Rock and Roll with “Grease” and Tibbits Summer Theatre
COLDWATER – Rock and roll with the hit musical “Grease” as Tibbits Summer Theatre returns to the 1950s July 13 through July 22 at Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater.
“Grease” celebrates Rydell High’s class of 1959 in all its duck-tailed, bobby-soxed, gum-snapping glory. Full of energy, charm and fun, this musical follows the romance between “greaser” Danny and the sweet new girl in town, Sandy. “Shooby do wap” along with this iconic soundtrack of a generation. With a rollicking, rock ‘n’ roll book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey, the show features many recognizable hits like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin'” and “We Go Together.” Additionally, several songs from the iconic movie including “You’re The One That I Want,” “Sandy,” “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and “Grease” will be included with special arrangement by Robert Stigwood.
“Grease” director Chad Tallon says, “When it comes to American musicals none is as historically well-known and incredibly fun as ‘Grease.’ I’m ecstatic to have this amazing young company bring this classic to the Tibbits stage. The nostalgia will be strong and the energy even stronger as our production brings audiences an evening they won’t soon forget.”
“Grease” is choreographed by Dennis Dizon with musical direction by Sarah Altenburg. The professional cast includes Kate Turner as Sandy, Cade Ostermeyer as Danny, Johnny Doty as Doody, Ethan Petersen as Sonny, Gianna Branca as Rizzo, Dominic Green as Kenickie, Aidan Eddy as Roger, Annie Ross as Frenchy, Rachel Schoenecker as Marty, Cheyanne Marie as Jan, Ken Delaney as Vince Fontaine, Brenda Sparks as Miss Lynch, Rachel Sarles as Cha-Cha, Megan Stier as Patty Simcox, Dennis Dizon as Eugene, Isaac Kumpula as Johnny Casino, Neil Devlin as Teen Angel. The ensemble includes Dennis Dizon, Neil Devlin, Tucker Gold, Olivia Goodman, Carlie Jones, Rachel Sarles, Megan Stier, and Ephraim Takyi.
The design staff features Lexa Walker as scenic designer, Ashlynn Swauger as costume designer, and Jamie Gresens as lighting designer with Tyler Evans as associate lighting designer. Props are by Ray Louise Sunshine, Luis Guzman Galdos joins as sound designer, with Aaron Bell as technical director, and Ariel Sheets as production stage manager.
“Grease” is generously sponsored by Dr. Evan Frederick, who first began sponsoring Summer Theatre shows in 2019. Frederick Family Dental has also sponsored the Theatre Workshop for the past four years as well as supported the Tibbits Annual Auction and the golf tournament. Frederick Family Dental provides quality dentistry for the whole family in a comfortable, friendly environment. They offer preventative dental care, cosmetic dentistry, same-day crowns, fillings, dentures, and even take dental emergencies.
Tibbits also receives grant funding from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.
Tickets for “Grease” range from $20-43 including fees. Discounts are available for Tibbits members, groups and students. Performances run July 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, and 22 at 7:30pm with 2pm matinees on July 13 and 19. Tickets are available online at Tibbits.org, in person at the Tibbits Box Office located inside the theatre or at the Tibbits Admin Office at 93 W. Chicago Street Monday-Friday 9-5, by calling 517-278-6029. All tickets are charged a facility/ticketing fee whether in person or not; there are no additional fees for ordering online.
To add to the Tibbits experience, Tibbits Ghost Light Bar in the theatre’s art gallery is open before the show and at intermission. Patrons are also invited to view current art gallery exhibit or the historic exhibit displays throughout the theatre.
After “Grease,” the mainstage fun continues with Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor.” Popcorn Theatre for families presents “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and Disney’s animated film “Encanto” Fridays and Saturdays through August 5.
All performances are held at the beautiful historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett Street, in Coldwater. For more information, call or visit Tibbits.org.