Romeo & Juliet Closes Tibbits’ 2018 School Programming Series
COLDWATER – High school students from the surrounding region will see the tale of two star-crossed lovers, Romeo and Juliet, as brought to life by the Michigan Shakespeare Festival Tour on May 15 at Tibbits Opera House.
Tibbits presents the professional touring troupe as it recreates the beloved Shakespearean tragedy between two feuding families, the Montagues and the Capulets. This high-energy adaption is part of Michigan Shakespeare Festival’s educational outreach to high schools in southern Michigan, northern Ohio, and northeast Indiana. The production will be set in a combination of period-style and modern sensibilities, similar to how Shakespeare’s own company would have mixed their current fashion with costume pieces and properties. The combat scenes will use classic Renaissance rapier and dagger.
The show, which is 90-minutes long, will be presented at 9AM and again at 12PM. Students from Coldwater High School, Hanover-Horton, Pansophia Academy, Quincy High School, Reading High School, Adrian High School, St. Mary’s in Bronson, Fremont High School from Fremont, Ind., and several homeschool groups are currently registered to attend. Though the 9AM show is sold out, there are seats available for the afternoon performance. The public is welcome to attend. Tickets are $5 per person and will be available at the door, but phone reservations are encouraged, especially for large groups.
“Though students read and study the play in class, to truly understand it as Shakespeare intended, they need to see it performed. Tibbits is so happy provide students with this opportunity,” said Tibbits Director of Operations Stephanie Burdick. She added, “We encourage any school groups who want to supplement their Romeo and Juliet curriculum to come see this production.”
The Michigan Shakespeare Festival started in 1995 as an outdoor summer event in Jackson, Michigan and has grown into a major attraction which utilizes a replica of the Globe Theatre. The non-profit group inspires and entertains diverse audiences while developing an appreciation for professional performances of Shakespeare’s works, other classical plays, and literary adaptations. The Touring Company consists of 10 professional actors and a technical director.
Asama Coldwater Manufacturing has teamed with Tibbits to help the theatre present its school performance series, which started back in February. The program is also funded in part by the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Humanities Council.
For more information about this production or to make a reservation, please call Tibbits at 517.278.6029. The cost is $5 per person. Both performances will be held at the historic Tibbits Opera House at 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI. For a complete listing of all shows and events held at Tibbits, please visit Tibbits.org