COLDWATER – With excitable characters, bumbling gangsters and fast-paced nonstop comedy, the latest double feature from the Tibbits Classic Film Series showcases what happens when two film genres - the comedic farce & a crime story - are combined when Criminal Farces hits the big screen on Saturday April 1. The first film showing at 4pm is the 1991 comedy Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Now in its 34th season, Tibbits Popcorn Theatre will delight audiences of all ages with five shows created specifically for kids and their families to enjoy Friday and Saturday mornings this summer. The highly popular, time-honored tradition returns to the Tibbits stage with two shows presented by the professional company of Tibbits Summer Theatre, a wacky science show, Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Soar away to Neverland with Tibbits Young Audiences’ spring musical “Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure” March 17-19 at Tibbits Opera House. This fresh musical adaptation of the novel “Peter Pan” has book by Craig Sodaro, music by Eric Rockwell, and lyrics by Joanne Bogart. In the beloved tale, the Darling children love to hear of Peter Pan’s adventures Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Last fall organizers of the Cultivating Community presented nearly two dozen events to celebrate our community’s diversity while embracing our connectivity to each other. Now those organizations seek to continue the conversation with new opportunities and new community input. As organizers gathered to review the many activities and evaluate the impact of the Cultivating Community Celebration, the overwhelming Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From fantastic beasts to ferocious jungle animals to kids being kids to drawings reminiscent of Maurice Sendak’s “Where the Wild Things Are,” Arts Alive invites artists of all ages and skill levels to submit their interpretations of “Wild Things” in their upcoming themed gallery show which will be displayed at Tibbits Opera House March through May. While the Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Escape the winter blues and spend an evening laughing at clean comedy with the professional comedians at Tibbits Opera House during Comedy Fest March 25. Three professional stand-up comedians —headliner Corey Rodrigues, featured comic Chris Young and opener Maher Matta — will perform at the historic theatre. Known for his clean comedy, headliner Corey Rodrigues was the winner Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From the latest in computer-animated shorts to the grittiest of live action dramas, Tibbits Classic Film Series will showcase the 2022 Academy Award nominees for best animated and best live action short films Saturday, February 18. “We are excited to bring this event back for a fifth year and present these films before the Academy Awards take place,” Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From underwater scenes to still-lifes, portraits, and abstract art, student artists interested in entering their artwork in Arts Alive’s annual Kids’ Art Rocks! art contest and exhibit should submit their artwork to the Tibbits Admin Offices by March 21, 2023. This spring contest offers prizes including art supply giveaways plus the opportunity for young artists to have their Continue Reading...
COLDWATER –Tibbits Classic Film Series celebrates the incomparable Fred Astaire as it presents “Magical Musicals” on the big screen, with “The Band Wagon” and “Funny Face,” Saturday, Feb. 12 at the historic opera house. “The Band Wagon,” featuring Astaire along with Cyd Charisse will show at 4 pm. Number 17 on the American Film Institute’s list of greatest musicals, it’s Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The annual meeting of the Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. will review the historic theatre’s 2021-2022 fiscal year at 5:30pm Thursday, January 26, 2023. According to Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney, “Overall the theatre is doing well. We certainly are not back to pre-pandemic levels in terms of attendance, ticket sales or even volunteers, but it Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – While Tibbits is in the middle of an extensive remodel of the dressing rooms, the theatre will not stay dark in January. The new year kicks off with two Classic Film Series double features and screenings of Classic Romantic Comedies on January 14 and Comedic Who-Done-Its on January 21. The first of the Rom-Com films to be screened Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From bold abstract or landscape paintings, to beautiful de-saturated photographs, and a full variety of sculptures and subjects, Arts Alive invites artists of all ages and skill levels to submit their interpretations of “Black & White” in their upcoming themed gallery show to be displayed at Tibbits Opera House January through March. While the gallery theme is “Black Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Recreating the sounds of Chicago, the first "rock and roll horn band,” Beginnings will heat up the stage during the annual January tribute band concert on January 28 at Tibbits Opera House. Based in the NYC area, Beginnings formed in 2002 as a musical tribute to the super-group Chicago and regularly performs for highly enthusiastic and loyal audiences Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From traditional and original Christmas tunes as well as favorite traditional and original Celtic tunes, The Founding’s “A Celtic Christmas” will bring holiday cheer and nostalgia to the stage with its performance at the historic Tibbits Opera House Friday, Dec. 16 at 7pm. Last performing on Tibbits’ stage in 2018, they are looking forward to returning with this Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From nuns to mermaids, greasers to opera singers, the 60th consecutive season of Tibbits Summer Theatre will be sure to please audiences with a mainstage season featuring three energetic musicals and a play, along with the popular Popcorn Theatre. Tibbits 2023 Summer Theatre Season begins with three musicals: The hilarious singing nuns are back with “Nunsense II,” then Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From angels to sugar plums, snowflakes to sword fighting, Tibbits’ offerings on the big screen this December will feature the beloved Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a beautiful filmed stage production of “The Nutcracker” and the family-friendly favorite “The Princess Bride.” The Classic Film Series opens with “It’s a Wonderful Life” hitting the big screen Sunday, Dec. Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Highlighting the holiday season and back by popular demand, Three Men and a Tenor will bring their vocal talents with another rousing show filled with holiday spirit Saturday, Dec. 10 at 7pm at Tibbits Opera House. Featuring the powerful vocal harmonies of Paul Felch, Chuck Colby, Mark Stiles, and Glenn Williams, the group performed at Tibbits in April Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Young Audiences will hold auditions for its spring musical “Peter Pan: A Musical Adventure” on December 12 and 13 at 5pm at Hope Church in Coldwater. Soar away to Neverland in this fresh musical adaptation of the novel “Peter Pan” with book by Craig Sodaro, music by Eric Rockwell, and lyrics by Joanne Bogart. In the beloved Continue Reading...
COLDWATER, MI – With a Bond, James Bond theme, Tibbits 43rd Annual Auction raised nearly $70,000 Saturday, November 5 with its combined online bidding and live auction event at the Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater. With decorations reminiscent of the classic films and the Ian Fleming character, an appreciative crowd enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, a bar featuring martinis, “shaken not stirred,” Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits “Bond, James Bond” auction has opened for item preview online with bidding to begin Tues. Nov 1 in the theatre’s 43rd annual fundraiser. The main ticketed event, featuring a reception and live auction, will be held Sat. Nov. 5. The Ian Fleming-inspired auction features almost 350 items, mostly online. Participants can bid from the comfort of their Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Council members of the City of Coldwater, as well as Commissioners for Branch County, signed proclamations recognizing the month of October as Cultivating Community Month. The proclamations acknowledge that the City and the County each strive “to be a welcoming community.” They identify themselves as vibrant communities of “people of many backgrounds, cultures, religions and nationalities, and these Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Three Men and a Tenor, “Celtic Christmas” with The Founding, and classic films highlight the Christmas season at Tibbits Opera House. After deciding to postpone the radio play “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Tibbits filled the December calendar with other entertainment suitable for the entire family. Highlighting the season and back by popular demand, Three Men and a Tenor Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Enjoy all the mixed up fairy tale fun with a fairy godmother, a royal therapist, the royal family, and a do-it-yourself magic spell gone wrong with Tibbits Young Audiences’ fall play “Haphazardly Ever After” Oct. 20-22 at Tibbits Opera House. In this fractured fairy tale farce by Jeff Fluharty, a kind king and queen have trouble in their Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits and Young Michigan Dances are teaming up with professional actor/dancer Beau Hutchings to present “Cultural Influences of Dance” on Wednesday October 12 at Tibbits Opera House for a dynamic lecture presentation explaining the origins of common dance moves and popular dance trends. In this exciting presentation, Hutchings will dissect some widely known dance steps performed anywhere from Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From bold floral displays to icy sculptures, photos of harvest time or family portraits, Arts Alive invites artists of all ages and skill levels to submit their interpretations of “Seasons of Love” in their upcoming themed gallery show which will be displayed at Tibbits Opera House October through the new year. While the gallery theme is “Seasons of Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Audiences will learn and experience the Native American culture through a narrated exhibition of drums, dance and cultural introduction when the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi present a Pow Wow Exhibition at Tibbits Opera House Oct 8 at 7 pm. Part of the county-wide Cultivating Community event schedule, the drum group will present a Great Lakes Northern Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Fusing Mexican and US music including country music, polka, and waltzes, the Tex-Mex concert featuring Celestina y Los Sanchez Concert with emcee Dano Oropeza will celebrate both Hispanic Heritage month and the community-wide Cultivating Community programming at Tibbits Opera House on Saturday, Oct. 1 at 2pm. Well known throughout the Battle Creek and West Michigan region, Celestina y Continue Reading...
