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 – As the musical “Grease” wraps up its final performances, Tibbits Summer Theatre extends its appreciation to Frederick Family Dental for its sponsorship of the show as well as its overall support of the theatre.
Dr. Evan Frederick began sponsoring Summer Theatre shows in 2019 and has also sponsored the Theatre Workshop for the past four years. Past support has also included Tibbits Annual Auction and the golf tournament.
Frederick Family Dental provides quality dentistry for the whole family in a comfortable, friendly environment. The staff prides itself on treating patients like family providing the best possible treatment options. They offer preventative dental care, cosmetic dentistry, same-day crowns, fillings, dentures, and even dental emergencies. Locally owned and operated, they take the time to keep their patients informed, assist with insurance and billing and provide a comfortable supportive atmosphere.
Dr. Evan Frederick and his wife Kate are Coldwater natives and Evan enjoys being able to serve the community he calls home. In their fifth year as a Tibbits sponsor, Dr. Frederick and his staff are excited to give to such a cultural cornerstone in the Coldwater community. Dr. Frederick says, “Tibbits was a part of my formative years. I took part in plays like ‘The Music Man’ and ‘A Christmas Carol’, and volunteered as a stage hand for our high school productions. I am excited to now be able to start to give back all that Tibbits has given me.”
Final performances of “Grease” are tonight and tomorrow night. Tickets are available online at Tibbits.org. Frederick Family Dental is located at 323 W. Chicago St, Coldwater, MI 49036, (517) 278-6077, For more information visit www.frederickfamilydental.mi.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 – 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.
Tibbits Summer Theatre will present the hit musical “Grease” July 13 through July 22 at Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater. The professional cast includes Cade Ostermeyer as Danny and Kate Turner as Sandy. Tickets are available at Tibbits.org.
“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.
COLDWATER – With the opening of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” Tibbits Summer Theatre extends its appreciation to Parrish Excavating for its sponsorship of the show as well as its overall support of the theatre.
Parrish Excavating began sponsoring Summer Theatre shows in 2017 but the company’s support of the theatre goes back decades. The company has been around since 1972 digging holes, trucking topsoil, fixing roads, adding to the water lines and sewer mains, building septic systems, rehabilitating driveways, building new lawns and fixing old ones, building new apartment complexes and subdivisions, and developing land for new manufacturing and commercial entities. These things and many more like them have kept the company busy.
Parrish Excavating is generously sponsoring Tibbits Summer Theatre’s production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” starring Rachel Schoenecker as Ariel and Aidan Eddy as King Triton.
Owner Brad Parrish says, “We are thankful to live in a community that trusts us and calls on us and uses us to supply these various needs. And we are thankful for the men and women who make up our team of service professionals. Without this team we don’t amount to much outside of a bunch of iron and engines, but with them we do some amazing work. That’s much like the Tibbits. From the Theater’s management team to the professionals that bring us the shows, they do amazing work. We are all tremendously blessed to have such a rich cultural icon here in Coldwater.”
Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” follows the beautiful young mermaid Ariel as she longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. The show opens June 29 with 7:30 performances June 29, July 6, 7, and 8, 11 am performances June 30, July 1, 8 and a 2 pm performance July 5. Tickets and information are available at Tibbits.org or by calling 517-278-6029. All performances are held at the beautiful historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett Street, in Coldwater.
Parrish Excavating is located at 65 Cole St, Quincy, MI (517) 639-4656. For more information visit Parrish-excavating.com
COLDWATER – From magical mermaids, to colorful dancing sea creatures, to a spurned sea witch with a magical shell, experience Tibbits Summer Theatre’s enchanting Under–the-Sea musical with Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” June 29 through July 8 at Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater.
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.”
Ariel (portrayed by Rachel Schoenecker) and Prince Eric (portrayed by Neil Devlin)
Featuring music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, and book by Doug Wright, this mainstage show isn’t just for the kids! Based on the popular Disney film produced by Howard Ashman and John Musker, it was written and directed by John Musker and Ron Clements and originally produced by Disney Theatrical Productions.
