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 – As the Neil Simon comedy “Barefoot in the Park” wraps up the 2022 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 21st 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 Neil Simon’s best works, the classic comedy “Barefoot in the Park” has performances July 28, 31 and August 3 at 2 pm and August 4-6 at 7:30pm. 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 iconic romantic comedy “Barefoot in the Park” opens July 28 bringing a timely message to the stage in the final show of Tibbits Summer Theatre’s 2022 season.
Hailed as one of Neil Simon’s best works, this classic comedy follows newlyweds Corie and Paul, who are over the moon to begin their life together in their new Manhattan apartment. Their small space, the six-flight climb, the busted heat, snow falling through the skylight, a surprise visit from Corie’s conservative widowed mother, and the antics of their eccentric bohemian neighbor, turn their life into comical discord.
“Barefoot in the Park” is co-directed by Brenda Sparks and Peter Riopelle. The show features Tibbits newcomers Kate Turner as Corie Bratter, Doran Berger as Paul Bratter, and Janet Essenpreis as Mother, with Summer Theatre veterans Paul Kerr as Victor Velasco and Chad Tallon as the telephone repair man.
Park” features a professional cast including Paul Kerr, Janet Essenpreis, Kate Turner and Doran Berger. The final Tibbits Summer Theatre production of the season takes the stage at Tibbits Opera House July 28-August 6. Tickets are available at Tibbits.org.
The design and technical staff features set design by Lindsay Webster, costume design by Dusti Donbrock, lighting design by Jamie Gresens, props by Maddy Byrnes, and sound design by Josh Rockwell. Aaron Bell and Cordell Smith serve as technical directors with Ariel Sheets as production stage manager.
Though the play is set in 1963, the message is still timely. Sparks says, “Not only has technology changed how we communicate, it has changed how we love. Social media platforms and online dating apps have minimized the mystery of love to a checklist of common interests and other superficial criteria. We’re led to believe that certain boxes must be checked in order for us to justify being drawn to someone. Perhaps most destructive is the converse belief that if someone doesn’t think exactly like we do, they are the enemy.”
She continued, “This show not only reminds us that opposites can and do attract, but that they’re worth fighting for. Compromise doesn’t mean giving too much of ourselves. It means giving just enough to make room for someone else. Love, like life, is messy. But if we’re willing to truly see each other, and look past our differences to the love that binds us, the reward is great.”
“Barefoot in the Park” is sponsored by Vandervoort, Christ & Fisher, P.C., whose attorneys have more than 200 years of combined legal experience. This year marks their 21st season as a sponsor of Tibbits Summer Theatre, demonstrating their 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 offers year after year.”
Tickets for “Barefoot in the Park” range from $15-36 including fees. Discounts are available for Tibbits members, groups and students. Performances run July 28 and 29 and August 4-6 at 7:30pm with matinees on July 28, 31 and August 3. Tickets are available online at Tibbits.org, at the Tibbits Admin Office at 93 W. Chicago Street 9 am to 5 pm weekdays, by calling 517-278-6029, or at the box office in the theatre one hour prior to all performances. All tickets are charged a facility/ticketing fee whether in person or not; there are no additional fees for ordering online.
Tibbits also receives grant funding from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.
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 Patricia Polacco exhibit or the historic exhibit displays throughout the theatre.
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, MI – Vandervoort, Christ &
Fisher, P.C., located in Coldwater and Battle Creek, marks its 20th 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.”
VCF’s support of the theatre began shortly
after they opened their Coldwater office. For years they supported the large
musicals of the Tibbits season like “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor
Dreamcoat,” “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Footloose.” With the adapting Tibbits
has had to do over the past year, sponsors are now recognized at three levels.
VCF continues at the top level.
According to Tibbits Executive Director
Christine Delaney, “Our sponsors truly make the summer season possible. I am
thankful to the VCF firm. They appreciate the theatre, recognize what it does
for the community, and are willing to step up and be a part of it.”
The attorneys at Vandervoort, Christ &
Fisher, P.C. 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.
VCF’s Coldwater office is located at 28 W
Chicago St, Ste 2B. For information visit vcflaw.com or call (517) 278-0500.