Pines Behavioral Health, together with the Youth Mental Health Project, is proud to show to the community the award winning film “No Letting Go,” a true story of youth mental illness September 24 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The event at Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater is free to the public and an open discussion will follow each showing. Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The annual Smith Memorial Concert at Tibbits Opera House will feature KARAMA: An Arab Music & Dance Celebration at 7:30pm September 17, kicking off the community-wide Cultivating Community event schedule. Karama means “generosity”; the name celebrates in the Arabic language and a shared ethic of generosity. For the event at Tibbits, Karim Nagi leads a music and dance Continue Reading...
COLDWATER –Tibbits Professional Theatre will team with Branch County Community Theatre for a December production of “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” and they will be holding auditions for the community Sept 11 and 12 at the Opera House. This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. The feel-good story of Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The upbeat, stylish renditions of the best traditional live jazz songs from “The Great American Songbook” will fill the historic Tibbits Opera House when the BLT Jazz Trio performs live in concert Sunday, September 25. The BLT Jazz Trio consists of three recognized artists, concert violinist Barry Ross, vocalist Lana Hoffman, and jazz pianist Terry Lower. This performance Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Young Audiences will hold auditions for its fall play “Haphazardly Ever After” on August 24 and 25 at 5pm at Tibbits Opera House. In this fractured fairy tale farce by Jeff Fluharty, a kind king and queen have trouble in their royal family — four obnoxious, bratty, adult children who do not live up to their royal Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits’ 43rd Annual Auction, “Bond, James Bond” takes inspiration from Ian Fleming’s iconic character, stepping off the big screen into the Opera House and online this November for the historic theatre’s main fundraising event. This hybrid auction including the in-person exclusive social event of the year is back, bigger than ever combining in-person, by phone, and by app Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Branch County organizations have joined together to create a new experience celebrating our diversity with more than two dozen events through September and October all recognizing our connectivity to each other. “Cultivating Community” features events at Tibbits Opera House, Branch District Library, KCC Grahl Center, Branch Area Careers Center and other locations throughout the community. The events recognize Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – After a flurry of activity during Tibbits Summer Theatre, the historic theatre has named Gail Russell, Joann Lloyd, and Jeri and Jack Vettle as its summer volunteers of the month. Last recognized after pivoting through the many changes due to Covid, Gail Russell has spent the past eight years rolling up her sleeves and helping with weeding and Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – As the Neil Simon comedy “Barefoot in the Park” wraps up the 2022 season, Tibbits Summer Theatre’s extends its appreciation to Vandervoort, Christ & Fisher P.C. for its sponsorship of the show and its long history supporting the professional theatre program. Vandervoort, Christ & Fisher, P.C., located in Coldwater and Battle Creek, marks its 21st season as a Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From landscapes of harvest season, oceans and mountains to portraits of cultural celebrations and communities, to architecture or Old Glory and everything in between, Arts Alive invites artists of all ages and skill levels to submit their interpretations of “America the Beautiful” in their upcoming themed gallery show which will be displayed at Tibbits Opera House August through Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The zany antics of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Elmer Fudd, Porky, Sylvester and more will fill the theatre when Tibbits Popcorn Theatre presents “Classic Cartoon Cavalcade” on August 5 and 6, featuring a selection of cartoons from the 1940s and 1950s. Harking back even before the days of Saturday morning cartoons on TV, kids flocked to movie theatres, Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – As the hilarious musical “Nunsense” wraps up its final performances, Tibbits Summer Theatre extends its appreciation to Frederick Family Dental for its sponsorship of the show as well as its overall support of the theatre. Dr. Evan Frederick began sponsoring Summer Theatre shows in 2019 and has also sponsored the Theatre Workshop for the past three years. Past Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The iconic romantic comedy “Barefoot in the Park” opens July 28 bringing a timely message to the stage in the final show of Tibbits Summer Theatre’s 2022 season. Hailed as one of Neil Simon’s best works, this classic comedy follows newlyweds Corie and Paul, who are over the moon to begin their life together in their new Manhattan Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The characters of Michigan’s own award-winning children’s author/illustrator Patricia Polacco come to life as the Tibbits Summer Theatre company presents “Patricia Polacco’s Union City” at the historic theatre July 22, 23, 29 and 30. Written by Charles Burr and Bobb James, the play was first produced at Tibbits Opera House in 2007. A truly homegrown story, “Patricia Polacco’s Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – “Life is a cabaret, old chum,” and Tibbits Summer Theatre will expand its entertainment offerings with several cabarets following performances of “Nunsense” on July 21 and 22. This dynamic late-night performance features favorite Summer Theatre performers showcasing beloved Broadway songs. The exciting young company, all of whom were just seen in “Godspell,” will highlight classic songs from “Oklahoma!,” Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The hilarious heavenly musical “Nunsense” brings the antics of five funny nuns to life when the Tibbits Summer Theatre production opens on July 14. Last presented at Tibbits in 2004, “Nunsense” is a comedy that follows the misadventures of five nuns from the Little Sisters of Hoboken who try to manage a fundraiser. Sadly, the rest of the Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Adventure and excitement abounds when Tibbits Popcorn Theatre brings the “The Jungle Book” to the stage July 8, 9, 15, 16 to entertain audiences of all ages. After the threat of the tiger Shere Khan separates him from his human family, man-cub Mowgli must embark upon a journey of self-discovery, excitement and fun to find his way home. On his path he encounters the wise panther Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – As Tibbits Popcorn Theatre continues its 33rd season entertaining children and their families the theatre recognizes it would not be possible without the sponsorship support it receives and extend their thanks to its three major Popcorn Theatre sponsors: Jon & Seibra Herbener, the Bushouse Family and Coldwater Orthodontics & Aligner Center. The Herbeners have been supporting Popcorn Theatre Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – With the opening of the energetic musical “Godspell,” Tibbits Summer Theatre extends its appreciation to Parrish Excavating for its sponsorship of the show as well as its overall support of the theatre. Parrish Excavating began sponsoring Summer Theatre shows in 2017 but the company’s support of the theatre goes back decades. The company has been around since 1972 Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Smiles and surprises will fill the theatre when Alan Kazam brings his unique blend of amazing magic and laugh-out-loud comedy to Tibbits Popcorn Theatre July 1 and 2. Filled with crowd participation, Alan Kazam will delight audiences of all ages. He brings over 30 years’ experience performing all over the country. Locally he has performed onstage at Devos Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Dancing across the stage with messages of kindness, community and love, Tibbits Summer Theatre continues its 59th consecutive season with “Godspell,” opening on June 30. In this energetic and vibrant musical, a small group playfully brings the parables of Jesus to life through a variety of games, storytelling techniques and hefty doses of comic timing. An eclectic blend Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – As Tibbits Summer Theatre opens its 59th consecutive professional season this week, the theatre extends its appreciation to the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU) for its support as sponsor of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change.” CBPU and Tibbits Opera House share a foundation of being community-powered and community-focused. Just as Tibbits strengthens the community by Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From learning acting techniques to design and show production, students interested in theatre have a chance to explore with professionals of Tibbits Summer Theatre during a week-long workshop July 10 through 16. Veteran Tibbits Summer Theatre company member and theatre instructor Chad Tallon, along with assistance from Tibbits company members Jesse Manson and Dennis Dizon, will lead two, Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The Arts Alive Kids' Art Rocks! gallery show at Tibbits Opera House celebrates the work of student artists throughout July culminating with a