuart Kofron. In the story Miss Nelson can’t control her classroom; she’s just too nice. When she disappears, her replacement is the hard-as-nails, detention-loving, recess-canceling, homework-overloading substitute teacher Viola Swamp! When the kids realize how much they miss Miss Nelson they’ll do anything—including hiring a private eye—to solve the mystery of her disappearance and bring her back.

The show is sponsored by Great Lakes Chiropractic who have been supporting Popcorn Theatre since
2005. 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 also made possible through the generosity of Dr. Jon and Seibra Herbener as well as grant support from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Since 1988 Tibbits has produced Popcorn Theatre offering families live professional theatre and music experiences for their children. Popcorn Theatre is the perfect introduction to theatre with quality shows geared to the attention and interests of the youngest of fans. Generations of families have built Popcorn Theatre into their own family traditions.

Offered Friday or Saturday mornings at 10 am, the $8 ticket price includes popcorn and juice at intermission and an opportunity to meet the performers after the show. The 2015 schedule also features Scheer Genius’ “Laugh Factory” on July 3, 10. Filled with wacky jokes, off-the-wall games, insane contests and even a few surprises, Laugh Factory, creates the most outrageously fun family show you’ll ever see! It is sponsored by Matthew C. Christopher, DDS.

Tibbits cast will present the classic tale of “Rumplestiltskin” on July 17, 24, 25. In this oft-told tale adapted by Bobb James and Charles Burr, a boastful miller brags his daughter can spin straw into gold. Only a mischievous little man can do the task for her. The show is sponsored by Coldwater Exchange Club.

The season closes with a pair of highly acclaimed musical groups with their favorite shows for children and families. Gemini will perform July 31 and August 1. Sponsored by Honor Credit Union the show features sparkling original songs, traditional music and storytelling from around the world. Mustard’s Retreat will perform on August 7 and 8. Sponsored by Edward Jones investment consultants Greg Bruder and Tracy Kelley, this entertaining musical duo brings to the stage songs and stories, sing-alongs, interactive songwriting and a whole lot of fun!

Though not a Popcorn Theatre show, Tibbits Summer Theatre’s main stage will also feature a show for the entire family as the musical “Peter Pan” is presented July 9, 10, 16, 17 at 8pm and July 9, 11, 15, 18 at 2pm. Sponsored by PNC Bank, this high-flying Tony-award-winning fantasy has Peter and his gang of lost boys battling Captain Hook and his pirates and vowing to never grow up. Tickets for this full scale Broadway classic are $33 for adults and $15 for students. All prices include fees.

All performances are held in the historic Tibbits Opera House at 14 South Hanchett Street, Coldwater Michigan. More information and tickets are available at www.Tibbits.org or by calling 517-278-6029.

Cutline: Cast members of Tibbits Popcorn Theatre rehearse “Miss Nelson is Missing” based on the popular children’s book of the same name.

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