Tibbits
Summer Theatre opened its 58th consecutive season of professional
performances on June 16 at The Ponds of Coldwater but has since returned to
Tibbits Opera House, located at 14 S. Hanchett St in Coldwater. The other main sponsors for the season are
Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, Parrish Excavating, Inc.; and Frederick
Family Dental. Additional sponsors include Coldwater Orthodontics & Aligner
Center; Dr. Jon & Seibra Herbener; the Bushouse Family; ASAMA Coldwater
Manufacturing; Coldwater Exchange Club; Matthew C. Christopher, DDS; Great
Lakes Chiropractic; Honor Credit Union; and Vested Risk Strategies. Additional
funding is provided by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs
and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Information on the shows, the schedule and
purchasing tickets is
available online at Tibbits.org, at Tibbits admin office at 93 W. Chicago St.
in Coldwater 9 am to 5 pm weekdays or by calling 517-278-6029.
Coldwater, MI – A world of moonlight,
magic and romance combine in the musical “The Fantasticks,” when Tibbits Summer
Theatre continues its professional summer theatre season June 30- July 9 at The
Ponds of Coldwater.
“The
Fantasticks” is a funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, and their two
fathers who try to keep them apart. It’s the longest-running musical in the
world and with good reason: Its poetry, passion, playfulness and pathos combine
to create a comic and wistful romantic fable about love that grows with each
new season. In this moving tale, young lovers who have become disillusioned discover
a more mature, meaningful love. The story is punctuated by a bountiful series
of catchy, memorable songs, like “Try to Remember,” which have become classics.
According
to Tibbits Artistic Director Peter Riopelle, “This
show blends together all of the vital characteristics that make up a truly
great musical: A romantic, Romeo and Juliet type coming-of-age story, and a
lush, timeless musical score, combined with huge doses of passion, poetry and
great comedy to boot!” On the outdoor location, he says, “The show
works best in an intimate setting, and I felt it would be absolutely perfect
for our venue at the Ponds: A thrilling, wistful and gorgeous evening of
romance and fun out under the stars…”
Tibbits Summer Theatre continues its 2021 season at The Ponds of Coldwater with “The Fantasticks,” the longest-running musical in the world. Last year Tibbits performed its summer season as staged readers theatre at The Ponds, including the show, “It Started With Eve.”
Tibbits Summer Theatre will feature a core group of professional company members from across the United States. “The Fantasticks” will include Max Gonzalez as El Gallo and Brooke Jackson as Luisa. They will be joined onstage by other veteran Tibbits actors Liz Davis, Michael Motkowski, Matt Scott, Chad Tallon, and newcomer Nile Birch. The production will be directed by Peter Riopelle with music direction by Wayman Ezell. It will feature lighting design by Catie Blencowe, set design by Stephanie Burdick and Peter Riopelle, costume design by Dusti Donbrock, and sound design by Henry Sendek. Lexa Walker leads the technicians as technical director with Rachel Marengere as stage manager, and Josh Rockwell, Scott Pauley, and Leon Kriser rounding out the technical staff.
“The Fantasticks,” along with the rest
of the 2021 TST Season, is presented through the generous sponsorship support
of Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, Vandervoort, Christ & Fisher, P.C.;
Parrish Excavating, Inc.; and Frederick Family Dental. Additional sponsors include
Coldwater Orthodontics & Aligner Center; Dr. Jon & Seibra Herbener; The
Bushouse Family; ASAMA Coldwater
Manufacturing; Coldwater Exchange Club; Matthew C. Christopher, DDS; Great
Lakes Chiropractic; Honor Credit Union; and Vested Risk Strategies. Additional
funding is provided by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs
and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Tickets for “The Fantasticks” are $28
(including fees) for all seats, with discounts available to Tibbits members.
Performances will run June 30, July 2, 6, 8 and 9 at 7:30pm and July 1 and 7 at
2pm. Tickets are available online at Tibbits.org, at the Tibbits admin office
at 93 W. Chicago St. in Coldwater 9 am to 5 pm weekdays or by calling
517-278-6029.
Other shows
in the 2021 season, which runs from now until August 6, include the witty and
charming musical “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” and the heartwarming play,
“On Golden Pond.” All summer theatre performances will be held at the beautiful
outdoor event pavilion nestled among 30 acres of lush landscaping at The Ponds
of Coldwater, just minutes from the historic Tibbits Opera House in downtown
Coldwater. Golf carts are provided to transport guests who need assistance from
the parking lot to the pavilion. “The Fantasticks”is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International
(MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
www.MTIShows.com.