reception in their honor at 6pm on Tuesday, July 5. The juried exhibit features almost 120 pieces of student artwork on display. Of these, 15 were chosen for the final lease program exhibit. They Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – An enchanted castle, a cursed prince, and a beautiful maiden: “Beauty and the Lonely Beast,” the first Tibbits Popcorn Theatre production since 2019, will open on the Tibbits stage June 17. This enchanting and magical story tells the beloved lesson that things may not be as they appear, and beauty truly is only skin deep! Beautiful but feisty Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Summer Theatre opens June 16 with “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” the hilarious musical comedy about everything you’ve ever secretly thought about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws. The show progresses through the world of relationships, from awkward first dates to marital bliss, and baby talk to contemplation of divorce. It is filled Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera Foundation announces WTVB AM 1590/FM 95.5 as the sponsor of it Masters of Soul concert Friday, May 27 at 7:30 pm. WTVB has been supporting Tibbits since the station first began broadcasting. Its formal sponsorship-partnerships began in the mid-90s. Throughout the year the station features “Tibbits Talk” every Tuesday at 8:45 am, with Summer Theatre cast members interviewed Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Motown and its legendary sound take center stage with all of its incredible harmonies and smooth moves when Masters of Soul performs on Friday May 27 at Tibbits Opera House. This concert is a tribute to the artists who defined an era in our country’s history that produced many of the greatest music acts ever recorded: The Temptations Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Fill your quiver with arrows and hoist the mainsail because swashbuckling adventures are coming to the big screen when the Tibbits Classic Film Series presents the Swift Sword of Errol Flynn. The double feature will screen The Adventures of Robin Hood and Captain Blood on Saturday, May 14. Errol Flynn was widely regarded as the best swordsman to Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Popcorn Theatre returns to delight audiences with its 33rd season featuring five shows created specifically for kids and their families to enjoy Friday and Saturday mornings from June through August. After a two-year hiatus due to Covid, the highly popular, time-honored tradition returns to the Tibbits stage with three shows presented by the professional company of Tibbits Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Last seen on the Tibbits stage in spring 2011, the pop vocal group Three Men and a Tenor will make a return trip to the historic Opera House Friday, April 22 with a special school performance in the afternoon and a public performance in the evening. Great pop vocal music, quick-witted humor, and overall likeability make The Three Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tickets are now on sale for the 59th consecutive season of Tibbits Summer Theatre, which offers everything from toe-tapping melodies to playful comedic situations to heart-felt lessons. Tibbits 2022 Summer Theatre Season begins with three musicals: a hilarious musical journey into relationships with “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change;” a timeless musical tale of friendship, loyalty and Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – For serving in a variety of volunteer positions at the historic theatre, husband and wife team Charlene and Mike Searing have been named Tibbits’ March Volunteers of the Month. The Searings first started volunteering in 2017 with Tibbits Young Audiences, and then officially became Tibbits Opera House Volunteers in 2019. Since then, they’ve done everything from ushering, folding Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Experience the tongue-twisting musical mastery of Hollywood legend Danny Kaye April 9 when Tibbits Classic Film Series presents “The Inspector General” and “The Court Jester” at Tibbits Opera House. The first film “The Inspector General” starts at 4pm. Kaye portrays an illiterate stooge in a traveling medicine show who wanders into a strange town and is picked up Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Beyond providing great entertainment, Tibbits is proud to have dedicated volunteers who are essential to providing a great patron experience for those attending the historic theatre. Tibbits is pleased to name one of their longest-serving volunteers, Diana Conant, as their February Volunteer of the Month. Conant went to Jackson County Western High School where she wrote a column Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Celebrate America with beautiful, patriotic music — from America’s favorite anthems to poignant and uplifting original compositions with Tibbits Young Audiences’ spring musical “We the People” March 18-20 at Tibbits Opera House. This patriotic tableau by Pat Cook with music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur begins as a committee discusses putting on a patriotic show for their town. Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Laughter abounds as Coldwater Comedy Fest, last seen on Tibbits’ stage in 2020 just days before theatres and public venues across the country were shut down, returns to Tibbits Opera House March 25. Three professional stand-up comedians —headliner Leighann Lord, featured comic Lee Hardin, and emcee Wesley Ward — will perform at the historic theatre. Headliner Leighann Lord Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From alligators to abstract, student artists interested in entering their artwork in Arts Alive’s annual Kids’ Art Rocks! art contest and exhibit should submit their artwork to the Tibbits Admin Offices by March 21, 2022. This spring contest offers prizes including art supply giveaways plus the opportunity for young artists to have their artwork framed and displayed in Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From gardening to decorating the theatre for Christmas to taking tickets and assisting with mailings, volunteer newcomer Linda Bowers has been named Tibbits’ January volunteer of the month for her fast submersion into the fabric of the historic theatre. Though she is a Coldwater native, Bowers only became involved in Tibbits a year ago after retiring from a Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From the latest in computer-animated shorts to the grittiest of live action dramas, Tibbits Classic Film Series will showcase the 2022 Academy Award nominees for best animated and best live action short films Saturday, March 26. “We are excited to bring this event back for a third year and present these films before the Academy Awards take place,” Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – With the addition of entertainment and check presentations, Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. held its annual meeting as a combined virtual and in-person event at the historic opera house Thursday, January 27, 2022. Highlighting area choir programs, the evening opened with a recap of the Smith Memorial Benefit Concert and master class held in September Continue Reading...
COLDWATER –The holidays proved to be an eventful time at Tibbits Opera House with several plays and a nearly sold-out performance from Siberian Solstice. The year could not have ended so well without the support from the volunteer staff including longtime supporter Linda Ives, who has been named December’s volunteer of the month. From making food to being the hospitality Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From robin’s eggs to sparkling sapphires, pretty peacocks to calming seascapes, the color blue will hang prominently in Arts Alive’s upcoming art gallery “Hues of Blue.” The art group invites artists of all ages and skill levels to submit their interpretations of the themed show which will hang at Tibbits Opera House March through May. While the gallery Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Highlighting area choir programs, the annual meeting of the Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. will open with check presentations and short student performances before reviewing the theatre’s 2020-2021 fiscal year. The meeting at the historic opera house at 5pm Thursday, January 27, 2022 will also offer a virtual option. In September, the Smith Memorial Concert featured Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the sizzling chemistry of Bogie and Bacall comes to the big screen with Tibbits Classic Film Series showing of “Key Largo” and“The Big Sleep” Saturday, February 12. Despite a 25-year age difference, Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall shared an iconic romance and a happy, albeit short-lived, marriage. Bacall wrote in her memoir, Continue Reading...
COLDWATER –With the return of concerts and films plus a record-breaking auction, Tibbits Opera House has had a busy fall that would not be possible without assistance from its volunteers, including newcomer Shannon King who has been named Tibbits’ November Volunteer of the Month. King joined the volunteer group this fall, but has jumped in wholeheartedly, assisting in multiple areas Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – With a mainstage season featuring three musicals and a play, along with the return of the popular Popcorn Theatre and the new events, the 59th consecutive season of Tibbits Summer Theatre will once again offer something for everyone. Tibbits 2022 Summer Theatre Season begins with three musicals: the hilarious musical journey into relationships with “I Love You, You’re Continue Reading...