Director and long-time Tibbits alum Dougie Robbins says, “One word kept rising to the surface again and again as I worked on ‘The Little Mermaid’: Freedom. Why were the characters of Ariel and Eric so inexplicably unhappy, when they were born into lives of ease? They do not have their freedom. The incredible writing team chose to teach us all about freedom by defining it in one of our deepest life experiences- choosing who we love. This sweet, buoyant musical asks us all to set aside our own prejudices and discover how it feels to be as free and open as the sea.”
Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is directed and choreographed by Robbins with musical direction by Sarah Altenburg. The professional cast includes Rachel Schoenecker as Ariel, Neil Devlin as Prince Eric, Dominic Green as Sebastian, Aidan Eddie as King Triton, Stephanie (Hemker) Burdick as Ursula, Ephraim Takyi as Flotsam, Annie Ross as Jetsam, Tucker Gold as Flounder, Dennis Dizon as Scuttle, Chad Tallon as Chef Louis, and Brenda Sparks as Grimsby. The ensemble of sailors, mersisters, sea creatures, maids, seagulls, chefs and princesses includes Gianna Branca, Johnny Doty, Olivia Goodman, Carlie Jones, Cheyanne Marie, Cade Ostermeyer, Ethan Peterson, Annie Ross, Rachel Sarles, Megan Stier, Chad Tallon, and Kate Turner.
The design staff features Tanya Sweet as scenic designer, Marc Vital 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, Ariel Sheets as production stage manager, and Olivia Goodman as dance captain.
Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” is sponsored by Parrish Excavating, a proud TST sponsor for seven years. Owner Brad Parrish says, “We are all tremendously blessed to have such a rich cultural icon here in Coldwater.” Parrish Excavating has been around since 1972 digging holes, trucking topsoil, fixing roads, adding to the water lines and sewer mains, building septic systems, rehabilitating driveways, building new lawns and fixing old ones, building new apartment complexes and subdivisions, and developing land for new manufacturing and commercial entities.
Ursula (portrayed by Stephanie Hemker Burdick)
Tibbits also receives grant funding from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.
Tickets for Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” range from $20-43 including fees. Discounts are available for Tibbits members, groups and students. Performances run June 29, July 6, 7, and 8 at 7:30pm with 11am
showings on June 30, July 1, and July 8, and a 2pm matinee on July 5. 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 “Disney’s The Little Mermaid,” the mainstage fun continues with “Grease” and Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor.” Popcorn Theatre for families presents “Once Upon a Princess Storytime & Songs,” “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland” and Disney’s animated film “Encanto” Fridays and Saturdays July 14 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.
Prince Eric (Neil Devlin), Ariel (Rachel Schoenecker), and King Triton (Aidan Eddy)
COLDWATER – As Tibbits Summer Theatre opens its 60th consecutive professional season this week, the theatre extends its appreciation to the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU) for its support as sponsor of “Nunsense 2.”
CBPU and Tibbits Opera House share a foundation of being community-powered and community-focused. Just as Tibbits strengthens the community by creating theatre, art, music and culture, CBPU strengthens Coldwater by providing residents safe, reliable and affordable utility products and services including electric, water and wastewater, garbage, television programming, digital phone service, and new gig fiber internet.
CBPU focuses on its community impact and takes pride in its support of local organizations and initiatives, including being a proud sponsor of the Tibbits Summer Theatre since 2015. CBPU Director Paul Jakubczak said, “Fine arts are an important part of Coldwater. Our community comes together and embraces the diverse opportunities and culture; the Tibbits Summer program does just that.”
