Tibbits Opera House Announces 2022 Popcorn Theatre Titles
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 Summer Theatre, plus a magician and the popular classic cartoons. Popcorn Theatre is the perfect way to introduce kids to live theatre. New this year all tickets are for reserved seating.
“Beauty and the Beast,” opens the Popcorn season with an enchanting and magical adaptation of the beloved tale in which things may not be as they appear, and beauty truly is only skin deep! Beautiful but feisty Beauty rescues her father only to find herself a prisoner in the castle of a monstrous Beast. The Beast must earn her love to break the curse which hides the prince inside. The show runs June 17-18 and June 24-25.
Next, Alan Kazam presents his unique blend of amazing magic and laugh-out-loud comedy. Filled with crowd participation, he’ll delight audiences of all ages in the thrills and entertainment. Alan Kazam brings over 30 years’ experience performing all over the country. This performance will run one weekend, July 1-2.
Adventure takes the stage with a charming version of “The Jungle Book” July 8-9 and July 15-16. 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 Bagheera, the free-spirited bear, Baloo, the cunning snake Kaa, and many others! Based on Rudyard Kipling’s timeless stories, it is the adventure of a lifetime and tale to delight everyone.
A truly homegrown story, “Patricia Polacco’s Union City” intertwines tales from the books of Branch County’s own award-winning children’s author, Patricia Polacco. Filled with double and triple dares, sibling rivalry, birthday surprises, classroom challenges, one very special teacher, and childhood fears put to rest by an ever-present ‘Babushka,’ the play overflows with adventure, wisdom and love. Through her stories, Polacco shares the true power and value of family, with the Tibbits company presenting it July 22-23 and July 29-30. Tibbits’ Art Gallery will also feature a solo art exhibit by Polacco from July 6 through Aug 29.
Wrapping up the Popcorn Theatre season “Classic Cartoon Cavalcade” returns Aug 5-6 with its hilarious, energetic, collection of classic cartoons. It’s a step back in time to the Saturday matinees of the 1940s and 50s with a fresh selection of comedy shorts from Warner Brothers, that come to life on the big screen, complete with popcorn.
Overall Popcorn Theatre sponsors are Jon & Seibra Herbener, Judy Bushouse and Coldwater Orthodontics & Aligner Center. Popcorn shows are also sponsored by Asama Coldwater Manufacturing, Breco LLC, Dr. Matthew Christopher DDS, PC, Vested Risk Strategies, Coldwater Exchange Club, and Great Lakes Chiropractic. The popcorn is donated by Ed Lake, with the juice donated by McDonald’s-The MaynardOrganization.
Tibbits Popcorn Theatre shows are Friday and Saturdays at 10am. Patrons will be treated to popcorn and juice at intermission. Reserved seating is new this year, and patrons are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance. Tickets for all patrons are $10 (price includes fees, popcorn and juice) and are available after April 18 at Tibbits.org, by calling 517-278-6029 or at the Tibbits Admin Office at 93 W. Chicago in Coldwater. All performances will take place at Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett St., Coldwater, MI. Group rates are available.