Coldwater— Experience the hyper-realistic sights and sounds of what a Queen concert was like in the early 1980s, when Tibbits Entertainment Series kicks off 2022 with the tribute band Absolute Queen on January 22. The show is filled with all of the many hits, incredible vocals, stories about Queen and the songs, costume changes, and high energy sing-along songs. Absolute Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From family pets to zoo animals and everything in between, Art’s Alive’s January art gallery exhibit “Fur Babies” invites artists of all ages to submit their interpretations of the themed show which will hang at Tibbits Opera House January 3 through March 7, 2022. Artists may submit up to three pieces at $5 per submission. Paintings, photographs or Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Young Audiences will hold auditions for its spring musical, “We the People” on December 13 and 14 at 5pm at Tibbits Opera House. There is no better way to celebrate America than with beautiful, patriotic music — from America’s favorite anthems to poignant and uplifting original compositions. This patriotic tableau begins as a committee discusses putting on Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From tinsel to hot cocoa, Santa to elves, Tibbits’ offerings on the big screen this December will feature modern Christmas classics “ELF” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” For many people, one holiday tradition not to be missed is watching an array of classic Christmas films of the season, and Tibbits Opera House will be showing two of these Continue Reading...
Coldwater— Experience the magic of the holidays in Trans-Siberian-Orchestra style as Siberian Solstice returns to Tibbits for a musical Christmas concert December 18 at 7pm. Last seen on the Tibbits stage in December of 2019, Siberian Solstice provides an exciting and inspirational Christmas show with music performed in the style of the nationally acclaimed Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). With more than 10 Continue Reading...
The following release is forwarded by Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council as a service to our local arts community. The Branch County Community Band is currently looking for new members to join their group and start rehearsals in January 2022 to perform a concert at the Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater on April 1. The BCCB provides an opportunity Continue Reading...
Tibbits has named their August, September and October volunteers of the month, including including Jan Baughey, Judy Bonnell, and Carol Coyle for their help with folding programs and bulk mailings, ushering, selling raffle tickets, soliciting donations for the auction, and more at the historic theatre. COLDWATER – After a busy fall event schedule that included a record-breaking annual auction which Continue Reading...
COLDWATER, MI – Tibbits 42nd Annual Auction raised over $79,000 Saturday, November 6 with a hybrid combination of online bidding and live auction at the Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, a record amount for the historic theatre’s major fundraising event. With a “Phantom of the Opera” theme “Auction at the Opera House” the live event began with a reception and Continue Reading...
COLDWATER –The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) announced its grant awards for 2021-2022 and they included two for the Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council, Inc. – an Operational Support Grant and a Capital Improvement Grant. This year’s Operational Support Grant award of $19,500 represents a $4500 increase from last year. The grant includes funding from the Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Branch County Community Foundation, ProMedica Foundation and Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council have joined efforts to share ways of “Creating a Community Legacy” through an interactive and informative evening featuring Pamela Jones Davidson, J.D. at Tibbits Opera House, Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021. The three local Foundations, recognizing the importance of keeping legacy gifts local, teamed to offer Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits “Auction at the Opera House” has opened for item preview online with bidding to begin Tues. Nov 2 in the theatre’s 42nd annual fundraiser. The main event, a ticketed reception and live auction, will be held Sat. Nov. 6. The Phantom-inspired masquerade features nearly 450 items, mostly online. Participants can bid from the comfort of their homes Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – With inspiring capes, exciting masks and special powers, a cast of 14 Tibbits Young Audiences actors will bring a new set of superheroes to life when they present “Comic Book Artist” Oct 22-24 at Tibbits Opera House. “Comic Book Artist” by Pat Lydersen is the story of Sandy Leonardo Sappovitz (Ivy Witmer) who wants nothing more than to Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From empty cranberry cans to scraps of Christmas wrapping paper, the next exhibit by Arts Alive in the Tibbits Art Gallery invites artists of all ages to submit artwork inspired by the theme “Holiday Leftovers”. The exhibit runs November 15 through the end of 2021 at Tibbits Opera House. Artists may submit up to three pieces at $5 Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Enjoy the antics of the villainous comedic trio of witches when Tibbits Opera House presents a screening of “Hocus Pocus” Saturday, October 30 at 5:30pm for their annual MONSTER FEST Halloween event. Before Coldwater’s Halloween parade starts downtown, head to Tibbits and watch what is considered to be one of the most beloved family films of the 90s. Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits’ 42nd Annual Auction, “Auction at the Opera House” a Phantom-Inspired Masquerade, steps off the stage into the Opera House and online this November in the theatre’s main fundraising event. A time-honored tradition, Tibbits’ Auction is the social event of the year, and organizers expect it to be again this year. As Covid continues, Tibbits is masquerading confidence Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Coldwater’s own Chelsea (Hart) Melcher, now internationally acclaimed opera singer, will return to the Tibbits stage with her award-winning pianist husband Paul Melcher for a special benefit concert on September 18, 2021 at 7:30pm. The duo will be performing for the 20th Annual Smith Memorial Concert, with proceeds this year benefiting area high school choir programs, including Coldwater, Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – After relying heavily on volunteers to create the best patron experience possible during the busy professional summer theatre season, Tibbits has named their May, June and July volunteers of the month, including Penny Ireland, Ron & Madeline Smith, and Tim & Nedra Kingsbury; respectively. Lifelong Fremont, Ind. resident Penny Ireland, Tibbits’ May Volunteer of the Month, first started Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Young Audiences will hold auditions for its fall play “Comic Book Artist” on August 23 and 24 at 5pm at Tibbits Opera House. Written by Pat Lydersen, “Comic Book Artist” follows the life of Stanley Leonardo Sappovitz, who wants nothing more than to become a comic book artist. When he gets a job as a janitor at Continue Reading...
Coldwater- Smooth live instrumental jazz featuring the John Keck Jazz Quartet will fill Tibbits Opera House on Sat. August 28 at 7:30pm. Battle Creek native and bass guitar player John Keck leads the band, playing since the early 80s. A self-taught musician who also was a self-proclaimed orchestra nerd back in high school, Keck jokes that he only became the Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The community is invited to attend an artist reception celebrating area student artwork and the final night of Arts Alive's annual Kids' Art Rocks! gallery show on Monday, August 16 at 6pm at Tibbits Opera House. The juried exhibit features over 125 pieces of student artwork on display, with 15 chosen for the final lease program exhibit. Those Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera Foundation will present a special piano concert featuring Russell Gates Saturday, July 31 at 7:30 pm at the Tibbits Opera House as a way to say thank you to the community while also welcoming a new donation of a baby grand piano from the estate of Dzidra Bonfiglio Shamuluas. Gates will perform selections of film music Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The latest exhibit by Arts Alive in the Tibbits Art Gallery invites artists to submit artwork of all mediums inspired by the theme “All that Glitters is Gold”. The exhibit runs August 17 through October 2021 at Tibbits Opera House. Artists may submit up to three pieces at $5 per submission. Paintings, photographs or drawings should be ready Continue Reading...
Coldwater, MI – Tibbits Opera Foundation recognizes Frederick Family Dental as one of its top level sponsors for the 2021 Summer Theatre season which continues through August 6 at Tibbits Opera House, Coldwater. Since 2019 Frederick Family Dental has supported Tibbits not just through its Summer Theatre sponsorship but through Tibbits’ auction and golf fundraisers as well as the popular Continue Reading...
Coldwater, MI – Tibbits Opera Foundation recognizes Parrish Excavating as one of its top level sponsors for the 2021 Summer Theatre season which continues through August 6 at Tibbits Opera House, Coldwater. Parrish Excavating has been around since 1972 digging holes, trucking topsoil, fixing roads, adding to the water lines and sewer mains, building septic systems, rehabilitating driveways, building new Continue Reading...
Coldwater, MI – A golden way to end the summer, Tibbits Summer Theatre will close its 58th professional summer theatre season with “On Golden Pond” July 28 through August 6 at the historic Tibbits Opera House. This heartwarming play tells the love story of Ethel and Norman Thayer, who are returning to their summer home on Golden Pond for the Continue Reading...
Coldwater, MI – Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and friends as Tibbits Summer Theatre presents the charming, fun, and witty musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” July 14-23 at Tibbits Opera House. Certain to delight kids of all ages, the family-friendly musical is charming, witty and fun. “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” explores life through the eyes of Charlie Continue Reading...