The hilarious musical comedy “Nunsense 2” reintroduces The Little Sisters of Hoboken as they present a “Thank You Program” for all those who supported them in last year’s benefit. Funnier, zanier, and more loveable than ever, the nuns sing and dance through their high-spirited performance amidst rumors of talent scouts in the audience and Franciscans who want to claim Sister Mary Amnesia as their own. Performances continue June 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30pm with a matinee on June 21 at 2:00pm. Tickets and information are available at Tibbits.org or by calling 517-278-6029. All performances are held at the beautiful historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett Street, in Coldwater.
Learn more about the CBPU by visiting www.Coldwater.org or calling (517) 279-9531.
COLDWATER – As Tibbits Summer Theatre opens its 60th consecutive professional season this week, the theatre extends its appreciation to the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU) for its support as sponsor of “Nunsense 2.”
CBPU and Tibbits Opera House share a foundation of being community-powered and community-focused. Just as Tibbits strengthens the community by creating theatre, art, music and culture, CBPU strengthens Coldwater by providing residents safe, reliable and affordable utility products and services including electric, water and wastewater, garbage, television programming, digital phone service, and new gig fiber internet.
CBPU focuses on its community impact and takes pride in its support of local organizations and initiatives, including being a proud sponsor of the Tibbits Summer Theatre since 2015. CBPU Director Paul Jakubczak said, “Fine arts are an important part of Coldwater. Our community comes together and embraces the diverse opportunities and culture; the Tibbits Summer program does just that.”
The hilarious musical comedy “Nunsense 2” reintroduces The Little Sisters of Hoboken as they present a “Thank You Program” for all those who supported them in last year’s benefit. Funnier, zanier, and more loveable than ever, the nuns sing and dance through their high-spirited performance amidst rumors of talent scouts in the audience and Franciscans who want to claim Sister Mary Amnesia as their own. Performances continue June 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30pm with a matinee on June 21 at 2:00pm. Tickets and information are available at Tibbits.org or by calling 517-278-6029. All performances are held at the beautiful historic Tibbits Opera House, 14 S. Hanchett Street, in Coldwater.
Learn more about the CBPU by visiting www.Coldwater.org or calling (517) 279-9531.
COLDWATER – Tibbits Summer Theatre opens its 60th consecutive season Thursday with “Nunsense 2” and the crazy antics of the singing and dancing nuns from the Little Sisters of Hoboken.
Piggybacking off the musical hit “Nunsense” from the 2022 season, the fun and misadventures continue to follow the five nuns in this sequel. Featuring book, music and lyrics by Dan Goggin, the Little Sisters of Hoboken return…funnier, zanier and more lovable than ever!
The crazy antics of the singing and dancing nuns from the Little Sisters of Hoboken are back on stage when the hilarious musical “Nunsense 2” opens Tibbits Summer Theatre’s mainstage season on June 15. The show runs through June 24 with matinee and evening performances. Tickets are available at Tibbits.org.
Director Julie Dingman Evans, new to this year’s production, says it’s not necessary to have seen last year’s show to enjoy yourself. She calls Nunsense 2 “a hilarious litany of holy humor that picks up right where we left off with our sisters, as they sing and dance their way into our hearts and help us all remember that community and belonging are what really counts in the end!”
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 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!
“Nunsense 2” is directed by Evans with musical direction by Cindy Garn. Choreography is by Annie Ross. Four of the five “original” nuns from last year are back, featuring Brenda Sparks as Mother Superior, Kiersten Vorheis as Sister Mary Amnesia, Cheyane Marie as Sister Mary Hubert and Gianna Branca as Sister Mary Robert Anne, as well as Annie Ross as Sister Mary Leo. The design staff features Jaye Beetem as scenic designer, Dusti Donbrock as costume designer, 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.
