COLDWATER – As the Ken Ludwig’s comedy “Lend Me a Tenor” wraps up the 2023 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 22nd 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 for Coldwater and all of Branch County. We are happy to support the fine work and productions Tibbits Theatre offers year after year.”
Vandervoort, Christ & Fisher, P.C. attorneys have more than 200 years of combined legal experience. Since each of its attorneys has unique areas of focus, the firm is able to provide clients experienced representation across a broad spectrum of legal disciplines including: bankruptcy, business, civil, criminal, domestic relations, employment, estate planning, family law, health care, labor, probate and real estate. VCF provides high-quality legal services that meet the needs of individuals and business clients. They pride themselves on their strength as litigators, while always focusing on a least-cost approach to dispute resolution, which ensures that clients receive value-driven services.
Hailed as one of Ken Ludwig’s best works, the classic comedy “Lend Me A Tenor” has performances July 27, 28, 29 and August 2, 3, 4 and 5. Tickets are available online at Tibbits.org.
To find out more about Vandervoort, Christ & Fisher, P.C. Attorneys at law call (517) 278-0500 or go on line to VCFLaw.com.
COLDWATER – The hilarious farce of backstage shenanigans and mistaken identities will hit the stage with Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor,” closing out the 60th consecutive season of Tibbits Summer Theatre July 27-Aug 5.
This madcap, screwball comedy is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter. Set in 1934, Henry Saunders, the General Manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is ready to welcome world-famous singer Tito Merelli for his starring role. Alas, Tito arrives late, his tempestuous wife Maria has a fit of jealousy, and it remains to be seen whether Saunders’ mousy but determined assistant Max can save the day.
Director Charles Burr said, “I am thrilled to get my hands on ‘Lend Me a Tenor’ for its return to the Tibbits stage. It is one of the best American comedies of the late 20th century. I have a long history directing Ken Ludwig’s plays—and it all started with the success of the 1991 production of ‘Tenor.’ It’s funny, it’s sexy and it’s incredibly fast paced—a true work out for the actors.”
Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor” is directed by former Artistic Director Burr. The professional cast includes long-time Tibbits alums including Paul Kerr as Tito, Gloria Logan as Julia, Brenda Sparks as Maria, Chad Tallon as bellhop along with Kate Turner as Maggie, Cheyanne Osoria as Diana, Johnny Doty as Max, and Jim Hessleman as Saunders.
The design staff features Jaye Beetem as scenic designer, Ashlynn Swauger as costume designer, and Tyler Evans as 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.
Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor” is generously sponsored by Vandervoort, Christ & Fisher, P.C., located in Coldwater and Battle Creek. This marks its 22nd 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 for Coldwater and all of Branch County. We are happy to support the fine work and productions Tibbits Theatre offers year after year.”
Tibbits Summer Theatre will close out its 60th season with Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor” which runs on the historic stage July 27 through August 5. Tickets are available at Tibbits.org.
Tibbits also receives grant funding from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.
Tickets for Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor” range from $20-43 including fees. Discounts are available for Tibbits members, groups and students. Performances run July 27, 28, 29, Aug 3, 4, and 5 at 7:30pm with 2pm matinees on July 27 and Aug 2. 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.
During the run of Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor” Popcorn Theatre for families will also present “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and Disney’s animated film “Encanto” Friday and Saturday mornings 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.
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.
Professional actors Cheyanne Marie, Brenda Sparks, and Kiersten Vorheis entertained Tibbits audiences in a performance of “Nunsense”last summer. Gift certificates for the 2023 Tibbits Summer Theatre are currently on sale. Tibbits’ 60th consecutive summer theatre season features three musicals: the hilarious singing nuns are back with “Nunsense II,” then a musical adventure under the sea with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” and finally, the 50s rock ‘n’ roll hit musical “Grease.” The main shows close with Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor,” a hilarious farce of backstage mischief and mistaken identities!
Tibbits 2023 Summer Theatre Season begins with three musicals: The hilarious singing nuns are back with “Nunsense II,” then a musical adventure under the sea with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” and finally, the 50s rock ‘n’ roll hit musical “Grease.” The main shows close with Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor,” a hilarious farce of backstage mischief and mistaken identities! The summer theatre lineup offers eight performances of each show, featuring a variety of matinee and evening performances Wednesdays through Saturdays. Tibbits Popcorn Theatre returns with four kid-friendly shows most Friday and Saturday mornings beginning June 9.
“Nunsense II” opens the mainstage season and runs June 15-24. Featuring book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, the Little Sisters of Hoboken return…funnier, zanier and more lovable than ever! Having been “bitten by the theater bug,” the nuns present a “Thank You Program” dancing and singing for all who supported them in last year’s benefit. Amidst their high-spirited performance they deal with rumors of talent scouts in the audience and Franciscans who want to claim Sister Mary Amnesia as one of their own. With zany antics and catchy songs like “Winning Is Just the Beginning,” “The Padre Polka” and “What Would Elvis Do?” audiences will be rolling in the aisles!
Next, with music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and book by Doug Wright, the beloved Disney version of “The Little Mermaid” swims across stage with messages of kindness, tolerance and love at performances on June 29 – July 8. In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on a beloved Hans Christian Andersen story, Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, pursues the human Prince Eric. Bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, she trades her tail for legs with unexpected consequences. It takes Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to help Arial restore order under the sea. This fishy fable will capture audience’s hearts with irresistible songs like “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” No Popcorn Theatre performances will take place during the run of “The Little Mermaid.” There will instead be several 11am performances of this mainstage production.
The final musical of the season, “Grease,” will continue the fun on stage July 13-22. This show, rated PG-13, features a rollicking, rock ‘n’ roll score with book, music and lyrics by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey. With many recognizable hits like “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin'” and “We Go Together,” “Grease” celebrates Rydell High’s class of 1959 in all its duck-tailed, bobby-soxed, gum-snapping glory. Full of sheer energy, charm and fun, this musical follows the romance between “greaser” Danny and the sweet new girl in town, Sandy. Audiences will definitely want to “shooby do wap” along with this iconic soundtrack of a generation.
The main season closes with farce and Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor,” which has performances July 27-August 5. This madcap, screwball comedy is guaranteed to leave audiences teary-eyed with laughter. Set in 1934, Henry Saunders, the General Manager of the Cleveland Grand Opera Company, is ready to welcome world-famous singer Tito Merelli for his starring role. Alas, Tito arrives late, his tempestuous wife Maria has a fit of jealousy, and it remains to be seen whether Saunders’ mousy but determined assistant Max can save the day.
Season tickets for the mainstage shows range from $126-$135 (including fees) and will be on sale mid-December. Evening summer performances begin at 7:30pm with matinees at 2pm with some special 11am performances for “The Little Mermaid.” Gift certificates are currently available at Tibbits.org for season tickets, individual shows, or in any denomination by calling 517.278.6029, visiting the administrative offices at 93 W. Chicago St., or going online to Tibbits.org. The historic Tibbits Opera House is located at 14 S. Hanchett St. in Coldwater, MI.