Coldwater- Tibbits Summer Theatre will continue the rest of its season inside the historic Tibbits Opera House. According to Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney, “Back in March, we decided to stay at The Ponds because of continuing restrictions and a spike in Covid cases. The excessive rain last week forced us to move back to the theatre for the safety Continue Reading...
Coldwater, MI – Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy and friends as Tibbits Summer Theatre presents the charming, fun, and witty musical “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” July 14-23 at The Ponds of Coldwater. Certain to delight kids of all ages, the family-friendly musical is charming, witty and fun. “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” explores life through the eyes of Continue Reading...
Coldwater, MI – Vandervoort, Christ & Fisher, P.C., located in Coldwater and Battle Creek, marks its 20th season as a sponsor of Tibbits Summer Theatre, demonstrating its commitment to the arts and the community. James A. Fisher, the Firm’s President stated: “We believe Tibbits Theatre in general, and its excellent summer program of plays in particular, are a wonderful asset Continue Reading...
Coldwater, MI – Tibbits Opera Foundation recognizes Coldwater Board of Public Utilities as one of its top level sponsors for the 2021 Summer Theatre season which opens June 16 at The Ponds of Coldwater. In a statement about its Tibbits sponsorship Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU) recognized the connection between the two organizations. Strong local support and engagement from Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Through the past year, with ever-changing restrictions on the Tibbits Opera House and its events, volunteers have played a crucial role and for her volunteerism, even through the restrictions, Megan Smith has been named Tibbits' Volunteer of the Month. Smith began volunteering with the Tibbits Young Audiences (TYA) program when her daughter was in fourth grade, and though her Continue Reading...
COLDWATER –With replica costumes and Elton John’s trademark outrageous glasses, Yellow Brick Road, an Elton John tribute concert, will take the stage at Tibbits on Friday, September 10 at 7:30 pm. Yellow Brick Road will entertain at the evening Elton John tribute concert, featuring performer Gerald Brann and his five-piece band. Brann not only bears an uncanny resemblance to the Continue Reading...
Coldwater, MI – A world of moonlight, magic and romance combine in the musical “The Fantasticks,” when Tibbits Summer Theatre continues its professional summer theatre season June 30- July 9 at The Ponds of Coldwater. “The Fantasticks” is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, and their two fathers who try to keep them apart. It’s the Continue Reading...
Coldwater, MI – Tibbits Summer Theatre will open its 58th consecutive season of professional performances on June 16 with a fun and elegant musical theatre revue, “The Best of Broadway” at The Ponds of Coldwater. Last summer while the historic opera house remained shut down due to the pandemic, Tibbits became one of the few theatres in the country to Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Even through closure and a reduction in performances, Tibbits volunteers have continued to play a role and for March the theatre recognized Sylvia Johns as its volunteer of the month. Johns first became involved with Tibbits in 2005. She has folded programs, helped with bulk mailings, distributed brochures, ushered for community and summer theatre shows, and has helped Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Celebrating student artwork, Arts Alive will host the Kids’ Art Rocks annual contest and exhibit this spring offering cash prizes, art supply giveaways, and the opportunity for young artists to have their artwork framed and displayed in a local business. Students grades preschool-12 are encouraged to submit their artwork for the annual show and contest to be displayed Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Travel to the 1950s with poodle skirts, jukeboxes and ice cream sundaes with Tibbits Young Audiences’ spring musical, “The Nifty Fifties”April 23-25 at Tibbits Opera House. “The Nifty Fifties” by Tim Kelly with music and lyrics by Bill Francoeur is a funny, top-tapping tribute to the 1950s. It tells the story of Gracie Stanley, who has gotten Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – With replica costumes and Elton John’s trademark outrageous glasses, Yellow Brick Road, an Elton John tribute concert, will take the stage at Tibbits on Friday, September 10 at 7:30 pm, sponsored by Coldwater Township Sunrise Rotary. “Yellow Brick Road” features trained jazz pianist and Elton John performer Gerald Brann, along with his talented five-piece band. They will entertain Continue Reading...
Coldwater – Iconic glittery red shoes, Judy Garland’s famous rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” and the classic story down the yellow brick road will fill Tibbits’ big screen on April 10 at 4pm when the 1939 classic “The Wizard of Oz” is presented as part of the Community-Sponsored Programming. Starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley and Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Art Gallery reopened with a burst of color in a spring art show titled “Big and Bold” presented by Arts Alive. From large-scale acrylic paintings to pottery, “Big and Bold” showcases work from a variety of area artists. The gallery show will run until late May. With a desire to give artists the most exposure of their Continue Reading...
Coldwater – Observe Good Friday with a special screening of “The Passion of the Christ” at Tibbits Opera House April 2 at 6 pm sponsored by Tracy Kelley, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones. This film depicts the final hours of Jesus Christ, starting from His prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane and ending with His crucifixion. Memories from His past Continue Reading...
Students interested in theatre, both on stage and off, have a chance to explore all aspects of theatre with the professionals of Tibbits Summer Theatre during two workshops July 11 through 17. Tibbits Summer Theatre company member and theatre instructor Chad Tallon will lead two workshop sessions, one focused on performance and the other on technical theatre. The two sessions Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – For her recent organizational help with Tibbits’ costume shop overhaul, Tibbits has named Luba Fry as its January volunteer of the month. After moving to Coldwater in summer of 2016, Fry became involved with Tibbits in 2017 as an usher and a bartender. In the fall she helped enter auction items into the database. Recently, she helped sort, Continue Reading...
Coldwater – Audience members are encouraged to grab their acid-washed jeans, scrunchies, jelly bracelets, parachute pants and shoulder pads to dress the part when they attend Tibbits’ next community-planned programming, a screening of 80s comedy “Better Off Dead” March 14 at 2pm. John Cusack stars as Lane, a high school student whose girlfriend Beth dumps him for Roy, the new Continue Reading...
Coldwater – After an extended period of darkness, the big screen at Tibbits Opera House will once again light up February 27 at 6 pm with the 1997 love story “Titanic” starring Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio. Surrounded by her granddaughter and several oceanic explorers, Rose DeWitt Bukater tells the story her journey to America aboard the Titanic on its Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – With an underlying theme of gratitude, Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. held its annual meeting as a combined virtual and in-person event at the historic opera house last night. Despite the challenges of COVID which shut the theatre for months, the organization’s financial position remains strong. The Annual Report for the organization provides a comprehensive Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Young Audiences will move forward with its spring musical, “The Nifty Fifties”to be presented April 23-25 and will hold auditions for the show at 5 pm February 8 and 9 at Tibbits Opera House. After being forced to cancel last year’s production of “The Secret Garden” the week before opening, the TYA team is excited to get Continue Reading...
Coldwater- Among the advances to bring audiences a safer environment in which to enjoy the shows, Tibbits invested in a PHI (Photohydroionization) Unit for its air handling system. Using ultraviolet light, micro-organisms in the air including germs, viruses and bacteria get stuck together killing them and making them larger and easily captured by air filters. After the unit was installed, Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. will hold its annual meeting as a combined virtual and in-person event at the historic opera house at 5:30 pm Thursday, January 28, 2021. As a nonprofit organization and according to its bylaws, Tibbits must hold a general meeting of its membership in January. The purpose of the meeting is to Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – For her willingness to adapt to all the changes of 2020, Tibbits has named Gail Russell as its November volunteer of the month. For the past six years, Gail Russell has rolled up her sleeves and helped with weeding and planting flower beds, preparing bulk mailings, folding programs, ushering, house managing, tending bar, and helping with the auction. Continue Reading...
Coldwater— Experience the magic of the holidays as Santa presents a special reading of several classic Christmas tales with “Santa’s North Pole Tales,” a virtual Tibbits production December 19 at 7pm. Filmed at the historic Tibbits Opera House, Santa will read two books, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” as well as “The Night Before Christmas or a Visit From St Nicholas.” Continue Reading...
