Shakespeare Comes to Tibbits
High school students from the surrounding region will see the tale of two star-crossed lovers, “Romeo and Juliet” brought to life by the Michigan Shakespeare Festival Tour on May 24 at Tibbits Opera House.
Tibbits presents the professional touring troupe as it recreates the beloved Shakespearean tragedy. This high-energy adaption is part of the troupe’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 will be presented at 10 a.m. and the public is welcome to attend the 90-minute performance. Tickets are $5 per person and will be available at the door. Students from high schools in Coldwater, Quincy, and Tekonsha are currently registered to attend.
“Romeo and Juliet” is part of the core curriculum for high school students. According to Tammy Apmann, “Students read and study the play, but to truly understand it as Shakespeare intended, they need to see it performed. Tibbits is so happy to team with the Michigan Shakespeare Festival to provide this opportunity.”
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. These programs are also funded with support from the Michigan Humanities Council Touring Arts program and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
For more information contact Tibbits at 517-278-6029. Arrangements for groups should be made in advance as some performances fill up.