Coldwater, MI – Tibbits Summer Theatre will open
its 58th consecutive season of professional performances on June 16
with a fun and elegant musical theatre revue, “The Best of Broadway” at The
Ponds of Coldwater.
Last summer while the historic opera house
remained shut down due to the pandemic, Tibbits became one of the few theatres in
the country to produce a summer theatre season. This year, amid continued
uncertainty, presenting outdoors at The Ponds became a certainty from which the
theatre could guarantee the best possible season.
In this opening show, professional actors will
showcase the greatest hits from Broadway—melodies that are guaranteed to have
audiences humming and tapping their toes to the most memorable moments in
musicals throughout the ages! With a variety of solos, duets, and ensemble
pieces, the performance will showcase selections from classic favorites like “Showboat,”
“Hair,” and “Phantom of the Opera,” along with new pieces from “Hamilton,”
“Waitress” and “Dear Evan Hansen.”
This original show is conceived by Tibbits
Artistic Director Peter Riopelle and written and compiled by director Charles Burr and musical director Matthew
Everingham. Burr and Everingham also collaborated last year to create “Sing
Happy,” “A Popped Potpourri,” and “When Radio Was King.”
While Burr has a long list of revues and
collaboration on his resume, the process for “The Best of Broadway” was his
first long distance creation. Burr explained, “It began in March with weekly
phone meetings to Matthew in New York to create a balanced show that flows
seamlessly in (mostly) chronological order. The difference in our ages [40
years] helps create a more comprehensive show. The songs we’ve chosen are great
for the performers we have as well as for honoring the best of Broadway.”
Tibbits Summer
Theatre will feature a core group of professional company members from across
the United States. “The Best of Broadway” will include veteran Tibbits actors Stephanie
Burdick, Liz Davis, Max Gonzalez, Brooke Jackson, and Michael Motkowski along
with newcomer Nile Birch. The production will be directed by Charles Burr with music direction and music arrangement by Matthew
Everingham. It will feature lighting design by Catie Bencowe, set design by Stephanie
Burdick and Peter Riopelle, costume design by Dusti Donbrock, and sound design
by Henry Sendek. Lexa Walker leads the technicians as technical director with
Rachel Marengere as stage manager, and Josh Rockwell, Scott Pauley, and Leon
Kriser rounding out the technical staff.
In August 2020, Tibbits Summer Theatre closed the final show of the most unique and challenging season in its history. Tibbits Summer Theatre will return to The Ponds of Coldwater for its 2021 season, which will kick off on June 16 with “The Best of Broadway,” a musical revue featuring well-known songs from “Showboat” to “Phantom” to “Hamilton” and everything in between.
“The Best of Broadway,” along with the rest of
the 2021 TST Season, is presented through the generous sponsorship support of
Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, Vandervoort, Christ & Fisher, P.C.; Parrish
Excavating, Inc.; and Frederick Family Dental. Additional sponsors include
Coldwater Orthodontics & Aligner Center; Dr. Jon & Seibra Herbener; The
Bushouse Family; ASAMA Coldwater
Manufacturing; Coldwater Exchange Club; Matthew C. Christopher, DDS; Great
Lakes Chiropractic; Honor Credit Union; and Vested Risk Strategies. Additional
funding is provided by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs
and the National Endowment for the Arts.
Tickets for “The Best of Broadway” are $28
(including fees) for all seats, with discounts available to Tibbits members.
Performances will run June 16, 18, 22, 24 and 25 at 7:30pm and June 17 and 23
at 2pm. Tickets are
available online at Tibbits.org, at the Tibbits admin office at 93 W. Chicago
St. in Coldwater 9 am to 5 pm weekdays or by calling 517-278-6029.
All summer theatre performances
will be held at the beautiful outdoor event pavilion nestled among 30 acres of
lush landscaping at The Ponds of Coldwater, just minutes from the historic Tibbits
Opera House in downtown Coldwater. Golf carts are provided to transport guests
who need assistance from the parking lot to the pavilion. Please note that
Tibbits will follow COVID guidelines at the time performances take place. This
may still include universal masking while entering and moving throughout the
venue as well as social distancing. For more information call or visit
Tibbits.org.