December 4, 2020 We all know what a challenge this year has been, for everyone, and in ways we never imagined. I prefer to focus on the amazing things that happened in response to those challenges. On behalf of everyone at Tibbits I’d like to say thank you to each person, business and organization that was behind all those amazing Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits volunteers play an instrumental role, even this year, including the recent auction; for her dedication to the historic theatre, working on the auction and a variety of positions, Tibbits named Stacy Gilbert as its October volunteer of the month. Since Gilbert retired three years ago, she began volunteering at Tibbits for events and behind the scenes. She Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The offices for the Tibbits Opera House will remain partially open in order to accommodate holiday requests for gift certificates, gift shop items and end-of-year donations. To best serve customers, Tibbits staff requests visitors call first. According to Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney, “Even without events, the holidays are a busy time for us. Many people want to Continue Reading...
COLDWATER, MI – Tibbits 41st Annual Auction took on a brand new form as the event went totally virtual Saturday, November 7, 2020 still raising $51,200 for the Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater, Michigan. With the theme “CLUE! The Game is On” the live-stream event filmed in the empty opera house still led viewers through a portion of the auction Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits has named Diane Godfrey as its September volunteer of the month for her dedication to the historic theatre as a long-time houser and organizer of its archival materials. A long-time supporter, Godfrey first became involved with Tibbits in 1994 when she and her husband Stan housed for Tibbits Summer Theatre. She has been a houser off and Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Get in the game with Tibbits’ 41st Annual Auction, Clue! The Game is On!, featuring five days of online fun with silent auctions Nov 3-7 and a live-stream live auction on Nov 7 at 7pm. Over 300 items will be up for bid at what has become one of the historic theatre’s most entertaining benefit events. “With a Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – For the first time since the pandemic began in March, Tibbits will host an audience with MonsterFest, which takes to the big screen with “A Nightmare Before Christmas” and two Looney Tunes cartoons on Saturday, Oct. 31 at 7pm. The feature of the night is the popular 1993 Halloween stop-motion animated film “A Nightmare Before Christmas,” which follows Continue Reading...
COLDWATER –The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) announced its grant awards for 2020-2021 and they included two for the Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council, Inc. – an Operational Support Grant and a Capital Improvement Grant. Tibbits has received an Operation Support grant each year since the MCACA implemented the program in 2012. This year’s award of Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – From tables to wine racks to entry benches, artists and crafters interested in recreating, upcycling and reinventing chairs for Arts Alive’s fundraiser, “A Chair Affair” will have the opportunity to exhibit their talents, win cash prizes, and support the local arts group. Participants are being asked to take a chair of any kind and transform it for the Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits has named Bill Trebilcock as its August volunteer of the month for his dedication to the historic theatre in a variety of volunteer positions. Trebilcock’s love of theater started at about age 11 when his mom took him to Toledo to see “My Fair Lady” on stage. He has been hooked on live theater ever since. New to Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Originally rescheduled from its production date in March, the Tibbits Young Audiences musical “The Secret Garden” has been postponed again due to the continued restrictions on theatres and indoor gatherings. The charming, upbeat adaptation of the literary classic had 43 cast members from Coldwater, Quincy, Union City, Allen, Sturgis, Bronson, and even Angola and Fremont, IN. The cast Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits 41st Annual Auction, Clue! The Game is On! steps off the game board into the opera house and asks attendees to join game night for Tibbits’ largest fundraiser of the year, which will feature five days of online silent and live auctions in November. A time-honored tradition, Tibbits Auction is the social event of the year, and Continue Reading...
COLDWATER— Emmy award-winning actor, director, singer/song-writer Jeff Daniels returns to Tibbits Sunday, September 20, this time in an online format customized for the opera house. Last seen at Tibbits in 2017 with his son Ben Daniels’ band, Michigan-native Jeff Daniels will live-stream a concert full of original songs, personal stories from his stage and movie career that only he can Continue Reading...
COLDWATER— The Board of Directors of the Tibbits Opera Foundation and Arts Council, Inc. has launched a fundraising matching challenge campaign in an effort to raise $15,000, approximately one month’s expenses for the historic theatre. Tibbits’ leadership have agreed to match all new donations to Tibbits in September and October, dollar for dollar, up to $7,500. The COVID Pandemic, and Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits has named Nancy Mahle as its July volunteer of the month for her dedication to the historic theatre during its Tibbits Summer Theatre season. A long-time supporter, Mahle recently returned to the area. She became involved again with Tibbits this summer as an usher and was always available to fill in for last-minute cancellations. Her willingness to Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits named Joan Waterbury its June Volunteer of the Month honoring her dedication to the historic opera house. Waterbury was the first volunteer to return to work in the office after the Michigan governor's mandated shutdown was lifted. She works several hours a week in the office as well as ushers for many of the shows. Both are Continue Reading...
COLDWATER, MI — The scene shop for Tibbits Opera House received a much-needed excavation improvement this past week as Parrish Excavation of Quincy completed installation of a leach basin and a new gravel driveway. The excavation work took two days and alleviates a long-standing problem of poor drainage. With the grade of the entire property going toward the building, winter Continue Reading...
Coldwater- Capping off its outdoor summer theatre season, Tibbits Summer Theatre offers a never-before produced treat with “It Started With Eve,” a night of four one-act plays Aug 27-29. All four plays look at relationships in different stages, taking a very distinct view on dating and married life and how to interact with the opposite sex. “It Started With Eve” Continue Reading...
Coldwater- For those looking for a night out filled with plenty of laughter, Tibbits Summer Theatre offers “What Mad Pursuit,” an original show spun from the 1939 Noel Coward story Aug 19, 20 and 22. In the short story, Evan Lorrimer, a famous English writer, is on a successful book tour in America. A wealthy patron invites him to spend a Continue Reading...
COLDWATER –From fairy tales, wings, and castles, to watches, clocks and more, the latest exhibit by Arts Alive, hosted at Tibbits Opera House, invites artists to submit artwork of all mediums inspired by the theme "Once Upon a Time.” The exhibit runs August 10 through September 8, 2020 at Tibbits Opera House. Artists may submit up to three pieces at Continue Reading...
Coldwater, MI –Tibbits continues to adapt its summer theatre season to meet the governor’s executive orders, moving its next show, “When Radio Was King,” to The Ponds of Coldwater, a beautiful secluded outdoor venue just minutes away from the opera house. Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney said, “The Ponds staff has been very accommodating in allowing us to move our Continue Reading...
Coldwater- With a timely story of seeking the good and innocent in the world, “Man of La Mancha” will take to the Tibbits stage for a two-week engagement Aug 6-8 and 13-15. One of the longest-running Broadway shows of its time, “Man of La Mancha,” is a remarkable, poignant musical and one of the first shows to musicalize a piece Continue Reading...
Coldwater, MI – After an enthusiastic crowd at the opening of Tibbits Summer Theatre’s first show of the season, Tibbits will once again adapt, moving its next show, “A Popped Potpourri,” to The Ponds as well in response to the governor’s executive order which does not yet allow theatres to open. Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney exclaimed, “With all the Continue Reading...
Coldwater – Tibbits Summer Theatre will again demonstrate its power to adapt as it moves its opening show of the summer season, “Sing Happy,” from the Tibbits Opera House to The Ponds in response to the governor’s executive order which does not yet allow theatres to open. Tibbits Executive Director, Christine Delaney explained, “We expected we would be able to Continue Reading...
Coldwater- With a rotating cast of Tibbits Summer Theatre alumni couples, Tibbits will present four readers theatre performances of “Love Letters” July 30-Aug 1 with a special retirement reception celebrating Tibbits’ Artistic Director Charles Burr following the Saturday matinee. Time magazine sums up “Love Letters” perfectly: “Few plays have been tinier, or more beautiful than this tender sketch of the bond between Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Arts Alive celebrates summer by bringing a collection of artists, food, and music to Coldwater’s South Monroe Street Saturday, July 11 with the annual ArtWalk. “From what I’ve noticed, everyone is getting pretty sick of endless screen time, zoom meetings and email threads. I’m so excited that we can all get out of the house, support our local Continue Reading...