“Nunsense” is sponsored by CBPU, a proud sponsor of the Tibbits Summer Theatre since 2015. As a local public utility provider, the Coldwater Board of Public Utilities (CBPU) is committed to serving the people. By partnering with organizations, the CBPU dedicates resources to initiatives that leave a positive impact on the community. The Tibbits Opera House strengthens art, music, and culture in the City of Coldwater, while the CBPU strengthens Coldwater by providing residents with safe, reliable, and affordable utility services. These services include electric, water, wastewater, and telecommunications (GIG Fiber Internet, TV, and digital phone).
Tibbits also receives grant funding from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.
The hilarious musical “Nunsense 2” opens Tibbits Summer Theatre’s mainstage season on June 15.
Tickets for “Nunsense” range from $20-43 including fees. Discounts are available for Tibbits members, groups and students. Performances run June 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, and 24 at 7:30pm with matinees on June 15 and 21 at 2pm. 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 lower-level 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 “Nunsense 2”, the fun will continue with “Disney’s The Little Mermaid”, “Grease”, and Ken Ludwig’s “Lend Me a Tenor.” Season tickets for the mainstage shows range from $126-$135 (including fees). Popcorn Theatre for families also hits the stage most 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.
COLDWATER – A princess, an evil magician and a genie with a magic lamp: “Aladdin’s Luck,” the first Tibbits Popcorn Theatre production of Tibbits’ 2023 professional summer theatre season, opens with a colorful cast of characters on the Tibbits stage June 9.
“Aladdin’s Luck” by Janet Stanford opens the Popcorn season with lessons of love, strength and self-acceptance. Clever street urchin Aladdin falls madly for the Princess Leilah at a chance meeting. Aladdin tries to impress her with a magic lamp and genie by his side, but when the lamp falls into the hands of an evil magician, Aladdin must travel across the desert to rescue the princess by doing the thing that scares him the most…being himself.
“Aladdin’s Luck,” a Tibbits Popcorn Theatre production, will be on stage at Tibbits Opera House June 9-10 and 16-17. The show features professional actors Dennis Dizon, Rachel Sarles, Aaron Bell, and Dominic Green.
Making up the professional cast of “Aladdin’s Luck” is Dennis Dizon as Aladdin, Rachel Sarles as Princess Leilah, Mother, and Mustapha; Aaron Bell as Omar, Sultan, and Genie; and Dominic Green as Al Zarnati and Servant. Chad Tallon takes the helm as the director. Production staff features scenic design by Jaye Beetem, light design by Trey Ewart, costume design by Tristian Laney, sound design by Luis Guzman Galdos, and properties by Liz Reaves, who also servers as stage manager.
Popcorn Theatre is generously sponsored by Judy Bushouse, Jon and Seibra Herbener along with additional support from Asama Coldwater Manufacturing, Dr. Matthew Christopher DDS, PC, Coldwater Exchange Club, Coldwater & Hillsdale Orthodontics, Longstreet Living, and Vested Risk Strategies. Tibbits also receives grant funding from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.
“Aladdin’s Luck” runs June 9, 10, 16, and 17at 10am. It is the first show of the Popcorn Theatre season, with a great lineup following: Doug Scheer’s “Wacky Science,” “Once Upon a Princess Storytime & Songs,” “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” and the animated film, Disney’s “Encanto.” All Tibbits Popcorn Theatre presentations are Fridays and Saturdays at 10am and run through August 5. Patrons will be treated to free popcorn and juice at intermission. Popcorn is donated by Ed Lake, with juice donated by McDonalds: The Maynard Organization.
Seating is reserved 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 at Tibbits.org, by calling 517-278-6029, or in-person at the Tibbits Box Office inside the theatre at 14 S. Hanchett St 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.
In additional to Popcorn Theatre, Tibbits Summer Theatre will be presenting the beloved Disney musical “The Little Mermaid.” With a message of kindness, tolerance and love, 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 11am performances on June 30, July 1, and July 8 and a 2pm performance on July 5 in addition to evening performances June 29, July 6, 7, and 8. Ticket prices range from $20 to $43 with special Tibbits member, child, and group rates available.