Coldwater- With songs from the Andrews Sisters, vintage commercials, shows, and even the classic “Who’s on First?” routine, Tibbits Summer Theatre will present “When Radio Was King,” an original show to take audiences back to the golden age of radio. Mimicking the radio studio experience from the 1940s, “When Radio Was King” will include a variety of programs like the Continue Reading...
Coldwater, MI – To celebrate its popular Popcorn Theatre, Tibbits Summer Theatre has rolled what everyone loves about those family-friendly productions into a feature performance in its revised season called “A Popped Potpourri.” Called a big cornucopia of fun, the show is designed to delight both young and old, featuring musical favorites from popular kids’ movies like “Chitty Chitty Bang Continue Reading...
Coldwater- Tibbits Summer Theatre will open its 2020 season with “Sing Happy” on July 9, a much-welcomed return of live entertainment for those longing to whistle a happy tune and get back to their pre-Covid lives. In this opening show, professional actors will showcase their favorite songs from Broadway—melodies that are guaranteed to lift spirits! This cabaret-style performance will bring selections Continue Reading...
Coldwater- With the tagline “Conquering Covid One Show at a Time,” Tibbits is forging ahead with a new professional summer theatre season, keeping the safety of all in mind while becoming one of the few theatres to produce a live summer theatre season. Theatre staff has had to reevaluate everything about the season in light of the executive order and Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Fine artists and street performers will have an opportunity to exhibit their talents at the downtown ArtWalk Saturday, July 11 presented by Arts Alive. The juried outdoor festival will fill South Monroe Street in downtown Coldwater with a variety of fine art, food, performers, and live music from 2-10pm. Organizers expect to line the street with woodworkers, painters, Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Students can explore the world of theatre and performance through a newly expanded two-week summer workshop and showcase performance led by Tibbits Summer Theatre company member Chad Tallon. After a successful implementation of the workshop last year, Tibbits has expanded the workshop to two weeks, running June 15 through 18 and June 22 through 26 with a showcase Continue Reading...
Coldwater- While it will look very different, the show will go on for Tibbits Summer Theatre this year. Tibbits Executive Director Christine Delaney announced, “Tibbits is still committed to bringing live performances to our community this summer. We think it is very important and feel people will be craving something live and personal.” Theatre staff has had to reevaluate Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Volunteer Jayne Lillis has been named March Volunteer of the Month for Tibbits Opera House because of her dedication to the Tibbits Young Audiences program. Lillis has worked with countless children, bringing youth theatre to the Tibbits’ stage over a span of 30-plus years. She first became involved with Tibbits Young Audiences (TYA) in the spring of 1987, Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Kids’ Art Rocks at Tibbits has announced new dates to celebrate student artwork with their annual contest offering prizes and the opportunity for young artists to have their artwork framed and displayed in a local business. Students grades K-12 are encouraged to submit their artwork for the annual show and contest to be displayed at the Tibbits Opera Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Conceptual cartoonist Seth Pitt’s solo art exhibition in the Tibbits Art Gallery will now hang until July 11 concluding with an artist reception. Originally from Union City, Michigan, Pitt currently lives and works out of Thomas, West Virginia. There, he keeps a studio and gallery named “Creature” where he spends a lot of his time creating things and Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House proudly announces Peter Riopelle will join the staff to become the new Artistic Director for Tibbits Summer Theatre when Charles Burr retires at the close of the 2020 season. Burr has held the position for 30 years. Riopelle brings a wealth of experience to the position and to Tibbits. His career includes Broadway national tours, Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – For the past 30 years, Charles Burr has been the Artistic Director of Tibbits’ professional summer stock theatre program, but this year when the curtain falls, he will pass the clipboard to a new artistic director. Those familiar with Tibbits Summer Theatre (TST) in Coldwater most likely also know the name Charles Burr. He has welcomed audiences at Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Volunteer Dusti Donbrock has been named February Volunteer of the Month for Tibbits Opera House. Donbrock first got involved with volunteering at Tibbits by ushering for summer theater. When her girls were young, she and her husband used it as their date night. It was a great way to get involved and have a date. Once her girls were Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Like many theatres throughout the country, Tibbits has adopted the mantra “Be Safe. Be Kind. Be Hopeful.” and has moved its operations to a web-based approach to adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic. Theatre is alive even though the pandemic has wreaked havoc on Tibbits’ spring schedule, cancelling a long list of March and April events at the theatre. Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera House this month began a much-needed upgrade to its electric service thanks in part to a grant from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and support from donors to the theatre’s ongoing restoration effort. Tibbits Opera House was built in 1882 and was originally lit by gas lights. Electricity was added a few years Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Opera Foundation & Arts Council, Inc. announced the addition of Dr. Andrew French, CFRM, to its staff as Development Director. French, who began March 4, will oversee all aspects of fund development including membership, special campaigns, grant writing and donor relations. From the Albion area, French brings special training as a Certified Fund Raising Manager from The Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Legendary couple Bogie and Bacall bring their famous chemistry to the big screen on Saturday, April 4 with the Tibbits Classic Film Series showing of “The Big Sleep”and“Key Largo.” Film stars Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall shared an iconic romance and a happy, albeit short-lived, marriage. They achieved this despite a 25-year age difference. Bacall wrote in her Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Theatre and Beyond (T-TAB) will hold auditions for its annual “Spotlight on Teen Talent” competition on Monday, March 30 and Tuesday, March 31 at 5pm at Tibbits Opera House. Auditions are open to students age 11 through 18. Singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, orators, magicians, and any other creatively inspired performers are encouraged to audition for this showcase. Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Children who want to experience the limelight as orphans alongside a professional company of actors for Tibbits Summer Theatre’s production of “Annie” can audition April 13 and 14. The show runs July 2 through 11. With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone’s heart despite a next-to-nothing start in 1930s New York City. Set Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Experience the tongue-twisting musical mastery of Hollywood legend Danny Kaye on March 21 at 6pm with “The Inspector General” and “The Court Jester,” part of Tibbits Classic Film Series at Tibbits Opera House. Leading man Danny Kaye left school at the age of 13 to work in the so-called Borscht Belt of Jewish resorts in the Catskill Mountains. Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Cast members of Tibbits Young Audiences musical “The Secret Garden” are ready to show off months of hard work when they take to the stage March 27 and 28 at 7pm and March 29 at 2pm at Tibbits Opera House. Everyone will love this charming, upbeat adaptation of a literary classic. Mary Lennox is sent to live in Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Conceptual cartoonist Seth Pitt will display a collection of his artwork in a solo exhibition in the Tibbits Art Gallery from March 9 through May 8. Originally from Union City, Michigan, Pitt currently lives and works out of Thomas, West Virginia. There, he keeps a studio and gallery named “Creature” where he spends a lot of his time Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – In a collaborative effort between the Branch District Library and Tibbits Opera House, Holocaust survivor Irene Butter will share her story of hope at a lecture and book signing at Tibbits on March 28 at 2pm. Irene Butter was born in Berlin and grew up as a Jewish child in Nazi-occupied Europe. A survivor of two concentration camps, Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Kids’ Art Rocks at Tibbits will celebrate student artwork with their annual contest offering cash prizes, art supply giveaways, and the opportunity for young artists to have their artwork framed and displayed in a local business. Students grades K-12 are encouraged to submit their artwork for the annual show and contest to be displayed at the Tibbits Opera Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits volunteer Kim Ashenfelter has been named January Volunteer of the Month for the historic theatre. Ashenfelter and her husband Matt have volunteered at Tibbits for the past four years. They initially got involved when a friend asked them to volunteer with her. Ashenfelter began her volunteering experience by ushering, but then took the bartender course and currently Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Area students will experience live theatre and storytelling as Tibbits presents its school programming series this spring with four different shows at the historic theatre. Asama Coldwater Manufacturing has teamed with Tibbits to help the theatre present this series, which will begin with “Life and Times of Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad” on April 29 at 9:30am Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Classic Film Series will once again showcase the 2020 Academy Award nominees for best animated and live action short films on Sunday, February 9. “We are excited to bring this event back for a second year and present these films on the big screen,” said Tibbits film curator Matt Biolchini. “You have a chance to enjoy these Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – A new perspective on Tibbits Opera House’s historic structure will highlight the theatre’s annual meeting January 21 at 5:30pm as architect Tom Roberts presents a summary of the most recent research his firm completed on the building. The presentation will mainly focus on the architectural changes to the structure since 1882, and Tibbits’ place over time as a Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Called “one of the tightest joke writers in the business,” Tony Deyo will headline Tibbits’ Annual Coldwater Comedy Fest March 14 at the historic opera house. An evening of laughter with three professional stand-up comedians will help the audience shake off their winter blues. In addition to Deyo, Jeff Scheen and Will Green will perform. It was New Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits volunteer Pam Kasprzyk has been named December Volunteer of the Month for the historic theatre, which relies heavily on volunteer support. Born and raised in Toldedo, OH, Kasprzyk moved to the community in 1991 with her husband Ralph. Kasprzyk’s first introduction to Tibbits was being hired as office staff from 1991-1998. Kasprzyk said, “Ralph and I started Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – A salute to two great rock groups—Abba and the Bee Gees – combine in one concert during Coldwater’s Winter Fest weekend on Saturday, January 25 at 7pm as Tibbits presents AbbaMania and Night Fever. The concert takes the audience back in time when Abba and The Bee Gees ruled the pop music world! With authentic costumes, made by Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Classic Film Series will re-introduce audiences to two forgotten masterpieces when they screen Joel and Ethan Coen’s “Miller’s Crossing” and Martin Scorsese’s “The King of Comedy” on January 11 at 6pm. Even film makers who are generally regarded as geniuses can make a film that slips into obscurity. “Miller’s Crossing” and “The King of Comedy” are classics Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits is looking for artists to create original poster art for their summer theatre productions, “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Annie,” “Man of LaMancha,” “Ken Ludwig’s Comedy of Tenors,” and “Love Letters,” whichmarks Tibbits’ 57th season of professional summer. Each year Tibbits draws thousands of audience members from around the country, especially for its summer theatre productions. This contest seeks original Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Many organizations rely heavily on volunteers for ensured success, and Tibbits Opera House is no exception. Each month, Tibbits honors a Volunteer of the Month, and Joi Luckadoo-Villa was given this honor for November. Luckadoo-Villa has been involved with Tibbits since 2006, primarily ushering and serving at the auction and Arts Alive’s holiday event. Originally from Lansing, she Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – "Victorian Reflection," the January exhibit by Arts Alive celebrates a bygone era in what ever way artists wish to interpret it and organizers invite artists in all medium to participate. The exhibit runs January 10 through March 6, 2020 at Tibbits Opera House. Artists may submit up to three pieces at $5 per submission. Paintings, photographs or drawings Continue Reading...
Coldwater— Experience the magic of the holidays in Trans-Siberian-Orchestra style as Siberian Solstice presents a one-night Christmas show at Tibbits Opera House, December 21 at 7pm. Siberian Solstice provides an exciting and inspirational Christmas show with music performed in the style of the nationally acclaimed Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO). With more than 10 million albums sold, TSO has inspired generations of fans Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – With more shows and events in one season than ever before, the 57th season of Tibbits Summer Theatre will once again offer something for everyone with a slate full of music, dancing, comedy, romance and drama. Tibbits 2020 Summer Theatre Season begins with three musicals: the sassy romp “Ain’t Misbehavin’”, the beloved “Annie”, and the impactful “Man of Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The warmth of the historic theatre, the smell of hot chocolate, and the sights and sounds of two family-friendly Christmas movies will fill Tibbits Opera House December 22 at 2pm when the Tibbits Classic Film Series offers free showings of “The Polar Express” and “It’s a Wonderful Life.” Few things are capable of evoking the heart-warming feeling of Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits Young Audiences will hold auditions for“The Secret Garden”at 5 pm December 9 and 10 at Tibbits Opera House for the play to be presented March 27-29. Everyone will love this charming, upbeat adaptation of a literary classic. Mary Lennox is sent to live in England after her parents die in India. Misselthwaite Manor turns out to be Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Many organizations rely heavily on volunteers for ensured success, and Tibbits Opera House is no exception. With that in mind, each month, Tibbits honors a Volunteer of the Month. Recently, Christy Fraley was given this honor. Fraley became involved in Tibbits when her daughter, Saylor, auditioned for the Tibbits Young Audience’s production of “The Snow White Variety Show,” Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The big screen will explode at Tibbits Opera House with two unconventional Christmas classics, “Die Hard” and “Lethal Weapon” on Saturday, November 23 at 6pm with An Action-Packed Christmas. In the world of cinema, few things are as beloved or as comforting as a good holiday movie. Families coming together, lonely hearts finding true love amidst colorful lights, Continue Reading...
Coldwater- Named one of Yahoo Music’s “Top ten bands to watch,” The Accidentals, a Michigan-based band with a unique style of music, will play in concert on the Tibbits stage on Saturday, November 30 at 7pm. Traverse City’s female-fronted, multi-instrumentalist power trio The Accidentals (Sav Buist, Katie Larson, and Michael Dause) have been called “Defiant, young- powerful, and undaunted” by Continue Reading...
COLDWATER –Chim, chimney; Chim chimney; Chim, chim cher-ee! Tibbits 40th Annual Auction, “A Spoonful of Sugar” will step in time November 2 at Tibbits Opera House. Over 600 items will be up for bid at what has become one of the historic theatre’s most entertaining benefit events. Proceeds help with daily operations and maintenance of the theatre, built in 1882. The Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – On Saturday, October 26 at 5:30pm, Tibbits Opera House once again unleashes its MONSTER FEST for the fourth year for another evening-long Halloween event. Before Coldwater’s Halloween parade starts, head to Tibbits and watch what is considered to be one of the most beloved family films of the 90s, Disney’s “Hocus Pocus.” In 1693, three sisters, Winifred, Mary Continue Reading...
COLDWATER—Tibbits Classic Film Series brings another batch of must-see films featuring classics from every decade from modern classics to Monster Fest and musicals to swashbuckling adventures of the past. In 2016, Tibbits began a salute to its movie house days of the 30s and 40s by screening two classic double features each month. The idea was to host a movie-going Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – The magical wizarding world of Harry Potter takes to the stage when a cast of 40 local students present the parody “Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone” at Tibbits Opera House Oct. 11-12 at 7pm and Oct. 13 at 2pm. When Sally falls asleep while reading books about a certain juvenile wizard, she dreams that she is a Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Embrace the magical world of Mary Poppins and join in on the supercalifragilisticexpialidocious fun with Tibbits’ 40th Annual Auction, “A Spoonful of Sugar” Saturday, November 2, 2019. Plans for the auction with its Mary Poppins theme are underway and volunteers and staff are busy collecting the donations needed to make the event a success. Businesses and individuals are Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – Tibbits will be swinging during a thank you concert for the community with the jazz music of the Mardra & Reggie Thomas Ensemble, which will also celebrate Tibbits’ 137th birthday at the Tibbits Opera House on September 21, 2019 at 7pm. The ensemble will be performing for the 19th Annual Smith Memorial Concert. The event is also a Continue Reading...
COLDWATER – With a gripping story and a surging contemporary rock score, ProMedica Coldwater Regional Hospital, Pines Behavioral Health, and Tibbits Summer Theatre present the dramatic rock musical “Next to Normal” on the Tibbits stage for six performances, September 6-8 and 12-14, 2019. Based on the book by Brian Yorkey, with lyrics by Brian Yorkey and music by Tom Kitt, Continue Reading...
